I’m so stoked right now and I’m getting pre travel jitters and excitement for the first time in a while…and that because less than 2 weeks away I shall be starting my 2013 travel plans.
Admittedly I’ve been on the road solidly for over a year now – but the last 3 months I’ve been based in one place and working. The fact that I work as a surf instructor and the fact it’s been in the sunny climates of southern Morocco are irrelevant!
Still staying put for that long has reset my travel stoke. I’m amped to get back in the backpacker bubble again and explore some new corners of the world!
So Where Am I Heading?!
First off after a few nights in Marrakech to say goodbye to my surf students I’m heading to Switzerland. The girlfriend lives there so I have a couple days of readjusting to civilisation (Morocco is heaps disorganized!) and maybe snowboarding before jumping on my longest flight to date – all the way to NEW ZEALAND!
Now for those of you unfamiliar to my world I was actually meant to arrive in NZ in about July last year. My travel plans changed, changed again and chance once more which basically kicked my arrival back to the drawing board.
However my parents had already bought plane tickets to come visit me (I haven’t seen them for over a year now) but in an odd twist of amusement it’s now me flying to the other side of the world to catch up with them!
…my Dad would kill me if I didn’t!
So after god knows how long on a plane (although I’m travelling in luxury with Emirates all the way!) and a night of random chaos in Sydney en route catching up with some Peru buddies I’ll be finally landing in the land of the long white cloud
…eeeeeeppppp!
And What’s The Plan?
I’m also super stoked to announce that I shall be working with 100% New Zealand during my stay there – this basically means they’ve given me a shiny media pass and access to a whole heap of amazing stuff so I can showcase New Zealand to you all and make the most of my time there!
First up I’m landing in Christchurch where me and the parentals have sorted out a pimping campervan with the guys at Britz Campers for a couple weeks to explore the south island.
We haven’t got a fully planned itinerary at the moment but expect jumping out of planes, hiking on glaciers, kayaking gorgeous lakes and maybe a spot of snowboarding to be on the cards!
After parting ways when the parents head home via Singapore I shall be going solo up to the north island.
But not for long as I’m joining the chaos of the Kiwi Experience bus to cover the north island! I’ve never experienced a backpacker bus service before but after meeting alot of people on the Oz Experience in Australia and selling both products when working at STA Travel I’m pretty excited about it!
Again my plans aren’t set for the north island yet but the left hand surf mecca of Raglan is top priority! I’ll just see where the wind takes me and cram in as much as I can in my remaining 2 weeks…
And After?
After just under 4 weeks in New Zealand I’ll be jumping on another flight (I know it’s only a short stay but I’l be finally heading back there for a working holiday visa at some point in the future!) back to the place where all my backpacking adventures started in 2009…Australia!
Yup I’m heading back to the place I spent my first year on the road and rest assured there’s heaps of carnage on the cards as I catch up with a whole possie of backpacking friends I’ve met over the last few years.
…but I’ll save those details for later!
Roll on New Zealand!
Have you been to NZ? Anything I should put on my to do list or any tips about traveling around the place?
Very excited! I love New Zealand. It’s a beautiful country. Plus you’ll be able to get some surfing in in Raglan and Mount Maunganui. What a sweet gig in Morocco!
any tips on where to head and what to do Bobbi?
Cant wait to get some NZ surf in though!
We’re house sitting up in the Papamoa Hills and have a great view of Mount Maunganui. I’ve yet to try out the surf but there’s a great vibe down there on the beach. Volley ball nets, para gliding and surfing are all daily events.
Looking forward to reading about your NZ adventures. We’re off to explore at the beginning of May and are super excited to hit the South Island.
well the south is my first stop so I’m sure you can learn from my mistakes and adventures!hahaha!
ooo paragliding hey? tried that in Switzerland and loved it…might have to dabble in some more!
Stoked for you! NZ is absolutely amazing – you’ve got to check out the Far North – Specifically Ahipara/Shipwreck Bay. There’s a backpacker’s on the Foreshore called Endless Summer Lodge (we used to live about 100 meters from it) it’s got heaps of character, and the owners are pretty cool. When the surf is on, Shipwreck Bay is the place to be – if you make friends with a local with a 4wd, there are heaps of breaks “around the reef” as well, otherwise, up 90 Mile Beach at Waipapakauri Ramp, Rarawa Beach or Henderson Beach up north on the way to Cape Reinga, or Taupo Bay on the east coast (all have camp grounds handy as well) are surf-worthy visits! Gutted we’ll be gone by the time you get up here, could have showed you around. Writing about the ‘hidden gems’ of Northland is on my to-do ASAP list.
If you want any more info, just let me know!
Enjoy mate!
muchos gracias for the advice Kate – much appreciated! Going to need to keep up the surf practice before Oz!haha!
shame we’ll miss each other – where you heading next?
Hi!
I’ve been living in New Zealand for 6 months – and I’m in love with the place. We actually leave in 2 weeks (major sad face) but you’ll just love it!
Make sure you go to Queenstown, in my opinion it’s the most beautiful place in the country (maybe the world – but thats a big claim!) and there is so much to do – I can’t imagine having lived anywhere else during our time here. I have to say it – you’d be such a fool to visit New Zealand and not go to Queenstown – for me this little town is everything New Zealand stands for :)
Have fun! It’ll no doubt be incredible!
cheers for the tips Elle – sounds like you had a heaps fun time!
Where are you off to next?
Can’t wait to read about it mate. NZ is on my radar for sure!
well hopefully I can help in your planing bro – when you landing there?
Great to read this but one thing concerns me….
YOU HAVE A GIRLFRIEND?!
WHY WASN’T I INFORMED?!
hahaha yes indeed I do Ed – met her in Ecuador at the beginning of last year…
…have you not been reading the blog?! :P