Frequently Asked Questions

VEHICLE SUITABILITY
All tours are suitable for shiny, street going, high clearance 4x4 vehicles fitted with low range gearboxes. These are off road tours, not aggressive tough-truck bashes, your family 4x4 will be perfectly adequate. Vehicles do not require special modifications, but must be in sound mechanical order with special attention paid to tyre life. A detailed trip preparation guide is sent on booking. Call NZ Adventures if you have any questions regarding skills or your vehicle’s capabilities.

Please note: NZ Adventures require All Terrain Tyres for all the Tours.

FUEL
All our tours finish in a town each night, therefore extra fuel is not required and MUST NOT be carried in or on vehicles.

EXPERIENCE
No, you do not require prior off road experience. However drivers must be competent and confident of their general driving skills. Drivers must also be familiar and confident driving on loose gravel roads. Prior to a Safari you can undertake some all day drives over winding gravel roads in your area as preparation. Once underway we will ease you gradually into the off road driving. The pace set off road is gentle and deliberate (forget Barry and Scotty in the Hilux ads) and you will be following close to the vehicle in front. All vehicles are supplied with radios. NZ Adventures guides will be monitoring progress and helping with advice both at the briefings and throughout the day.

FITNESS
Though you should be in good general health you don’t have to be especially fit to enjoy the Safari. Though generally not suitable for children, we get people of all ages right through to elderly adventurers. There are lots of opportunities to get out and walk, but it is not required that you do so. We try to stick to 8.00 am  starts, 10.00am morning tea, 12.00-2.00 pm lunch and 7.30 dinner, however as we are going into genuine wilderness we can’t run to coach tour timetables and some of the days may be up to 8-10 hours duration (depending on weather conditions or the speed of the group) which can make for a tiring day. It is always possible take the option to cut out part of the route on any day.

WHERE WE GO
More than just a chance to drive off road, these Safaris are a guided tour experience that is unique to NZ Adventures and unique to New Zealand. Though not tough-truck bashes NZ Adventures do take you far off the beaten track into truly magical country. Most of the tracks we use are hard based, often over stony ground but also hard packed clay. The range of terrain is enormous, from the pristine beech rain forest, valleys and passes on the West Coast Explorer Safari, to high tussock uplands and mountains on the High Country Heritage, Big Sky, Eastern & 46 South Tours.. With our focus on environmentally sustainable off road touring NZ Adventures has gained the confidence of an unprecedented number of land owners and managers. Along the way we make many stops, for photos and to see historic sites, and to meet some of the back country characters. Our interpretative pack and maps will give further insight into the regions and properties we are traveling through.

GROUP SIZE - PASSENGERS - PETS AND BIKES
Group sizes vary between seven and 15 vehicles and twenty four to twenty eight people(smaller group sizes by special arrangement and price). You may travel with anywhere between one and five people per vehicle. We do not allow pets of any kind, nor are we licensed for mountain bike riding.

RISKS- RESPONSIBILTY
Though we aim not to damage vehicles or scare anyone, bear in mind though that these are genuine outdoor adventures in a rugged outdoor environment which is largely beyond our control. The tracks and structures we are using are not maintained and hazards seen and unseen are present. Some of the tracks climb to considerable heights and there are are subsequently considerable drops from these tracks. Miscalculation on the part of the driver, or even those on foot could have very severe consquences. Rivers also pose hazards, as do other users and mountain weather. If you are not capable of, or prepared to take responsibility for your own actions in this outdoor environment, then this is not the trip for you. Consumption of alcohol during the day’s programme is not permitted.

ACCOMMODATION AND MEALS
All accommodation is in 3-4 star motels, lodges or hotels and each room has private facilities. Meals are comprehensive: a choice of full cooked or light breakfast, filling picnic or homestead lunches, and 2-3 course set menu or buffet meals. Most establishments have bar facilities on site.

Food allergies can be accommodated for, however we must be notified before the tour begins preferably at the time of booking.

Costs are based on twin share, double or single beds. Single room occupancy supplement entails extra cost. Accommodation and meals are NOT included for the night before each tour. Accommodation begins the night of first day and includes the final night. Meals begin with morning tea on the first day thru to breakfast on the morning the tour breaks up.

OUR GUIDES
NZ Adventures four wheel drive guides are all qualified 4x4 drivers, first aiders and experienced tour guides. We are all passionate about our back country heritage and welcome the chance to share it with you. Two guides are involved in each tour. They are equipped with a Toyota Landcruiser heavy duty 4x4 with 4 tonne winch, recovery gear, tools, tyre repair kit, first aid, EPIRB, Satphone and even tea making facilities. Don’t think however that all this equipment gets used a lot - apart from the tea making gear which is always popular - we endeavour never to need to use a winch. For short bios on our guides see the web site – in the about NZA section.

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED?
The only items not included in the safaris are; Drinks and refreshments, personal services, mini bars, laundry etc, vehicle expenses and fuel.

TRAVEL INSURANCE
We recommend you take out comprehensive travel insurance....
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PAYMENTS
A $300.00 per person, non refundable booking fee is required to make a reservation. A Tax Invoice will be sent with your confirmation and preparation guide. Final payment date is approx. 90 days prior.

This date is indicated on your Tax Invoice.

FURTHER DETAILS
Preparation : Start information and a preparation guide will be sent on booking.

Contact us:
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