COVID-19 testing

Getting tested for COVID-19 is free. Find information and guidance on getting tested, how to test and what happens if you test positive.

Find a testing centre or collection site Report your RAT result

How to get a COVID-19 test

How to get a free RAT or PCR test, where to find a community testing centre or a collection site, and how to report RAT results. Tests detect all COVID-19 variants.

How to use a RAT

There are different brands of rapid antigen tests (RATs), so follow the instructions in your kit. Whether positive or negative, you should report your result online through My Covid Record or by calling the helpline.

How to report your RAT results

Whether positive or negative, you should report the results of your RAT. You can do this online through My Covid Record or by calling the helpline. We encourage you to do this to ensure access to care and antivirals if you meet the eligibility criteria.

What happens if you test positive for COVID-19

Find out what steps to take if you test positive for COVID-19, including how to self-isolate.

How COVID-19 testing works

There are 2 main types of COVID-19 tests in New Zealand: a rapid antigen test (RAT), which detects protein from the virus, and a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), which identifies genetic material from the virus.

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