Trans-Tasman travel bubble is ‘not yet a normal travel situation’

Tourism Industry Aotearoa CEO Chris Roberts told Sky News people need to be aware the trans-Tasman travel bubble is not yet a “normal travel situation”. “It seems almost inevitable, given the track record, that there will be some sort of community transmission outbreak in either Australia or New Zealand in the coming months,” he said. However, Mr Roberts said the confidence for travellers and the governments lies in how quickly recent outbreaks have been contained. “For the traveller that means you might be required to extend your holiday a few days, which is not the worst thing to happen to you,” he said. “If you’re coming to New Zealand, if there’s a community transmission outbreak and you happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time your stay might be extended. “The Australian government might require you to stay a few days longer in New Zealand, take a test, prove that you’re clear before they let you back into Australia. “People need to be aware this is not yet a normal travel situation”. Mr Roberts said the New Zealand government’s traffic light system should ensure the response to any outbreaks is “as targeted as possible”. “So if you’re over here from Australia and you’re in the South Island and there’s a case in Auckland, well there’s no impact on you whatsoever, you won’t face any restrictions."