Wellingtonians who are sick of their bubbles will soon be able to extend them to some furry friends.
Wellington Zoo has announced it will reopen on Monday May 18 completely free of charge for those who wish to go and say hello.
"We've really missed our Wellington community and we know many have missed being able to visit the animals and people of Wellington Zoo," says Wellington Zoo's chief executive Karen Fifield.
Anyone who's keen to pop in and see the animals will need to book a ticket online first with a choice between a morning or afternoon visit. This means the zoo can keep numbers down, and allow for easy contact tracing.
"As a large, outdoor space, the zoo is an ideal place for our community to begin revisiting outside their homes," says Fifield.
"As long as our visitors are feeling well and are not in self-isolation, visiting the zoo is a great chance to get outside, spend some time with friends, whānau and the amazing animals."
The zoo will remain free until June 30 and bookings will be available from midday on Wednesday.
The news comes as New Zealand prepares to enter coronavirus alert level 2 on Thursday. Alert level 2 means public venues such as gyms, libraries and pools can reopen with strict physical distancing protocols in place.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern laid out six "golden rules" for people to stay safe and stop the spread of COVID-19 at alert level 2.
- Keep your distance from other people when you are out in public, including on transport
- If you're sick, stay home. Don't go to work or school. Don't socialise
- If you have symptoms of cold or flu call your doctor or Healthline immediately and get tested
- Wash your hands. Wash your hands. Wash your hands. Do it properly
- Don't get together socially or mix and mingle with more than 10 people at once
- Keep a track of where you've been and who you've seen
