Te Mate Kōwheori me ngā pūrongo ā-waka COVID-19 transport information

 Alert Level 3 – Auckland

(please check exact boundary at Unite against COVID-19)

You cannot travel on a domestic air service to, or from, Auckland, unless:

• travelling:
  • to provide an service or business listed in Schedule 3 of the Order; or
  • to provide an service or business listed in an exemption gazetted by the Director-General of Health; or
  • as a person who is exempted from the Order, pursuant to clause 45; or as an enforcement officer
• maintaining a shared childcare arrangement; or
• providing urgent care for a child, if there is no other person available to provide that care in the Alert Level Area that it is needed; or
• providing urgent care for a person in a critical or terminally ill condition, if there is no other person available to provide that care in the Alert Level Area that it is needed; or
• attending an appointment with a health service; or 
• attending a Court, tribunal, New Zealand Parole Board hearing or another judicial institution; or
• leaving or relocating a home, or place of residence, on court order; or
• travelling to a home, or place of residence, after detention or determination; or
• leaving New Zealand (including travelling to a managed isolation or quarantine facility immediately before leaving New Zealand); or
• travelling to preserve life or safety,
• returning home (including after arriving in New Zealand (and after completion of isolation/quarantine where applicable)); or 
• relocating home or business on a permanent or long-term basis
• returning home after arriving in New Zealand (and after completion of isolation/quarantine where applicable)
• collecting a person who has returned to New Zealand as is returning home (and after completion of isolation/quarantine where applicable)
• collecting or accompanying a tūpāpaku or deceased person, but only if the total number of people collecting or accompanying the tūpāpaku or deceased person (including the person operating the vehicle) is no more than 10, or
• providing care, or enable care to be provided, for pets or other animals, but only if—a breach of the Animal Welfare Act 1999 could result if the care were not provided; and the travel between alert level areas is necessary to provide the care or enable it to be provided; or
• travelling to Auckland Airport and are leaving by air (with a transit period of 24 hours or less) to undertake travel described in the list above; or
• accompanying a person, where necessary, for the travel listed above; or
• travelling directly through Auckland (or via permitted airport transfer) between home and work, if both the home and place of work are in Alert Level 2 areas; or 
• travelling under an exemption granted by the Director General of Health.

You should not travel if you: have been requested to self-isolate/quarantine, have symptoms of COVID-19, or are awaiting COVID-19 test results.

You cannot travel, if the travel would breach an order/direction made under the COVID-19 Public Health Response Act 2020 or the Health Act 1956. This will likely be the case if: you have arrived in New Zealand from overseas in the last 14 days, or you have otherwise individually received (from a Medical Officer of Health) a direction under s 70(1)(f) of the Health Act 1956.

Public health measures apply.

You must wear a face covering on the aircraft, unless exempt. For more information please see the Ministry of Health’s guidance on face coverings.

The displaying of QR codes is not required, if the operator requires all passengers to provide their contact details (name and phone number) to use the service. Passengers are encouraged to manually record their travel (or scan QR codes using the NZ COVID Tracer App if available.

Alert Level 2 – Rest of New Zealand

You cannot travel on a domestic air service to, or from, Auckland, unless:

• travelling:
  • to provide an service or business listed in Schedule 3 of the Order; or
  • to provide an service or business listed in an exemption gazetted by the Director-General of Health; or
  • as a person who is exempted from the Order, pursuant to clause 45; or as an enforcement officer
• maintaining a shared childcare arrangement; or
• providing urgent care for a child, if there is no other person available to provide that care in the Alert Level Area that it is needed; or 
• providing urgent care for a person in a critical or terminally ill condition, if there is no other person available to provide that care in the Alert Level Area that it is needed; or
• attending an appointment with a health service; or
• attending a Court, tribunal, New Zealand Parole Board hearing or another judicial institution; or
• leaving or relocating a home, or place of residence, on court order; or
• travelling to a home, or place of residence, after detention or determination; or
• leaving New Zealand (including travelling to a managed isolation or quarantine facility immediately before leaving New Zealand); or
• travelling to preserve life or safety,
• returning home (including after arriving in New Zealand (and after completion of isolation/quarantine where applicable)); or
• relocating home or business on a permanent or long-term basis · returning home after arriving in New Zealand (and after completion of isolation/quarantine where applicable)
• collecting a person who has returned to New Zealand as is returning home (and after completion of isolation/quarantine where applicable)
• collecting or accompanying a tūpāpaku or deceased person, but only if the total number of people collecting or accompanying the tūpāpaku or deceased person (including the person operating the vehicle) is no more than 10, or
• providing care, or enable care to be provided, for pets or other animals, but only if—a breach of the Animal Welfare Act 1999 could result if the care were not provided; and the travel between alert level areas is necessary to provide the care or enable it to be provided; or
• travelling to Auckland Airport and are leaving by air (with a transit period of 24 hours or less) to undertake travel described in the list above; or
• accompanying a person, where necessary, for the travel listed above; or
• travelling directly through Auckland (or via permitted airport transfer) between home and work, if both the home and place of work are in Alert Level 2 areas; or
• travelling under an exemption granted by the Director General of Health.

For travel between all other regions, you can travel, but do it in a safe way and remember to keep a record of your journey.

You should not travel if you: have been requested to self-isolate/quarantine, have symptoms of COVID-19, or are awaiting COVID-19 test results.

You cannot travel, if the travel would breach an order/direction made under the COVID-19 Public Health Response Act 2020 or the Health Act 1956. This will likely be the case if: you have arrived in New Zealand from overseas in the last 14 days, or you have otherwise individually received (from a Medical Officer of Health) a direction under s 70(1)(f) of the Health Act 1956.

Public health measures apply

You must wear a face covering on the aircraft, unless exempt (including on flights that do not leave or depart Auckland). For more information please see the Ministry of Health’s guidance on face coverings.

The displaying of QR codes is not required, if the operator requires all passengers to provide their contact details (name and phone number) to use the service. Passengers are encouraged to manually record their travel (or scan QR codes using the NZ COVID Tracer App if available).

Alert Level 3 – Auckland

(please check exact boundary at Unite against COVID-19)

Not applicable to Auckland. 

Alert Level 2 – Rest of New Zealand

You can travel, but do it in a safe way and remember to keep a record of your journey.

You should not travel if you: have been requested to self-isolate/quarantine, have symptoms of COVID-19, or are awaiting COVID-19 test results.

You cannot travel, if the travel would breach an order/direction made under the COVID-19 Public Health Response Act 2020 or the Health Act 1956. This will likely be the case if: you have arrived in New Zealand from overseas in the last 14 days, or you have otherwise individually received (from a Medical Officer of Health) a direction under s 70(1)(f) of the Health Act 1956.

Public health measures apply.

You are not require to wear a face covering, but you are encouraged to do so where practicable. For more information please see the Ministry of Health’s guidance on face coverings.

The displaying of QR codes is not required, if the operator requires all passengers to provide their contact details (name and phone number) to use the service. Passengers are encouraged to manually record their travel (or scan QR codes using the NZ COVID Tracer App if available).

This includes buses, all other ferries and trains. 

Alert Level 3 – Auckland

(please check exact boundary at Unite against COVID-19)

You can use urban public transport for activities such as: 

• going to Auckland Airport to: 
  • take a flight to leave New Zealand, or
  • take a flight to undertake permitted interregional travel (see above) 
• returning home (including after arriving in New Zealand (and after completion of isolation/quarantine where applicable); or
• accessing local businesses or services; or
• going to work or education; or
• accessing low-risk recreation; or
• undertaking customary gathering, or
• attending permitted funeral, tangihana, wedding, or civil union, or
• facilitating permitted extended bubble arrangements or shared care giving arrangements; or
• providing urgent care for a child, or a person in a terminally ill condition, if there is no other person available to provide that care; or
• visiting a person in residential disability care (if permitted by the care provider); or
• attending an appointment with a health service; or
• attending a Court, tribunal, New Zealand Parole Board hearing or another judicial institution; or
• leaving or relocating a home, or place of residence, on court order; or
• travelling to a home, or place of residence, after detention or determination; or 
• leaving New Zealand (including travelling to a managed isolation or quarantine facility immediately before leaving New Zealand); or
• travelling to preserve life or safety; or
• relocating home or business on a permanent or long-term basis; or
• collecting a person who has returned to New Zealand as is returning home (and after completion of isolation/quarantine where applicable); or 
• collecting or accompany a tūpāpaku or deceased person, but only if the total number of people collecting or accompanying the tūpāpaku or deceased person (including the person operating the vehicle) is no more than 10, or
• providing care, or enable care to be provided, for pets or other animals, or
• travelling under an exemption granted by the Director General of Health, or
• accompanying a fellow resident undertaking the above travel.

If you are able to travel on public transport, please try and avoid peak times unless you are a worker or are travelling to an educational facility.

You should not travel if you: have been requested to self-isolate/quarantine, have symptoms of COVID-19, or are awaiting COVID-19 test results.

You cannot travel, if the travel would breach an order/direction made under the COVID-19 Public Health Response Act 2020 or the Health Act 1956. This will likely be the case if: you have arrived in New Zealand from overseas in the last 14 days, or you have otherwise individually received (from a Medical Officer of Health) a direction under s 70(1)(f) of the Health Act 1956.

Public health measures apply.

Physical distancing applies on public transport services within Auckland.

You must wear a face covering on public transport services, unless exempt. For more information please see the Ministry of Health’s guidance on face coverings.

QR codes must be displayed on public transport services (unless the operator requires all passengers to provide their contact details (name and phone number) to use the service). Passengers are encouraged to scan QR codes using the NZ COVID Tracer App, or manually record their travel.

Alert Level 2 – Rest of New Zealand

You can travel, but do it in a safe way and remember to keep a record of your journey.

You should not travel if you: have been requested to self-isolate/quarantine, have symptoms of COVID-19, or are awaiting COVID-19 test results.

You cannot travel, if the travel would breach an order/direction made under the COVID-19 Public Health Response Act 2020 or the Health Act 1956. This will likely be the case if: you have arrived in New Zealand from overseas in the last 14 days, or you have otherwise individually received (from a Medical Officer of Health) a direction under s 70(1)(f) of the Health Act 1956.

Public health measures apply.

You must wear a face covering on public transport services, unless exempt. For more information please see the Ministry of Health’s guidance on face coverings.

QR codes must be displayed on public transport services (unless the operator requires all passengers to provide their contact details (name and phone number) to use the service). Passengers are encouraged to scan QR codes using the NZ COVID Tracer App, or manually record their travel.

Alert Level 3 – Auckland

(please check exact boundary at Unite against COVID-19)

You cannot travel on an inter-regional bus or train service to, or from, Auckland, unless:

• travelling:
  • to provide an service or business listed in Schedule 3 of the Order; or
  • to provide an service or business listed in an exemption gazetted by the Director-General of Health; or
  • as a person who is exempted from the Order, pursuant to clause 45; or as an enforcement officer
• maintaining a shared childcare arrangement; or
• providing urgent care for a child, if there is no other person available to provide that care in the Alert Level Area that it is needed; or 
• providing urgent care for a person in a critical or terminally ill condition, if there is no other person available to provide that care in the Alert Level Area that it is needed; or
• attending an appointment with a health service; or
• attending a Court, tribunal, New Zealand Parole Board hearing or another judicial institution; or
• leaving or relocating a home, or place of residence, on court order; or
• travelling to a home, or place of residence, after detention or determination; or
• leaving New Zealand (including travelling to a managed isolation or quarantine facility immediately before leaving New Zealand); or
• travelling to preserve life or safety,
• returning home (including after arriving in New Zealand (and after completion of isolation/quarantine where applicable)); or
• relocating home or business on a permanent or long-term basis
• returning home after arriving in New Zealand (and after completion of isolation/quarantine where applicable)
• collecting a person who has returned to New Zealand as is returning home (and after completion of isolation/quarantine where applicable)
• collecting or accompanying a tūpāpaku or deceased person, but only if the total number of people collecting or accompanying the tūpāpaku or deceased person (including the person operating the vehicle) is no more than 10, or
• providing care, or enable care to be provided, for pets or other animals, but only if—a breach of the Animal Welfare Act 1999 could result if the care were not provided; and the travel between alert level areas is necessary to provide the care or enable it to be provided; or
• travelling to Auckland Airport and are leaving by air to undertake travel described in the list above; or
• accompanying a person, where necessary, for the travel listed above; or
• travelling directly through Auckland (or via permitted airport transfer) between home and work, if both the home and place of work are in Alert Level 2 areas; or
• travelling under an exemption granted by the Director General of Health.

You should not travel if you: have been requested to self-isolate/quarantine, have symptoms of COVID-19, or are awaiting COVID-19 test results.

You cannot travel, if the travel would breach an order/direction made under the COVID-19 Public Health Response Act 2020 or the Health Act 1956. This will likely be the case if: you have arrived in New Zealand from overseas in the last 14 days, or you have otherwise individually received (from a Medical Officer of Health) a direction under s 70(1)(f) of the Health Act 1956.

Public health measures apply.

Physical distancing applies on services departing or arriving Auckland.

You must wear a face covering on public transport services, unless exempt. For more information please see the Ministry of Health’s guidance on face coverings.

QR codes must be displayed on public transport services (unless the operator requires all passengers to provide their contact details (name and phone number) to use the service). Passengers are encouraged to scan QR codes using the NZ COVID Tracer App, or manually record their travel.

Alert Level 2 – Rest of New Zealand

You cannot travel on an inter-regional bus or train service to, or from, Auckland, unless:

• travelling:
  • to provide an service or business listed in Schedule 3 of the Order; or
  • to provide an service or business listed in an exemption gazetted by the Director-General of Health; or
  • as a person who is exempted from the Order, pursuant to clause 45; or as an enforcement officer
• maintaining a shared childcare arrangement; or
• providing urgent care for a child, if there is no other person available to provide that care in the Alert Level Area that it is needed; or 
• providing urgent care for a person in a critical or terminally ill condition, if there is no other person available to provide that care in the Alert Level Area that it is needed; or
• attending an appointment with a health service; or
• attending a Court, tribunal, New Zealand Parole Board hearing or another judicial institution; or
• leaving or relocating a home, or place of residence, on court order; or
• travelling to a home, or place of residence, after detention or determination; or
• leaving New Zealand (including travelling to a managed isolation or quarantine facility immediately before leaving New Zealand); or
• travelling to preserve life or safety,
• returning home (including after arriving in New Zealand (and after completion of isolation/quarantine where applicable)); or
• relocating home or business on a permanent or long-term basis
• returning home after arriving in New Zealand (and after completion of isolation/quarantine where applicable)
• collecting a person who has returned to New Zealand as is returning home (and after completion of isolation/quarantine where applicable)
• collecting or accompanying a tūpāpaku or deceased person, but only if the total number of people collecting or accompanying the tūpāpaku or deceased person (including the person operating the vehicle) is no more than 10, or
• providing care, or enable care to be provided, for pets or other animals, but only if—a breach of the Animal Welfare Act 1999 could result if the care were not provided; and the travel between alert level areas is necessary to provide the care or enable it to be provided; or
• travelling to Auckland Airport and are leaving by air to undertake travel described in the list above; or
• accompanying a person, where necessary, for the travel listed above; or
• travelling directly through Auckland (or via permitted airport transfer) between home and work, if both the home and place of work are in Alert Level 2 areas; or
• travelling under an exemption granted by the Director General of Health.

For travel between all other regions, you can travel, but do it in a safe way and remember to keep a record of your journey.

You should not travel if you: have been requested to self-isolate/quarantine, have symptoms of COVID-19, or are awaiting COVID-19 test results.

You cannot travel, if the travel would breach an order/direction made under the COVID-19 Public Health Response Act 2020 or the Health Act 1956. This will likely be the case if: you have arrived in New Zealand from overseas in the last 14 days, or you have otherwise individually received (from a Medical Officer of Health) a direction under s 70(1)(f) of the Health Act 1956.

Public health measures apply.

Physical distancing applies on services departing or arriving in Auckland.

You must wear a face covering on public transport services, unless exempt. For more information please see the Ministry of Health’s guidance on face coverings.

QR codes must be displayed on public transport services (unless the operator requires all passengers to provide their contact details (name and phone number) to use the service). Passengers are encouraged to scan QR codes using the NZ COVID Tracer App, or manually record their travel..

Alert Level 3 – Auckland

(please check exact boundary at Unite against COVID-19)

You cannot use these vehicles to travel to, or from Auckland, unless:

• travelling:
  • to provide an service or business listed in Schedule 3 of the Order; or
  • to provide an service or business listed in an exemption gazetted by the Director-General of Health; or
  • as a person who is exempted from the Order, pursuant to clause 45; or as an enforcement officer
• maintaining a shared childcare arrangement; or ·
• providing urgent care for a child, if there is no other person available to provide that care in the Alert Level Area that it is needed; or
• providing urgent care for a person in a critical or terminally ill condition, if there is no other person available to provide that care in the Alert Level Area that it is needed; or
• attending an appointment with a health service; or
• attending a Court, tribunal, New Zealand Parole Board hearing or another judicial institution; or
• leaving or relocating a home, or place of residence, on court order; or
• travelling to a home, or place of residence, after detention or determination; or
• leaving New Zealand (including travelling to a managed isolation or quarantine facility immediately before leaving New Zealand); or
• travelling to preserve life or safety,
• returning home (including after arriving in New Zealand (and after completion of isolation/quarantine where applicable)); or
• relocating home or business on a permanent or long-term basis 
• returning home after arriving in New Zealand (and after completion of isolation/quarantine where applicable)
• collecting a person who has returned to New Zealand as is returning home (and after completion of isolation/quarantine where applicable) 
• collecting or accompanying a tūpāpaku or deceased person, but only if the total number of people collecting or accompanying the tūpāpaku or deceased person (including the person operating the vehicle) is no more than 10, or
• providing care, or enable care to be provided, for pets or other animals, but only if—a breach of the Animal Welfare Act 1999 could result if the care were not provided; and the travel between alert level areas is necessary to provide the care or enable it to be provided; or
• travelling to Auckland Airport and are leaving by air to undertake travel described in the list above; or
• accompanying a person, where necessary, for the travel listed above; or
• travelling directly through Auckland (or via permitted airport transfer) between home and work, if both the home and place of work are in Alert Level 2 areas; or
• travelling under an exemption granted by the Director General of Health.

You can travel using these vehicles within Auckland for essential personal movement if you are:

• going to Auckland Airport to:
  • take a flight to leave New Zealand, or
  • take a flight to undertake permitted interregional travel (see above) ·
• returning home (including after arriving in New Zealand (and after completion of isolation/quarantine where applicable); or
• accessing local businesses or services; or
• going to work or education; or
• accessing low-risk recreation; or
• undertaking customary gathering, or
• attending permitted funeral, tangihana, wedding, or civil union, or
• facilitating permitted extended bubble arrangements or shared care giving arrangements; or
• providing urgent care for a child, or a person in a terminally ill condition, if there is no other person available to provide that care; or
• visiting a person in residential disability care (if permitted by the care provider); or
• attending an appointment with a health service; or
• attending a Court, tribunal, New Zealand Parole Board hearing or another judicial institution; or
• leaving or relocating a home, or place of residence, on court order; or
• travelling to a home, or place of residence, after detention or determination; or
• leaving New Zealand (including travelling to a managed isolation or quarantine facility immediately before leaving New Zealand); or
• travelling to preserve life or safety; or
• relocating home or business on a permanent or long-term basis; or
• collecting a person who has returned to New Zealand as is returning home (and after completion of isolation/quarantine where applicable);
• collecting or accompany a tūpāpaku or deceased person, but only if the total number of people collecting or accompanying the tūpāpaku or deceased person (including the person operating the vehicle) is no more than 10, or
• providing care, or enable care to be provided, for pets or other animals, or
• travelling under an exemption granted by the Director General of Health, or · accompanying a fellow resident undertaking the above travel.

You should not travel if you: have been requested to self-isolate/quarantine, have symptoms of COVID-19, or are awaiting COVID-19 test results (except for travelling in a private vehicle, for medical treatment, in accordance with advice from Healthline, a Public Health Official, or your Doctor).

You cannot travel, if the travel would breach an order/direction made under the COVID-19 Public Health Response Act 2020 or the Health Act 1956. This will likely be the case if: you have arrived in New Zealand from overseas in the last 14 days, or you have otherwise individually received (from a Medical Officer of Health) a direction under s 70(1)(f) of the Health Act 1956.

Public health measures apply - except for private vehicles.

Physical distancing applies on services within Auckland and on services departing or arriving in Auckland – except for private vehicles. Vehicles other than private cars must be cleaned regularly in accordance with MOH guidance.

Drivers of small passenger vehicles must wear a face covering, unless exempt. Passengers of small passenger vehicles are not required to wear a face covering, but are encouraged to wear face coverings where practicable. For more information please see the Ministry of Health’s guidance on face coverings.

QR codes must be displayed on small passenger services (unless the operator requires all passengers to provide their contact details (name and phone number) to use the service). Passengers are encouraged to scan QR codes using the NZ COVID Tracer App, or manually record their travel.

Alert Level 2 – Rest of New Zealand

You cannot use these vehicles to travel to, or from Auckland, unless:

• travelling:
  • to provide an service or business listed in Schedule 3 of the Order; or
  • to provide an service or business listed in an exemption gazetted by the Director-General of Health; or
  • as a person who is exempted from the Order, pursuant to clause 45; or as an enforcement officer
• maintaining a shared childcare arrangement; or
• providing urgent care for a child, if there is no other person available to provide that care in the Alert Level Area that it is needed; or
• providing urgent care for a person in a critical or terminally ill condition, if there is no other person available to provide that care in the Alert Level Area that it is needed; or
• attending an appointment with a health service; or
• attending a Court, tribunal, New Zealand Parole Board hearing or another judicial institution; or
• leaving or relocating a home, or place of residence, on court order; or
• travelling to a home, or place of residence, after detention or determination; or
• leaving New Zealand (including travelling to a managed isolation or quarantine facility immediately before leaving New Zealand); or
• travelling to preserve life or safety,
• returning home (including after arriving in New Zealand (and after completion of isolation/quarantine where applicable)); or
• relocating home or business on a permanent or long-term basis
• returning home after arriving in New Zealand (and after completion of isolation/quarantine where applicable)
• collecting a person who has returned to New Zealand as is returning home (and after completion of isolation/quarantine where applicable)
• collecting or accompanying a tūpāpaku or deceased person, but only if the total number of people collecting or accompanying the tūpāpaku or deceased person (including the person operating the vehicle) is no more than 10, or
• providing care, or enable care to be provided, for pets or other animals, but only if—a breach of the Animal Welfare Act 1999 could result if the care were not provided; and the travel between alert level areas is necessary to provide the care or enable it to be provided; or
• travelling to Auckland Airport and are leaving by air to undertake travel described in the list above; or
• accompanying a person, where necessary, for the travel listed above; or
• travelling directly through Auckland (or via permitted airport transfer) between home and work, if both the home and place of work are in Alert Level 2 areas; or
• travelling under an exemption granted by the Director General of Health.

For travel between all other regions, you can travel, but do it in a safe way and remember to keep a record of your journey.

You should not travel if you: have been requested to self-isolate/quarantine, have symptoms of COVID-19, or are awaiting COVID-19 test results.

You cannot travel, if the travel would breach an order/direction made under the COVID-19 Public Health Response Act 2020 or the Health Act 1956. This will likely be the case if: you have arrived in New Zealand from overseas in the last 14 days, or you have otherwise individually received (from a Medical Officer of Health) a direction under s 70(1)(f) of the Health Act 1956.

Public health measures apply - except for private vehicles.

Physical distancing applies on services departing or arriving in Auckland – except for private vehicles.

Vehicles other than private vehicles should be cleaned regularly in accordance with MOH guidance. Drivers of small passenger vehicles must wear a face covering, unless exempt. Passengers of small passenger vehicles are not required to wear a face covering, but are encouraged to wear face coverings where practicable. For more information please see the Ministry of Health’s guidance on face coverings.

QR codes must be displayed on small passenger services (unless the operator requires all passengers to provide their contact details (name and phone number) to use the service). Passengers are encouraged to scan QR codes using the NZ COVID Tracer App, or manually record their travel.

Alert Level 3 – Auckland

(please check exact boundary at Unite against COVID-19)

All freight can enter and leave the country.

No restrictions on the movement of freight, including inter-regionally. All freight can be distributed and received.

Public health measures apply at workplaces and operators should be vigilant.

Where possible, numbers of staff involved in the movement of freight should be kept to a minimum.

Alert Level 2 – Rest of New Zealand

All freight can enter and leave the country.

No restrictions on the movement of freight, including inter-regionally. All freight can be distributed and received.

Public health measures apply at workplaces and operators should be vigilant.

Alert Level 3 – Auckland

(please check exact boundary at Unite against COVID-19)

Not permitted.

Recreational flying for unmanned aerial vehicles is permitted provided it complies with the Civil Aviation Authority rules and the Order for Alert Level 3.

Alert Level 2 – Rest of New Zealand

You can engage in recreational flying, but do it in a safe way and remember to keep a record of your flight.

Please refer to the Civil Aviation Authority’s website for guidance on recreational flying. Physical distancing and public health guidance applies.

 Alert Level 3 – Auckland

(please check exact boundary at Unite against COVID-19)

Restrictions apply. Please refer to Maritime NZ’s website(external link)  for guidance on recreational boating.

Alert Level 2 – Rest of New Zealand

You can engage in recreational boating, but do it in a safe way and remember to keep a record of your travel. 

Please refer to Maritime NZ’s website(external link) for guidance on recreational boating.

Physical distancing and public health guidance applies.

 Alert Level 3 – Auckland

(please check exact boundary at Unite against COVID-19)

Walking and other active travel (like cycling or using a personal scooter) is allowed for essential personal movement, so long as you stay within your region.

Physical distancing from people who are not in your extended bubble. Public health measures apply.

Alert Level 2 – rest of New Zealand

You can travel, but do it in a safe way and remember to keep a record of your journey.

Physical distancing and public health guidance applies.  

Is travel restricted under Alert Level 3?
There are restrictions on travel under Alert Level 3. For more information see the Travel Restrictions section below. If you are permitted to travel, you should do it in a safe way.

How do I ‘keep it safe’ while travelling?
Community transmission of COVID-19 has been detected, so we all need to remain vigilant. Remember that you can spread the disease without knowing you have it. If you are permitted to travel, you must observe physical distancing, and wear a face covering on public transport. You should also practice good hygiene and track your journey.

If you are permitted to travel we recommend you travel safe, track your journey and follow these safe travel tips:

• Plan your journey well ahead of time (you may need request approval to travel).
• Don’t travel if you’re unwell or you are not permitted to travel.
• If you are travelling on public transport, keep 1m from others while waiting for services; when on-board transport services follow signs and crew instructions with respect to physical distancing.
• Wear a face covering when you are travelling on public transport (there are some exceptions). See the Face coverings section for more information.
• Continue to practice good hygiene and follow Ministry of Health advice; this includes washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water (for example, after taking public transport), cough and sneeze into your elbow, and don’t touch your face.
• Keep a record of where you go and use the COVID-19 Tracer app if you can, and try to minimise the number of places you stop on the way to your destination.
• Don’t travel to events which do not meet the requirements for gatherings. Guidance on gatherings at Alert Level 3 can be found at www.covid19.govt.nz
• Operators will also be asked to support contact tracing where possible, please be helpful. Travellers are advised to keep a record of any services they use and where they sat on the vehicle.
• Be kind to the driver, crew and operators of your service. 
• If you’re sick, or may have COVID-19, stay home. You should not travel if you: have been requested to self-isolate/quarantine, have symptoms of COVID-19, or are awaiting COVID-19 test results.

You also cannot travel, if the travel would breach an order/direction made under the COVID-19 Public Health Response Act 2020 or the Health Act 1956. This will likely be the case if: you have arrived in New Zealand from overseas in the last 14 days, or you have otherwise individually received (from a Medical Officer of Health) a direction under s 70(1)(f) of the Health Act 1956.

Interregional travel between Auckland and the rest of New Zealand

Effective at 6am on 28 February 2021, interregional travel between the Alert Level 3 Area (Auckland) and the Alert Level 2 Area (the rest of New Zealand) is restricted. See the Transport and Travel by alert level section for more detail. 

Travel within Auckland

Travel within the Alert Level 3 Area (Auckland) is also restricted. See the Transport and Travel by alert level section for more detail. 

Who needs to wear a face covering?
Drivers, staff, and passengers on public transport services are required to wear face coverings.

However, there are some exemptions, these include:

• persons on Cook Strait ferry services,
• passengers of small passenger services (but drivers of small passenger services are required to wear face coverings),
• the following specific services:
  
  • school buses (meaning dedicated school services contracted by: the Ministry of Education, or Local Authority, or School Board, or Auckland Transport), or
  • charter services and tours.

View Ministry of Health's information regarding the use of face coverings in the community

What kind of face covering can be used?
Any face covering that adequately covers the mouth and nostrils can be used, these include: single use disposable masks, washable reusable masks (whether purchased or homemade), or other types of face coverings (e.g. a scarf wrapped around the face).

View Ministry of Health's information regarding the use of face coverings in the community

Is anybody exempt from wearing a mask? 
Yes. The following persons are not required to wear face coverings:

• persons under the age of 12, and
• persons who have a medical condition or disability that make it unsuitable to wear a face covering (please note it might not always be clear why someone may need to be exempt from wearing a face covering); and
• drivers or staff, if:
  • they are in a space separated from passengers (e.g. pilots in a cockpit, or train drivers in a train cab), or
• wearing a face covering could make it unsafe to operate the vehicle (e.g. wearing a face covering means drivers or staff are unable to properly communicate, or causes the eyeglasses of the driver to fog).

View Ministry of Health's information regarding the use of face coverings in the community

What is contact tracing and why is it important?
To stop the spread of COVID-19, it’s important to keep track of people’s movements. This will be helpful if the Ministry of Health needs to undertake contact tracing.

How can I support contact tracing?
Recording where you have been and who you may interact with on a day-to-day basis is crucial as we continue in our fight against COVID-19.

You can help by recording as much information during Alert Level 2 about where you have been. Travel safely by:

• Downloading and using the COVID-19 Tracer app if you have this available. Scan the QR codes displayed.
• Carrying a notebook or mark in your phone/device information about your journey.
  Record the bus, train or service number, stop or station and time of travel e.g. number 12 service at 12.55pm.
• Try to record details about what seat are you on, who you travelled with, what stop you get off at and any other places you stop or services you took to get to your destination. 
• If you have an electronic public transport card, please register your card with your contact details. 

What is physical distancing and why is it important?
Physical distancing, is about keeping a safe distance from others for minimising the transmission of COVID-19. 

When and how should I observe physical distancing when I’m travelling?
Try to stay 2 metres away from people you don’t know, whenever you leave your home. When you are waiting for your service, try to maintain a distance of 1metre.

When you are travelling in a vehicle, aircraft or vessel, follow signs and crew instructions with respect to physical distancing.

Who can use public transport under Alert Level 3?
You can only used these services for travel within, to, or from an Alert Level 3 area if you are permitted to travel (see travel restrictions). If you are permitted to travel we recommend you travel safe, track your journey and follow the safe travel tips below.

How can I stay safe while using public transport?
You can help keep yourself and others safe by following this advice – before, during and after your trip:

• Try keep 1m distance from others while waiting for your bus, train or ferry.
• On board other public transport services travelling within, to, from, or through Auckland, physical distancing is generally required at a distance of 1 metre to the extent practical (taking into account the nature of the service).
• Wearing a face covering is mandatory on public transport (there are some exceptions). See face coverings for more information. 
• On longer trips, such as on inter-regional trains and Cook Strait ferries, please try and limit unnecessary movement on the carriage or vessel.
• Follow Ministry of Health personal hygiene advice – this includes washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water or using hand sanitiser immediately after taking public transport, and sneezing or coughing into your elbow.
• Make sure you’ve kept a record of your journey, and use the COVID-19 Tracer app if you have it.
• Don’t travel if you’re unwell.

Public transport operators continue to follow Ministry of Health cleaning guidance and buses, trains, ferries and facilities are cleaned and disinfected regularly.

How can I support contact tracing when I am using public transport?

Please carry a notebook or mark in your phone/device the following information for every journey:

• Download and use the COVID-19 Tracer app if you have this available. Scan the QR codes on-board your service if you are able.
• Record the bus, train or service number, station or stop, and time of travel e.g. number 12 service at 12.55pm.
• Note anyone you were travelling with.
• Please note where you boarded and what time, and where you were sitting.
• Any other places you stop or services you take to get to your destination today.
• If you have an electronic public transport card, please register your card with your contact details. 

How can I find out what specific contact tracing measures will be in place for the region I am travelling in using public transport?
Please visit your regional council’s transport website.

Can I take public transport if I am sick?
Even if the travel restrictions do not apply, if you are sick you should stay home if you are unwell and avoid public transport. Call your GP or Healthline to get advice.

Will school buses be running?
Yes, school transport services will be available. Please refer to the Ministry of Education website for information about school bus services it contracts, and otherwise refer to the relevant regional council website.

Will there be any limits on using personal transport when travelling at Alert Level 3?
You can only used personal transport for travel within, to, or from an Alert Level 3 area if you are permitted to travel (see travel restrictions). If you are permitted to travel we recommend you travel safe, track your journey.

• Practise good hygiene all the time – wash your hands regularly, sneeze or cough into your elbow.
• Avoid travel if you’re unwell.
• Keep a record of where you go, and try to minimise the number of places you stop on the way to your destination.
• Avoid travel to events which do not meet the requirements for gatherings (note at Alert Level 3 only funerals, tangihanga, weddings, and civil union services are permitted – these services have strict limits on the number of persons that can attend).

Can I carpool, e.g. to get to school or work?
You can only ‘carpool’ with people you live with, or who are part of your ‘extended bubble’.

Can I get repairs undertaken on my vehicles at Alert Level 3?
At Alert Level 3, vehicle services can be provided if the workplace concerned is able to meet relevant safety guidelines and public health measures (these measures restrict customers from entering the premises, arrangements must be in place to safely drop off and pick up the vehicle).

What aircraft maintenance can I undertake?
Aircraft maintenance can be undertaken at Alert Level 3 as long as all the guidelines like physical distancing are followed.

What movement of freight is permitted?
The movement of all freight is permitted at Alert Level 3, including the ability of business and customers to send, distribute and receive freight. All freight can enter and leave the country.

See the workplace guidance on the COVID-19 website and business.govt.nz for more information about whether and how a business can operate during Alert Level 3.

Can I go walking and cycling?
You can undertake walking and cycling, in your local area, for limited recreational activity. Additionally if you are permitted to travel (e.g. going to work, going to the supermarket etc), you are allowed to walk or cycle to undertake this permitted travel.

Can I put my bikes in the car and drive to a better track in my community?
When undertaking limited recreational activity, it is best to stay in your local area.

Is travel restricted under Alert Level 2?
There are no restrictions on travel under Alert Level 2. You should travel in a safe way. You do not need approval to travel. However there are travel restrictions if you are travelling to, from or through Auckland; if you are travelling to, from or through Auckland, please read the Alert Level 3 information above. 

How do I ‘keep it safe’ while travelling?
Possible community transmission of COVID-19 has been detected, so we all need to remain vigilant. Remember that you can spread the disease without knowing you have it. When travelling,  maintain good hygiene and track your journey. Where it is possible to do so, please try to keep your distance from people you don’t know well. Please also remember that you must wear a face covering on public transport at Alert level 2.

We recommend you travel safe, track your journey and follow these safe travel tips:

• Plan your journey well ahead of time.
• If you are travelling on public transport, try to keep 1m from others while waiting for services; when on-board transport services, where it is possible to do so, try to keep your distance from people you do not know.
• Wear a face covering when you are travelling on public transport (there are some exceptions). See Face coverings for more information.
• Continue to practice good hygiene and follow Ministry of Health advice; this includes washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water (for example, after taking public transport), cough and sneeze into your elbow, and don’t touch your face.
• Keep a record of where you go and use the COVID-19 Tracer app if you can, and try to minimise the number of places you stop on the way to your destination.
• Don’t travel if you’re unwell.
• Don’t travel to events which do not meet the requirements for gatherings. Guidance on gatherings at Alert Level 2 can be found at www.covid19.govt.nz
• Operators will also be asked to support contact tracing where possible, please be helpful. Travellers are advised to keep a record of any services they use and where they sat on the vehicle.
• Be kind to the driver, crew and operators of your service. 
• Think about what other measures you can take to keep the risk down, e.g. consider walking or cycling or travelling on public transport at off-peak times. Keep away from large groups of people, and minimise the number of places you stop on the way to your destination.

If you’re sick, or may have COVID-19, stay home. You should not travel if you: have been requested to self-isolate/quarantine, have symptoms of COVID-19, or are awaiting COVID-19 test results.

You also cannot travel, if the travel would breach an order/direction made under the COVID-19 Public Health Response Act 2020 or the Health Act 1956. This will likely be the case if: you have arrived in New Zealand from overseas in the last 14 days, or you have otherwise individually received (from a Medical Officer of Health) a direction under s 70(1)(f) of the Health Act 1956.

Who needs to wear a face covering?
Drivers, staff, and passengers on public transport services are required to wear face coverings. However, there are some exemptions, these include:

• persons on Cook Strait ferry services,
• passengers of small passenger services (but drivers of small passenger services are required to wear face coverings),
• the following specific services:
  • school buses (meaning dedicated school services contracted by: the Ministry of Education, or Local Authority, or School Board, or Auckland Transport), or
  • charter services and tours.

What kind of face covering can be used?

Any face covering that adequately covers the mouth and nostrils can be used, these include: single use disposable masks, washable reusable masks (whether purchased or homemade), or other types of face coverings (e.g. a scarf wrapped around the face).

The Ministry of Health has issued advice on how to use a face covering safely (including how to safely dispose of it or clean a reusable face covering).

Use of face coverings in the community (Ministry of Health)

Is anybody exempt from wearing a face covering on any service ?

Yes. The following persons are not required to wear face coverings on any service:

• persons under the age of 12, and
• persons who have a medical condition or disability that make it unsuitable to wear a face covering (please note it might not always be clear why someone may need to be exempt from wearing a face covering); and
• drivers or staff, if:
  • they are in a space separated from passengers (e.g. pilots in a cockpit, or train drivers in a train cab), or
  • wearing a face covering could make it unsafe to operate the vehicle (e.g. wearing a face covering means drivers or staff are unable to properly communicate, or causes the eyeglasses of the driver to fog).

Use of face coverings in the community (Ministry of Health)

What is contact tracing and why is it important?
To stop the spread of COVID-19, it’s important to keep track of people’s movements. This will be helpful if the Ministry of Health needs to undertake contact tracing.

How can I support contact tracing?
Recording where you have been and who you may interact with on a day-to-day basis is crucial as we continue in our fight against COVID-19.

You can help by recording as much information during Alert Level 2 about where you have been. Travel safely by:

• Downloading and using the COVID-19 Tracer app if you have this available. Scan the QR codes displayed.
• Carrying a notebook or mark in your phone/device information about your journey.
• Record the bus, train or service number, stop or station and time of travel e.g. number 12 service at 12.55pm.
• Try to record details about what seat are you on, who you travelled with, what stop you get off at and any other places you stop or services you took to get to your destination. 
• If you have an electronic public transport card, please register your card with your contact details. 

What is physical distancing and why is it important?
Physical distancing, is about keeping a safe distance from others for minimising the transmission of COVID-19. 

When and how should I observe physical distancing when I’m travelling?
Try to stay 2 metres away from people you don’t know, whenever you leave your home. When you are waiting for your service, try to maintain a distance of 1metre.

When you are travelling in a vehicle, aircraft or vessel, try to keep your distance from people you do not know, where it is possible to do so.

Public transport operators do not need to maintain seating configurations nor capacity limits for physical distancing at Alert Level 2 on public transport. However physical distancing is required to the extent practicable on services travelling to, from or through Auckland; if you are travelling to, from or through Auckland, please read the Alert Level 3 information above. 

Can I use the Cook Strait ferries or domestic air services?
Yes you can, including for recreation and tourism. 

You do not need approval to travel at Alert Level 2 (unless you are subject to a s70(1)(f) direction under the Health Act).  We recommend you travel safe, track your journey and follow our safe travel tips. However there are travel restrictions if you are travelling to, from or through Auckland please read the Alert Level 3 information above.

Unless you are there to assist someone, try to also only enter the terminal if you are a passenger, staff, or contractor, and try to keep 1m distance from others while waiting for your service.

When on board your service, follow the guidance from your crew.

Check with your operator for further information on their timetable.

Who can use public transport under Alert Level 2?

Anyone can use public transport at Alert Level 1. You should not travel on public transport if you’re unwell.

How can I stay safe while using public transport?
You can help keep yourself and others safe by following this advice – before, during and after your trip:

• Try keep 1 metre distance from others while waiting for your bus, train or ferry.
• While on board, where it is possible to do so, please try to keep your distance from people you don’t know.
• Wearing a face covering is mandatory on public transport (there are some exceptions). See face coverings for more information. 
• On longer trips, such as on inter-regional trains and Cook Strait ferries, please try and limit unnecessary movement on the carriage or vessel.
• Follow Ministry of Health personal hygiene advice – this includes washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water or using hand sanitiser immediately after taking public transport, and sneezing or coughing into your elbow.
• Make sure you’ve kept a record of your journey, and use the COVID-19 Tracer app if you have it.
• Don’t travel if you’re unwell.

Public transport operators continue to follow Ministry of Health cleaning guidance and buses, trains, ferries and facilities are cleaned and disinfected regularly.

How can I support contact tracing when I am using public transport?
Please carry a notebook or mark in your phone/device the following information for every journey:

• Download and use the COVID-19 Tracer app if you have this available. Scan the QR codes on-board your service if you are able.
• Record the bus, train or service number, station or stop, and time of travel e.g. number 12 service at 12.55pm.
• Note anyone you were travelling with.
• Please note where you boarded and what time, and where you were sitting.
• Any other places you stop or services you take to get to your destination today.
• If you have an electronic public transport card, please register your card with your contact details. 

How can I find out what specific contact tracing measures will be in place for the region I am travelling in using public transport?
Please visit your regional council’s transport website.

Can I take public transport if I am sick?
You should stay home if you are unwell and avoid public transport. Call your GP or Healthline to get advice.

Will school transport services be running?
Yes, school transport services will be available. Please refer to the Ministry of Education website for information about school bus services it contracts, and otherwise refer to the relevant regional council website.

Will there be any limits on using personal transport when travelling at Alert Level 2?
There are no restrictions and you can use personal transport, including for recreation and tourism. You do not need approval to travel at Alert Level 2. We recommend you travel safe, track your journey and follow these tips:

• Practise good hygiene all the time – wash your hands regularly, sneeze or cough into your elbow.
• Avoid travel if you’re unwell.
• Keep a record of where you go (you can record manual entries in the COVID-19 Tracer app), and try to minimise the number of places you stop on the way to your destination.
• Avoid travel to events which do not meet the requirements for gatherings.

Can I carpool, e.g. to get to school or work?
Yes you can. Please keep a record of who you travelled with and when to assist with contact tracing, if required.

Can I get repairs undertaken on my vehicles at Alert Level 2?
At Alert Level 2, vehicle services can be provided if the workplace concerned is able to meet relevant safety guidelines and public health measures. 

For information about getting a WOF or a COF, visit the NZTA website.
For information about driver licensing, please refer to the NZTA website.

What aircraft maintenance can I undertake?
Aircraft maintenance can be undertaken at Alert Level 2 as long as all the public health guidelines are followed.

What movement of freight is permitted?
The movement of all freight is permitted at Alert Level 2, including the ability of business and customers to send, distribute and receive freight; freight movements are also permitted between Auckland and the rest of New Zealand. All freight can enter and leave the country.

See the workplace guidance on the COVID-19 website and business.govt.nz for more information about how a business can operate during Alert Level 1.

Can I go walking and cycling?
Yes you can, but remember to travel safely and keep a record of your journey.

Can I put my bikes in the car and drive to a better track in my community?
There are no restrictions on walking and other active travel (like cycling or using personal scooters), but you should keep your distance from people you don’t know whilst exercising.