1. Hello, can you introduce yourself?
2. What is your WHV destination and why?
3. What did you do during your WHV?
Workwise, I mainly worked in the Abel Tasman National Park (working for the water taxis and kayak companies). I’ve also worked as a blueberry picker, kiwi packer, barista in a café, modeled for a commercial, and done some voluntary work… As I’m a school junkie, I’ve also done a 2nd masters degree by distance learning (in psychotraumatology and victimology), taken a course in existential therapy, trained to become an English teacher, and I’m currently taking a course in positive psychology. I generally work from September to May and travel the rest of the time.
In terms of accommodation, I lived in a youth hostel (backapckers) for a year and a half, had a studio and a flat, lived in my car for about a year (alternating with the rest), and then, I lived in a van for about a year.
Travelwise, I’ve been extremely lucky to explore New Zealand again and again. Working in Abel Tasman, I’ve done a lot of hiking, kayaking, tried canyoning and even went skydiving! I’m also addicted to swinging in canyons, so I’ve fallen into the void more than a dozen times. In winter, I travelled the country’s magnificent roads in my converted car, my little house on wheels (yes, in winter!). I saw subtropical forests, incredible beaches, sand dunes as far as the eye could see, fjords, mountains, cliffs overlooking the ocean, waterfalls… I also saw all kinds of animals: dolphins, penguins, seals, sea lions, whales and… orcas !!!
Lastly, in terms of relationships, I met some extraordinary people. Some friendships were just passing as these people were also travelling. Other people are now part of my very close circle of friends. And still others are very close to me on a daily basis although they’re far in distance. I think that each of these friendships has marked my trip in some way. And even if some people are no longer part of my life at this moment, I will always cherish all the moments we shared together.
4. What has your working holiday experience brought you?
Thanks to this, I also have the feeling of being more aligned, of living more in line with my values, and leading a life centred on what’s essential. My life in New Zealand taught me to live in the present and to find happiness every day. I follow the thread of life, opportunities and instinct… and then I see where it takes me while enjoying the journey. I usually end up in situations and moments in life that I’d never imagined but which, in the end, have a lot of meaning and who bring me lots of happiness.
And finally, with the WHV, I dare to keep dreaming… because dreams always come true!
5. What is your best memory from your working holiday?
The second memory is probably my solo hike to Mueller Hut, in the Mount Cook area. I’d just been through a particularly difficult phase and was starting my very first solo road trip. Having grown up in the city, I’m not used to hiking, even though I love it. So this one was an incredible challenge for me, and one that made me feel a lot of emotions. When I reached the top, I cried with pride and happiness. The next morning, I was also rewarded with the most beautiful sunrise of my life.
And the last memory is about a childhood dream that came true in New Zealand… Seeing orcas. After missing this opportunity about 6-7 times, I no longer believed in it. However, one day I decided to take a little boat trip with work. I remember saying to the friend who was with me, “Will today be the day? Of course not, I’m on board”. However, 30 minutes later, a passenger reported to the skipper that he had seen “dolphins”. So the skipper headed for the supposed spot. At this point, my friend exclaimed “they’re not dolphins” and I shouted “THEY’RE ORCAS!” A shower of tears followed these words as I was so happy and surprised.
6. What advice would you give to prospective working holiday makers?
Accept that not everything will be perfect. Don’t have too many expectations and let yourself be surprised by your adventure. I don’t think any WHV goes according to plan: you experience unexpected things, you experience difficulties that you wouldn’t have imagined, but you also meet incredible people, you experience beautiful and improbable things, you are challenged by one thing or another. So be a whiteboard that the WHV can come and fill with drawings, scratches, tags, photos and all kinds of beautiful things.
And lastly, go for it !
7. What are your plans for the future?
However, even though it’s taken a bit longer than expected, I’ll finally be flying to Australia in a few months’ time! I can’t wait!
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