COVID-19 Travel Information
COVID-19 Information
On this page you will find useful information on travelling with InterCity during the COVID-19 pandemic. For information on current services and timetables please view our Network Updates page.
Sections
General Information
InterCity will continue to operate throughout New Zealand. Our safety measures are in line with the government's COVID-19 Protection Guidelines, for more information visit the Ministry of Transport website. Passengers are no longer required to wear masks on InterCity services. You are, of course, welcome to wear a mask when you travel with us if desired, and you must not travel if you're feeling unwell. For more information please visit covid19.govt.nz
Please see below for frequently asked questions.
Vaccination Requirements
Do I need to be vaccinated to travel on InterCity bus services?
You do not need to present a vaccination certificate to travel.
Will I need to provide either a My Vaccine Pass or evidence of a negative COVID test under the traffic light setting?
No, there are no restrictions.
Why are unvaccinated people allowed on the bus?
Public transport operators – including InterCity – do not deny travel based on vaccination status.
I'm unvaccinated/I don't want to confirm my vaccination status. Am I allowed to travel?
Yes, you can still travel. Please be aware that some of the cafes where we make rest stops may still have some COVID-19 safety measures in place including wearing masks inside.
Masks
Do I have to wear a mask on the bus?
Passengers are no longer required to wear masks on InterCity. You are, of course, welcome to wear a mask when you travel with us.
For more information about masks and homemade face coverings, visit the official government COVID-19 website.
If you are unwell or are self–isolating
Can I still travel if I'm feeling sick?
No. Please stay home and do not travel if you are sick or have any of the following symptoms: a new cough, fever, shortness of breath, sore throat, sneezing and runny nose or a temporary loss of taste or smell. For more information visit covid19.govt.nz
Can I get a refund if I have COVID-19?
If you have booked a Flexible Fare, you may cancel and receive a full refund up to 2 hours prior to travel. If you have booked a Standard Fare, this is non-refundable. However, we are able to offer you credit for future travel if you contact us prior to travel and provide proof that you have been directed to self-isolate.
If you have an upcoming booking and would like to postpone your travel, you can log in to change your booking online, or contact us with your booking details.
Cancellations
What happens if my service is cancelled by InterCity?
If your service is cancelled by InterCity our team will contact you, you will be entitled to either a full refund or a transfer to an available service regardless of fare type.
What if I booked Gold Seating and it has now been cancelled by InterCity?
From time to time we may cancel gold seating for a variety of reasons, if your Gold seat is cancelled we will rebook you to a standard seat on the same service and a partial refund will be provided,
What happens if my trip is cancelled due to COVID-19 travel restrictions?
If your trip is cancelled because travel restrictions mean we can't operate your service, your booking will be refunded. Please be patient as our team works to notify affected customers and process refunds.
My child is travelling as an unaccompanied minor
My child is travelling as an unaccompanied minor and is unvaccinated. Will they be seated away from other adult passengers?
We do endeavour to seat unaccompanied minors (ages 7-12) in rows 1-5 of standard seating (or the first 1-5 rows of Gold seating if that seat class has been booked). However, this cannot be guaranteed, therefore your child may be seated next to other adult passengers.
Can my child still travel if they haven't been vaccinated?
Yes, children can still travel on board our services as unaccompanied minors if they are unvaccinated.
Does my unaccompanied minor need to wear a mask?
Passengers are no longer required to wear masks on InterCity services. Children are, of course, welcome to wear a mask when they travel with us if desired.
For more information about masks and homemade face coverings, visit the official government COVID-19 website.
General
Will there be social distancing on the bus?
As per the government's COVID-19 Response, social distancing is not required on public transport.
What safety measures are you putting in place to ensure passengers are safe during COVID?
We will be following the government's COVID-19 Response guidelines.
Will there be hand sanitiser available on the bus?
Yes, there will be sanitiser on our buses.
I’m booking a ticket for someone else, but I would like to use my InterCity account. Can they still travel if the ticket is under my name?
No – as stated in our terms and conditions, only the person named on the ticket is permitted to travel.
My first name and surname are the same in the InterCity tracking/passenger app. Will this be an issue?
Please contact our call centre and we will happily correct your name in our booking system.
Are your Auckland agents open to make bookings?
Yes. You can also book online or call our contact centre between the hours of 7am – 6pm.
Sightseeing Tours
Our InterCity sightseeing tours take you to attractions, experiences and venues which may require you to wear masks, and you must not travel if you're feeling unwell. See below for frequently asked questions.
I am booked on a sightseeing tour. Do I have to be vaccinated?
From the 5th of April 2022, there is no requirement to present evidence of vaccination to board the tour.