New Zealand Flights Land in Melbourne as Victoria Joins Travel Bubble
New Shreds of Hope for the Travel Industry
With Victoria recording its 17th day of zero new coroImage navirus cases or deaths in November 2020, flights from New Zealand to Melbourne were reinstated, making the state of Victoria part of New Zealand’s travel bubble. The kiwis arriving in Victoria were not required to quarantine and they were allowed to freely travel around enjoying Melbourne accommodation deals offered by properties such as Oaks Melbourne on Collins Hotel – all while taking the necessary steps to adhere to each state’s COVID-19 rules. However, this gesture wasn’t reciprocated, and Australians weren’t allowed in New Zealand at all. Moreover, travellers returning to New Zealand had to undergo a compulsory 14-day managed isolation.
In December, New Zealand agreed to a quarantine-free travel bubble with Australia; however, this was subject to change if the COVID-19 situation in any of the countries escalates. New Zealand’s prime minister Jacinta Arden announced in December that trips under the said agreement would commence early in 2021.