Here’s some of the basics covered.
What’s included and what’s not, how we roll where we stay, and who we work with.
Where we stay
We mainly use multi-share accommodation, from 4 – 6 bed dorm rooms. To create a community vibe, rooms are shared but not always exclusively to our groups depending on accommodation capacity. This means you will be sharing your room most of the time with people from your tour. All bedding is provided (but you can bring your favourite pillow if you like).
How we get around
We use a 12-seater mini-bus equipped with a luggage trailer. This means our crew, our goods and our luggage are in the one vehicle. Our aim is to make less impact and minimize our carbon footprint – part of the reason we run small group tours – by keeping it all together.
Who we work with
Here at Backyard Roadies we’re a small outfit so understand all to swell the value in supporting local. We have no affiliations or ties to bigger corporate which means we have the flexibility to work with local suppliers for all activities and make these selections based on awesomeness and not on ‘best deal available’.
Let’s talk food
All breakfasts are included, as well as some lunches and dinners (depending on which tour you book) when we are in remote locations where food needs to be provided. There are meals at your own cost, this varies on each tour. When we stop for lunch in small towns with restaurants and breweries, we give guests the opportunity to indulge as much or as little as they like (at their own cost) in the local cuisine. For all meals provided by Backyard Roadies we can cater to all dietary requirements, please just let us know when you book.
Your end of the bargain
Flights. You’ll need to sort these before your start your tour. Our Northland and North Island tours starts in Auckland, our South Island tour starts and finishes in Christchurch, and our Abel Tasman tour starts and finishes in Nelson. If you are flying or travelling a long distance to the tour starting point, we highly recommend you arrive the night before to avoid any travel delays that might affect your ability to join the group on time. Unfortunately, we are unable to wait for late passengers as it impacts the tour schedule and cannot offer refunds to those who have missed the trip.
Travel Insurance. It is compulsory that you take out comprehensive insurance cover. A policy that covers cancellation, personal injury, death, medical bills, repatriation expenses and evacuation costs before you travel on a Backyard Roadies tour. We advise you to check that you are covered for all the activities you will be participating in as some policies exclude ones you may want.
Note that this should be agreed at the time of payment as in some circumstances, your insurance may cover you against cancellations fees from the date your booking is confirmed. Backyard Roadies cannot be held liable for your failure to take out appropriate insurance. You also agree to indemnify us against all third-party claims, actions, damages and remedies which may be brought against us in respect of your participation in our tours.