Kiwi tourists Yusuke Inui and Chane Berghorst have put Covid-19 blues behind them with an extended break on Rarotonga.

The Auckland friends, who both celebrated birthdays last week, were scheduled to fly home yesterday following a nine-day holiday, but have opted to lengthen their stay as New Zealand deals with Level 4 lockdown.

The pair landed in Rarotonga on August 17 – just as the Delta variant was breaking news in NZ.

“It happened on the afternoon we arrived, we got text messages and we went and got tested the following morning,” Inui, 37, said.

The pair isolated for a couple of days, awaiting test results which returned negative.

They managed to get in some scuba diving and buggy adventures in the following days, before they were called in to be retested for Covid-19 on Monday.

They received negative test results on Tuesday morning.

“Obviously we have kept up with news and friends, we experienced Level 4 last year, it’s pretty brutal,” Inui said.

Inui, a digital marketing specialist, and Berghorst, a financial advisor said they can both work remotely.

“We can operate from here,” the pair said.

Berghorst, 29, said; “It can be a win/win situation, we spend our money here and help businesses”.

The pair cancelled their tickets home and have left the coming days, weeks, and months open.

“It all depends on how long lockdown goes on for, we can do everything here workwise,” Inui said.

The pair had some advice for those facing struggles in uncertain times.

“Don’t panic, get some help where you need it.

“Everyone is different.”

They also encouraged other visiting New Zealanders to extend stays.

“Spend money here instead of sitting at home,” Berghost said.