:: frequently asked questions & answers ::

1. 1.Where can we hire a bikes?
   

2. 2.Can I get a refund?
   

3. 3.Do I need a license & rego?
   

4. 4.How do I book?
   

5. 5.What is the terrain like?
   

6. 6.What altitudes do I expect?
   

7. 7.What sort of tires should I use?
   

8. 8.What support is there?
   

9. 9.What are the fuel arrangements?
   

10. 10.How far between fuel stops?
    

11. 11.Do I need to bring a fire extinguisher?
    

12. 12.Can I use a straight thru or after market muffler?
    

13. 13.How can I get my bike to the start?
    

14. 14.How hot or cold will it be?
    

15. 15.Will you offer discounts for groups?
    

16. 16.Why are your prices greater than other tours?
    

1/ Where can I hire a bike? How much?
We have a very limited number of late model EXC's available at reasonable rates. The provisions in the hire agreement for making good any damage are based on our experience and that same experience is why it's become very hard to find anyone brave or foolish enough to rent bikes. Better for everyone if you can bring your own.

2/ Refunds:
We will refund 100% if we cancel and full refund up to 30 days prior to any event but after that it will depend on the story. We strongly recommend travel insurance to all customers.

3/ Do I need to be registered and licensed?
We are not the Police but the actual Police are looking closer at our customers bikes as it seems like a strong revenue stream for them.

5/ Terrain:
As above, you can expect hard rocky terrain, gravel back roads and farm trails. Usually it is dry, occasionally it has snowed and it can also rain! We do have a number of river crossings to make over tour duration. Our adventure events are rideable (with options) by pretty much anyone and our trail / enduro tour events require a greater level of fitness and experience.

6/ Altitude:
Altitude ranges from approx 300m (1000ft) asl to 2000m (6000ft) asl (asl = above sea level).

7/ Tires:
You will need some. For all events we recommend road legal knob type patterns. Multiple days off road down here will stuff tires. We recommend hard compound and heavy duty tubes. Kenda K760 rears are pretty handy and Pirelli MT 18 or Metzeler 6 Days are great especially up front. MX tires are useless here and aren't road legal anyway.

8/ Support:
Heaps of support including counselling if required. We will pick you up from the airport, receive and store your bike or vehicle at our spacious Alexandra headquarters and once on the tour carry your luggage, source any parts and generally be fantastic. Ask anyone who has been on a High Country Trail trip.

9&10/ Fuel:
We use quite a bit of fuel. On the Trail tours you arrive full and we will keep it full of the best gas we can source occasionally refilling out of conveniantly located High Country trailer.

On the Adventure tours we will route to event to petrol stations if at all possible and refuelling will be a customer cost at that point. We bear our fuel range experience in mind in our route planning and you will not run out.

11/ Fire extinguisher and fire safety
Bring an extinguisher if you have one otherwise if we need to carry them which we often do, we will provide one and only charge you (at cost) if you use it or wreck it. High Country Trail tours are smoke free.

12/ Can I use a 'straight through' or 'after-market' muffler? Mufflers & exhaust system notes.
Leave your muffler standard or make sure it meets WOF standards.

Noise is getting to be an issue and is costing us access. We will turn unreasonably noisy bikes away.

They do have a few simple requirements so read on carefully...

1.Call 0800 367 626 to arrange details.

2.You should get a quote in writing.

3.The prices quoted do not included transit insurance and there are two options with regard to this:
1. Owner's Risk.
2. Declared Value Risk, which is available at a cost of 3.0% of the declared value (no excess).
Each consignment will require a signature as to which option is wanted.

4.The bikes must be empty of fuel prior to loading, as carriage of this type of product totally invalidates insurance cover.

Other options include filling a container and shipping it down to Cromwell, or grouping together for a truck or large trailer. Some freight companies will move bikes if loaded on a pallet type tray. Most are willing to do something so ring around. And there are transport companies specialising in motorcycle movements:

14/ How hot or cold will it be?
It can be extreme weather wise. Don't underestimate this and come prepared. We recomend Merino close to the skin and a decent jacket.

15/ Why are your prices greater than other tours?
We negotiate and appreciate the effort it takes to get a group together. Contact your local KTM dealer to see if there is a group rid planned with High Country Trail. We know from personal experience that our prices are competitive with other tour companies and that our product is significantly better. We also carry the cost of resource consent and DOC concessions to ensure your riding experience is sustainable.

Read the comments page for feedback from very happy riders...