Vehicle Suitability

1) Is my vehicle going to be suitable?

There once was a time when all 4WD vehicles were Landrover’s and life was simple, if tough. Now we have a multitude of 4WD and All wheel Drive vehicles with varying degrees of off road capability.We only catered for low ratio equipped high clearance vehicles. Low ratio equipped, high ground clearance vehicles: Suitable for all NZ Adventures Safaris. These vehicles are fitted with a transfer gearbox giving high and low ratios and also have high ground clearance and high profile tyres. This applies to most Utility style single cab, extra and double cab 4WD vehicles. Examples might be Toyota Hilux, Mazda BT 50, Bounty. Ford Ranger, Courier. Mitsubishi Triton.

THE SUITABLE: LIST:

Would also include Nissan Safari, Patrol, Pathfinder, Terrano , Navara D40 & D22. Mistral. Isuzu Bighorn,  Mu & MUX. Honda Horizon & Crossroad. Holden Jackaroo, Monteray & Colorado 7. Mazda Marvie, Suzuki Vitara & Jimny ( 2 persons only in Vitara & Jimny) . Diahatsu Rocky (2 Persons only) Mitsubishi Pajero, Proceed, Challengers & L300 Vans ,Toyota Surf, Prado, Landcruisers (all series including the same vehicles branded as Lexus) Landrover Defender , Discovery & Range Rover. Jeep (any with Low range Transmission). Ford Explorer & Maverick, Great Wall X & V240, Ssangyong Rexton. All vehicles need to be driven carefully and with all due regard to avoid damage as track conditions do alter generally due to weather conditions.

Vehicles with Low Profile Tyres fitted either new or aftermarket are not suitable for NZ Adventures Tours.

THE NOT SUITABLE LIST:

Vehicles would generally (there have been exceptions) include the following, Audi Q7, all subarus , BMW X3, X5, & X9, VW Tiguan, Landrover Freelander, Mercedes GL & M & ML Class, Ford Escape & Territory, Honda CRV, Hyundai Tuscon, Nissan X Trail & Mirano, Toyota Highlander, Harrier/Lexus RX, Rav 4, Volvo XC, Holden Captiva, Mitsubishi Outlander, Airtrek, & RVR, Ssangyong Kyron, SSangyong Workmate, Kia Sorento, Hyundai Sante Fe & Tuscon. Skoda Yeti. Later Model Vitaras, LDV, Great Wall, Foton.

Please Note: This list is not definitive, there are always suitable new models coming along. So, you have any questions or a vehicle you are unsure about, please give us a ring to discuss your vehicle with us.

Only Low ratio equipped, high ground clearance vehicles are suitable for the High Country Heritage,  West Coast Explorer, Eastern Explorer, Big Sky & 46 South tours. On these tours we go into areas that require a bit more ground clearance, longer climbs and some river crossings.

Are my tyres suitable for this tour?

TYRES: Before we talk specifics on tyres, whatever tyres you have on your vehicle they must (including the spare) have at least 70% tread life left,

with no cuts or carcass damage. This terrain is rocky and can be quite hard on tyres. It is a fact that most tyre problems occur in the last half of the tyre’s life!

The minimum standard for all our trips is that tyres are of AT or All Terrain Type. These have a greater gap to tread ratio than road tyres and generally have a stronger construction.

Low Profile tyres are NOT suitable for our tours. They tend to be puncture prone and generally lacking in durability.

Do I need a winch or snorkel?

No, you do not need a winch or snorkel for any of our tours. Snorkels are however cheap insurance and if you often spend your time off road or drive in dusty conditions one should be considered.

 Is there any special equipment I need on my vehicle?

When you send your deposit in we send back to you, along with other paperwork a Preparation guide. This tells you what we recommend you bring and what we recommend for the vehicle. But basically any stock standard 4WD vehicle is already 95% ready for our tours.

Basic vehicle equipment:

Talk of recovery gear may get some into a cold sweat, but like all good Scouts we like to be prepared - just in case. Though we have no intention

of getting anyone stuck, please remember that we are going a good way

off road and none of us can control every eventuality, especially the weather - and the person behind the wheel........!

Fire risk:

We are likely to drive through areas of high fire risk. Our entry permits state that all vehicles must carry a minimum 2.5 kg fire extinguisher Dry powder or CO2, in working order. Please note that no smoking is permitted anywhere on private and DOC land.

Extras.

A strong metal handled spade. Strong, rated tow hooks front and rear of your vehicle. There are usually some on the vehicle, but are sometimes they are light duty items. Accessory hooks are cheap and easily fitted. If you aren’t sure get them checked at a 4WD shop. Usually any recovery points fitted by the manufacturer to your vehicle are more than adequate for our tours.  An 8000kg  - 9mtr Snatch strap & 2 x 3.2 ton rated shackles should be carried under the seat of any vehicle going off road.

If it is wet we may be reducing tyre pressures, so you may want to bring an accurate tyre pressure gauge. If you have a compressor you may wish to bring this along also but not a neccesity.

 Basic Check List.

- THERMOS FLASK and cup.

- SPARE TYRE ( No Space Saver)

- FIRE EXTINGUISHER (Minimum 2.5kg) dry powder or CO2

- A SPADE OR SHOVEL

- WARM CLOTHING / WARM HAT / SUNGLASSES / SUN BLOCK / SUNHAT

- MEDICATION - INSECT REPELLENT

- CAMERA / BATTERIES / BATTERY CHARGERS

- SNATCH STRAP & RATED SHACKLE

- SUPPORTIVE UNDERGARMENTS SUGGESTED FOR THE LADIES

- GUMBOOTS ( West COAST EXPLORER)

-SLEEPING BAGS (46 SOUTH)

- A FOLD UP CHAIR FOR PICNIC LUNCH.

PLEASE ENSURE YOU ADVISE NZ ADVENTURES ABOUT ANY DIETARY REQUIREMENTS YOU HAVE.

This is not an issue for us, but we need to know in advance so we can advise our meal providers so that your requirements can be catered for.