Tourism Industry Aotearoa has reported that more people have entered New Zealand than have left since the opening of the long-awaited trans-Tasman bubble.
Since the first flight from Australia to New Zealand took off from Sydney to Auckland on 19 April, the two-way Tasman travel arrangement has been in New Zealand’s favour on a ratio of 3 to 2.
Tell me more…
Daily movements across the border data tracked by Stats NZ shows that in the first nine days of the bubble, New Zealand welcomed over 30,000 international arrivals, with just over 20,000 people departing over the same period.
Most of the arrivals and departures travelled between New Zealand and Australia quarantine-free, thanks to the new agreement.
While these early numbers are promising, TIA Chief Executive Chris Roberts says the highest number of arrivals were on the first two days, as friends and family were reunited.
“It was incredibly moving to see friends and family reconnecting those first momentous days of the borders reopening,” says Mr Roberts.
“Hopefully, the early success of the bubble will give people confidence to travel for leisure.
“Many of our Australian neighbours will be needing an adventure by now, and it’s great to see some are already heading over to enjoy themselves.”
Chris Roberts, TIA Chief Executive
However, Mr Roberts says the volume is a long way below normal traffic movements.
“Over the same nine days in 2019, there were 177,000 arrivals into New Zealand and 191,000 departures.”
#ArrivalRevival
There are a plethora of exciting experiences for Aussies wanting to hop across the Tasman and enjoy a break in our beautiful neighbouring country.
Here are a few to get excited about:
- Otahuna Lodge invites guests to live like royalty with its exceptional ‘Lord of the Manor’ package.
- Garden City Helicopters has launched a rather unique Heli Winery Tour to the Waipara Valley.
- Active Adventures has today announced the launch of four new winter trips – including its first-ever ski adventure package.
- Sail away on Silversea’s Silver Muse for a 17 day Sydney festive departure. The trip will spend Christmas Day in Milford Sound and New Year’s Eve in Picton and Queen Charlotte Sound before a day at sea on the first day of 2022.
Still pondering booking a trip, but not sure?
Our advice would be to plan a trip soon because right now, fewer people are travelling, airfares are keenly priced, and you’ll have the place to yourselves with the pick of activities and the friendliest of haere mai’s (welcomes), minus any other international tourists.
But get a move on, because word is already out.
