A lifetime on the road: Meet Logan Balderston

As Kinetic-owned Johnston’s Coachlines marks 100 years, its longest-serving current driver Logan Balderston reflects on two decades behind the wheel and the stories gathered along the way.

Logan has travelled the length of New Zealand countless times and watched both Johnston’s and the wider industry evolve. But despite a career that includes service in the Royal New Zealand Navy, ownership of multiple businesses and decades in transport, he still enjoys being out on the road.

“It’s good to be away. Be a free bird, if you like,” he says. “You see the country and keep in touch with what’s going on."

After leaving the Navy in 1979, where he rose to the rank of chief seaman, Logan ran transport companies before selling them and becoming an owner-driver. He bought his own coach and later sold it when the global financial crisis hit, but stayed on with Johnston’s.

More than just driving

For Logan, now 76, driving a coach is only part of the job.

Over the years he’s built a reputation for entertaining passengers with commentary, something that came naturally after years of public speaking and running businesses. Depending on the tour, and how curious the passengers are, conversations can range from New Zealand’s history and geography to farming, current affairs and culture.

“You’ve got to keep up with what’s happening,” he says. “People ask you about farming, politics, the education system, the Defence Force. They ask you all sorts of things."

His advice to anyone considering a career in passenger transport: “Get a good general knowledge. You need to be able to converse with people from around the world and paint a picture."

The passenger he never forgot

After thousands of journeys, one passenger stands out.

About a decade ago, Logan met an American tourist on a multi-day tour. He was a former nuclear submarine commander, and the two bonded over their shared naval backgrounds.

As they got to know each other, the man shared a remarkable story. He had received a heart transplant when many others on the waiting list had not survived. His donor was a young woman who had died in a car accident.

Each year, he visits her mother and lets her rest her head on his chest so she can hear her daughter’s heart beating.

“Almost brought tears to my eyes,” Logan recalls. After 20 years with Johnston’s, it remains his most poignant memory from the road.

Watching an industry evolve

Logan’s transport career goes back to the 1970s, which gives him a long view of how transport and tourism have changed.

Roads have improved, vehicles have become safer and more efficient, and technology is now part of everyday operations. Tours have shifted from coach groups of up to 50 passengers towards smaller, more personalised experiences.

At Johnston’s, he has seen change in everything from ownership and fleet technology to health and safety. As the company reaches its centenary, he knows how rare that milestone is.

“You’re not going to work for many places that have their 100th birthday,” he says. “It’s amazing."

He also knows that longevity in transport is hard-earned, which is why he sees the driver’s role as so important. A good experience on the road reflects on the company long after the tour is over.

“I hope they remember the driver did a good job for them,” he says. 

“That reflects on the company, obviously. You’re the human face.”