Update on domestic New Zealand travel due to Alert Level changes

Yesterday the New Zealand Government announced that Auckland will move to Alert Level 3 from 11.59pm, 21 September 2021, with the rest of the country remaining at Alert Level 2 during this time.

Domestic New Zealand schedule during Alert Levels 2 and 3:

• For travel to 28 September: The domestic New Zealand schedule currently available in the GDS will remain in place, however will be adjusted if necessary, subject to demand.
• For travel from 29 September: The domestic New Zealand schedule is being reviewed, more details on this will be shared in due course.

Please note, while Auckland is at Alert Levels (3 or 4), customers outside of Auckland, wishing to reroute to avoid Auckland can do so on the same calendar day without additional collection. For e.g. AKL-CHC to HLZ-CHC or CHC-AKL-NPE to CHC-WLG-NPE, no refund is permitted, unless fare rules permit. A fare difference may apply if customers are changing to another date. Please use the endorsement "Change due NZ Alert Levels".

Please continue to refer to the Customer Flexibility Guide for information on how to assist customers with any changes required.

A reminder of the customer experience during Alert Levels 2 and 3:

Who can travel

• Travel to/from an Alert Level 3 region remains restricted to customers travelling home or for essential services as outlined on the New Zealand Government COVID-19 website.
• Customers travelling on our services from Alert Level 2 regions can transit through Auckland on their way to another Alert Level 2 region. Or to depart on an international flight if they meet one of the permitted reasons for travel and follow the requirements outlined on the New Zealand Government COVID-19 website.
• Customers driving from an Alert Level 2 region to catch a flight out of/into Auckland can do so if they meet one of the permitted reasons for travel and follow the requirements as outlined on the New Zealand Government COVID-19 website.
• Customers travelling on flights to/from destinations with differing Alert Levels must comply with the destination with the higher Alert Level restriction.
• For example:
  • CHC-AKL - Alert Level 3 restrictions apply.
  • WLG-CHC - Alert Level 2 restrictions apply.
• Passengers arriving in New Zealand from overseas and returning home after 14 days' isolation/quarantine at port of arrival.

For guidance on who can travel while New Zealand is under Alert Level restrictions, please visit the Ministry of Transport or the New Zealand Government COVID-19 website.

At the airport

• All Air New Zealand Lounges (excluding Auckland) remain open and operating under Alert Level 2 restrictions, now with a maximum capacity of 100 guests and an adjusted service in place to adhere to the limit of 100 people in indoor settings.
  • Access may be restricted to members only (no guests or e-vouchers) in some regional lounges at peak times where social distancing is unable to be maintained.
  • Auckland Lounges remain closed while the Auckland region is in elevated Alert Levels 3 or 4.
• Christchurch valet parking remains open. Auckland valet parking remains closed while the Auckland region is in elevated Alert Levels 3 or 4.
• Unaccompanied minor travel is permitted between Alert Level 2 regions only. Travel to/from Auckland is restricted to compassionate and court-ordered travel during Alert Level 3, please contact Agency Sales to discuss eligibility.
• Due to system limitations, unaccompanied minor travel is not able to be booked through the GDS while Auckland is at Alert Level 3. Agents can book unaccompanied minor travel through airnzagent.com.au or by contacting Air New Zealand directly.
• Travel with pets is permitted for regions in Alert Levels 2 and 3. We strongly recommend customers use an approved pet transporter when planning travel during this time. Pet travel is subject to space available on the day of travel, and our priority remains to be the carriage of essential cargo.
• Regional Fast Bag remains available for all regions at Alert Level 2 except for flights to/from/via Auckland.
• Social distancing at the airport terminal is still required.

Please note, customers (including unaccompanied minor travel and travel with pets) travelling on flights to/from destinations with differing Alert Levels must comply with the destination with the higher Alert Level restriction.

Onboard the aircraft

• Face coverings continue to be mandatory onboard all services.
• Food and Beverage services remain suspended. Water will be available upon request.

Thank you for your understanding during this time.