It’s a trip of a lifetime – and a bunch of Kiwis and their 4WDs are off on a “Journey through time” expedition to trace the route of the Peking to Paris Raid of 1907.

Organised by Rally Tours NZ, the  Rally Tours 2009 expedition is a direct result of a similar trip undertaken in classic cars in 2007 by a small group of New Zealanders to help celebrate the centenary of the original “raid”

Greg Paul of RTNZ, the organiser and group leader, gave several presentations to various clubs on his return to New Zealand about this fascinating trip through China, Mongolia, Siberia, Russia and numerous other former Eastern Block countries.

“Expressions of interest to participate in such a trip in the future came from several interested parties,” he told NZ4WD, “so planning for an expedition this year was initiated.

“Having experienced the harsh climatic and road conditions in most of these countries previously it was recommended that larger 4WD vehicles would be the preferable mode of transport to endure the 12,000 km, 45 day road journey through 11 different countries. 

“The main criteria for selection of a vehicle would be one that could provide a smooth ride on Siberia’s primitive unmaintained roads, that are covered in permafrost for nine months of the year.

“They had to negotiate the corrugated sands of the Gobi desert for 600 km over a period of two days, possibly in sandstorm conditions, operate on congested Chinese roads at temperatures in the high 40s, and maintain good average speeds on Europe’s fast autobahns and autoroutes.

“The last and possibly the most important criteria was that the vehicle had to be reliable and easy to maintain.

“Due to monetary bonds payable to foreign custom authorities based on the vehicle value, a low capital cost vehicle was to be the most cost effective for this trip.

“A convoy of 12 vehicles is the optimum number able to cross some of these remote borders in a 12-hour day.”

The group of 12 vehicles - seven 80 series Toyota Landcruisers,  one 100 series Landcruiser, two Jeep Cherokee Sports,  one Mitsubishi Challenger and one HQ Holden, was shipped on April 29, and the 26 all-Kiwi crew members – including a doctor and a photographer/cameraman - fly out to Beijing on June 5.

The tour finishes in Paris on July 24, although some group members will use their vehicles to do further touring in Europe.

And just in case you’re feeling peeved because you missed out, Greg plans another trip for next year. The 2010 trip will cost $40,000 NZ for two people per vehicle, and there has already been international as well as local interest.