COVID-19 operating procedures
New Zealand, under the COVID-19 Protection Framework (traffic lights), is currently at RED. Southern Discoveries will continue to operate all products. These will be operated following government guidelines, this includes social distancing, reduced capacity and mandatory mask wearing in place. Please see below for more information on what procedures we will undertake to ensure the safety of our guests and team.
Vaccination Requirements
What are we doing?
The health and safety of our customers and team is paramount. We have the following in place to ensure we can operate safely while still providing a world class experience to our guests.
Operating under Green
Cruise Operations
- We encourage the use of facemasks
- Hand Sanitiser is available onboard our vessel
- 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
Operating under Orange
Social distancing will be required on all vessels & coaches
Cruise Operations
- Mask wearing is compulsory on all services indoors only
- 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
- 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
Operating under Red
Social distancing will be required and increase on all vessels & coaches
We will be operating our vessels with lower capacities to ensure social distancing can be adhered to
We will be operating cashless on all our sites
Cruise Operations
- Mask wearing is compulsory on all services
- 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
- 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
Cancellation Policy for COVID-19:
- In addition, we will continue to offer free cancellation for customers who show COVID-19 symptoms. 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.
FAQ’s
What if I feel sick on the day of travel?
For the safety of our team and other customers, please cancel your trip with Southern Discoveries if you have COVID-19 symptoms.
Any other questions? Please chat to us on Live Chat, click on the icon in the bottom right corner.
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.
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
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