Navigating the Trans-Tasman Bubble – Post-pandemic Travel

The Trans-Tasman bubble is an agreement between the Australian and New Zealand governments that allows for quarantine-free travel between the two countries.

Beginning on April 19 2021, the bubble allows travellers who meet normal immigration requirements to travel freely between Australia and New Zealand, without having to spend 14 days in quarantine, as was previously required due to the pandemic.

Travellers will still need a current passport and will have to complete a health declaration before they check in at the airport. They must also satisfy the following eligibility requirements:

• Have spent the previous 14 days in either Australia or New Zealand.
• Have not had a positive COVID-19 test in the past 14 days.
• Are not waiting for the results of a COVID-19 test performed in the past 14 days.
• Do not have symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose or loss of sense of smell.

Additional documents needed if travelling from New Zealand to these Australian states include:

• NSW - an arrival declaration form.
• Victoria - a green zone permit.
• NT - a border entry application.
• WA - a G2G Pass.

While in Australia or New Zealand, visitors must also download and use each country’s COVID tracer app to register their movements in case of an outbreak.

NZ must-sees

Planning a trip can be just as exciting and rewarding as making the trip itself. In fact, a Cornwall University study showed that waiting for experiences such as travel can bring someone happiness and excitement.

And there’s plenty to get excited about when you visit New Zealand!

These are just some of the attractions the Land of the Long White Cloud has to offer:

• Bay of Islands – go sailing or kayaking in this stunningly beautiful sanctuary of perfect beaches, deserted islands, secluded inlets and abundant marine life including dolphins, whales, fur seals and penguins.
• Hobbiton - step into the real-life movie set featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit and you’ll feel like you’re really in Middle Earth. A magical place that is one of the most popular and well-visited attractions in New Zealand.
• Waitomo Caves - one of the best places to see glow worms in the world. These ancient caves hidden below rolling green hills are home to an impressive array of luminescent glow worms, which can be viewed on a guided boat ride.
• Rotorua - a geothermal wonderland of powerful geysers, colourful volcanic lakes, and bubbling mud pools, It’s also home to the Tamaki Maori Village, a cultural experience where you can feel the power of a Haka, learn about Maori traditions and enjoy an authentic hangi meal cooked under the ground.
• Hanmer Springs - go jet boating or white water rafting down the Waiau Uwha River near the spa resort town of Hanmer Springs and enjoy a truly exhilarating experience amongst stunning natural scenery.
• Milford Track– hike the Milford Track in Fiordland National Park and experience one of New Zealand’s greatest walks through an incredible landscape including the spectacular Milford Sound.
• Queenstown – go bungy jumping in New Zealand’s action capital, including the highest and most terrifying Nevis Bungy Jump, which can only be reached by 4WD and a cable car ride to the middle of the valley.

Aussie gems

If you’re a Kiwi using the bubble to visit Australia, you’ll find an equally impressive list of attractions to visit while in the land down under. Some of these include:

• Great Barrier Reef – one of the most stunning places to explore in Australia and the jewel in Queensland’s environmental crown.
• Uluru – known as the Rock, this iconic landmark is, set against the stark desert backdrop of the Northern Territory outback.
• Sydney Harbour – home to the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, this is one of the most photographed places in the country.
• Great Ocean Road – Victoria’s wildly beautiful shipwreck coast, home to a plethora of wildlife and the iconic 12 Apostles.
• Fraser Island – one of the most beautiful places in Australia to visit, with its pristine beaches and very own population of wild dingoes.
• Blue Mountains – a beautiful region overlooking Sydney that’s renowned for its dramatic scenery and the spectacular rock formation known as the 3 Sisters.
• Kakadu – the NT’s beautiful World Heritage listed national park brimming with exotic wildlife and breathtaking scenery.
• Barossa Valley - South Australia’s famous wine producing region, boasting beautiful scenery and world class vineyards.
• Broome – a laid back and beautiful spot in WA’s far north, with spectacular sunsets and dinosaur footprints just some of its many attractions.
• Port Arthur – Tasmania’s perfectly preserved penal colony, with a brutal past, but a breathtakingly beautiful natural setting.

Take advantage of the Trans-Tasman bubble today

Those in Australia and New Zealand are fortunate to have the opportunity for international travel within the Trans-Tasman bubble. If you’re getting itchy feet and are wanting to do some exploration after a year of staying close to home, book your trip today and experience the wonders Australia and New Zealand have to offer.