GOOTmate is driven by a host of super cool local New Zealanders who enjoy travelling and want to share their passion with visitors to this wonderful country. These GOOTmates plan and advertise trips online which GOOT members can then sign up for. GOOTmates will then run these trips joined by whoever else wants to come. Everybody is welcome.

In essence a GOOTmate is just like a friend who goes on a trip with you, the only difference is they know where you are going.

These trips are very different from normal tours. There is no fixed itinerary and no rigid schedule. Everyone is responsible for their own travel and participants can either take their own car, rent one or jump in with somebody else. There is no sitting on buses waiting for the next toilet stop. There is no frustration as you watch the interesting sights slip by. You are in control - you can stop where and when you like. Your GOOTmate will suggest a general plan for the trip but ultimately you are responsible for getting to each location along the way. (For tips on some quick and easy rental car options - see here)

And it gets better - while you are cruising along enjoying the road trip there will be a convoy of like minded people in front and behind you. When you stop you will find a whole new group of people to adventure and party with. And, yes it gets even better. Travelling in a group has massive advantages. With a group your GOOTmate can get big discounts on activities and accommodation along the way. This means that your trip will be much cheaper than if you went on your own or just with your friends. So with GOOTmate you get a well planned trip, a crew of people to travel with, access to discounts, and a local person to show you the way. Sounds pretty good aye?

What does it cost?

To participate in GOOTmate you need to be a member of GOOT. As a GOOT member you are free to use GOOTmate whenever you want. You will also pay a small koha (donation) to the GOOTmate for the trip - this koha will typically be between $5-$20 per person per trip. This is to cover the time and energy they put into organising and running the trip.

If you don’t own a car you will need to chip in with others to rent a car and of course you will need to share the petrol costs. Your GOOTmate will book all the accommodation and activities required and you will have to pay for these (minus the discount of course). Food is also extra. On some trips everyone will cook together as this keeps costs down and on others you will be responsible for your own food. Check the individual trip outlines for details