Two Auckland mates have teamed up to run local tours for adventurous young Kiwis now unable to head overseas.
Jason Goodson and Isaac London are the duo behind Backyard Roadies – a tour company targetted at 18 to 35-year-olds who want to explore Aotearoa and meet other young people along the way.
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Jason, who has sales and recruitment background, came up with the idea for Backyard Roadies during lockdown when it seemed the traditional OE was destined to become a thing of the past. He then called up his childhood friend Isaac, an outdoor adventure guide.
The tours they're offering together will have a whānau feel, Jason says – quite unlike commercial package tours like Contiki because they start and finish in Auckland so people can stay connected with new friends they make on the road.
The cost for a four-day tour – which includes home-cooked meals, accommodation and transport – is $749.
Backyard Roadies tours from Auckland are almost booked out this summer, Jason says, and he and Isaac hope to soon offer tours from the central North Island and eventually the South Island.
Jason Goodson & Isaac London Photo: supplied
