Transport

Covid-19: Australia opens NSW, NT borders for NZ travel

17:09 pm on 2 October 2020

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The trans-Tasman bubble is about to begin. Sort of.

New Zealanders will be able to fly to Australia from October 16. On Friday afternoon, Australia's Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack held a press conference, announcing New Zealanders will be able to fly to the states of Northern Territory and New South Wales without quarantining.

But there is a catch. You will have to quarantine and pay for it on the way home. McCormack said Darwin and Sydney would be the first places New Zealanders would be able to travel to.

He indicated the trans-Tasman travel bubble could be extended to the Pacific Islands, but not yet.

Meanwhile Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern urged New Zealanders to think of the ramifications of taking a holiday.

Ardern suggested Kiwis spend their money at home instead to help local businesses stay afloat.