Alert level 2 – operating procedure
We will be operating our experiences in Queenstown and Milford Sound at alert level 2 under strict health and safety guidelines as laid out by the Ministry of Health.
Face masks will be mandatory on all our experiences in Queenstown and Milford Sound. We ask that all our customers scan in on all our vessels and in any of our information centres using the NZ COVID Tracer app, if you have not downloaded it you can do so from here.
COVID-19 operating procedures
During alert levels 1 & 2 we will operate all our experiences in Queenstown and Milford Sound with the following health and safety procedures in place.
What are we doing?
The health and safety of our customers and staff is paramount. We have the following in place to ensure we can operate safely while still providing a world class experience to our guests. We ask that all our guests download the NZ COVID Tracer app so you can scan in and keep track of where you’ve been.
Tourism Trade Checklist
Southern Discoveries has been recognised as part of New Zealand’s trusted Tourism Trade Checklist. This means that our COVID-19 safety plan aligns with the New Zealand Government COVID-19 regulations and tourism association guidelines which are approved by the Ministry of Health under the section for activity operators.
To see our full listing search Southern Discoveries on the Tourism Trade Checklist directory online.
Qualmark COVID Clean Approved
The COVID Clean Approved assessment has been developed exclusively for Qualmark licence holders. The assessment offers information and checklists to help ensure that COVID-19 guidelines, as set out by the New Zealand Government, are being adhered to. As our guest you can feel confident travelling with us as we have completed the COVID Clean Approved assessment.
Level 1 – operational requirements
Cruise Operations
- We encourage the use of facemasks
- Hand Sanitiser is available onboard our vessels
- Daily cleaning schedules are in place with increased cleaning in high-touch areas/surfaces
- Our vessels are thoroughly cleaned between departures
Coach Operations
- Facemasks are recommended
- Hand Sanitiser is available onboard our coaches
- Each vehicle is fully sanitised before use
Level 2 – operational requirements
Cruise Operations
- Mask wearing is compulsory on all services
- You will be asked to scan or sign in on entry
- Social distancing will be required on all vessels
- We will be operating our vessels with lower capacities to ensure social distancing can be adhered too
- Hand Sanitiser is available onboard our vessels
- Daily cleaning schedules are in place with increased cleaning in high-touch areas/surfaces
- Our vessels are thoroughly cleaned between departures
- We ask that any customers showing signs of COVID-19 to please cancel their excursion with us. We will also refuse service to anyone exhibiting symptoms on arrival
Coach Operations
- Mask wearing is compulsory on all services
- You will be asked to scan or sign in on entry
- Social distancing will be required on all coaches
- We will be operating our coaches with lower capacities to ensure social distancing can be adhered too
- Hand Sanitiser is available onboard our coaches
- Each vehicle is fully sanitised before use
- We ask that any customers showing signs of COVID-19 to please cancel their excursion with us. We will also refuse service to anyone exhibiting symptoms on arrival
Any questions? Please chat to us on Live Chat, click on the icon in the bottom right corner.
Further initiatives include
- Increased COVID-19 government signage reminding guests to be extra careful when it comes to hygiene
- Asking any staff or customers who are feeling unwell to please stay at home and seek medical advice via Healthline or their GP
Cancellation Policy
For all our experience in Queenstown and Milford Sound we have a 24-hour cancellation policy. This means that guests can cancel, reschedule or amend their booking free of charge up to 24 hours before travel.
If travel restrictions have been imposed or you cannot travel due to impacts of COVID-19 we are flexible in our policy and will allow guests reschedule or request a refund within 24 hours of travel. For example, your region or country enters a lockdown, you have been identified as a close contact of a known COVID-19 case or you are awaiting COVID-19 test results.
We are following all government guidelines, which could include reducing capacity numbers or stopping operating at short notice, based on changes to the alert levels at a national or regional level. In the event we are not able to cater for your booking you will be contacted, and we will organise for your booking to be rescheduled or refunded.
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