Can an Australian passport holder travel through New Zealand to a third country without an exemption?

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Accepted answer

Strictly speaking, no.

The link to the Department's web page for exit requirements about travel to New Zealand contains this note:

Note: This provision is only applicable when New Zealand is the destination of travel. If you are transiting through New Zealand to another destination you must apply for an outward travel exemption.

In practice, once you have landed in New Zealand the Australian Government cannot stop you from leaving New Zealand to another country, which the media has described as a "loophole". However, you may find it difficult to obtain assistance to return to Australia if you are caught breaking the rules.

Furthermore, breaching the exit ban may constitute a criminal offence under section 479 of the Biosecurity Act 2015, punishable by up to 5 years' imprisonment.

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