5 Ways To Prepare for New Zealand Managed Isolation Quarantine

If you are visiting New Zealand during the COVID-19 pandemic chances are you will need to quarantine. New Zealand is COVID free and they are working hard to keep it that way. NZ’s government has a structured isolation process for all entering the country to keep COVID out. It’s called Managed Isolation Quarantine or MIQ for short. Travelers need to isolate in a government chosen hotel for 2 weeks. I bet you’re wondering how to prepare for quarantine.

I have been through New Zealand’s MIQ. In October 2020 I woved from the United States to New Zealand. I learned a lot along the way. Here are some ideas on how to prepare for managed isolation quarantine. Come see how I got ready for quarantine.

Here’s my top 5 tips for how to prepare for Managed Isolation Quarantine

1. Set Goals to Achieve More During Quarantine

The easiest and simplest way to get the most out of your MIQ stay is to set goals. It doesn’t matter if you are traveling alone or with family you will be in a hotel room for 2 whole weeks. Having clear goals can keep you motivated during your stay. It can also help pass the time. 

A goal can be anything you want to accomplish. Do you want to make sure you go outside at least once a day? Meditate for 30 minutes each day? Catch up on reading? Watch a movie? Or FaceTime family? 

Whatever it is, write it down. 

My personal goals were shaped around the fact that I was moving New Zealand. My goals included getting an NZ phone number, finalizing my shipping container details, booking an AirBnB for after MIQ, and daily walks just to name a few. I wrote down my goals and made sure to reference them frequently. This can help you stay motivated.

2. Fun Ideas for Kids so You Can Relax in Managed Isolation

If you are traveling with kids you probably already know that it can be difficult to keep them entertained. It is definitely harder when confined to a small hotel room. Keeping my kids busy and entertained during quarantine was a top priority. Making sure to bring plenty of distractions and fun activities can help you stay sane and enjoy MIQ more.

What do your kids like to do? Brainstorm some ideas and begin with some activities you can give your kids while in MIQ. My girls love crafts so I made sure to pack a lot of crafting supplies so I could pull out a new craft every other day. Being thoughtful before your trip can help you and your children stay entertained and limit time in front of the TV.

New Zealand in thoughtful too! The girls and I were happily surprised the day they received an educational packaged from the Ministry of Education. New Zealand’s Ministry of Education delivered a curated, age appropriate welcome box for both girls. Be sure to let the MIQ staff know you are interested in this so they can organize a delivery to you.

Here’s some suggestions of thing to bring for kids ages 2 years old and up.

• Books
• Barbies dolls
• Toy push strollers
• Costumes
• Crafting supplies like pens, crayons, coloring books, ect.
• Video game consoles
• Board games
• iPad preloaded with movies
• Stuffed animals
• Pillow
• Blanket

3 Save Money and Bring Plug Adaptors

Unless you are coming from Australia, your electronic plugs are not compatible with New Zealand. New Zealand uses type 1 plugs. Make sure to pack plug adaptors and avoid not being able to use your devices.

My favorite adapters are these. These plug adaptors even have an option for USB input. I packed two in my carry-on luggage in case I was separated from my checked bags. I am happy I brought a lot of plug adaptors because they are more expensive in New Zealand (almost three times the price in New Zealand compared to USA).

For my Apple devices I bought the Apple travel adapter kit.

4. Prepare by Organizing Your Suitcase For an Easy Quarantine Stay

You might be wondering what else can be done to prepare for quarantine. Organize the inside of your suitcases. If you are anything like me, you are probably traveling with a lot of stuff. The last thing you want to do is open all these bags in MIQ. I found it helpful to consolidate the things I would need in MIQ into a few bags and leave the rest alone. 

You can use these suitcase tags. Instead of writing contact info, include a phrase or list so you know what’s inside. 

I organized the inside of the suitcases with packing cubes. This was so helpful because it kept the hotel room more tidy.

MIQ facilities will take care all of your needs including washing your personal laundry. This can cut down on how many clothes you need to dedicate to your MIQ weeks. 

5. Prepare Important Documents

Most people returning to New Zealand right now are New Zealand citizens, but for those that are not be sure to prepare important documents. I found it helpful to have the documents below on hand for opening bank accounts, purchasing vehicles, getting NZ licenses, and enrolling children in school.

• Birth Certificates
• Passport
• Visas
• Managed Isolation Voucher
• Marriage License

I hope this post inspires you to begin preparing for your managed Isolation quarantine. A little preparation now goes a long way in MIQ. Check out how my personal MIQ experience went here.

Comment below what you would do with 2 weeks in a hotel. 

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Up to date information on MIQ can be found here.