South Island Discoverer New Zealand Tour Details

What IS included in the Tour Cost

All transport whilst on tour as per itinerary - overland tour vehicle, boat, raft
Camping equipment – sleeping mattresses and dome tents supplied
Services of professional crew
The main sites listed in the trip dossier
Mountain bikes for passenger use
On board library
All listed Included Highlights
Food – meals as per itinerary (B, L, D)
Accommodation as per itinerary whilst on tour

Hanmer Springs Hot Pools Entrance + Towel
Molesworth Station excursion
Abel Tasman National Park
Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki
BBQ Sunset dinner at Gillespies Beach
Milford Sound Cruise + Lunch
Winery Stop / Tasting
Canterbury High Country Station overnight stay

What is NOT included in the Tour Cost

International flight transfers and taxes
Pre and Post tour Accommodation
Upgraded accommodation en-route on camping nights
Items listed on the ‘Optional activities’ page
Items of a personal nature & spending money
Travel Insurance and Visas

Tour Cost

We tell you up front what is included and not included so there are no hidden surprises along the way. We have designed a virtually all inclusive Tour Price which covers all your accommodation (camping, hotel and lodges as per itinerary) and most of your food costs whilst on tour . All major New Zealand highlights are included and activities as above are also included in the tour cost.

About Overland Travel in New Zealand. About your Crew.

Overland NZ caters for just about everyone. The majority of our passengers are aged 25 - 55, traveling with a partner, by themselves or in a group of friends. Our passengers originate mainly from the UK, Australia, New Zealand, North America and Europe and are looking for an adventure tour in New Zealand that has the structure of set departures and set itineraries. This trip is an Overland Adventure Tour where you will be required to pitch in and help with cooking and the cleaning of the truck. It is group travel, and everyone must be respectful of each other. There could be some people you may not get on with all the time, but this is when agreeable compromises are met – we hope nothing infringes on the ultimate enjoyment of your tour. Remember, you are in New Zealand, it is an amazing country and we hope you enjoy it as much as we do! This trip will be what you make of it - it is not a luxury tour, so please do not expect it. If you are not sure if this is the right tour for you, or have special requests or health issues please talk to one of our staff who can advise you: email us at info@overlandnz.com.

Your crew are there to help you, guide you, to inform you and to show you the best of New Zealand. Our crew work extremely hard on the road – they are available to our passengers 24 hours a day. They do all the ‘behind the scenes’ work so you don’t have to. Your driver is responsible for getting you from A to B safely. Please remember, that a long day’s drive day for you in the back of the truck also means a very long drive day for your Driver behind the wheel! Your Tour Leader is the person who makes all your accommodation reservations, all your excursion reservations, gives you the town/city information you are needing, tells you where the Internet Café etc is, helps you cook and shop to name but a few little jobs… Your crew are always conscious of every passenger’s views, but sometimes they will have to make an unpopular decision and your understanding will be appreciated in these circumstances. If you wish to tip your crew at the end of a Tour, please do so. It would be nice for them to see how much all their hard work has been appreciated over the length of the tour.

**Please Note – trips with 10 and under passengers will have a Driver / Tour Leader only.

Life on Tour in New Zealand with Overland NZ

Camping

Camping is very easy in New Zealand and our vehicles are loaded with all the equipment you need on Tour. Campsites vary from established sites with all facilities to the occasional free camp. We use three person dome tents (for only 2 people) and we will team you up with another same sex group member if you are planning to travel alone. We always stay at the best possible campsites in the area - nearly all of the sites we use have very clean and ample shower facilities. Some of the more basic camps may be in places of spectacular beauty or in the National Parks. Here general facilities may be limited but you will have a chance to get a real feel for the New Zealand wilderness. Whilst on tour there will occasionally be the opportunity to upgrade to ‘rooms’ in the campsites if you fancy a break from camping. These range from and additional $20 - $25 per night and usually come up once or twice a week. The Tour Cost contributes your camping portion and you top up the rest if you would like to upgrade from camping. The upgrades are usually simple chalets like rooms, some en-suite and some not. Some of our clients regularly upgrade and some camp 100% of the trip.

Hotels / Farm stays/ Lodges

We use hotels in a number of larger towns or cities ie Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown etc and lodges in the Back and High Country . These have been chosen for their location and friendly atmosphere. We try and accommodate your sleeping arrangements as best as we possibly can, but there might be occasions when we can only do our best to get what we can. Our tour rates are based on Double / Twin rooms if you are a couple or traveling with a friend and if you are a single traveler for single private rooms. You will need to pay the extra money to upgrade on camp nights if you choose to sleep in hard top accommodation.

Participation

Participation is essential. A successful and smooth tour depends very much on everyone taking part in the duties that arise i.e. cooking, vehicle cleaning and food shopping. With this in mind your crew will organize groups on a rotating roster. The most successful tours are those where everyone becomes involved as much as possible. These are not luxury tours, so join in! In the end the more you put in the more you get out.

Cooking and Food

When camping, cooking is usually done on a roster basis with 2 - 4 people cooking each day. Gas burners and BBQ’s are used for cooking and are supplied along with pots, baking trays, frying pans, woks, lighting, camp seats etc. All eating utensils are also provided.

Food on tour ranges from simple barbeques to traditional meals, buffets, an of course – your own restaurant dining. There is no shortage of fresh fruits and vegetables in New Zealand. Breakfasts are generally tea, coffee, toast, muesli / cereals and fresh fruit, while lunches are a range of filled rolls, salads and fruit. You will eat incredibly well, and we can cater for all special dietary needs.

Group Size
Our group size is usually around 7- 15 people, but at high times of the year we may run trips with a maximum of 20.

Pre Tour Accommodation - Christchurch

We can book pre tour accommodation at our departure hotel / hostel for you if you provide us with your arrival details. You will need to pay for your room upon arrival. Post tour accommodation can be booked en-route with the help of your crew.

We depart from The Ashford Motor Lodge in Christchurch. Located in the heart of Christchurch City - 35 Papanui Road - and only a 15 minutes walk to the heart of the City. If you wish to stay at another hotel or hostel, that is fine. However, you will need to make your own way to our nominated Hotel for departure.

Address:
Ashford Motor Lodge
35 Papanui Rd
Christchurch, New Zealand

Telephone: +64 (0) 3 355 3416
Facsimile: +64 (0) 3 355 3414
Freephone: 0800 400 026 (Within New Zealand only)

Website: www.ashfordmotorlodge.co.nz

Transfers

Prices below are approximate and are subject to change.

Super Shuttle: The Super Shuttle operates from the end of the International Terminal and costs $20 (1 person) and $25 two people. There are two shuttle ranks near the terminal for passengers leaving the airport: 1] at the Regional Lounge, between the terminal and the multi-level car park building and b] at the northern end of the International Arrivals Hall, between the terminal and the long-term car park.You can also book a shuttle through the airport iSite Travel and Tourism team on 0800 LOVE NZ (0800 568 369). The iSite team are located in the Domestic Terminal near the baggage claim and in the International Arrivals Hall. Travel time from the airport directly to the city centre is approximately 15-20 minutes, though the shuttle may make stops for other passengers before arriving at your destination. Allow additional time. http://www.supershuttle.co.nz

Taxi: There are two taxi ranks near the terminal for passengers leaving the airport: 1] at the Regional Lounge, between the terminal and the multi-level car park building and b] at the northern end of the International Arrivals Hall, between the terminal and the long-term car park. Travel time from the airport to the city centre is approximately 15-20 minutes. Prices vary by taxi company and you are advised to ask before beginning your journey. The standard fare is usually around $45-$65.

Visas

Visas are not included in the tour price or recommended daily spending money. For current updates on visa information you can try the website www.visaproject.com For information on the location of your nearest embassy or consulate we recommend the following website: www.yahoo.com/Government/Embassies_and_Consulates/

Overland NZ - New Zealand Overland Adventure Tours and Holidays.