I followed Shane, a petite Malaysian woman with short black hair and a commanding presence, to the break room. She introduced me to the pack house workers, a group of eighteen Malaysian women, one Singapore woman and one butch German woman. “Everyone, this is Sam and she is working with us today. She came from … More Cherry Processing
Getting a job here was easy. Keeping said job proved more challenging. I arrived in Blenheim the first week of December. After a ten minute meeting with Nicolette, the labor coordinator for the Marlborough area, I had a name and number. I called Julie about vineyard work. “Do you know about how long the position … More Vineyards & Cherry Picking
Partially clothed bodies line the sandy beach at Anchorage Bay Campsite. The sun is strong but the wind fierce, leaving people braving a swimsuit or some fully covered. To my right girls giggle and Kung Fu around a curious bumblebee and next to them a couple spoon on a blanket. In front of me are … More Abel Tasman: Wekas & Wetas
My apologies for not posting anything in a few weeks – I’ve been busy enjoying the beautiful summer weather of the Southern Hemisphere! After leaving Blenheim, the worst city in New Zealand, I headed northwest and camped at Riverside Camp near Motueka. After passing the camp twice, I turned onto the gravel with a small … More Riverside Campground
After only two days of work we had two days off. I took advantage of this to explore the Richmond Range, just an hour east of Blenheim. I followed road signs to Mt Sunday along the logging roads, twisting and turning along the gravel. The carpark was empty, which was a good sign since … More Mt Sunday Bivvy
I have a job! Finally I’m putting the working holiday visa to good use. I was hired with J2 Contracting in Blenheim. Heath, from the previous exchange stay, told me about PickNZ a website specifically for seasonal work. I texted Nicolette, the labor representative of Marlborough County, and we planned a time to meet. The … More Mini RT & Friendly Strangers
I’ve been at the Ara Te Kereru Orchard since 3 November. Nearly one month! I’d never planned on staying this long but the private bedroom and real food was enticing enough. The deal is five hours of work for accommodation and food, but here’s the best part – I have my own bedroom situated on … More Ara Te Kereru
I’m writing this post looking out at Lake Aniwhenua, a small lake that is omitted on most maps. I’m looking out and see a group of Maori boys paddling along the lake, grunting and paddle out of rhythm. The wind is blowing and my fingers are freezing but this is the best campsite thus far. … More Tongariro Northern Circuit
VIDEO/ This link will take you to Vimeo! This little island. Only about 800-1000 residents, 110 square miles and 62 miles north east of Auckland. It took FOUR hours to get there via ferry. This wasn’t just a quick Anacortes to Lopez trip, but worth every awful rolling wave and sleeping on hard plastic benches. … More Great Barrier Island
For two weeks I was in full backpacker mode. I was free. I was doing my thing. I wore the same pair of socks three days in a row, only taking them off to shower at a community pool. I began this adventure in Wellington – windy Wellington, capital of New Zealand and place of … More Hawke’s Bay, East Cape & Bay of Plenty
introverted explorer 