Wellington and Corona

Just like everywhere else in the world, the Corona virus has now reached New Zealand. At first, everything was still relaxed and I didn't really notice anything. That's why I wanted to wait and see how the whole situation would develop. But gradually, the first public facilities here were also closed and more and more people I met on the way were traveling back home. As there were more and more restrictions on air travel, I also decided to fly back home. When I looked for flights on the internet, I realized for the first time that maybe I had waited too long. There were hardly any flights left, and if there were, they were outrageously expensive! I had also heard from many people that more and more flights were being canceled.

Then I took a bus to Wellington and went to a travel agency there first thing on Monday morning to book a flight. The only flight the staff could offer me was a business class ticket for over $12,000! Now I was starting to get scared... As more and more transit airports close, the chances of leaving are getting smaller and smaller.

In Wellington, all the sights were closed, and in the next few days, all the restaurants, bars, shops, etc. were supposed to follow. The New Zealand government has decided on a complete lockdown (i.e., curfew) from March 26, 2020. This is supposed to last for at least 4 weeks. During this time, you have to stay in one place, only have contact with the people living there, and only leave this place to do essential things like shopping.

The Foreign Office has announced a repatriation program for stranded Germans abroad. I registered for this through their website - there was no other (affordable) option. Since the flights are expected to start in Auckland, Christina and I flew there quickly on March 25th. Because public transport is almost completely suspended during the lockdown and if you don't have your own vehicle, there is no longer any way to get from A to B.

Fortunately, I still had time to see a bit of Wellington. And then it was back to Auckland already. I didn't think I would be back there so quickly...