Advice for those travelling in, out and through Auckland to return home

With Auckland now at Alert Level 3, here is some advice for those needing to travel in, out and through Auckland to return home.

Travelling in, out and through Auckland

Departing Auckland to return home

You can leave Auckland to return to your primary residence. This applies to people travelling in private vehicles or public transport. This also includes going to Auckland airport to catch a flight home.

You must carry the following evidence:

  • proof of residential address, which has both the person’s name and address on the document (e.g. utility bill, bank statement etc) – electronic documents are acceptable.
  • drivers must have Photo ID (Driver’s Licence)
  • passengers should have a Photo ID, unless it is not reasonably practicable (e.g. minors).
  • proof of travel, such as your flight tickets, is helpful

Returning to your home in Auckland

You can return to your primary residence in Auckland if you are currently outside the Auckland Alert Level 3 boundary. This applies to people travelling in private vehicles or public transport.

You must carry the following evidence:

  • proof of residential address, which has both the person’s name and address on the document (e.g. utility bill, bank statement etc) – electronic documents are acceptable.
  • drivers must have Photo ID (Driver’s Licence) 
  • passengers should have a Photo ID, unless it is not reasonably practicable (e.g. minors).

Travel through Auckland to return home

You can travel directly through Auckland to return home. For example, if you are in Hamilton and your primary residence is in Whangarei you can drive through Auckland to return home. You should plan your journey so that you do not need to stop in Auckland.

You must carry the following evidence:

  • document(s) that demonstrate the purpose of travel and the destination of the person travelling (e.g. a proof of residential address, if travelling home)
  • drivers must have Photo ID (Driver’s Licence) and
  • passengers should have a Photo ID, unless it is not reasonably practicable (e.g. minors).

Advice for your journey 

During your journey, and on arrival at your destination, please continue to comply with any relevant public health advice, including:

  • Physical distancing
  • Washing your hands regularly
  • Keeping records of who you have been in touch with via the NZ COVID Tracer app or using any manual sign-in sheets offered by businesses.
  • Staying home if you’re unwell and getting a test if advised by your doctor or Healthline.

What to do when you return home

If you have returned to your home in Auckland you must follow Alert Level 3 restrictions.

Information about Alert Level 3 (external link)

If you visited Auckland and have returned home you only need to isolate if you have been to a location of interest in Auckland. But you should follow all of the relevant Alert Level 2 requirements.

Find the locations of interest (external link)

However, if you have recently been in Auckland and develop any potential COVID-19 health symptoms, you must isolate immediately and contact your doctor or call Healthline on 0800 611 116.

The symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to common illnesses such as a cold or influenza. You may have one or more of the following:

  • a new or worsening cough
  • fever (at least 38˚C)
  • shortness of breath
  • a sore throat
  • sneezing and runny nose
  • muscle aches
  • fatigue
  • loss of taste and/or smell.

Remember, it's better to act with caution than be complacent about COVID-19. 

Travel restrictions are in place for Alert Level 3

For everyone else in Auckland, travel in to and out of an Alert Level 3 area is strictly limited. This is to help stop the spread of the virus. You may need to seek additional permission to complete travel across Alert Level areas. 

Personal travel

Learn more about personal travel in and out of an Alert Level 3 area

Business travel

Learn more about business travel in and out of an Alert Level 3 area

All updates