An update on travel to NZ in today's newspaper below. Based on this, does anyone think that the January, February and possibly March departures will go? I sure don't (maybe a slight chance that March could proceed). Unless ABD secures spots in the government-run quarantine facilities (which would be a hard pass for me) for the January trip I can't see how it's going to happen. But hey, you can still book the trip (it's currently listed on their website).
"New Zealand officials said Thursday they will gradually loosen their border quarantine requirements, which have been among the toughest in the world throughout the pandemic.
But while the changes will make it easier for New Zealanders stranded abroad to return home, officials gave no date for when tourists might be welcomed back. That change is likely still months away.
COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins said that from next month, most people arriving in New Zealand would need to spend seven days in a quarantine hotel run by the military, half the previous requirement.
He said some new arrivals from low-risk Pacific island countries could skip quarantine altogether and isolate at home.
He said the new rules were an interim step ahead of broader reopening measures that would be gradually introduced once more than 90% of New Zealanders aged 12 and over were fully vaccinated. So far, 72% of eligible people have had both shots.
The change follows a growing outcry from New Zealanders who have been trying to return home but have been unable to secure spots in the quarantine system. Some have resorted to legal action."
I have had some very memorable ABD trips with my kids. Some of our fondest memories together have been made on ABDs. But I am not a fan of how they handled past situations and how they are handling the current situation. I would very much like my deposit back. I am fully prepared to play a game of chicken with them and pay in full in January, knowing that our March ABD most likely won't proceed (it makes me sad to have come to this realization as I have been really, really looking forward to the amazing itinerary).
For context, vaccines have been widely available for 12+ in Ontario for several months, yet we have plateaued at 84% fully vaccinated. I don't know when NZ will reach 90% -- the goal seems unrealistic.