Travel
The Panel with Jo McCarroll and Martin Bosley (part 2)
Panellists Jo McCarroll and Martin Bosley on the future of the backpacker industry, changes to freedom camping rules, who owns a recipe, and where to get the best mince pies and custard squares. Audio
'Risk too high' for Whanganui when Auckland border reopens
A Whanganui iwi leader is urging holidaymakers to reconsider plans to visit the region this summer to protect Te Awa Tupua communities from Covid-19.
Covid-19: Northland iwi want roadside testing stations
Roadside Covid-19 testing stations could be set up on State Highway 1 heading into Northland as iwi race to figure out how to avoid escalating cases once the Auckland border lifts.
That happens in… Audio
Travelling in a pandemic: 'Plan for what insurance won't cover' - Insurance Council
The Insurance Council says the new Covid-19 variant, Omicron, means travellers should be warier than ever when booking trips. Audio
Insurance will be tricky for overseas travel in 2022
Travel and insurance agents are sending a warning to book overseas travel for 2022 at your peril with the Omicron variant on the scene and travel insurance unlikely to provide cover for any extended… Audio
New MIQ room numbers trimmed as Omicron Covid looms
Some wannabe returnees have been left out in the cold, after Omicron prompted a last minute change to the number of MIQ rooms released today.
Officials say they are taking precautions so there's… Audio
After 10 attempts, woman says securing MIQ spot 'huge waste of time'
Some people wanting to return have been left out in the cold after the Omicron variant of Covid-19 prompted a last-minute change to the number of MIQ rooms released today.
Harsher fines, restrictions possible for freedom campers
Harsher fines and more restrictions could be on the cards for freedom campers, as the government tries to flush out the bad behaving ones.
The Tourism Minister announced a crackdown on some campers… Audio
MIQ slashes 1000 rooms due to Omicron variant
Due to the Omicron variant of Covid-19, MIQ has released about 1000 fewer rooms this morning than initially planned.
Travellers to Northland warned they'll be sent home if they get Covid
Anyone making the trip to Northland this summer is being warned they'll likely be sent home if they get Covid - as the region's resources will be stretched to the limit.
Te Tai Tokerau's bracing for… Audio
Portugal reimposes Covid-19 restrictions as cases rise
Portugal, where about 87 percent of the population is fully inoculated against Covid-19, announced it would reimpose some restrictions to stop a surge in cases.
Financial struggle closes all doors at Youth Hostel Association
A icon of New Zealand's backpackers market is closing its doors due to the financial hardship caused by the pandemic.
YHA will permanently shut its 11 hostels from December 15. Timothy Brown has… Audio
Kiwis stranded in Australia eager to return home as MIQ restrictions ease
Stuck for months in a motorhome in Queensland, Sue Norton and her husband now have a firm date for returning home.
Tourism businesses on international travel return
International travel is set to resume next year, but it won't be like pre-2020.
From early next year the Government is doing away with managed isolation for most fully vaccinated travellers, and… Audio
Covid-19: Border plans offer some certainty to stranded kiwis
New Zealanders stranded abroad finally have some certainty from the government about when they can return home.
Those fully vaccinated will soon be able to skip the MIQ lottery and instead, isolate… Audio
Govt announces staged reopening of NZ border
The border's slowly winching open but New Zealanders overseas will still have to wait until mid-January to avoid managed isolation on arrival.
All arrivals will require a negative pre-departure test… Audio
Queenstown business boss calls for earlier border opening
Tourist operators and towns are facing a long dry summer with international visitors still at least five months away.
The government has announced a gradual reopening of the border starting mid… Video, Audio
Serko 'burning cash' as it prepares for growth out of pandemic
The travel software company's chief executive says it's poised for growth as more normal travel conditions resume.
Border announcement: Family reunions, overseas travel in sight
So international travel and family reunions abroad will soon be back on the cards, with most saying the time to bust the international border is well overdue.
Our reporter Nick Truebridge hit the… Audio
Covid-19 Minister details border reopening, MIQ announcement
New Zealand's border restrictions are being eased early next year.
From January 17, fully vaccinated New Zealanders who test negative before departure will be able to travel from Australia without… Video, Audio
