Aucklanders with travel plans over the next few weeks are out of luck with the extended lockdown announced by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
Aucklanders will remain in alert level 3 until midnight on 26 August.
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Aucklanders will not be allowed to travel around the country during the extended lockdown
However, those in the rest of the country are free to travel to domestic destinations other than Auckland, provided they follow alert level 2 restrictions.
The rules mean Aucklanders should stay at home unless they are accessing essential services, going to work, or exercising. Recreational travel outside the region its strictly forbidden.
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Public transport will continue to operate in New Zealand’s biggest city, but passengers should maintain physical distancing and wear a mask. Rental E-scooters and bike rentals by the hour are banned.
Aucklanders can use a car to travel regionally if you are accessing local businesses or services that are legally able to open, or if you’re engaging in low-risk recreation, or meeting up with your extended bubble (within the region).
Those around the rest of the country at alert level 2 will continue as they have since midday Wednesday. They will be allowed to travel to other regions at the same alert level, but should keep records of which travel services – including airlines, hotels and tour operators – they use and who they have been in contact with.
However, if you’re sick – or awaiting Covid-19 test results – you must not travel.
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A quiet 7am flight from Christchurch to Auckland on Wednesday, August 12.
What if I have an upcoming flight?
The Ministry of Transport says you can still drive, bus or train into Auckland if you’re heading to the airport to go overseas or catch another domestic flight home. Likewise, air passengers can transit through Auckland Airport, as long as they don’t exit the terminal.
If your Air New Zealand flights are impacted by the extended lockdown, the national carrier says it will credit the full value of your flights on the credit tool here.
You are free to fly around New Zealand if you live outside of Auckland. For example, flights from Wellington to Queenstown, or Hamilton to Christchurch are still allowed.
What about the trains?
KiwiRail has suspended the TranzApline service for this weekend, but the Capital Connection service between Wellington and Palmerston North will continue to run, although passengers are encouraged to bring a mask for the journey.
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An Interislander ferry sails through Marlborough Sounds on July 14, 2020 in Picton, New Zealand.
Is the Interislander ferry still running?
InterIslander ferries will continue to run with passenger restrictions to allow for social distancing. You are encouraged to wear face masks in situations where it is difficult to maintain physical distancing.
At present, the ferries can carry everyone who is booked to travel and is still accepting bookings.
Freight services will also continue to operate with appropriate precautions.
What about Northland?
The only way in and out of Northland is via Auckland, so is the region effectively stranded?
The Ministry of Transport has clarified that you can travel from Waikato to Northland or Northland to Waikato (through Auckland) – but only if you are travelling home.
You can also use a bus service transiting through Auckland – but once again only if you are travelling to your primary place of residence.
However, there are fewer restrictions if you’re flying into Northland; anyone can do this, as long as your journey didn’t start in Auckland.
For example, if you’re flying from Christchurch to Whangārei, you will need to transit in Auckland. This is allowed, as long as you don’t leave the terminal.