COVID-19 Information Hub

our covid-19 policy and what we're doing to keep you safe

We want you to rest assured that your safety and well-being continues to be our utmost priority while out exploring NZ on our active adventures.

Since the outbreak of COVID-19 we have evolved our operating protocol to build in additional measures on our existing safety and risk mitigation strategy.

Please read the FAQs below for more information related to our COVID-19 vaccination policy.

terms and conditions

Our COVID-19 Travel Policy FAQs

Vaccination FAQs

What are your vaccination requirements for travellers?

From the 1st of December 2021, travellers 12 and over are required to provide proof of a current and valid COVID-19 vaccination, with the final dose administered no later than two weeks prior to departure.

What are the exemptions to the vaccination requirements

Which vaccinations are accepted?

What constitutes proof of vaccination?

What if I object to vaccination and do not have a medical exemption?

Will you refund me if I am not vaccinated?

Will my guide and support team be vaccinated?

Will all fellow travellers be vaccinated?

COVID-19, Symptoms and Insurance FAQs

Will my trip operate under the red traffic light?

Absolutely! You can travel anywhere in New Zealand at any traffic light setting, and we can safely operate and deliver the memorable trip you have been looking forward to. Adventure South NZ has 30 years' experience of reviewing and assessing risk. Our procedures are designed to keep our guests and guides safe and informed. This experience has put us in a comfortable position to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and allowed us to operate whilst always adhering to Ministry of Health guidelines and recommendations.

What happens if I or another guest tests positive to COVID-19 while on the trip?

What are the pre-departure COVID-19 testing requirements?

What happens if I get COVID-19 prior to travel or am a close contact and am unable to travel?

If i must leave the tour as I have returned a positive test, will I get a refund?

Do I need travel insurance that covers for COVID-19 cancellation?

What if I change my mind and do not wish to proceed on my tour?

Will I be required to wear a mask at any time during the tour?

What we're doing to keep you safe

Our trip operating protocols have been carefully honed with your wellbeing in mind, using our 30 years of experience and in accordance with the standards set by the WHO (World Health Organization) and WTTC (World Travel and Tourism Council) and ATTA (Adventure Travel Trade Association).

Within all the risk mitigation strategies, it remains that COVID-19 is extremely contagious and there is a risk of exposure anywhere where people encounter one another which cannot be removed, though you should rest assured we have elevated our protocols with a heightened awareness of this new paradigm by way of the following:

We've increased our safety measures to help manage COVID-19 on trips operated by us.

All guides have been trained on these actions which include field protocols that have been developed also in conjunction with our medical consultant Dr Ross Anderson.

Developed thorough health and hygiene protocols, including thorough cleaning schedules for all high touch surfaces, gear and group equipment and increased passenger screening process to identify high risk passengers.

Completed relevant New Zealand government COVID-19 Safety Plans. In completing these assessments we follow the recommended protocols for physical distancing measures and health and hygiene principles.

Obtained COVID Clean accreditation from Qualmark.

COVID-19 safety measures on our trips

Pre-Trip

- The development of a specific COVID-19 risk assessment and identification and minimisation plan.

- A response plan developed by the company's medical advisor in the event that a participant presents with coronavirus-like symptoms during a trip.

Illness

- If any passenger is presenting with COVID symptoms, activation of the response plan provided by our medical advisor and immediate isolation from group.

- Liaison with local medical authorities.

- COVID test as soon as feasibly possible.

Group Size

- Fortunately, most of our remote adventures are well suited to allow you maintain social distancing, with small groups strictly limited to up to 10 - 14 people.

Vehicle Travel

- Utilisation of company vehicles only where high controls over deep cleaning can be executed and logs of such activity recorded.

- Encouraged wearing of face masks by all participants and guides when travelling in vehicles. Participants are advised to bring their own face mask.

- Exclusion of any participant presenting with virus symptoms from travelling in the vehicle at the same time as other non-symptomatic participants.

Guides & Staff

- Vigilant monitoring of staff health - guides who have shown any symptoms will not be leading trips.

- Guides are trained in our COVID-19 response plan that has been developed in line with NZ government medical provisions and by the company's medical advisor in the event that a participant presents with coronavirus-like symptoms during a trip.