FAQs

What sort of 4WD do I need for this trip?

A high clearance four wheel drive is necessary for the trip; some of the tracks are not suitable for smaller 4WD such as a Honda HRV.  Some of the soft off road vehicles do not have low enough gear ratio either.Please feel free to ring us if you are not sure about your vehicle, we have an 0800 number 0800 high country journeys  0800 493 5687

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I don't have my own 4WD, can I rent one?

Yes you can. High Country Journeys has an agreement with Overland Rentals Ltd, www.overland.co.nz, Free phone 0800 4WD HIRE. Overland Rentals will provide items such as spade, tow strap etc and pick up in Christchurch.

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I would love to do this trip but don't want to drive?

High Country Journeys can arrange a vehicle and driver, a price for this is available on enquiry. It is good to have 4 people in the group to make this more cost effective.We will have  a chaffuered driven trip this next summer, dates to be confirmed. If you are interested please contact us so we can organize dates to suit everyone. We would prefer Feb or Jan for the chaffeured trips.

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Will there be river crossings?

The rivers you have to cross are not large, the largest being no more than 10 cumecs. However it is a good idea to know where your air intake is on your vehicle. Track conditions can change with the weather.

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What is the most suitable tyre type for these trips

Vehicles can have road tyres but they must have 3/4 of their tread, they should not be worn. If you have road tyres we recommenmd that you carry a set of chains.  Big soft walled tyres  tend to catch the little sharp rocks on the sides of the tracks, causing punctures also. Some people are having trouble with low profile tyres, they puncture easily and are very hard to get a replacement at short notice.

Any concerns please ring us to discuss your vehicle's suitability. 

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I have not driven off road very much, can I get some training?

We will tailor the tracks to your ability and before you leave on your first day we can spend some time with you to give you some tips that will help on the way. We have a local track you can drive on and Mike goes with you on your first track.

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Where does the journey start and finish?

The journey will start in with Mike and Karen at  Coalgate, which is 60kms inland from Christchurch in the Canterbury foothills.  Jet boating with Mike on the Rakaia River or a horse ride with High Country Horse Adventures, or  the Washpen Falls walk at Windwhistle, are extra options you can enjoy at the beginning of your trip. These activities need to be pre booked. The journey finishes in Naseby, Otago Lakes District, approx 2 hours from Queenstown.

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How long are the days?

Generally there is 5 to 6 hours travelling,or 150 to 200kms each day, so plenty of time to stop and walk, fish, take photos and generally have time to enjoy and absorb the High Country scener y.Most of the days are spent on back country gravel roads and highcountry station tracks, travelling from station to station. Generally there would not be much more than one hour travelling on tarseal each day.

Fuel stops are available each day, and if they are not we recommend when you should fill up in yur daily manual.

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Will I have cell phone reception?

Not always, it does get better as you go south. Most days there should be some cell phone coverage.

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What if the weather is wet?

High Country Journeys operates in wet and dry conditions and tracks/options can be changed to accommodate wet weather. Mike has some extra options he can guide groups on if you are hit by a run of bad weather. We work hard at making sure you can still do something depending on the wishes of your group.

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What other opportunities or activities are available on the trip?

There is the time to walk, mountain bike, fish (in season), take photos, look at the alpine native plants and generally absorb the high country environment. We could organize a helicopter flight with a local farmer, in the Rakaia gorge, this would be an extra option. Your information pack will give you some idea of areas you will go through. Most groups find their days are quite full with the 4x4 driving, absorbing  all the fantastic scenery and including some exercise each day.

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Are the start dates set?

No, you can choose your own start dates from January to April. If you are single vehicle we will try and team you up with another vehicle. We try to keep the groups to no more than 10 people, 6 to 8 people being a good sized group.

People are booking now for the 2011 season, and if you are the single vehicle the sooner you book the easier it is to team another vehicle up with you.

We have a more comprehensive information pack we can email you on your enquiry.

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If your question is not answered here please do not hesitate to Contact Us.