New Zealand had one of many strictest Covid lockdowns on this planet. Now its borders are absolutely reopening

After greater than two years, New Zealand is totally reopening its borders and welcoming all worldwide vacationers.

The nation is reopening nearly three months earlier than July 31 previously announced,

Earlier this yr, New Zealand’s borders have been opened to residents of Australia and 60 locations that don’t require a visa to enter, together with Singapore, the United States and the United Kingdom.

In 2021, New Zealand had a few of the strictest pandemic restrictions on this planet, together with a lockdown beginning with a single COVID case, widespread testing and a number of public well being mandates.

Its largest metropolis, Auckland, was on lockdown for 107 days from August to December 2021 because of an outbreak of the extremely contagious Delta variant.

Many restrictions have been lifted, however the necessities to enter New Zealand are strict. What it is advisable to know earlier than going right here.

With the exception of New Zealand residents and Australians residing within the nation, guests are required to supply proof of vaccination upon entry, in line with Government’s Covid information page.

Both digital and paper vaccination certificates are acceptable.

Passengers are required to have a fast antigen check on their date of arrival – though not required upon arrival on the airport – and a second one on the fifth or sixth day of their journey, New Zealand Ministry of Health.

Masks are usually not required outside, however they’re obligatory indoors, corresponding to in museums, supermarkets and pharmacies.

Despite inflation in New Zealand reached a 32-year high of 7.3% Earlier this month, navigate the journey Said excursions, actions and lodging costs are the identical value, if not cheaper, than they have been earlier than the pandemic.

Daniel Painter, managing director of the journey company, mentioned, “New Zealand is very cheap at the moment (in a vacation) … other than by air travel, there has never been a cheaper time to come.”

Since it was introduced in May that the nation’s borders would absolutely reopen on the finish of July, there was loads of curiosity amongst vacationers to journey, mentioned Tourism New Zealand.

“Online searches for international flights to New Zealand (compared to pre-Covid searches) are up 39%,” mentioned Greg Weifelbaker, normal supervisor of Asia’s tourism physique. More than 60% of this curiosity is coming from Australia, he mentioned.

However, Painter mentioned demand for journey from Asia stays low, with guests to the area principally coming from Singapore.

Singapore primarily based journey company Chain Brothers Travel indicated {that a} lack of flights might be guilty.

“New Zealand travel demand has been healthy across borders” [reopened] To Singapore in May. However, because of flight availability, we observe provide exceeding demand,” said Jeremiah Wong, the agency’s senior marketing communications manager.

Wong said that after years of living out of New Zealand, travelers are indicating they are willing to spend more to travel longer periods in the country.

Wong said, “The eight-day New Zealand tour was a popular option before the pandemic, but we are currently seeing more interest and bookings for our 11-day tour, which allows travelers to go sightseeing in more comfort. Is.”

Painter of Navigate Travel shared related sentiments, saying that vacationers “want the ability to relax and not have to worry about things, but they also want to be able to get a lot of bang for their buck.” “

Painter said hiking in the country’s national parks, a scenic helicopter ride over the Franz Josef Glacier, and whale watching near the town of Kaikoura on New Zealand’s South Island are some of the activities that tourists shouldn’t miss.

After living in Singapore for more than two years, Lew Mo Keen, 60, and her husband, 62, visited New Zealand for 12 days in May – two weeks after Singapore reopened its borders to citizens.

He said locals were excited to bring tourists back to the country, and they were welcomed with open arms at restaurants and other establishments.

“The locations we visited in New Zealand weren’t crowded in any respect,” Lew said. “For many fascinating locations, there have been each of us.”

Lew and her husband visited both the north and south islands of New Zealand, including Hobbiton – a popular destination for “Lord of the Rings” fans – Gloworm Caves in Waitomo, and pancake-shaped rock formations in Punakiki and Blowhole.

Sherlyn Tan, 46, a HR professional from Singapore, is planning a trip to New Zealand with her family in December.

“We have been on the lookout for someplace with heat climate, and New Zealand is without doubt one of the few sizzling nations in December,” Tan said.

She said she looks forward to visiting vineyards for wine tastings, eating fresh oysters in oyster fields, and “having fun with the attractive surroundings for which New Zealand is known.”