Get set to hop across 'The Ditch'

"The Australian public has seen how cautiously New Zealand has managed COVID-19 with a focused elimination strategy," he said. "This is likely to satisfy most concerns about their wellbeing while they are travelling."

Overall, the managing director of New Zealand coach holiday specialist Grand Pacific Tours predicts a cautious re-start to overseas travel "as people view from the sidelines how post COVID-19 travel works and whether it will be interruption free".

While people will obviously be keen to get going, even those with really itchy feet will make "more considered choices". "More emphasis will be placed on the choice of destination and the complexities of post COVID-19 travel requirements and what is involved," he said.

He is optimistic about travel to New Zealand and is heartened by the number of people who have booked future tours with his company, moving dates two or three times since March 2020.

"When the time is right, the propensity for people to travel again will be there," he said. "Initially the emphasis will be on travel to reconnect with family and friends but gradually the traditional packaged holiday type of tourism will rebuild and gain momentum."

He said New Zealand will only open the Trans-Tasman border when the time is right and Australia is seen as low risk, adding that coach touring is one of the safest forms of travel. "Coach touring has many benefits over independent travel due to the pre-planned structured itinerary that is managed, with each hotel and attraction supplier having records of the date and timing of each tour's attendance."

All Grand Pacific crew will be vaccinated, and extensive health and safety measures carried out. Mr Harding believes when travel resumes, both New Zealand and airlines are likely to require anyone entering the country to have full vaccination status.

In expectation of a bumper 2022, the company has launched its 2022-23 season with four styles of touring, 30 itineraries and more than 250 guaranteed departures. One of its most popular tours is bound to be to the Warbirds over Wanaka Airshow, held every two years over Easter. Tours range from eight to 15 days, incorporating four days at the airshow in Queenstown and touring the South Island.

Grand Pacific Tours this year celebrated its 25th anniversary of touring NZ and has enhanced its offerings.

"Our most significant development has been the introduction of Ultimate Small Group Touring, providing a 'business class' style of travel for only 20 travellers on a full-size luxury coach," Mr Harding said. "By September 2022 the fleet will boast six coaches. There will be 97 departures and we expect them all to be full due to the demand."

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