Get tested.

When should you get a test?

You should only get a COVID-19 test if:

you have symptoms, or — you are a Household Contact, or — you are traveling

  • If you are unwell, have cold, flu or COVID-19 symptoms you should get a test.

    • Rapid antigen tests (RATs):

      Rapid antigen tests (RATs) are the main testing method for people with COVID-19 symptoms or who are Household Contacts. Results take up to 20 minutes. RATs detect all COVID-19 variants.

      You can get this test from us, the test is free of charge.

    • Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests:

      A Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests are used in some situations. Results take 2 to 5 days. PCR tests detect all COVID-19 variants.

    We can advise you on the right test to take in your situation. Contact us to find out more or arrange an appointment.

  • If you do not have COVID-19 symptoms and are not a household contact, but want to take a test, such as before going to visit friends or whānau, you can now buy Rapid Antigen Test (RATs) at participating retailers.

    These RATs will be sourced and sold by the private market but must be of RATs approved by the Ministry.

    RATs from the Ministry of Health’s central supply will not be made available for public sale – they are being distributed to support the public health response.

    RATs approved by the Ministry.

  • If you are a Household Contact,

    Follow the Ministry of Health Guidance for household contacts.

  • If you are a close contact you do not need to get tested.

    Instead monitor for symptoms, COVID-19 symptoms and follow Ministry of Health guidance for close contacts.

Testing for travel.

If you are travelling your transport company or the country you are traveling to may require you show evidence of a negative COVID-19 test result.

There are generally different rules for domestic and international travel, please see below for more detail.

  • Pre-departure test if you are leaving NZ.

    Some countries require travellers to confirm a negative COVID-19 test before they leave New Zealand. You can check the requirements of the country you are travelling to, by contacting their local high commission, embassy or consulate in New Zealand.

    You can get this test from us,

    • PCR Test, the fee for this service is $199.00.

    • RAT Supervised Test, the fee for this service is $85.00.

    For more information on testing click the button below.