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

Alert Level 1 

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. For more information please see the Ministry of Health’s guidance on face coverings.

If you are exempt from the face covering requirements because you have a medical condition or disability that makes it unsuitable to wear a face covering, you can request an exemption card. Requests can be made by contacting Healthline (0800 358 5453) or Disabled Persons Assembly NZ (04 801 9100 or at info@dpa.org.nz). You do not need to have an exemption card, but you may feel more comfortable showing something official to confirm you cannot wear a face covering.

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 1 

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 required 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 1

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.

If you are exempt from the face covering requirements because you have a medical condition or disability that makes it unsuitable to wear a face covering, you can request an exemption card. Requests can be made by contacting Healthline (0800 358 5453) or Disabled Persons Assembly NZ (04 801 9100 or at info@dpa.org.nz). You do not need to have an exemption card, but you may feel more comfortable showing something official to confirm you cannot wear a face covering.

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 1

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 you are travelling on a pre-booked service that meets certain conditions or you are otherwise exempt. You do not need to wear a face covering on a pre-booked bus or train service if: the operator requires all passengers to provide their contact details to use the service, and the operator allocates a seat for each individual ticket: For more information please see the Ministry of Health’s guidance on face coverings.

If you are exempt from the face covering requirements because you have a medical condition or disability that makes it unsuitable to wear a face covering, you can request an exemption card. Requests can be made by contacting Healthline (0800 358 5453) or Disabled Persons Assembly NZ (04 801 9100 or at info@dpa.org.nz). You do not need to have an exemption card, but you may feel more comfortable showing something official to confirm you cannot wear a face covering.

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 1 

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 (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.

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.

If you are exempt from the face covering requirements because you have a medical condition or disability that makes it unsuitable to wear a face covering, you can request an exemption card. Requests can be made by contacting Healthline (0800 358 5453) or Disabled Persons Assembly NZ (04 801 9100 or at info@dpa.org.nz). You do not need to have an exemption card, but you may feel more comfortable showing something official to confirm you cannot wear a face covering.

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 1 

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 1 

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.

Public health guidance applies.

Alert Level 1 

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.

Public health guidance applies.

Alert Level 1

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

Public health guidance applies.  

Is travel restricted under Alert Level 1?
There are no restrictions on travel across New Zealand under Alert Level 1. You should travel in a safe way. You do not need approval to travel. 

How do I ‘keep it safe’ while travelling?

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 1.

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 your distance from people you do not know, , where it is possible to do so.
• 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.
• 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.

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:

• passengers of small passenger services (but drivers of small passenger services are required to wear face coverings);
• the following specific services:
  • Cook Strait ferry services;
  • pre-booked public transport bus or train services that:
    • require all passengers to provide their contact details; and
    • provide allocated seating for all passengers.
  • ship services that have:
    • no enclosed space for passengers (e.g. jet boats and water taxis), and
    • on which—
      • conditions compromise the effectiveness of face coverings in preventing, or limiting the risk of, the outbreak or spread of COVID-19 (e.g. the face covering is likely to get wet); or
      • the wearing of face coverings compromises passenger safety.
  • school transport services (meaning dedicated school services contracted by: the Ministry of Education, or Local Authority, or School Board, or Auckland Transport), or
  • charter services and charter 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 ?

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).

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 1 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?
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 or capacity limits for physical distancing at Alert Levels 1 on public transport.

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 1, (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.

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

Check with your operator for further information on their timetable.

Anyone will be able to 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:

• If you are travelling on public transport, try to keep your distance from people you do not know, where it is possible to do so.
• 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 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 1?
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 1. 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.

How can I stay safe when I’m travelling?
Follow the safe travel tips above in the Travelling safely at Alert Level 1 section.