Preparing for your Tour / On Tour / Money / Booking your Tour:
Preparing for your Tour:
Q. How many people will be on my
tour?
A.
Our overland tours take a maximum of 24 people. We carry on average 8
to 15 people except in High Season when we usually depart will a full
vehicle.
Q. What sort of people travel with you?
Is there an age limit?
A. We
have people from all walks of life and from all parts of the world
travel with us. Our passengers range in age, a large number are solo
travellers along with couples and friends travelling together. We have
an 'open' age range of 18 to 55 (up...). We have had passengers in
their early 60's who have had a blast. If you are fit and healthy (but
you do not have to be super-fit..), have a spirit for adventure, are
able to put up your own tent, are able to 'muck in' and help with the
cooking etc then you are able to enjoy these tours. But you must be
aware that this is not luxury touring; we camp, we eat from the truck,
we do not stay in luxury hotels. But it is not slumming either!
Campsites and hostels/lodges in NZ are very good. For travellers over the age of 60, we request a doctors certificate. We do not take people under the age of 18 on our tours HOWEVER if you are
interested in a private tour with members under the age of 18, let us know and we’ll see if we can
organise a dedicated charter for you.
Q. Am I suited to group travel?
A. Some
of our passengers have never been on a group tour before. Our trips
allow plenty of free time for you to do your own thing - within the
framework of the itinerary. Even though this is 'group travel' we
recognise your needs as individuals. On nights where we stay in hotels,
you can opt to go out as a group, or simply do your own thing. As long
as you are there in time for departure... We appeal to people who want the fun, freedom and flexibility of
independent travel, but want to make the most of their time and prefer that
someone else takes care of the hassles and organisation.
Q. Does it matter if I am travelling on my own?
Q. What should I
pack?
A.
A backpack or duffel bag is the most suitable type of luggage to bring.
We do not not recommend suitcases (or wheelie bags) as they are
difficult to carry and take up a lot of space on the truck. Each
passenger is responsible for their own bag so pack what you can carry -
most airlines allow only 20Kgs in weight. We also recommend you bring a
day bag to use on a daily basis - saves dragging your big backpack from
the truck every night stop.
Q. Do I need a sleeping
bag?
A. Yes. We do
however supply a comfy sleeping mattress. We would suggest a 3 season
sleeping bag as there will be some cooler nights
Q. Are your tours physically
demanding?
A. It depends on how many activties you want to do! Some activities are a little
more strenuous ie ice climbing etc, however the majority of what is available en-route is well within the
capability of any healthy person.
Q. Can I charge my digital camera or other batteries
on my trip?
A.
You should bring your own adaptors and spare batteries. The truck does
has 240V charging points for cameras and phone batteries, but you will
not always be on the truck. When you are in Lodges / Hostels / Motels
you can of course charge your equipment if you have the necessary
adaptor.
Q. Do I need travel insurance?
A. Travel
Insurance is compulsory for all tours. All passengers must be insured
to cover personal accident, medical expenses, cancellation, curtailment
and repatriation. No passenger will be allowed on tours without
suitable insurance. Please produce this at the pre-departure meeting
and give details to your tour leader. If you are considering optional
excursions such as Bungy jumping, white water rafting, or diving please
ensure your policy covers such activities.
Q. Can I get more detailed information about my
tour?
A. We
have detailed dossiers / itineraries on all our trips that you can
download from this site. If you have trouble, just contact us and we
can email you a PDF copy.
On Tour:
Q. What facilities does your truck
have?
A.
Our vehicle has been built to be as comfortable as possible. Seats are
mostly forward facing coach seats with head rests, and there are two
tables with fours seats each that you can use to play cards or write
postcards / diaries etc.. We have a a safe for your valuables, a stereo
with an MP3 adaptor and even a well stocked mini library. We provide 3
person dome tents, sleeping mattresses, kitchen prep tables, high
backed campseats, all necessary cooking equipment ie grills or gas
burners, all kitchen utensils, pots, pans, knives, chopping boards and
washing bowls. Of course we also provide crockery and eating utensils
and we have a mini fridge (cool box) on board. The truck is heated for
the colder climes, has internal and external lighting and a kitchen
awning for shade and wet weather cover..
Q. What facilities are at the campsites?
A.
The campsites we use are great. They are chosen for their location and
facilities. The shower blocks are well maintained, the kitchen areas
are clean and you can always upgrade to a 'chalet' or room if there is
one available. This is an optional upgrade so you will need to pay for
this. We chip in the cost of your campsite. Most of the campgrounds
have a TV room, washing facilities and some have a pool - or better
still, are right on the water!
Q. What accommodation can I expect on tour?
A. We use the following types of accommodation: primarily we camp, we use Hostels in the joining cities and larger towns, we use a couple of Lodges / Farmstays in the South Island. We use Dorm Rooms only when necessary on tour, and sometimes it is necessary - other than that you will be in twin, doubles, triples or quads. If you are by chance the only single male / female traveller on the tour, you will not be given a single room unless you wish to pay for the upgrade. You will be in a triple or quad with other same sex travellers, or Dorm Rooms where applicable. If there are enough tents, you can have your own if you wish or you will be paired with a same sex traveller if you are travelling alone. Most of the campsites have 'chalets' or bungalows you can upgrade to. These are booked in advance for High Season and upon arrival at other times. These are booked on a first come first served basis, and we do not pre-book them before the actual tour starts. Your Crew wil ask you at the beginning of the tour if you would like upgrades at any of the campsites we stay at along your tour route.
Q. What is expected of me on your overland tour?
A.
We ask all passengers to participate. 'Duties' can include cooking and
truck/camp cleaning; your Driver will organise a roster at the
beginning of the tour so that everyone does their fair share.
Flexibility is key; you are travelling with a group - either large or
small - and each person will have a different idea of what they want
from the trip. An open mind will allow you to enjoy your surroundings
so much more. You have chosen to come to New Zealand to experience the
country, meet the people and relish the awesome scenery - and of course
eat great local food, taste amazing NZ wine and indulge in some
incredible activties. You should enjoy where you are. Simple.
Q. How safe are my belongings and valuables whilst
on tour?
A. Our trucks are fitted with a lockable safe, where
money belts and passports etc can be stored when travelling. Most hotels have safes either behind
reception or in the rooms. Please note that all items placed in these safe boxes
are done so at your own risk, and that Overland NZ takes no responsibility for such
belongings. When travelling in NZ, you need only be as conscience as you are at home.
Q. Can you cater to my dietary and medical
requirements?
A. Yes. If you have any food allergies / intolerances or if you are a
vegetarian / vegan please inform us at time of booking. Please also inform us when booking
your tour of any medical conditions that you may have, so that we can cater to
any requirements this entails and advise your crew.
Q. What food and drink can I expect on tour?
A. 3 meals a day while camping - breakfast will usually be cereals, toast, tea and coffee, fresh fruit and the
occasional cooked breakfast. Lunch eaten off the truck is
cold; salad and sandwiches; Dinner will depend on what local ingredients have
been bought and will be a mix of eating off the truck or at
local restaurants.. Drinks provided are tea, coffee, water and
cordial. Soft drinks and alcohol can be purchased separately from Liquor stores or pubs.
Q. What will the weather be like?
Money:
Q. What does the tour cost include?
A. The tour cost includes: entrance fees for included sights / highlights, transport, your tour leader / driver, local and specialist guides where required, ferry crossing(s), Tranz Alpine train for certain tours.
Q. What does the local payment cover and what is it?
A. The Local Tour Payment is given to your crew at the beginning of your tour. This is
used to cover the cost of all meals while camping, camp grounds and hotels when
not camping.
This payment is part of your total tour cost and is non-refundable. Local Payment is subject to change without notice although changes are very
rare and are normally due to a sudden or unexpected price increase by a local
service provider. Local Payment is payble in NZ dollars (cash) only.
Q. How much spending money should I expect to take
with me?
Q. Do I need to tip the crew / guide(s)?
Booking
your Tour:
Q. How long beforehand should I book?
A. The most
popular period for New Zealand holidays is from October / November till March / April for the summer season - when our tours tend to fill quite quickly. If you are booking from the UK / Europe it would be advisable to book relatively early to ensure you get flights into NZ over this period. The winter / snow period of August to October is popular in the South Island. We can take bookings for most of our tours right up until the
departure date if there are spaces left, so have a look at the availability, and
if there’s still space we’ll gladly take your booking!
Q. Do you sell flights?
A. No. Depending on where in the world you are, what time of year you are
flying and your route affect flight prices quite differently. Students can obtain 'Student Fares' and younger people can buy 'Youth Fares'. Deals do come up all the time, but summer time here in New Zealand really needs to be booked in advance for te best prices and options.
Q. How can I make a booking
A. You can either use the booking form on this website or contact
the closest agent to you. This site is designed to make booking as easy as possible,but we
do appreciate that sometimes it’s nice to talk to someone in person, so just give us a call!
We can talk you through the whole booking procedure over the phone.
A. The final payment is due in full 4 weeks before the departure of your trip.
A. How do I know which trips
are available?
Q. Have a look at the dates box of each trip, the right
hand column is the availability column. In this 'availability' column, 'L' (Limited)
means that there are only a few places left on the tour but by booking
immediately, you stand a good chance of securing a place on the trip.
'A' (Available) means that there are several places left on the tour, 'G' (Guaranteed) means that the tour is a certainty to run. 'F' of course means full.
Q. Are there deals you offer?