COVID-19 testing

Getting tested for COVID-19 is free. Find information and guidance on getting tested, how to test and what happens if you test positive.

How to get a COVID-19 test

When you should get a test, what you need to do, and how to report your RAT results. Tests detect all COVID-19 variants.

Latest update — 13 September

The traffic lights ended on Monday 12 September. The information on this page has been updated.

The next phase of our COVID-19 response

When you should get a test

When you should get a test

COVID-19 tests are free and widely available

You can get free rapid antigen tests (RATs) from a range of locations, including the usual collection sites, marae and some pharmacies.

Where to get a test

If you are unwell

If you have cold, flu or COVID-19 symptoms, get a test as soon as you start to feel unwell. Doing a test and reporting the result means you can get the help you need as early as possible.

Check the list of COVID-19 symptoms

If you are a contact of someone with COVID-19

If you live with a person who has COVID-19 or have spent at least 8 hours with them in the same home, you are a Household Contact. We recommend you do a RAT each day for 5 days.

Advice for Household Contacts

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Testing for international travel

Arriving in New Zealand

You do not need a pre-departure test to enter New Zealand.

People entering New Zealand will be given free RATs. We recommend you test on the day you arrive and on day 5 or 6.

Leaving New Zealand

Check the requirements of the country you will travel to — for example on the country's public health website. Or you can contact their local high commission, embassy or consulate in New Zealand.

Pre-departure testing for international travel is not covered by the public health response. You will need to buy a RAT from a retail outlet.

Travel from New Zealand

If you have had COVID-19 before

If you have had COVID-19 before and get symptoms again, what you should do depends on how long it has been since your previous infection.

Count the days from when you tested positive or first had symptoms.

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28 days or fewer since last infection

If you are at low risk of serious illness, you do not need to take another test. Stay home and recover until 24 hours after you no longer have symptoms.

If you have an underlying health condition or have COVID-19-like symptoms that are getting worse, get advice from a health practitioner or Healthline on 0800 358 5453.

29 days or more since last infection

You should take a rapid antigen test (RAT). If it is positive, you must self-isolate and follow the advice for people who have COVID-19.

Types of tests

Two types of COVID-19 tests are available to the general public in New Zealand.

  • Rapid antigen tests (RATs): 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.
  • Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests: PCRs are used in some situations. Results take 2 to 5 days. PCR tests detect all COVID-19 variants.

A health professional can advise you on the right test to take in your situation. 

COVID-19 test results and their accuracy | Ministry of Health

 

Where to get a test

You are allowed to leave your home to get a COVID-19 test while you are self-isolating.

Order free RAT home testing kits

You can order rapid antigen tests (RATs) for yourself or on behalf of someone else. You will need access to a mobile phone to confirm your order.

You will get an order number. You can then pick up your RATs from a collection site, or have someone collect the tests for you.

Visit a community testing centre

Healthpoint lists testing centres by area. You can also search for a location near you on a map.

Find a COVID-19 testing centre | Healthpoint

Get a test from your doctor

Your doctor may offer COVID-19 tests. Call them to find out and follow their advice.

Other ways to get a test
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If you cannot leave home

Community providers can supply RATs to people who are unable to leave their homes. 

To find out if you are eligible, call 0800 222 478.

If there is no RAT collection site near you

If you live more than 20 minutes' drive from a collection site, you may be able to get rapid antigen tests (RATs) through the Targeted Rural Service. 

To find out if you are eligible, call 0800 222 478.

A local provider will work with you to find a suitable access or delivery option.

RATs at schools, kura and early learning services

Free rapid antigen tests (RATs) are being sent to state and state-integrated schools, kura and early learning services. More information is on Te Mahau, part of the Ministry of Education.

Rapid antigen tests | Te Mahau

From work

You can get free RATs if your organisation is part of the healthcare and emergency service workforce. This includes DHBs, doctors, pharmacies, aged residential care facilities, Police, Corrections, FENZ and managed isolation and quarantine facilities.

You may also be able to get free RATs if your work has private supplies for surveillance testing.

How to get a COVID-19 test
How to use a RAT

There are different brands of rapid antigen tests (RATs). While the instructions are similar for each, make sure to check the instructions in your kit.

How to use a RAT

How to use a RAT
Understanding your RAT results
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If it is positive

You must self-isolate immediately and follow the advice for people who have COVID-19.
Your test result does not need to be confirmed with a PCR unless advised.

If you have COVID-19

If it is negative

If you get a negative test result and do not have symptoms, it is likely you do not have COVID-19.

If you have symptoms, stay at home and carry out another RAT 48 hours later. If your symptoms get worse, contact your local healthcare provider or call Healthline on 0800 358 5453.

It is possible for someone with COVID-19 to get a negative RAT result. This can be because there was not enough virus in the sample, or because the test was not carried out correctly.

Invalid or unclear result

If a result fails or is unclear, you must take another RAT. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on how long to wait between tests.

Understanding your RAT results
How to report your RAT results

Whether positive or negative, you should report the results of your RAT. Reporting the result means you can get the help you need as early as possible.

How to report your RAT result

How to report your RAT results
Getting your PCR test results

After your test, you must self-isolate until you receive a negative result.

You will get your results in a text message from 2328. It will take 2 to 5 days.

If you test positive, the text message will provide information about self-isolation, support options and a 6-digit access code for the online contact tracing form.

If you have COVID-19

Getting your PCR test results