Health and Safety Policy
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​We are very fortunate to live in NZ with minimal travel restrictions under Level 1 and 2. New Zealand is one of the safest places in the world to travel, however we shouldn’t take this for granted and we all, as the Team of Five Million, need to do our part to keep ourselves and each other safe.
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Taste Of Plenty (a division of Mount Classic Tours Ltd) has always prioritised health and safety, ensuring all travellers and staff have a safe travel experience throughout New Zealand. With the onset of Covid-19 in 2020 this priority has assumed an even greater importance and the following provides some peace of mind to our travellers, their family and friends.
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Changes to Covid-19 Alert Levels / Tour Departure Date Changes
Should NZ Covid-19 Alert Levels change prior to your tour commencing and the tour cannot go ahead, we will endeavour to change the date of the tour and with mutual agreement, move your booking to the new date. Should that not be suitable to you we will provide a full refund, or we can hold the funds in trust for a future tour once travel can resume.
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Please note that most tours can proceed at Levels 1 and 2.​
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COVID-19 vaccinations
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For the health and safety of all passengers and staff on all our tours, we now require all traveler's to be fully vaccinated for Covid-19 or hold a medical exemption. Proof of this is required at the time of booking.
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If you have an exemption from mask wearing proof of this is also required.
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If your tour was booked prior to the 2nd October 2021 then you may still travel with us but we do encourage you to have your vaccination completed before the date of the tour.
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COVID-19 travel restrictions
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Where a tour has to be cancelled due to government restrictions relating to COVID-19, then we will offer a 100% refund OR offer an alternative date for the tour to operate. See our Health & Safety policy here
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What You Can Expect When Travelling with Us
As part of Mount Classic Tours, our team have a combined 100+ years of experience in the NZ travel industry. Travelling with us means travelling with friends. We believe in personal service and treating our travellers like family.
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We operate small group tours with, on average, 25% spare seats for comfort and roominess - with the advent of Covid-19 and social distancing this philosophy is even more important. Our smaller groups allow more space in the vehicle, opportunity to reduce contact with crowds of people and of course that we can look out for each other.
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​Our team regularly update themselves with Ministry of Health Guidelines and Best Practice in relation to Covid-19. In addition, the government service Healthline is available to our travellers and guides should they have any concerns.
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​According to Ministry of Transport guidelines wearing a mask onboard is encouraged, however it is not mandatory as we are operating an organised tour. If you feel a throat tickle or have a cough then for the protection and peace of mind of other travellers, we do encourage you to wear one. Likewise, your driver/guide may or may not wear a mask at his/her discretion if it impedes with communications and/or his ability to operate the vehicle safely.
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As part of an organised tour, your guide will check into all locations we visit as part of our itinerary. We hold a list of names and contact details for all our travellers and we can refer to these where necessary. You are welcome to sign in via the Covid-19 Tracer App QR code that you will find on the door of each tour vehicle. Should you visit other locations whilst having free time on tour then it is your responsibility to check in for yourself.
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We only use quality food producers and restaurants. These businesses have been hand selected not only for their outstanding produce and food but their commitment to providing a safe and clean environment. We also require them to provide us with written confirmation that they have met the standards required under the NZ Health and Safety Act 2015 and Ministry of Health Covid-19 Guidelines.
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Hand sanitiser is available on all vehicles for the use by travellers and staff
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Face masks are available should you require one, however we encourage you to bring your own from home
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A clean rubbish bag will be available in the vehicle each day for personal rubbish however where possible please dispose of your rubbish in bins outside the vehicle
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Our Mutual Responsibility:
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Washing hands regularly and sneezing/coughing into your arm
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Being aware of others needs and being kind
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If you require a mask on board, please ask your guide
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Dispose of all tissues and used masks thoughtfully
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Use seat pockets only for pamphlets, books etc…. and not personal hygiene products
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Professional Industry Groups
As part of Mount Classic Tours Ltd, Taste Of Plenty is a member of the following industry groups:
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NZ Tourism Industry Association (www.tia.org.nz)
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Qualmark (www.qualmark.co.nz)
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New Zealand Cruise Association (www.newzealandcruiseassociation.com)
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These industry groups provide standards and recommendations put together by tourism professionals to ensure members have access to the best and most comprehensive advice for all areas of the business.
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In particularly Tourism New Zealand’s own quality standards organisation - Qualmark has a mandatory requirement that all members achieve Covid-19 certification. This is a comprehensive audit of a business and its procedures to ensure they meet global regulatory standards with the World Travel and Tourism Council. Taste Of Plenty has just undergone this audit successfully and can carry the ‘Covid Clean Approved’ logo.
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General
We look forward to welcoming you on our tours and reassure you that we are and will do everything within our power to provide you with a safe, clean, wonderful tour. And please, if you have any concerns, please contact our office.
Further information and the latest government travel advice can be found at: www.covid19.govt.nz
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