The club owns one Mercedes turbo-diesel van, which is bigger, roomier, more powerful and more comfortable than the more common Hi-ace vans you may have had inflicted on you on other journeys.
The van can hold 12 people, it has bike racks and snow chains, as well as generous luggage space at the back behind a safety cage.
The club always needs confident drivers so please contact the Transport Officer if you wish to help out with this important and essential duty.
FMC have provided some useful guidance for clubs around Trip transport and licensing. WTMC transport policy aligns with this guidance.
Information for Drivers
Using the Club Van
The trip leader(s) will nominate someone to do the driving. Trip leaders are not obliged to drive the van.
To drive the club van, you need to…
- read the club driver protocols (copy at the bottom of this webpage),
- fill in a Driver Vetting Form (copy at the bottom of this webpage),
- submit a photocopy of your drivers licence to the transport officer, and
- take your drivers license with you on the trip
You are encouraged to
- attend a minivan familiarisation session.
- read the laminated sheet inside the van before departure; this contains useful notes about the van.
- not drive for long periods of time i.e. it is best to use two drivers and take regular breaks when driving to the Ruapehu Lodge or similar distances.
Van Location and Keys Pick Up
The Transport officer will give you directions to where the van is parked. The keys must be collected from the club gear room on the Wednesday night prior to your trip.
Van at the Road End
- Ensure the van is locked and all windows closed.
- Leave a copy of your intentions in the van.
- Ensure no valuables are left in the van, or bags that could contain valuables are visible.
Snow Chains
The club van has snow chains. These will often be required during winter, especially going up to the club lodge on Mt Ruapehu. Familiarise yourself with fitting the chains by watching this video.
Paying for Diesel
Pay for diesel and any other van related purchases and email your receipts to the Treasurer for a refund.
In Case of Breakdown
There is a contact number in the van for 24-hour breakdown recovery.
At the End of Your Trip
- Leave the van where you found it, ensuring you lock it and have closed all windows.
- Make sure the fuel tank is at least 3/4 full of diesel.
- Text or email the latest odometer reading to the transport officer for Road User Charge purposes.
- Advise of any mechanical issues or motoring incidents that need addressing.
- Return the keys to club gear room at the next club night.
Club Alcohol Policy for Drivers
The club has a policy of no alcohol for drivers (including not drinking in the 24 hours before driving). If a group member has been drinking they are not to drive, even if they may be under the legal limit.