The trans-Tasman bubble has no chance of re-inflating for at least another eight weeks.
Meanwhile, with Covid-19 case numbers continuing to increase in New South Wales, Victoria, and the Australian Capital Territory, the government has put the kibosh on any hopes of the bubble opening anytime soon.
But while many stranded New Zealanders are still searching for a way home, others are hoping vaccination numbers could see quarantine-free travel back in time for Christmas.
Here's political reporter Charlie Dreaver.
