The 2011 trek around the south island: 8th Jan to 22th Jan 2011

The trek cost is $1400 including GST for each truck including the driver and passengers. This includes the ferry fare across Cooks Strait. You then just need to pay your way with fuel, meals, accommodation and any private land crossing fees.
 If you’re keen to join us, we’d need a phone call or email before June 1st to tell us that you’d like to join us and give us the names of the drivers and passenger/s.  Then we’d ask that you send a $50 deposit to confirm your place. The ceiling for this trek is 7 trucks so if you keen we’d suggest getting registered early. The remaining payment of $1350 to be paid by November 30th 2009.  The reason for the early confirmation is so we can book our fares and accommodation with plenty of advance warning so we’re not left struggling closer to the time. Hopefully you don’t mind being on TV. Remember we have a ceiling of 7 trucks only so be in quick.
 
We will meet in Wellington on Saturday 8th January 2010 at 6.30am for an 8am sailing at the Bluebridge terminal with Strait Shipping. If you're coming from the South Island we will meet you at the Blenheim Railway Station or other arranged place depending on where you live.
 
We have a qualified mechanic coming with us as well as certified first aiders. We’ll also have GPS navigated maps as well as a satellite phone for any emergencies.

Below is a what to bring and includes what your truck should be equipped with as well as our trek policy on break downs.
 
The trek format is we'll will be camping one night, and staying in Motel / Backpackers / cabin accommodation the next. This allows us to enjoy each leg of the trek without driving for miles into the night to try and make the next accommodation point. We basically have to take whatever we can get that can accommodate us all in the areas we’re heading to as some of those can be quite remote.
 
Camping:

A two person dome tent is popular but what ever you have is good; you might even be able to sleep in your vehicle.
Bedding:– stretchers, foam or blow-up mattresses – pillows – sleeping bags or 2 blankets and sheets. Lighting - torch and perhaps a gas or battery light.
A gas cooker and the accompanying bits and pieces including gas canisters or bottle. What’s popular is the little in the black plastic case cookers from The Warehouse and the like – water jug – pot - fry pan, knife fork spoon, plates and mugs etc.
Food - water and container - drinks etc. A chilly bin or plug in cooler/fridge is handy for keeping the food cold. We make time for shopping along the way for extra groceries etc.
We stop along the way for lunch at suitable spots and don’t forget your camera.
 
Clothing:

It can get cold just like that even though its January, but its normal summer temps most of the time, but if you haven’t got it, you can’t put it on.
You will need a pair of sturdy boots, and even a pair of gumboots as it can get very soggy both with rain or just the slushy conditions.
A rain coat with hood or rain hat – warm jackets – a beanie and even warm cloves for up in high country.
Cap – sunglasses – toilet gear - towels etc as well as your normal clothes of course. Insect repellent is a must - and lots of it! Some areas have sandflies, particularly on the Coast, so I suggest light long trousers or track pants included in your clothing. With camping there’s bound to be mozzies at night somewhere so you need to be prepared,
 
Your truck:

Mud terrain tyres are highly recommended, all terrain would be are next. If you're in the market for a new set we recommend Drury Tires and you can get them here however, if you can only have normal road tyres that’s OK too as our recovery team is well experienced, in fact you might have seen them used on the TV shows, and we’re always surprised just how far they actually get.
Your truck will need to be fitted with a snorkel for this trip as we’re anticipating a few rivers to cross. If you could let us know if you need to get a snorkel we may be able to point you in the right direction.
Bring some basic spare parts with you for for truck, a set of water hoses, fan belts, fuses, and some basic tools etc.
We also ask that you have a personal first aid kit on board and a suitable fire extinguisher readily accessible. You need to have a strong towrope on board, and tow hooks fitted front and back. If you have a tow-bar on the back, remove the tow ball and fit a heavy shackle. A torch on board as well please. You will need some cash on board as well, as some remote service stations don't have eftpos or credit card facilities and the land owners certainly don’t.

Petrol trucks: We have no problem with petrol trucks generally as long as they are fitted with a snorkel as well.
 
 Communications:

If you have a built in CB that would be great but If not then we recommend you get a set of the two way CB radios from Dick Smith that use 3 x AAA batteries they're about $90 for a pair. The good thing with these is you don't need to worry about recharging the radio with an electric cord. We also carry a satellite phone for emergency use. The portable radios mean you can also take them outside the truck to use in some recovery operations.

The route: This is being researched and the final route will be sent to participants once confirmed.
  
Other matters to consider:

We carry a full first aid kit to cater for all on the trek, and we have 2 first aid qualified people with us. If you have a first aid certificate we’d love to know that as well. Over the past 10 years of doing these treks we have had no major personal accidents.
 
Your insurance policy should cover any minor damage done while on the trek. Most of the tracks we're doing are recognised public roads, but we are going over private property. With all due respect it’s an all care no responsibility on our part.

Just so you know, the most common thing that is damaged are the plastic/rubber wheel guards and mud flaps, so we recommend you take off any ‘flimsy’ accessory before you go including any running boards if you have them fitted as they often get bent upwards and you can’t close the door. We also recommend taking off your mud flaps prior to leaving it's just another way to ensure they’re not ripped off along the way in some mud bog or rut.
We have had only one vehicle breaking down through severe mechanical failure in 10 years of 4WDing, its front wheel drive transmission went belly up. If you live near Auckland our mechanic is only too pleased to come and check your truck over prior to departure and you just need to make arrangements with him.

Our policy on serious breakdowns is this:

Should you break down past the point the our trek mechanic can’t get you mobile then we will get you to the nearest mechanical garage, and from there it’s up to you to access the situation and make the appropriate arrangements as necessary. The rest of the group will continue on the trek. Our mechanic carries basic spares. Even so it please ensure you have the basic spares as suggested above for your vehicle on board with you like a set of water hoses, fan belts, fuses light bulbs etc.

If you like to register your interest for the 2012 trek please send us an email here as the 2011 trek is now full.

We look forward to having you on board with us.
 

 Regards Bill and Linda, Bob and Lee