4x4 Explorer Adventures
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question? You’ll find answers to the most common ones below. If you need anything else to help decide whether a trip is right for you, please get in touch.
FAQ QUICK LINKS:
CHOOSING THE RIGHT TRIP
How do I choose the right trip?
We offer guided South Island 4WD adventures in different lengths and comfort levels, from wilderness camping expeditions to accommodation-based and fully inclusive trips.
All our trips deliver real wilderness, remote scenery and guided 4WD adventure. The main choice is how long you want to travel for and how much comfort you would like along the way.
If you are unsure, tell us what kind of experience you are looking for, and we’ll help point you toward the best trip.
Do the comfort trips still include real wilderness and 4WD adventure?
Yes. Our comfort and fully inclusive trips still include remote South Island scenery, backcountry routes and guided 4WD adventure.
The difference is not the sense of adventure — it is where you sleep, how meals are handled, and how much of the trip logistics are included.
What is the difference between camping, comfort and fully inclusive trips?
Camping trips give you the full expedition feel, with remote camps and a stronger wilderness experience.
Comfort trips offer the same guided 4WD adventure, with accommodation each night instead of camping.
Fully inclusive trips include more of the key arrangements, such as accommodation, meals and logistics.
Which trip is best if I want the full expedition experience?
Choose the 13-day camping expedition if you want our longest trip, remote camping, big scenery and the strongest expedition feel.
Which trip is best if I want adventure without camping?
Choose the 12-day comfort expedition if you want a longer South Island 4WD adventure with comfortable accommodation each night.
Which trip is best if I want a shorter, easier option?
Choose one of our shorter comfort or fully inclusive trips if you want remote scenery, historic tracks and guided 4WD adventure with less time away and more of the details taken care of.
What if I am still unsure?
Contact us before booking. We'll help you choose the trip that best suits the duration, comfort level and style of adventure you are looking for.
GENERAL FAQS
Do I need any off-road experience?
No, you don’t. There will be people on the trip with varying levels of experience. Whilst we are not providing a 4WD course, we will provide advice on driving techniques and keep you aware of any potential obstacles and dangers.
How many vehicles are usually on a trip?
We run our trips in small convoys so the experience stays personal, enjoyable and easy to manage. Numbers vary depending on the tour, but group sizes are kept limited to give guests a better overall experience. The maximum number of vehicles per trip is six.
Can I join if I'm travelling alone?
Yes. Many guests join on their own and quickly become part of the group. Our trips are friendly, relaxed and designed to be shared with like-minded people.
Do I need a radio?
If you have your own UHF radio, that is great. Keeping in touch with everyone in the convoy is important and fun. If you don’t have your own radio, we will lend you a handheld radio for the duration of your trip.
Can I bring my dog?
We love dogs too, but they are not suitable for our trips. Many of the areas we visit do not permit dogs, and they can pose a risk to livestock and native wildlife, so please leave them at home.
What is included in the trip price?
Generally, the trip price includes professional guiding and any land access fees required for the route. Other inclusions may vary depending on the tour, so please refer to the individual trip page for full details. If anything is unclear, feel free to contact us, and we’ll be happy to explain.
What is our refund policy?
We understand that the unexpected can happen. If a trip runs as advertised and you are unable to participate, we do not offer refunds. However, we are happy to retain your booking and apply its value to a future trip.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes, we do. We know adventures can be a significant investment, so we offer flexible payment plans to make things easier. You can secure your place with a deposit and pay instalments leading up to your trip. Get in touch, and we’ll find a solution.
Is 4X4 Explorer Adventures registered as an adventure activity operator?
4X4 Explorer Adventures Limited has completed its adventure activity safety audit and has applied for registration with WorkSafe New Zealand.. Any adventure activity offered will only be provided if 4X4 Explorer Adventures Limited is registered to provide it, or is exempt from the requirement to be registered, on the date the activity is due to be provided.
VEHICLE FAQs
What type of vehicle is suitable for a trip?
You will need a 4WD with reasonable ground clearance and low range. Vehicles need low range to deal with some of the steep climbs and descents that will be encountered on some of the tracks. Low-profile tyres are not suitable for off-road driving.
If you are unsure, please contact us, and we will advise you of your vehicle's suitability.
What if I don’t have a suitable 4WD?
If you do not have a suitable 4WD, or would prefer not to bring your own vehicle, we may be able to help with a rental option. Visit our 4WD Rentals page or get in touch, and we can talk you through the best solution for your trip.
What modifications might I need to make to my 4x4 vehicle?
All vehicles must have at least one “rated” recovery point at the front and rear. These are relatively cheap and easy to fit. If you are unsure, we can point you in the direction of an Off Road garage that will be able to fit these for you.
You will also need a “snatch strap”, a fire extinguisher, a shovel and a first aid kit. All of this is basic equipment that should be carried if you’re going off-road and would be required on any club trip.
What kind of tyres do I need?
We recommend mud tyres or good condition all-terrain tyres. These tyres will provide you with much more grip and will be more resistant to punctures. A spare of the same type should be carried.
Road tyres are not suitable.
Do I need a snorkel?
No you don’t, although you should be aware of the location of your vehicle’s air intake. We will be encountering river crossings on our trips, all of which are achievable in a vehicle without a snorkel during times of normal flow. Safety is paramount to us and your guide will decide if a crossing is feasible or not.
TRIP FAQS
How long are the days?
We generally try to have “wheels rolling” at 0900 and finish around 1730, so that we can enjoy our evenings. The exact length of the day depends largely on the conditions encountered and the speed of the convoy.
We realise that this is a holiday and as such, try to keep the days to a reasonable length for everyone to enjoy.
What happens if there is bad weather?
Routes may change if conditions require it, but overnight stops will remain the same. We always have alternative options if the weather affects the planned route. Safety is paramount.
What happens if I break down?
If self-recovery is not possible, your guide carries a satellite communications device and will try to organize recovery, which will be at your expense. We strongly recommend AA Plus membership, which covers vehicle recovery from remote locations — you can find more details and sign up here.
Professional Guiding & Safety
Are your trips professionally guided and independently assessed?
Yes. Our trips are professionally guided, and both the business and guide have been independently audited and assessed by Qualworx to meet New Zealand Worksafe standards.
Will less experienced drivers be looked after?
Yes. We welcome drivers with a range of experience levels and provide guidance along the way to help build confidence.
How do you communicate during trips?
We use convoy radio communication throughout the trip and carry satellite communications for emergencies in remote areas.
Is safety a priority on your trips?
Absolutely. Safety is a key part of every trip, from route planning and vehicle suitability to communications and on-track decision making.
NOTE
We strongly advise that before coming on a trip, you have your vehicle serviced and thoroughly checked over by an experienced 4WD mechanic. Again, safety is paramount, and no one will ever be left in a position of danger, however overall responsibility for your vehicle's maintenance rests with you.