New Zealand for a year…Why NZ?

Akaroa, South Island, New Zealand

New Zealand for a year….Why NZ?

Probably one of thee top questions I get from people back home, in New Zealand and every where in between. Why? Why New Zealand?

So, I’ll share the story.

Date: October 2015

Location: Cape Town, South Africa

Journey: University Graduation trip

Moment: Walking tour of the city

So, I’m in South Africa on a trip I planned for myself. At that point it was some what half way through my 2.5 month trip to 4 countries in 3 continents at the age of 22 (That is a whole other story you’ll be able to read about in a future post). But, I caught an uber into the city of Cape Town and decided to do a free guided walking tour (affordable and informative) of the place. Touristy yes, but on the ground enough where you’re still in touch with life.

During my walking tour of Cape Town, South Africa

On this tour, I ended up walking and talking to another girl (German) who, turns out, was traveling around South Africa for a couple of days. After I got over the fact that she was doing this BY HERSELF and working in another African country, I asked her what she was doing before. To this she said “Living in New Zealand for a year”. Simply put. No bells and whistles. Just “Living in New Zealand for a year”. I was mind blown. “What?! Why?” I asked – as I really didn’t see that one coming. Move to a whole other country by yourself, much less that country being New Zealand.

Where was New Zealand even? Who was New Zealand?

Her answer was basically “Because…I wanted to”. She then proceeded to tell me about this working holiday visa she was able to get, that allowed her to work and travel around the country for a year.

Now, by this time in my journey, I was hooked on travel – the sites, the cultures, just the tremendous difference of everything – so I was keen on knowing how one could ‘travel’ for such a lengthy time. I I wanted to hear more.

She shared her experiences of her time in New Zealand while we walked the beautiful, dynamic city of Cape Town. Her bravery alone inspired me and her story burned an idea in my head.

While on the rest of my travels, with this new thought in mind, I would speak to different people and New Zealand kept popping up as a must travel to destination. A couple, who was visiting with the family I was staying with, told me it was absolutely beautiful. When I moved back to Antigua, I mentioned the idea to a friend of mine who apparently had been and they confirmed it too.

It wasn’t just them saying “Oh yeah. It’s a nice country”. It was how they said it. They all had a twinkle in their eyes or a sparkle in their voice. Something about that country mesmerized them. The beauty they had seen in that country was unparalleled. And I wanted to see it too.

The way they described it was amazing. They said it was just sheer nature. Pure natural and green. But, it wouldn’t be that way forever, just by way of development. The way they described it reminded me of Barbuda (Antigua’s sister island). Half of the charm was that there was so much untouched beauty.

It was the combination of those moments – the bravery of a fellow female traveler and the constant assurance of the natural and absolute beauty of New Zealand that made me decide to not only visit, but move there for a year.

“Why?”

It’s like, “Why not?”

The length of time was minor. She told me of a visa that allows you to work & travel for a year. I knew I couldn’t go to a place as far away as New Zealand was, for a vacation for 2 weeks. It would have to be for a month or two at least. But, what job would give me that kinda time off? I later checked to see if I qualified for the visa with my dual citizenship (which I did). And so there it was – Alyssa was going to New Zealand for a year in her near future. This was in 2015.

Folks, I’m glad to say that as I’m writing this, I’m on a couch, in Auckland, 2 years later and 4 months into my journey in New Zealand in 2018. Turns out I made it happen :D.

South Island New Zeland

South Island, New Zealand

South Island, New Zealand

So that’s my story folks! The reason(s) behind my choice to live in New Zealand for a year 😀

Who says ‘dreams’ don’t come through if you don’t work for it?

Yours truly,

-Global Gyal

May 23rd 2018

Have you ever taken a trip because…why not? Comment below with your story!