Trusted by people throughout New Zealand
Tarun Garikipati
Mount Wellington
Hello and Welcome!
I’m Tarun, the owner of Freedom Drivers Mount Wellington.
I grew up in Hyderabad, India—a place full of culture and community where I learned early on the value of family, respecting our elders, and helping out your neighbours. These days, I’m happily married, and our home revolves around our wonderful 5-year-old dog, Bagheera (named after the legend in The Jungle Book!).
Rooted in Mt Wellington
Mt Wellington and the surrounding neighbourhoods aren’t just where I work—they’re home. Having lived and worked in the area, I know our local roads, medical centers, and quiet backstreets like the back of my hand. That local knowledge helps me make sure every ride with me is smooth, punctual, and completely stress-free.
From the Kitchen to Companion Driving
Before joining Freedom, I worked for many years as a qualified chef in busy hospitality environments, followed by several years in customer service. Working in kitchens taught me how to keep calm under pressure, stay organized, and always keep standards high. More than anything, though, hospitality taught me how to care for people.
To me, driving for Freedom isn’t just about getting you from point A to point B. It’s about the extra hand at the front door, a comfortable ride, and a friendly chat along the way. I treat every passenger with the exact same respect and dignity I’d offer my own family.
Beyond the Driver’s Seat
When I’m not behind the wheel, you’ll usually find me cooking up a storm at home, spending time with my spouse, or taking Bagheera for his daily walks through our local parks. I love meeting people from all walks of life, and one of my favourite parts of this job is hearing my passengers’ stories and learning about local history.
I chose Freedom Drivers because it matches what matters most to me: making a real, positive difference in people’s daily lives.
I really look forward to meeting you and taking great care of you on your next trip!
Freedom has been a godsend to me. Trapped without transport and a work site not covered by public transport, I was in a quandary about how to get to work. Then I saw an ad for Freedom. Problem solved. My driver picks me up at Silverdale and takes me to work then returns me home. He is always punctual and the vehicle is always immaculately clean. Awesome! Thank you Freedom!
Wayne, Gulf Harbour
What a wonderful service Gavin provides. My elderly mum is now quite vulnerable, and certainly not able to drive and so Gavin has been a godsend, not only taking mum to and from appointments but also staying with her to make sure information is passed on to me when I can’t be there. I have found Gavin to be totally reliable and trustworthy and very caring. Thank you Gavin for your great service!
Lesley & Laurel M. Tauranga
Freedom Drivers Hibiscus Coast came to my rescue 18 months ago when I commenced my monthly trips to Waitakere Hospital Day Stay. To be able to arrive relaxed and on time no matter what the traffic has been like with Freedom’s professional, caring and amicable Drivers is a big plus for me. Sometimes this has also been with Driver support from the North Eastern Bays team. I am always taken care of in a safe, pleasant manner and look forward to the companionship during our journeys which can be up to an hour each way. I can highly recommend Freedom’s valuable Companion Driving Service which has filled a gap in our community.
Cheryl, Red Beach
Hi there, I would like to pass on my gratitude to Pascoal Fernandes. My dad had to have eye surgery at the Green Lane Clinic. Pascoal was very friendly and approachable. My parents don’t speak fluent English so Pascoal escorted them inside the clinic to make sure they got to the right place. Pascoal is amazing and we will definitely use his service again in the future. I highly recommend him to anyone. Thank you Pascoal once again for helping my parents. Keep up the great service.
Chaoda, Epsom
We had the pleasure of Katherine driving us to our appointment. She was on time & very helpful, car is always very clean inside & out, ask for Freedom Drivers every time, you will always be satisfied.
Ededrie Winwood
Laura from Freedom Drivers is absolutely awesome! She is flexible, reliable and a great communicator. For a very reasonable price she transports my young son safely across Auckland, charges his devices and chats to him about gaming (his favourite topic). I can’t recommend her more, we truly appreciate her professionalism and positive approach.
Emily Muir
Daisy provides a professional and caring service which goes beyond the call of duty. She has become intuitive to my needs, and her willingness and kindness is much appreciated. Her dedicated service enables me to retain my independence but with the additional help which is invaluable. I would not hesitate to recommend her services. Many thanks,
June Gooch, Te Atatu Peninsula
Daisy has been driving me to & from work for the last two years and everyday she provides the same high professional standards. Daisy is a naturally friendly & caring person who is only too happy to assist if needed. I would not hesitate recommending her to anyone.
A Martin
I’d like to commend Daisy who has been transporting a foster child who was in my care and who has recently returned to her mother. Daisy quickly adapted when addresses and pick up locations changed and her communication with us was very good – we always knew what was happening or if there was anything we needed to know about. I would highly recommend Daisy’s services particularly for young people with high needs.
Trish, Social Worker
Fantastic service. Daniel very obliging and thoughtful. We would most definitely recommend him and will use his service again in the future.
Ross and Margaret Waugh
An absolutely wonderful service. I used Freedom in Tauranga and cannot speak highly enough of how efficient, helpful and friendly Gavin was. It really took the worry out of hospital trips.
Dianna Stallinger
Hi, I would like to highly recommend Freedom Drivers- Tauranga (Gavin and his Team) they were outstanding with their service, always very punctual and friendly. I have had 6 weeks with my left leg in cast unable to drive. Gavin and his team have taken the extra stress away by getting me to and from work. Compared to other services I believe Freedom Drivers Tauranga are top of the bunch. Thanks again.
Mark Richards