Qantas to Norfolk Island

[samh004]

Why would you be forced into quarantine from returning from NI?

Do you think you would accidentally get on the HQ bus instead of the car park bus?

I just mean the risk of catching something inside the international terminal as actual overseas flights arrive. Compared with the slightly lower perceived risk of the domestic terminal. That's all.

 

[henrus]

Press release from the Island Adminstrator

Qantas to deliver Norfolk Island flights in coming months

The Australian Government has engaged Qantas to deliver passenger and freight air services for Norfolk Island for the next three months.
Air New Zealand remains the long-term underwritten supplier of air services to Norfolk Island. However, the current impacts of COVID-19 on Air New Zealand’s crewing arrangements and service delivery, mean that this arrangement with Qantas is critical to ensure the continuity of air services to Norfolk Island.
Ensuring reliable passenger air services for Norfolk Island throughout the COVID-19 pandemic remains a key priority of the Australian Government.
Reliable air services to the Island are not only necessary for residents, business and government, but also to ensure tourists can continue to take advantage of the extraordinary natural and cultural environment of Norfolk Island.
The arrangement with Qantas comes into effect from 19 March 2021.
The current passenger flight schedule between the Australian mainland and Norfolk Island will remain, with Qantas providing six flights arriving on Norfolk Island each week, three from Brisbane and three from Sydney. Days will not change but there may be some minor adjustments to arrival and departure times. Please check qantas.com for the latest Qantas flight schedule.
Passengers with an Air New Zealand booking in this three-month period will be automatically rebooked to the replacement Qantas service. During this time future bookings will be done through Qantas.
These arrangements will be reviewed after six weeks to ensure that we are providing the best possible passenger flight services to the Norfolk Island community and tourists during the COVID-19 pandemic.

I guess this means that Air NZ is 100% not operating over the next 3 months. It remains to be seen what happens after this and also a big question is those with non NZ tickets booked using *A carrier points, will Air NZ transfer these across to Qantas.

 

[kpc]

I just mean the risk of catching something inside the international terminal as actual overseas flights arrive. Compared with the slightly lower perceived risk of the domestic terminal. That's all.

Fortunately, +1 is fully vaccinated having had 2 doses of the Pfizer vaccine and I have had 1 dose of the Astra Zeneca vaccine. ...just have to avoid anyone from South Africa

 

[Tiki]

I am only seeing flights from SYD, nothing from Brisbane. Maybe they didn't load these flights yet? Should be on T, Th, Sat.

I would do this with Avios, 18k RT pp in Y plus around $200ish in taxes. Then use the $200 Amex credit to save on accommodation.

 

[jakeseven7]

I just mean the risk of catching something inside the international terminal as actual overseas flights arrive. Compared with the slightly lower perceived risk of the domestic terminal. That's all.

Oh right....

You are probably more likely to be killed by crossing the road outside the airport than catching COVID statistically....

 

[SYD]

Press release from the Island Adminstrator




I guess this means that Air NZ is 100% not operating over the next 3 months. It remains to be seen what happens after this and also a big question is those with non NZ tickets booked using *A carrier points, will Air NZ transfer these across to Qantas.

This article implies that QF have launched these flights in addition to NZ. Which is a different take to the press release and other coverage.

Qantas challenges Air New Zealand to fly Norfolk Island

Qantas is set to mount a direct challenge to Air New Zealand by launching flights to Norfolk Island from Sydney and Brisbane.

australianaviation.com.au

It will be interesting to see who and how many flights come and go over the coming weeks.

Certainly no sign of discounting....

 

[Tiki]

I wish I knew what was going on! NZ has pulled all availablilty on BNE-NLK-BNE until 22 June.
But still no direct flights on QF are loaded. I would really like to do this trip mid-April (avoiding Easter) if possible but we can't leave until after 30 March.
I am checking for cash fares before award availability.

 

[Tiki]

BNE flights are loaded! Avios are only offering 2 in Y and 2 in J per flights. I booked us for mid-April. Trying to beat the rainy season which starts around then. Taxes are $396 USD and 36k Avios for 2 people RT.

 

[henrus]

This article implies that QF have launched these flights in addition to NZ. Which is a different take to the press release and other coverage.

That's just poor journalism.

The administrator is saying those booked on Air NZ are being rebooked on Qantas:

"Passengers with an Air New Zealand booking in this three-month period will be automatically rebooked to the replacement Qantas service. During this time future bookings will be done through Qantas."

Air New Zealand has also confirmed that "Qantas will be temporarily operating this service". They've also since pulled flights from sale.

It's quite clear-cut that Air NZ won't be operating this over the next 3 months and so anyone who's traveling in the next 3 months will be flying with Qantas.

 

[Ken1]

I booked our SYD-NLK Classic Award tickets yesterday but haven't received the ticket yet. In the past, when I booked an award ticket online I would receive the ticket straight away. The only times I've had delays was when phoning to add flights to a One World Award ticket and the ticket was not always re-issued straight away.

The booking is showing when I log in my QFF account and the points have been deducted. Are QF taking longer to issue online tickets at the moment? Have others booking flights to NLK in the last few days received their tickets when they booked?,

 

[Tiki]

My booking came through within 5 minutes on BA/Avios with ticket numbers and PNR. I was able to book seats for free on QF.

 

[jakeseven7]

That's just poor journalism.

The administrator is saying those booked on Air NZ are being rebooked on Qantas:

Air New Zealand has also confirmed that "Qantas will be temporarily operating this service". They've also since pulled flights from sale.

It's quite clear-cut that Air NZ won't be operating this over the next 3 months and so anyone who's traveling in the next 3 months will be flying with Qantas.

Hopefully NZ gets booted off the service long term too.

 

[SYD]

Booked classic rewards (whY) for early May. Now realise that‘s one of the wetter months but it is what is is. Now to read trip reports for tips etc.

Theres still reasonable award availability ex-SYD and BNE in May but April is mostly gone and June looked scarce. It will be interesting to see how it goes beyond June.

Anyone had success requesting release of seats as WP?

Also interested to hear what the PAX loads are like?

Hoping the TT bubble does happen next month. Glimmer of hope that a lounge might open but not holding my breath.

 

[henrus]

Also interested to hear what the PAX loads are like?

On the previous Air New Zealand flights I did back in November (from BNE) the flights were basically full in both directions. Talking to locals that had been the case ever since they reopened and now with all the marketing, I imagine it's only got busier.

Hoping the TT bubble does happen next month. Glimmer of hope that a lounge might open but not holding my breath.

Regardless it's not worth turning up at the airport super early right now, as long as you make the check-in cut off you're fine. There isn't much open at the international terminals and there aren't any queues but obviously, a two way bubble could change that. QF had suggested that the first lounge to reopen in SYD would be the first lounge which would be a nice upgrade for everyone else.

It's also worth noting that you need a travel pass (apply here within 3 days of travel) : COVID-19 Advice for Norfolk Island | Norfolk Island Regional Council.

Some general comments (things that are harder to find online),

Transport: you need a car, they're cheap to hire but without one it's very very hard to get around. Can't state this enough! despite the island only being 7km wide you can't really walk it, unsparingly there are no taxis although there is one person who calls himself an "uber" although you need to pay cash and ring his mobile to get a ride.
Internet: They've now got a 4G network (started about 2 months ago) but expect expensive data prices and limited data. Where we stayed had a limited amount of wifi per day which seems to be the standard there was free wifi at the airport (probably the only place on the island). If you're on postpaid your phone will global roam on the local network but no data and calls are $1-2 per minute depending on your AU carrier (Vodafone cheapest then Optus then Telstra). (Scrap that, apparently roaming onto the new network is broken)
Restaurants: The Homestead Restaurant is probably the best (I think it's dinner only and had amazing specials) but you'll need to book this can be done via email, in fact at many places if you don't have a booking you won't get a seat. Also noteworthy, Bounty Bar & Grill (at dinner can get local steak/fish), Hilli Restaurant (good for lunch or dinner).
Wine/Beer: You can buy alcohol at the bond shop, most of the prices are very similar to Australia although most nonperishable items come from NZ so there is a bigger selection of NZ beer/wine in the bottle shop (closed Sundays). There is also a small brewery attached to Castaway accommodation with good cheap local beer but if beers not your thing there is actually a winery on the island although due to a recent drought they didn't have any crops over the last 24 months and so there is no local one, it's imported from NSW.
Food: If you want to self cater you can get most things in the foodland although imported fruit/veg/dairy is very expensive or non-existent. There was always a small supply of local produce and the butcher outside had local meat/milk. The opening hours are also quite restricted 8am-6pm although being from Queensland it's not that unusual.

 

[kpc]

Thanks for the informative post above @henrus. We are there 6 nights from Easter Monday...I have already booked the 3 restaurants you mentioned for 3 of the nights. We intend to self cook the other 3 nights. What are the quarantine rules re bringing meat eg steak' sausages etc.? Might bring a couple bottles of nice Reds as weight isn't going to be an issue. I read that fresh fruit, veges, nuts and uncooked prawns are a big no- no!

 

[henrus]

What are the quarantine rules re bringing meat eg steak' sausages etc.?

I'd double-check with someone local but it should be ok. Perhaps your accommodation or the local council's Facebook page can answer but as you said all fruit/veg is a big no.

Since the Australian gov took over a few years ago it's all controlled by the department of agriculture (which makes them harder to contact).
The following AU legislation now dictates what is/isn't ok with Number 10 item 7 seems to suggesting it's ok.

Biosecurity (Prohibited and Conditionally Non-prohibited Goods—Norfolk Island) Determination 2016

They use the standard orange Australian arrival card (you'll fill this out twice, going over to the island and coming back to the mainland).

https://www.abf.gov.au/entering-leaving-australia/files/ipc-sample-english.pdf

(link above if you can't remember what it looks like, it's been a while since most have filled one out!).

They don't make this very clear but coming into Norfolk island they generally want you to tick the (B) visitor section and put down the days visiting and then Australia as country of residence.

Mind you I personally wouldn't bother with the hassle of checking in meat as you can easily reasonably priced meat both imported and local steak/sausages/fish at the butcher in the mall. See the past photos on their facebook page for a general idea of prices or you could message them / call them for up to date information (note that the call from AU to Norfolk is an international call!)

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[drron]

For self catering and a butcher we used Slick and Sons opposite the airport.We thought better meat and a great variety of local nibbles.

Slick & Sons | Kingston Norfolk Island

Slick & Sons, Kingston, Norfolk Island. 1,127 likes · 110 talking about this · 101 were here. Slick & Sons - Norfolk Island purveyors of fine meats. Established as Slick's butchery in 1979, over

www.facebook.com

And I bought 2 pairs of cheap high end German shoes that are very comfortable at this place.

Index of /

For cheaper meals we liked Olives cafe,High Tide and the Golf club.

Omestead definitely the best restaurant but more expensive.
We didn't like Hillis.

And we were there in November as well and flights were full.

 

[henrus]

For self catering and a butcher we used Slick and Sons opposite the airport.We thought better meat and a great variety of local nibbles.

We got food from there as well, it's a bit more expensive think of it like a fancy deli. They get fresh bread from the Homestead every few days which is really really good (and if they don't have it ask when they next get some)!

 

[SYD]

On the previous Air New Zealand flights I did back in November (from BNE) the flights were basically full in both directions. Talking to locals that had been the case ever since they reopened and now with all the marketing, I imagine it's only got busier.


Regardless it's not worth turning up at the airport super early right now, as long as you make the check-in cut off you're fine. There isn't much open at the international terminals and there aren't any queues but obviously, a two way bubble could change that. QF had suggested that the first lounge to reopen in SYD would be the first lounge which would be a nice upgrade for everyone else.

It's also worth noting that you need a travel pass (apply here within 3 days of travel) : COVID-19 Advice for Norfolk Island | Norfolk Island Regional Council.

Some general comments (things that are harder to find online),

Transport: you need a car, they're cheap to hire but without one it's very very hard to get around. Can't state this enough! despite the island only being 7km wide you can't really walk it, unsparingly there are no taxis although there is one person who calls himself an "uber" although you need to pay cash and ring his mobile to get a ride.
Internet: They've now got a 4G network (started about 2 months ago) but expect expensive data prices and limited data. Where we stayed had a limited amount of wifi per day which seems to be the standard there was free wifi at the airport (probably the only place on the island). If you're on postpaid your phone will global roam on the local network but no data and calls are $1-2 per minute depending on your AU carrier (Vodafone cheapest then Optus then Telstra). (Scrap that, apparently roaming onto the new network is broken)
Restaurants: The Homestead Restaurant is probably the best (I think it's dinner only and had amazing specials) but you'll need to book this can be done via email, in fact at many places if you don't have a booking you won't get a seat. Also noteworthy, Bounty Bar & Grill (at dinner can get local steak/fish), Hilli Restaurant (good for lunch or dinner).
Wine/Beer: You can buy alcohol at the bond shop, most of the prices are very similar to Australia although most nonperishable items come from NZ so there is a bigger selection of NZ beer/wine in the bottle shop (closed Sundays). There is also a small brewery attached to Castaway accommodation with good cheap local beer but if beers not your thing there is actually a winery on the island although due to a recent drought they didn't have any crops over the last 24 months and so there is no local one, it's imported from NSW.
Food: If you want to self cater you can get most things in the foodland although imported fruit/veg/dairy is very expensive or non-existent. There was always a small supply of local produce and the butcher outside had local meat/milk. The opening hours are also quite restricted 8am-6pm although being from Queensland it's not that unusual.

Very useful info. Thanks!

Cars - Any recommendation on Rental Car companies or much the much (get what you can)? They also seem to have form requests and no online booking systems . I've seen a couple of places that come with a car but I want to secure a car 1st (that can be cancelled) if we end up with a place sans car.

Duty Free - double checking that we can take DF out of Oz to NI? And presumably access "arrivals" DF on return? Not to mention TRS?

Mobile/WIFI - the crossed out comment sounds like a PITA. I'm with OPTUS ($50 p/m with roaming and data) but it doesn't seem to cover NI even if roaming was working. Does anyone know if eSIMs are available along with the new network? I had a quick Google and nothing came up.

 

[henrus]

much the much (get what you can)?

Yep they're all about the same, our was organised by our accommodation so I can't remember the name.

Duty Free - double checking that we can take DF out of Oz to NI? And presumably access "arrivals" DF on return? Not to mention TRS?

So TRS was an interesting one, I got told no TRS which I think was a misunderstanding from the border force staff at Brisbane, I didn't try pushing it so I wouldn't make a purchase relying on being able to access TRS.

In Brisbane (and I believe Sydney is the same) the outbound duty-free stores are open, there is no limit on the amount of duty-free you can buy to take over to Norfolk Island but standard australian limits apply upon return. The bond store provides a discount on spirits only if you can present a flight ticket (it's 20% off up to 3 bottles) but it's probably best to buy at the airport in Australia if they have what you want.

When I traveled in November (from Brisbane) the duty-free store wasn't open for arriving flights so you had to preorder, in Brisbane, I am under the impression this has changed and I believe the lotte duty free is now opening for arrivals from Norfolk and NZ only (although phone ahead and check). In Sydney the duty free has been open for departing but not arriving flights (again phone ahead and check), because of all this you might have to stock up on departure but make sure to put all liquids in checked because technically 100ml restrictions apply upon departure from Norfolk.

Mobile/WIFI - the crossed out comment sounds like a PITA. I'm with OPTUS ($50 p/m with roaming and data) but it doesn't seem to cover NI even if roaming was working. Does anyone know if eSIMs are available along with the new network? I had a quick Google and nothing came up.

Yep, I had that Optus plan at the time, Norfolk was never covered but you previously could make/receive calls/texts. The new 3G/4G network doesn't have inbound roaming from Australia yet and there are no esims. The only way to get a sim is to pop into the main office (monday to friday business hours), I think the tourist sim plans are also sold from a couple of the petrol stations and shops as well although if you want any of the other plans you need to visit the main office. I guess if your phone has Wifi calling then it might work if your accommodation has NBN satellite but otherwise expect that you won't be able to make/receive calls. Optus and Vodafone prohibit Wifi calling when overseas and they seem to think the Norfolk internet is overseas so my wifi calling on Optus never worked. Telstra on the other hand allow wifi calling when anywhere in the world so those with a Telstra service and wifi calling should be able to use it on Norfolk.