Back Country Tag Along Tours
For Kevin Smith and Sharon Monteith-Smith, the couple behind Hawke’s Bay-based Back Country Tagalong Tours, life is for living and they share a passion for helping others to do the same. Back Country Tag Along Tours provides self- drive touring access on private and public land and roads in the North Island for owners of 4WD vehicles. The excursions offer safe, well-planned and enjoyable experiences, a new appreciation of surroundings and hopefully a new friend or two. Sharon and Kevin have been avid fans of New Zealand’s back country for years and it seemed a natural progression to take a favourite hobby to a mainstream part of their lifestyle and to be able to share their passion with others. Back Country Tag Along Tours offers excursions ranging from day trips in Hawke’s Bay to weekend trips further off the beaten path to other remote vista points outside the area. Most tours comprise four to 10 vehicles and a two-way radio transmitter is provided for communication from Kevin and Sharon to the convoy. Prices are calculated per head and are all-inclusive of accommodation and most meals. While there are 4WD vehicles available for hire, Kevin reassures tour-goers there should be no worry of damage to personal vehicles. “There are more than 6500 registered four-wheel- drive vehicles in Hawke’s Bay alone and it’s a shame to not use them appropriately,” Kevin says. “We make every attempt to keep vehicles damage-free and there’s probably a better chance of getting scratched in a supermarket car park.” Tours run every three-four weeks and all you need to pack is a picnic, change of clothes and a sense of humour, and for overnighters, a sleeping bag. To find out more check out the website at www. tagalongtours.co.nz or contact Kevin via email at kevin@ breakawayconcepts.co.nz or telephone on 0- 6- 873 5111.