COVID-19 testing

Find out about the types of COVID-19 tests, when you should get a test and where you can get a test.

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In this section

Rapid antigen testing (RAT)

Rapid antigen tests (RATs) - where to get RATs for critical workers, non-critical businesses and the general public, how to use them and a list of approved RATs. Read more
How COVID-19 testing works

There are two types of COVID-19 tests in New Zealand. A PCR, which identifies genetic material from the virus and a rapid antigen test (RAT) which detects protein from the virus. Read more
COVID-19 test results and their accuracy

Information about how COVID-19 test results are reported, why they are sometimes uncertain, and what they can and cannot tell us. Read more
Free testing for specific groups

Specific groups are eligible for free COVID-19 testing under the public health response. Read more
Getting tested for COVID-19

Find out when you should get a test, where to get a test, and what happens next. Testing is free if you have been asked to get a test by a health official, have been identified as a household contact or have COVID-19 symptoms. Read more
Paying for COVID-19 testing

If you don’t meet the criteria for free testing under the COVID-19 public health response, then you, or your employer, will need to pay for your own COVID-19 test. This could be with a private provider or using a rapid antigen test (RAT). Read more