COVID-19 operating procedures
With New Zealand moving to the COVID-19 Protection Framework (traffic lights) Southern Discoveries will operate at all levels within the system following government guidelines.
Vaccination Requirements
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.
Operating under Green
Cruise Operations
- Vaccination certificates are mandatory for all visitors
- We encourage the use of facemasks
- You will be asked to scan or sign in on entry
- 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
- Vaccination certificates are mandatory for all visitors.
- Facemasks are recommended
- You will be asked to scan or sign in on entry
- 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
- Vaccination certificates are mandatory for all visitors.
- Mask wearing is compulsory on all services
- You will be asked to scan or sign in on entry
- 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
- Vaccination certificates are mandatory for all visitors.
- Mask wearing is compulsory on all services
- You will be asked to scan or sign in on entry
- 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
- Vaccination certificates are mandatory for all visitors.
- Mask wearing is compulsory on all services
- You will be asked to scan or sign in on entry
- 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
- Vaccination certificates are mandatory for all visitors.
- Mask wearing is compulsory on all services
- You will be asked to scan or sign in on entry
- 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:
- We understand that some customers may not be able to travel with Southern Discoveries due to the lack of vaccination certificate. For any visitor traveling up until, and including, 24 December 2021 we will relax our cancellation policy and offer a full refund if they are unable to travel due to lack of vaccination certificate.
- 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’ve only had one shot of my vaccination?
Unfortunately, we are unable to have you travel with us if you do not have both vaccinations and provide a suitable vaccination certificate.
What if I have a medical exemption?
We will allow you to travel if you have a suitable medical exemption – please make contact with us prior to travel to make arrangements
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.
How will you track my vaccination certificate?
No vaccination certificate information will be stored on site.
Will I need to scan in multiple times?
On occasion you may be asked to scan in multiple times if transferring across products.
Will I need a vaccination certificate to fly into Milford Sound?
Yes
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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