New Zealand’s pause on quarantine-free travel continues for Qld, NSW

Eager New Zealand travellers in Queensland and NSW won’t be leaving anytime soon after the country’s new health announcement.

Eager New Zealand travellers in Queensland and NSW won’t be leaving anytime soon after the government continued its pause on quarantine-free travel from both states.

The news comes as an abrupt shock for trans-Tasman travellers as Australia continues to grapple with emerging Covid-19 cases.

Quarantine-free flights from the ACT, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria resumed earlier this week, but the New Zealand government has restricted flights leaving Queensland or NSW airports.

Queensland and NSW travellers will be unable to fly into New Zealand after the health ministry announced the pause on quarantine-free travel would continue.

On Wednesday, New Zealand’s health ministry said the pause for both states would continue.

“At this time, there is still a need to get a better understanding of the developing situation and the number, and pattern, of cases being reported in these Australian states,” a statement from the ministry reads.

“A range of factors for each state were considered, including whether any new cases are identified, whether they were infectious in the community, and the results from COVID-19 testing of any contacts and from the wider community.

“We consider this pause to be prudent while investigations continue and until further test results are returned.”

The ministry said the pause would be under constant review with state health authorities.

While travel from both states remains restricted, New Zealanders are still eligible to return home from 11.59pm on Friday.

“Travel on such flights will be limited to New Zealand citizens, Australian citizens normally resident in New Zealand, people with humanitarian exemptions and critical workers who are stranded in Queensland or NSW,” the ministry statement reads.

The sudden announcement comes as the New Zealand government announced mandatory pre-departure Covid-19 tests were required for people flying into the country.

Passengers are required to have the test within 72 hours of leaving Australia and must present proof of a negative pre-departure test before boarding.