"It was all managed really well," says Lisa.
Lisa's flight departed Auckland International Airport at 9am and it headed to Brisbane.
On her flight, all passengers were given a gift bag that in talk-show style was left under each seat.
And there was also complimentary wine going around.
"The staff were all lovely and just as excited as the passengers," says Lisa.
The celebrations didn't stop there though.
When she arrived in Brisbane, the staff at the airport welcomed them all and handed out gifts.
She then boarded another flight to get to her final destination – Rockhampton, where she was reunited with her sons and grandchildren finally.
New Zealand closed its borders to in March to anyone who wasn't a citizen or permanent resident.
"The hardest part about the Covid-19 situation for me was being separated from my children and there being nothing I could do about it," says Lisa.
"It was a hard year."
Lisa says they also had a family member pass away during the time the borders were closed and that it was difficult to not be able to offer support and have a proper send-off and tangi.
She is spending three weeks in Rockhampton with her family.
"I'll be hugging them all as much as I can," says Lisa.
During her time there, Lisa plans to visit a lot of tourist attractions, the rodeo and horse saddleries.
So far she has already visited a few local beaches and Cooberrie Park Wildlife Sanctuary.
