The COVID Protection Framework...

The COVID-19 Protection Framework will replace the current Alert Level System used by the New Zealand Government to respond to COVID-19 in New Zealand. Click here to view the updated, official information on the COVID-19 webpage... or continue reading below to find out how this might change the way we operate our service.  These changes come into effect on December 2nd 2021 at 11:59pm.

What the new framework means for Catch a Bus South...

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Catch a Bus South believes the safety of our staff and passengers is our number one priority.

Under the new Protection Framework, vaccinated people are able to move around freer and live with less disruption. The Government COVID Protection Framework (draft) stipulated that public transport operators, including small passenger services, are not legally allowed to ask passengers to be vaccinated.

This is due to the essential and potentially life-preserving nature of public transport. 

What this means for our passengers is that you may travel with Catch a Bus South regardless of vaccination status. 

Please note that wearing a mask is still mandatory at this time, and we encourage you to sit 1m from people who are not in your bubble where possible. ​​

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We transport a lot of vulnerable people. We ask you to continue maintaining high levels of personal hygiene, including frequent hand washing and sanitizing, and presenting clean and tidy.
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We retain the legal right to leave you behind if you present in an undesirable manner. 

Traffic Light System

The way we operate will depend on regional traffic light levels. This means we may have to stop operating, or change the way we operate, in certain regions during certain levels.

Once the alert system is activated on 02/12/2021, you will be notified here of updates and any disruptions.

31/12/2021: 
The regions we operate in are all at alert level orange. Masks are mandatory on all services.
Vaccination passes are not required, however we ask your status to ensure we are maintaining cleaning standards as per government regulations.

My Vaccine Pass

My Vaccine Pass is an official record of your COVID-19 vaccination status for use within New Zealand. Vaccine passes are required for tours, but not transport.

​You will be eligible to get the vaccine pass if you have received 2 doses of Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine, 2 doses of AstraZeneca Vaccine, have a medical exemption, or have been vaccinated overseas with an approved vaccine. 

NZ Pass Verifier

We may at times need to utilize the New Zealand Pass Verifier to check passengers vaccine passes. Please have this information with you on the day of travel if you are booked on our tours. This does not apply to our regular transport services.

​Please note: If you tell us upon booking that you are vaccinated but are unable to provide this information then we will not be able to transport you, and will be unable to offer you a refund or travel credit.

View Govt. Traffic Light System Updates Here