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Preparing for your Tour /  On Tour  /  Money


Preparing for your Tour:

Q. How many people will be on my tour?
A. Our overland tours take a maximum of 22 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 hotels / 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 morning 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? 

A. Absolutley not! We do not charge a single supplement for solo travellers as we will team you up with a travelling companion of the same sex for hotel stays and for camping; if there are enough tents you can have your own. However, if you do specifically request single rooms in hard top accommodation then you will need to pay the extra for that. OUr tents are very big and easy to erect; but if you wish you can also bring your own.


Q. What should I bring?
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. You will need a good pair of walking shoes, a good camera, warm clothes - even in summer, New Zealand can have cold snaps and the nights can still be cool, swimmers (bathers) and your own towel.

Q. Do I need a sleeping bag?
A. Yes. We do 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 and Hotels 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 of our 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 adventure activities.

Q. Can I book extra accommodation for the start or end of the tour?
A. Yes. We can organise pre-tour accommodation for you at our pre-departure hotels. Just let us know your arrival details and requested room type. - you can put all of this on the Booking Form. Post-tour accommodation can be booked en-route with either the help of your crew or at your own discretion.


Q. Can I get more detailed information about my tour?
A. We have detailed dossiers / itineraries on all our trips that we can email you a PDF copy. This website does contain 99% of the information necessary for you to Book; but most certainly, if you have further queries, please do let us know.

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On Tour:

Q. What facilities does your truck have?

A.Our overland 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, gas burners and BBQ, 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 and quite diverse.  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! Some campsites we use are DOC (Department of Conservation) campsites. These are campsites on Conservation land and can be in forest settings, lake shores and/or beaches. They are in 3 main categories: Serviced (have flush toilets, kitchen facilities, hot showers and laundry facilities), Standard (have a more limited range of facilities - toilets are usually pit or composting, water supply is usually a stream, lake or simple tap and the showers are cold and then Basic (have very limited facilities - basic toilets and tank water for instance). These campsites are generally in places of outstanding beauty. The other type of Campsite we use are 'Top 10'.  These grounds offer accommodation options -  park motels or self contained units in park-like surroundings. There are a range of cabins to suit every budget.


Q. What accommodation can I expect on tour?

A. We use the following types of accommodation: primarily we camp, we use Hotels in the joining cities and larger towns, we use a couple of Lodges  and Farmstays in both the North and South Islands. We use Dorm Rooms only when necessary on tour - and sometimes it is necessary - other than that you will be in twin, doubles or occasionally triples. 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 room with another same sex traveller . 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 upon arrival and are on on a first come first served basis; we do not pre-book them before the actual tour starts. Your Crew will 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 consciencious as you are at home.

Q. Can you cater to my dietary and medical requirements?
A. Yes, absolutely. 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. When staying in hard top accommodation, your dinner is not included; we encourage you to try the local restuarants.

Q. What will the weather be like?

A. Visit the 'About NZ' page of our website some info and a link to a climate website.


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Money:

Q. What does the tour cost include?
A. The tour cost includes: entrance fees for included sights / highlights, transport on tour , your tour leader / driver, local and specialist guides where required, ferry crossing(s), Tranz  Alpine train for certain tours and most meals.

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 some 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?

A. We suggest you budget about NZ$50-60 per day for personal expenses, including souvenirs, evenings out, snacks and alcoholic drinks etc.  Also budget for any optional excursions you wish to do on tour. A combination of cash, Credit and Debit cards are the best way to carry your spending money. There are ATM's everywhere, so you will never be out of range of money being available.

Q. Do I need to tip the crew / guide(s)?

A. Your Driver / Leader works really hard to ensure you have a great trip, so please don’t hold back if you feel they have earned a tip for their efforts. If you would like to reward your crew for his / her / their services, you can choose to do so individually or make a group presentation at the end of the tour.


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