Classic South Island Adventure
Classic South Island Adventure
Classic South Island Adventure
8 Days Starting in Christchurch, New Zealand and ending in Queenstown, New Zealand
Visiting: Christchurch, Arthur's Pass, Ōkārito, Franz Josef Glacier, Makarora, Siberia Hut, Haast Pass Lookout, Blue Pools, Queenstown Trail, Ben Lomond, Kepler Track, Milford Sound / Piopiotahi, Routeburn Track, Te Anau, Queenstown
Tour operator:
Tour code:
ClassicNZ
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
5 - 14
Age range:
16-80
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Discover the depths of New Zealand's backcountry via hiking, biking and kayaking on our Classic South Island Adventure. Get ready for an adventure of a lifetime, exploring New Zealand's most iconic and remote wilderness, with every detail carefully planned on our 8-day Classic South Island Adventure. You'll be truly mind-blown by the array of activities and landscapes you can experience in just eight days. From flying into Siberia Valley, hiking up to Lake Crucible in Mt Aspiring National Park and jet boating out the next morning. Each day brings a unique challenge, a new adventure and a chance to see the South Island in ways very few experience. If you're ready to take in the wilderness of the West Coast, hike part of the Routeburn Track and spend a day in the charming mountain town of Queenstown, look no further than our Classic South Island Adventure.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive, Hike In Arthur's Pass
Location: Christchurch, Arthur's Pass
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Rainforest Retreat, Franz Josef
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner,
Most people leave the Northern Hemisphere on a Friday evening, arriving in Auckland early Sunday morning. You’ll lose a day crossing the dateline – but you get it back on the way home! It’s a short flight from Auckland to Christchurch on the South Island where we’ll meet you. We’ll then travel into the Southern Alps to hike Devil’s Punchbowl in Arthur’s Pass. The walk will take you through native beech forest to an awesome 131 meter (430 feet) waterfall, so make sure you have your camera handy! From there, we’ll head down the coast to Franz Josef where we’ll stay the night. Nestled in the rainforest-clad foothills of the Southern Alps, Franz Josef is the heart of New Zealand's glacier country.Hiking:2 kilometers (1.2 miles), 0.5-1 hour, elevation +/- 100 meters (330 feet)
Day 2 : Kayak Okarito Lagoon And Hike Near Franz Josef Glacier
Location: Ōkārito, Franz Josef Glacier, Makarora
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Wonderland Lodge, Makarora
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
This morning we’ll take a short journey over to Okarito, a little-known beach community on the coast. We’ll take to the water in sea kayaks and glide along a picturesque lagoon, set against a stunning backdrop of snow-capped peaks. Okarito is home to the only native white heron colony in New Zealand, as well as a host of other interesting birds.
You can opt for the heli-hike on Franz Josef Glacier instead of the kayaking if you wish (see information below).
After our activities this morning we’ll regroup back in Franz Josef for some lunch before heading off to check out the glacier! With some 140 glaciers making their way down from the Southern Alps, this area is fittingly known as glacier country. Few sights equal the spectacle of two of these giant frozen rivers (Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers) imperceptibly grinding their way down through the temperate rainforest to just 250 meters (820 feet) above sea level. Our hike will take us along the Waiho River bed up the valley and offer up views of the terminal face of the Franz Josef Glacier. From Franz Josef, we’ll travel down the coast through lush forest, and over the divide to a small mountain village called Makarora, where we’ll enjoy some local fare.Kayaking:2-3 hours OR Heli-Hike on Franz Josef GlacierHiking:4.8 kilometers (3 miles), 2-3 hours, elevation +/- 20 meters (66 feet)Notes:Optional Heli-hike (additional cost applies): An outrageously scenic alternative to this afternoon’s hike is to heli-hike on Franz Josef Glacier itself. After being fitted with crampons, ice axes and so on, you’ll board a modern turbine helicopter and fly towards the highest peaks of the Southern Alps, landing on the glacier at 1300 metres (4265 feet) above sea level. Led by specialist glacier guides, you’ll hike through the grand ice formations of the glacier, checking out its crevasses, seracs and tunnels – no previous experience is required! The constant movement of the glacier means every day is different, so your guides will cut steps in the ice and make sure you make the most of the conditions. At the end of your hike on the ice, you’ll take another helicopter ride out of the mountains and back to civilization.
The heli-hike is extremely popular and must be reserved at time of booking only. Please note also there is a weight limit of 115kg (250 pounds).
Day 3 : Option B: Makarora Adventure: Scenic Flight, Hike Siberia Valley, Jet Boat Wilkin River
Location: Siberia Hut
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Wonderland Lodge, Makarora
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
If you prefer accommodation with modern amenities instead of a mountain hut for the night, then this is the option for you. You’ll head out for a mind-blowing scenic flight into Mt. Aspiring National Park, with a bird’s eye view of the lower Southern Alps, landing in the remote Siberia Valley. From here, you’ll hike downstream along the Wilkin River, through beautiful silver beech (Nothofagus menziesii) forests to a jet boat rendezvous. Then it’s a thrilling ride back to Makarora for dinner and perhaps a well-earned drink at the local pub.Hiking:6.6 kilometers (4.1 miles), 2-3 hours, elevation + 140 meters (460 feet) / - 320 meters (1,050 feet)
Day 3 : Option A: Siberia Valley Wilderness: Scenic Flight, Hike Lake Crucible
Location: Siberia Hut
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Siberia Hut, Mt Aspiring National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
Start Of Multi-Day Options: This morning we’ll make our final preparations for our incredible flight into Mount Aspiring National Park, and true wilderness.
Option A: Siberia Valley Wilderness: Scenic flight, hike Lake Crucible
If you like the idea of staying in one of New Zealand’s most isolated mountain huts, then this option is for you (but let us know early as space is limited!) We’ll start with a stunning scenic flight alongside the snowy Southern Alps to the Siberia Valley airstrip, a short hike from the hut where we’ll spend the night. After lightening your packs at the hut, we will hike up the trail to Lake Crucible, a cauldron-like glacial lake with fantastic views of the valley below. The hike follows the Siberia river upstream for a short while before crossing the river to make our way up into the Crucible Valley. This section of the trail is steep and forested and is where the majority of the 550m (1800 feet) in elevation gain will be tackled. The path will ease eventually, and you’ll cross the Crucible stream, making your way toward the moraine wall and the impressive backdrop of the valley, Mount Alba. The hike at times is strenuous, though the Lake Crucible Valley has exceptional scenic diversity, so it provides a great reward for the efforts you put in. We’ll be there to encourage you the whole way. Tonight, you’ll enjoy a true Kiwi experience at a small mountain hut, tucked within the Siberia Valley, our home for the night!Hiking:7 kilometers (4.3 miles), 6-8 hours, elevation +/- 550 meters (1,800 feet)
Day 4 : Option A: Siberia Valley Wilderness: Hike Siberia Valley, Jet Boat Wilkin River, Bike Queenstown Trail
Location: Siberia Hut
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Heritage Hotel, Queenstown
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch,
After an early start, we spend the morning hiking to Kerin Forks, at the head of the Wilkin River, where we’ll be met by a jet boat for an exhilarating ride back to Makarora to meet up with the rest of the group for lunch. Your load will be little more than a day pack – our guides will carry the lion’s share. You’ll be carrying a backpack with a sleeping bag, a few spare clothes, and some food – no need for any more than that, although if you opt to camp out under the stars the night before, you will be carrying your tent out.
After regrouping in Makarora, we’ll have a picnic lunch before taking a beautiful drive through spectacular glacier-carved valleys. The landscape changes rapidly from dense beech forests to semi-arid mountainous terrain. We'll take a quick stop in Wanaka before a short but dramatic journey over the Cardrona Saddle to Arrowtown, a small historic gold mining village established in the 1800s. We'll hop on bikes to ride a portion of the Queenstown Bike Trail. The trail is well packed and winds along beside the Arrow River, and we'll follow the Arrow Bridges Trail through to Morven Ferry Carpark or the famous Kawarau Bungy Bridge, depending on the group's ability. After our ride, we'll head on to Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu where you’ll sleep sweetly tonight in this alpine town.Hiking:6.6 kilometers (4.1 miles), 2-3 hours, elevation + 140 meters (460 feet) / - 320 meters (1,050 feet)Biking:7.5-13 kilometers (4.6-8.1 miles), 1-2 hour, elevation +/- 127 meters (416 feet)
Day 4 : Option B: Makaroa Adventure: Hike Haast Pass Lookout And Blue Pools, Bike Queenstown Trail
Location: Haast Pass Lookout, Blue Pools, Queenstown Trail
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Heritage Hotel, Queenstown
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch,
This morning we’ll head back toward the West Coast and stop off at the top of Haast Pass to walk up to the Haast Pass Lookout. The trail has a steady incline and doesn’t let off until you reached the top, though the views from above the tree line are well worth the climb! On our way back to Makarora, we’ll check out the iconic Blue Pools, nestled among mature beech and podocarp forest, these pools of deep, clear water flowing into the Makarora River offer a moment of tranquillity. Alternatively, you can have a relaxing sleep in and spend your morning soaking up the mountain views.
After regrouping in Makarora, we’ll have a picnic lunch before taking a beautiful drive through spectacular glacier-carved valleys. The landscape changes rapidly from dense beech forests to semi-arid mountainous terrain. We'll take a quick stop in Wanaka before a short but dramatic journey over the Cardrona Saddle to Arrowtown, a small historic gold mining village established in the 1800s. We'll hop on bikes to ride a portion of the Queenstown Bike Trail. The trail is well packed and winds along beside the Arrow River, and we'll follow the Arrow Bridges Trail through to Morven Ferry Carpark or the famous Kawarau Bungy Bridge, depending on the group's ability. After our ride, we'll head on to Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu where you’ll sleep sweetly tonight in this alpine town.Hiking:Haast Pass Hike: 3.5 kilometers (2.2 miles), 1 hour return, elevation +/- 107 meters (351 feet)Hiking:Blue Pools Hike: 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles), 1 hour return, elevation +/- 54 meters (177 feet)Biking:7.5-13 kilometers (4.6-8.1 miles), 1-2 hour, elevation +/- 127 meters (416 feet)
Day 5 : Gondola Ride, Hike Ben Lomond Or Free Day In Queenstown
Location: Ben Lomond
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Heritage Hotel, Queenstown
Meals Included: No Meals
Today you have two options – a full day hike or a free day to yourself. For those keen for an alpine hike, you’ll meet your guide at reception at 9am, ready to head up the Ben Lomond Track. To save our legs a little, we’ll take a short gondola ride up to Bob’s Peak, which is 450 meters (1476 feet) above Queenstown. From there, we’ll head out along the trail through alpine tussock-land towards the summit of Ben Lomond. From this vantage point, you’ll find yourself immersed in amazing views over Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu, which are themselves dwarfed by the surrounding mountains including Mt. Aspiring. As an alternative, you can have a free day to explore on your own. Queenstown is the adventure capital of New Zealand (if not the world!) and all the comforts of civilisation are packed into this tiny resort town: restaurants galore, sidewalk cafés, stylish lounge bars, day spas, and boutiques. You’ll also find incredible optional activities here including horse trekking, kayaking, fishing, winery tours, hang gliding, mountain biking, bungy jumping, jet boating and skydiving. Or you can just soak up the atmosphere or lounge about reading a book. Your guides will happily share their favourite haunts and point you in the right direction if you choose to have a free day today.Hiking:8 kilometers (5 miles), 4-5 hours, elevation +/- 978 meters (3,208 feet)
Day 6 : Hike Kepler Track
Location: Kepler Track
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Matai Lodge or Distinction Luxmore Hotel, Te Anau
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
This morning we’ll make our way around Lake Wakatipu, leaving behind the towering Remarkables and head west to the small town of Te Anau, the gateway to Milford Sound. This afternoon we’ll take a hike on the famous Kepler Track, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks - we follow the track through mountain beech forest and along the Waiau River. It’s an awesome hike with spectacular views! Tonight we’ll stay on the edge of Lake Te Anau, enjoying the scenery and the delicious local fare.Hiking:9.5 kilometers (6 miles), 2-3 hours, elevation +/- 50 meters (165 feet)
Day 7 : Milford Sound Cruise, Hike Routeburn Track
Location: Milford Sound / Piopiotahi, Routeburn Track, Te Anau
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Matai Lodge or Distinction Luxmore Hotel, Te Anau
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
It’s an early start this morning as we set off for our largest and perhaps most spectacular national park, Fiordland. We’ll take a short drive through the Homer Tunnel and emerge at the top of a spectacular glacier-carved valley for a memorable descent to the shore of Milford Sound. Rudyard Kipling rated this fiord as the eighth natural wonder of the world and it is truly breathtaking, with steep granite walls plunging over a thousand meters to the Tasman Sea and waterfalls cascading into the deep inky water. We’ll jump on board the first boat cruise of the day, where we’ll have the water to ourselves, as we gaze in wonder at the waterfalls tumbling down enormous vertical rock faces all around and journey right out to the entrance of the fiord. We may be lucky enough to encounter the friendly fur seals and dolphins that are sometimes in the area. Afterwards, we’ll explore the Fiordland wilderness on foot again, with a hike to Key Summit on the famous Routeburn Track. The panoramic views are incredible from this vantage point and you’ll probably get to meet New Zealand’s notoriously cheeky and intelligent alpine parrot, the kea (Nestor notabilis). After our hike, we’ll continue heading out of Milford Sound to return for our last night on the shores of Lake Te Anau. Tonight we’ll enjoy a celebratory dinner for our last night.Hiking:3.4 kilometers (2 miles), 3-4 hours, elevation +/- 380 meters (1,246 feet)
Day 8 : Depart For Home
Location: Queenstown
Meals Included: Breakfast,
After breakfast, we’ll return to Queenstown. This is the end of your trip and you’ll have had an exhilarating week. We’ll leave you buzzing with excitement, but feeling relaxed and refreshed as well! If you're keen to extend your trip and see what the North Island has to offer (Maori culture, pristine beaches, and geothermal areas) check out our 11-day Ultimate North Island Adventure (5-day options also available).
What's Included
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Accommodation
All accommodations for the duration of your trip.
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Fully Guided
Highly experienced guides on this tour.
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Transport
Transportation in our air-conditioned vans - safe, clean, modern, and comfortable!
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Meals
All meals except where indicated in the itinerary.
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Industry-leading Guest-to-Guide ratio (averaging 6:1)
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Your own ‘Travel Wallet’, an online space with everything required for your adventure
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Our knowledgeable Customer Service Team to answer your queries - just a phone call, email or chat away
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Customer Service pre-trip phone calls to ensure you’re 'trip ready'
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Unlimited snacks to keep you fueled
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All activities outlined in the itinerary
What's Not Included
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Additional Services
Gratuities for your guides at the end of your fabulous trip
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Insurance
Travel insurance
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International Travel
International flights are not included.
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Optional
Optional extra activities
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15% NZ Goods and Services Tax (GST)
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Alcoholic beverages
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Gear on packing list (optional to rent some equipment)
Trip Notes
Check out our Q&As
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What is the maximum group size?
The max group size is 14 people.
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
As detailed in itinerary.
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What is the tipping policy?
Tipping is neither required nor routinely expected in New Zealand, but it is appropriate for very good service. In New Zealand you don't usually tip in restaurants, or if you take a taxi, or get a haircut. Many of our guests do choose to tip our guides and we recommend USD$20 per day, per guest, per guide.
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Are flights included in this tour?
International/Domestic Flights are not included.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes, Local English speaking guide on this tour.
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
Yes, All park and other entry fees are included.
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
Activity Level 3: Step It Up, I love an active vacation. Engaging in a challenging activity with a difficult goal, such as reaching a summit, is exactly what I need to unwind in the evenings. Hiking: Typically, 3-6 hours per day on well-formed backcountry trails. Expect some significant gradient inclines and declines. Altitude: Your trip may include some moderate altitude areas, though these don't form the focus of the trip and are generally manageable. Biking: 1-3 hours on well-formed paths or roads where you can expect some hills with moderate climbs and descents. Kayaking: 1-3 hours, entry-level sea kayaking with specialist guides and stable boats. Other activities (i.e. caving): Always optional and very little exertion required. A highlight for many!
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What is the minimum group size?
The min group size is 5 people.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You are covered by our Active Adventures Assurance policy.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1996
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Our trips attract a wide range of people from all different backgrounds, countries and ages, which makes our small group adventures all the more interesting and fun. All our people tend to enjoy active lifestyles, great food, good company and new experiences. If this sounds like you, then you’ll be in good company
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
We send online booking information via our club page you’ll gain access to your trip notes, destination information, a detailed gear list and all the information you need for your trip. There are a few things to fill in – medical and dietary information, extra accommodation requests, gear hire requests etc. – to ensure you are well prepared for your adventure vacation.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Travellers Against Plastic
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
No
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes,
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
When it comes to the safety of our guests, it has always been our number one priority. We’ve introduced strict protocols to adhere to current Covid safety guidelines that are relative to the destination, country and location of your adventure – these are dependent on the current rules and restrictions that are in place at the time of your trip.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Health and safety are just as important as the amazing places in the most stunning parts of the world we travel. Another focus of ours is having a good place to rest and rejuvenate at the end of a busy day, and to make sure we are fully charged for the next day’s activities, so you’ll always find yourself in a clean, comfortable room.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
No
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Free Date Changes
Active Adventures allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 90 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Active Adventures allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform active adventures, 90 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Active Adventures requires a minimum deposit of 500 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of active adventures charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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COVID-19 Proof of Vaccination or Testing For trips in the United States:?Vaccination is not required. All guests must adhere to the current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regulations and guidelines.
For all International trips (all destinations except the United States):?All guests aged 13 years and above must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at least fourteen (14) days prior to the commencement of travel.?
We accept vaccines authorized or recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).
Adults who cannot be vaccinated due to valid medical exemptions will need to provide a negative COVID-19 test result (official paper or official electronic record) showing the test was carried out no later than 72 hours before the trip starts. Testing must be performed by an approved entity.
Proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or negative test (where applicable) must be provided prior to the start of your trip (only official vaccination card or electronic record will be accepted).
Proof of Vaccination or Negative Test must include identifying information (full name), as well as the vaccination or the test dates.
Proof of Vaccination must demonstrate the final dose of the vaccine was administered at least fourteen (14) days prior to the commencement of your trip.
You will be required to upload Proof of Vaccination into your Travel Wallet prior to departure.
If Proof of Vaccination or a Negative Test is not produced at the commencement of travel with us, you will not be allowed to travel. You will not be eligible to receive a refund of any sums paid to us if this occurs.??
Guests must comply with any additional vaccination or testing requirements and/or additional health and safety measures that are required to travel in their chosen destination. We recommend using?CIBT for up-to-date requirements.?
We do not grant any exceptions to this vaccination and testing policy.?