Quarantine-free Travel: Trans-Tasman Flight Experience

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The world has been holding its breath for a return to normalcy, especially in the realm of travel. For families with a passion for exploration, the concept of quarantine-free travel has been a tantalising prospect. Our family of four was no exception, eagerly awaiting the news of this quarantine-free travel to Australia since April. As you may already know, the Trans-Tasman bubble between New Zealand and Australia finally opened on 19th April 2021.

We didn’t catch the first quarantine-free flights to Australia, but we’re here now on the Gold Coast, enjoying the long weekend. It’s the second week since the opening of the Trans-Tasman bubble, and we’re planning to continue our journey north without a set return date.

Many of our family friends have expressed doubts and questions, and you might be wondering: What is quarantine-free travel like? What are the requirements? How does the process work? Is it safe to travel so soon after the bubble’s opening?

In this post, we’ll walk you through the entire quarantine-free travel process, from the necessary preparations to the on-ground experiences in Australia. We’ll cover the essential requirements, the travel documentation, the safety measures in place, and much more. Our family’s firsthand account will give you a clear picture of what to expect, helping you make an informed decision for your own family’s travels.

So, if you’re contemplating a trip across the Tasman, join us as we explore the new world of travel between New Zealand and Australia. Let our journey inspire and guide you, turning doubts into excitement and questions into plans.

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Quarantine-free Travel Requirements

Air New Zealand took a day to process our booking, and I can imagine how busy they must have been with the number of booking requests. About 10 days before our flight, we received a follow-up email from Air New Zealand outlining the requirements for quarantine-free travel to Australia.

Below is an outline of the quarantine-free travel requirements for travellers between New Zealand and Australia. Please refer to the official websites of New Zealand and Australia for updates and the most accurate information:

• Must have been in either Australia or New Zealand for the last 14 days prior to departure.
• Must not have had a positive COVID-19 test result or must prove you’re no longer infectious.
• Must not be awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test.
• Must complete a travel declaration.
• Must wear a mask in the airport and on the plane for all passengers over 12 years old.

Australia Travel Declaration

Apart from the usual eligibility requirements, you must fill in an Australian Travel Declaration form if you’re travelling from New Zealand to Australia, and vice versa.

The declaration form must be completed between 7 and 3 days prior to your departure date. The form is quite straightforward and requires you to fill in each passenger’s personal and travel details. Upon completing the declaration form, you will receive an email with a QR code that you will need to present at the airport.

Arrival at Auckland International Airport

When we arrived at Auckland International Airport in the morning, it was quieter than usual. Most of the check-in counters were closed, and the majority of flights displayed on the big screen were flights to Australia. We were flying with Air New Zealand to Gold Coast, Australia. The check-in counter was taped off around the self-check-in machines, and that was the only section on that floor where people were present.

Check-in Process

Before we could line up to check in, we were asked to show the Australia Travel Declaration QR codes. Surprisingly, some people weren’t aware of it and had to fill out the forms on the spot. We then proceeded to check in with the self-service machines, printed bag tags for our luggage and stroller and dropped them off at the baggage drop counters. Easy.

That was it, everything else was per usual, except the airport was noticeably emptier. Many shops and restaurants were closed, and we saw optimistic signs of “we look forward to seeing you soon” everywhere. It was a sad sight to see the once bustling airport this quiet.

Covid Hygiene Practices

As for Covid hygiene practices at the airports, every other chair at the gates had a sign to promote physical distancing. Some people were wearing masks already, but most put them on only when they got on the plane. We were allowed to take the masks off while eating and drinking, so flight attendants didn’t seem too concerned.

Flight to Gold Coast

We felt so refreshing looking out the window flying over and above the clouds and out of the country for the first time in over a year.

It was a smooth flight to the Gold Coast. We were directed by the airport staff at every checkpoint and didn’t notice any differences apart from the check-in procedures. Gold Coast Airport was much busier than Auckland Airport, with arrivals from both domestic flights and flights from New Zealand. It was heart-warming to see emotions flying everywhere with the reunions of families and friends.

A Milestone for our Covid Baby

This quarantine-free trip to Australia was our son’s first overseas trip as he was born amid the pandemic. He put on his first pair of shoes, stumbled his way through the airports, and walked his first steps at the Surfers Paradise Market that night.

He reached a remarkable milestone on that special day, marking the beginning of many more adventures to come. But for New Zealand and Australia, the quarantine-free travels reconnected our people once again and revitalised our economy. We truly hope more countries will be able to join the bubble and reignite the long-suffered tourism industry soon.

Wrapping Up

Quarantine-free travel is a significant step towards the revival of international travel. While it brings excitement and opportunity, it also comes with risks and responsibilities.

As our Gold Coast escapade comes to a close, we reflect on the memories made, the laughter shared, and the new experiences that have enriched our family’s travel story. The Trans-Tasman bubble has not only opened doors to a new destination but also to a renewed sense of adventure.

We hope our tale of travel under the new Trans-Tasman bubble regulations has provided you with the insights and encouragement you need to take that leap and plan your own family getaway.

Fast forward to May 2022, our family set out on a new adventure, flying quarantine-free from New Zealand to Hawaii with a one-way ticket to explore the world. With vaccine certificates in hand, masks packed in our bags and negative COVID-19 test results obtained just 24 hours before departure, we were ready to leave the pandemic behind.

This time, the airport, once a symbol of a world at a standstill, buzzed with life and anticipation. People seemed much happier, shops were bustling, and we felt the world was healing, finding its way back to normality.

During our 250-day journey around the world from 2022 to 2023, spanning 28 countries, Italy was the only country that still mandated masks on public transport. The other countries had almost entirely opened up, offering a refreshing sense of relief and a hopeful glimpse into a world moving past the pandemic.

For our family, this trip was not just an escape but a celebration of life, a lesson in gratitude, and a beautiful reminder that no matter the obstacles, the spirit of travel and discovery will always find a way to thrive.