Interislander ferries are introducing new vaccine and testing requirements for passengers over the summer holidays.
From December 15, all passengers aged 12 years and older travelling on KiwiRail’s Interislander will be required to show proof of either double-vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test that was performed within the previous 72 hours.
“KiwiRail’s inter-island ferries are a key passenger and freight connection between the North and South Islands, and we’re expecting this will be a very busy summer, with people travelling around the country to enjoy holidays and spend time with friends and family,” general manager Walter Rushbrook says.
“We’ve adopted the same policy used by Air New Zealand for their domestic flights so passengers can have a consistent travel experience, regardless of whether they travel by sea or air.”
Rushbrook says passengers will need to provide proof of their vaccination status or proof of a negative Covid test when checking in.
“Our ferry passengers already have to show their booking number and ID at check in at Wellington and Picton, so we hope to minimise any delays by asking for Covid-related travel information at the same time.
“Our staff will be on hand at the terminals to scan passengers’ MyVaccinePass information either off their phones or from a printed pass. We’ll confirm negative test results either by viewing a text message from a Covid test provider or letter from a medical practitioner.
“We’ll be doing everything we can to make this process as quick and seamless as possible, including setting up charging stations at our terminals in case passengers’ phone batteries are running low.”
Work is currently underway to upgrade Interislander’s booking system, to integrate vaccine and test status.
If not already vaccinated, Interislander staff are required to have their first dose by December 11 and second by January 17. Staff who are not double-vaccinated by December 15 will need to undertake a Covid test every 72 hours.
This aligns with requirements on passengers. These staff will also wear appropriate protective equipment.
Interislander has also updated its refund policy. This allows anyone who wishes to cancel bookings because of the new Covid policy to receive a full refund, and there is no charge for people needing to move travel dates due to a Covid test.
*Go to greatjourneysofnz.co.nz/interislander/covid for more information.
