You’re not moving around or across the US – at least this was the case made by Todd and Victoria Buccholz in a New York Timesessay on Sunday.
Why? For a number of reasons I suppose. The Atlantic‘s Derek Thompson questioned their points in an article on TheAtlantic.com today, yet ultimately comes to the same conclusion: young Americans aren’t migrating throughout America as they are often underpaid, underemployed and very often high in debt. Moving is expensive, both financially and emotionally, and uprooting across the US is a disconcerting decision to make during times of economic uncertainty. If you’re relatively secure in an underpaid job, why risk migrating to another US city where you’ll be potentially unemployed and facing higher costs of living?
Uncertain Times
A fair question, yet the one I would pose to you comes from a significantly different angle.
If you’re underpaid or underemployed, why continue in the same seemingly never-ending rat race with so many of your peers?
Hardly making ends meet in Boston? DC rents are on the rise? Struggling to find full time employment post graduation in Chicago? Forget a move from the East Coast to the West Coast, why not replace the economic uncertainty of suburban America for the uncertainty and excitement of life in an international city?
This is a move of grander proportions and one that will ultimately result in you having a better understanding of the world we inhabit, its cultures and you’ll become more employable as a result. Not to mention, you’ll have a bloody good time along the way.
I know this option is not even in the minds of most Americans, yet throughout many places in the world an “Overseas Experience” is a rite of passage for those coming out of high school and going into college or out of college and into the ‘real world.’ This international and long term travel gives you a greater understanding of the world – an understanding that quite simply won’t come from your one week vacation in Cancun.
Welcome to New Zealand: South Island
A temporary life abroad is one that is far more achievable than you can ever imagine.
Countries like New Zealand and Australia welcome twenty-somethings with open arms and 12-month working holiday visas. Jobs are easy to come by – whilst odds don’t necessarily favor you landing that marketing gig you’ve been dreaming of (though you might), working customer service as at a ski field, mixing drinks in a lakeside bar or making coffees in a funky cafe are very real possibilities. Not your dream job, sure – yet they’re means to an end and allow you to experience life outside your comfort zone (all while living in some of the most beautiful places in the world).
If backpacking in New Zealand or Australia isn’t appealing, countries around Asia welcome US citizens to teach English as a second language. Unlike most of the work you stand to find down under, this is a potentially lucrative overseas working experience. High wages and low costs of living stand to allow you to pay off your debt significantly faster in Seoul than you ever will in NYC.
I’m not suggesting that moving abroad is an easy answer to all your problems. Backpacking around the world isn’t easy. International travel or life working abroad brings about fears and uncertainties of an entirely new scope. Yet facing this fear of the unknown is a terribly addictive and fulfilling feat.
The world is begging to be explored, learned from and experienced and now is the time to see it.
Alisha over at Sosauce contacted me a couple weeks back and expressed her interest in interviewing me as part of Sosauce’s Travel Talk series. I was flattered and thought it was a terrific idea.
In their Travel Talk interviews, Alisha seeks out travel bloggers and other members of the online travel community and interviews them on their experiences traveling, writing, and their involvement in online travel. She’s interviewed names such as Mike Barish and Matador’sJulie Collazo so needless to say, I was excited she also picked me.
Sosauce is a social networking site for Travel Geeks, and is home to travelers who are enthusiastic about sharing their travel experiences with the world. Sosauce is also a meeting ground for like minded travelers who have an interest in making connections with other cultures. They also provide applications to help travelers share their photos and stories with the world.
Welcome to Backpackingmatt.com! If you’re planning a trip to New Zealand, be sure you check out these 15 Tips for Your First Experience Backpacking in New Zealand. Have questions? Email me at matt (at) backpackingmatt (dot) com. I’m living in Queenstown and happy to help you plan your trip here.
Today’s guest post comes from Melanie Coleby. Melanie is a first time traveler come backpacker, and she arrived in New Zealand last November for a six month working holiday. In her guest post, she lays out the basics to finding a Wwoofing position in New Zealand and her experiences working in exchange for food and accommodation – the highs and the lows.
At the age of 26, I’m a first time traveler exploring the wondrous land of New Zealand.
So far, I’ve loved my experience backpacking. Kiwi land has been a hospitable country, a friendly and helpful host. This is particularly helpful when you are a 26 year old woman who loves fine things and shops till she drops. Yes, before visiting New Zealand, I would probably have been categorized as high maintenance.
New Zealand Countryside
Since arriving in New Zealand, I’ve learnt to be more relaxed, accepting, and open minded thanks to Wwoofing. Wwoofing – Willing Workers On Organic Farms – is a host system where you exchange hours of work for accommodation and food. You are ordinarily expected to work between 4 – 5 hours a day, and the tasks to be completed will be decided by the host. Depending on the projects that they have, you might be involved in tasks such as gardening, cooking, and cleaning.
Wwoofing is a well established global host system and New Zealand is one of many participating countries. It is a great way to save money, meet the locals, and gain a very different perspective of the country you’re travelling.
Finding a Wwoof
1.) The official route for finding a position is to purchase a membership from the Wwoofing organization. You can access all information about the system on Wwoof.co.nz. If you decide to explore Wwoofing through the official route, then you would be expected to pay a fee of $40 in order to gain membership. In exchange for this payment you will receive a membership number and a host directory, in which you can access contact details for the hosts that you are interested in working for.
Although the organisation does not safeguard you from any potential problems, what they can offer you is a official body in which you can converse with if you do encounter any difficulties.
2.) You can also utilize websites such as Backpackerboard.co.nz. On this site, the term Wwoofer is used loosely. Work is often varied and will included roles in hostels, restaurants, and bars. In this instance, these agreements are often considered work exchanges. Use some caution as these hosts are not formal members of the Wwoofing organisation, and therefore they are not obligated to honor the 4-5 hours of work a day rule.
3.) You can also use your own initiative and search out positions on your own. Search online for places you might like to work or projects you want to be involved in. Email people you wish to Wwoof for, and remember to keep the dialogue open and friendly. New Zealanders want to know about you as a person as well as the skills you can offer. After sending a few speculative emails, I was able to secure a work exchange for 5 weeks in Nelson.
When you are applying for any Wwoof position that has not been officially advertised in the Wwoof directory, you set the ground rules. Don’t be afraid to ask for confirmation of the hours that you will be expected to work in a written document.
Wwoofing: The Good
My first experience Wwoofing was in Hastings on the East coast of New Zealand’s North Island. Luckily for me, I was travelling with my partner so the experience of meeting the host for the first time was a little less nerve racking. Mrs. P. met us outside our hostel with a big smile and warm welcome. She was in her late fifties and exuded nothing but good, honest, Kiwi hospitality. We understood that Mrs. P. lived a slightly alternative lifestyle, so we were ready for the unexpected.
Kaikoura
On the day of arrival, we were shown into our accommodation – a clean and comfortable self contained cottage. We were treated to a magnificent lunch which included a home made vegetable soup amongst other delicious and surprising treats. We were asked to work on the day of arrival, and in total we completed three hours of gardening before being called in for dinner.
The week continued on a similar vain as we worked a total of three and a half days, completing 3-8 hours of work per day. Our meals were excellent, our host superb (if not slightly quirky), and we got to explore Hastings, and experience Cape Kidnappers and the gannet colony. All in all it was a fair trade. While the physical labour was at first intimidating, especially as I still considered myself high maintenance, the effort was rewarding – not only for my tummy, but also for my soul. It felt really good to contribute positively to Mrs. P.’s projects.
Wwoofing: The Bad
My second experience of Wwoofing was arranged by responding to an advert on Backpackersboard. The advert required helpers to assist with the running of a llama trekking farm in Kaikoura.
This was a completely different experience to Hastings. Our hosts were from the UK and had a very different work ethic. Upon our arrival, they sat us down and ran through a seven day schedule which included the tasks we were expected to complete. Our day would start at 8.00am and we were to finish after 5.00pm. We were permitted no days off in which to explore the area and the food and accommodation were extremely poor. The bedroom was unclean, the communal areas were unsavory, and we were told to use a port-a-loo if we required the bathroom at night.
Kaikoura Donkey
Our day would start with feeding the animals, then 2-3 hours of poo picking, manually collecting excrement from the paddocks. The day continued with preparing the feed for the evening, hand cutting grass for the rabbits, preparing the llama’s for treks, and other park maintenance. In addition, we all shared cooking responsibilities, were unable to take a hot shower every day due to water restrictions, and were fed out of date milk and bread. This was a horrid experience, one I care never to repeat.
Although I count it as one of my worst experiences in New Zealand, I also consider it one of the most funny and most humbling. It was not until many weeks later that I was able to use the power of hindsight and look upon the experience more positively.
So, what can I tell you about Wwoofing … well Wwoofit! Whether good or bad, a Wwoof placement is sure to make your backpacking trip more unique. It’s a fabulous way to save money, meet the locals, and explore the remoter parts of New Zealand. You will be placed in situations you never dreamed possible, acquire new skills, and discover a part of yourself that perhaps you never thought you had.
Although my boyfriend still considers me ‘high maintenance’, I have learnt a great many things about my capabilities. I feel able to take on any challenge head on. Pre-travelling I would shy away from situations that were outside my ‘comfort zone.’ Yet post-travelling, I feel I’m able to tackle the unknown and I’m ready for adventure.
Found this post useful? Awesome! Don’t leave, check out the posts below:
If you ever find yourself in Franz Josef Village, on the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island, you’ll be there for one reason – and one reason only. You’ve come to see Big Franz – Franz Josef Glacier.
Franz Josef Village (population, 300) exists solely because of the glacier found just outside of town. It’s a great, wee tourist settlement with all the necessary
Franz Josef Village
bars, restaurants, cafes, and tourist shops. Franz has a nice, alpine village feel – so long as you don’t mind the massive influx of tourists that come every summer. If you’re here during the high season, be sure to book your accommodation well in advance.
A visit to New Zealand’s West Coast isn’t complete without a trip to one of the two glaciers found here – Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier. Located only 300 meters above sea level, nowhere else in the world do glaciers come so close to the sea at this latitude. Found in Westland Tai Poutini National Park, Franz Josef Glacier is the product of years and years of endless rain. The West Coast receives over 78 inches of rain each year. High above Franz Josef Village in the glacier’s accumulation zone, this precipitation falls as snow, which eventually forms ice, which in turn creates Franz Josef Glacier.
View of the glacial valley
Franz is one of the world’s fastest moving glaciers – traveling towards the sea at an astonishing average of one meter per day. About 18,000 years ago, Franz stretched all the way to the Tasman Sea. Since then, it has advanced and retreated and is currently found about 5kms outside of Franz Josef Village.
You have a number of options to see the glacier – one to suit every budget. If you’re short on cash, you can catch a lift to the car park outside of town. A 45-minute walk will take you within view of Franz’s face. An equally (if not more) impressive view is found by taking a quick ten-minute hike from the car park to the top of Sentinel Rock. From here you’re granted terrific views of the glacier stretching up the mountainside.
Franz Josef Glacier’s Face
To get the most out of your glacier experience, I recommend going for a guided hike onto the glacier with Franz Josef Glacier Guides. Located in the village, FJGG offers half day, full day, and heli-hikes. For the budget traveler, the half day guided hike is a must.
Franz Josef Glacier Guides sets you up with all you need for your glacier experience. They provide ice crampons, boots, warm and waterproof pants and coats, and transportation from the village. After being led to the glacier face, your group of thirty is broke down into groups of 10 – 12 with a guide for each group.
After donning your crampons at the edge of the glacier, about fifty steps cut into the ice bring you to the top of Franz’s face. Immediately, you’re greeted with unbelievable views of both the glacier valley and the glacier stretching up the mountainside. Your small group is guided up the glacier passing through caves,
On the glacier
past glacial streams, and around deep and seemingly endless crevices. Along the way, your guide ensures the path you take is free from the very real dangers of ice and rock falls.
The half-day hike takes approximately four hours and gets you almost two hours of ice time. It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Walking around a glacier is an absolute surreal experience and well worth the money.
Thinking of taking a hike on Franz? Here are some details to get you started:
Where?Franz Josef Village is essentially in the middle of nowhere. The nearest large town is Greymouth, a good two hours north. Food, drink, petrol, etc. are significantly more expensive here in Franz. Plan accordingly. Book your accommodation well in advance – everything from four star to budget accommodation fills up nightly in the high season.
Franz Josef Glacier Guides are located on the high street in the village. There half day tours regularly fill up – book in advance.
How much? The Half Day Glacier Experience will cost you $105. The Full Day tour is $160. The Half Day tour gets you two hours on the ice – I felt this was plenty of time. Have some cash to blow? Check out their Heli-Hike Tour starting at $390. UPDATE: As the glacier has been retreating since publishing this post, there now is no longer the option of doing the half day tour for only $160. To actually get on the glacier, a quick helicopter trip is required due to unstable ice at the glacier’s face. The Franz Josef Ice Explorer is $325, but if you book through Planit NZ I can get it for you for $315 NZD. Book your Franz Trip here.
Is it worth the money?Yes. You won’t fully appreciate Franz unless you get up on him. Go for the Half Day tour!
Update as of August 11, 2014 the price of the Nevis Bungy has increased to $180. If you book through Planit NZ, I’ll take $10 off the price of the jump – just quote Backpacking Matt when booking!
A bungy jump is arguably one of the most difficult things you’ll ever have to do. To stand on the edge of a bridge and jump goes against everything that feels right. Every part of your body, your mind, your rational thinking conscience says, “no, absolutely not.” To overcome that voice in your head and make the leap of faith is one of the greatest feelings in the world.
Nevis Highwire Bungy
The more you think about the jump, the harder it gets. The pre-jump experience with AJ Hackett’s Nevis Highwire Bungy gives you plenty of time to think – this makes for a truly epic experience.
After checking in for my Nevis jump in Queenstown’s city center, I boarded an AJ Hackett shuttle bus which took me and about 20 other jumpers outside of town. The first stop was Kawarau Bridge – home of the world’s first commercial bungy jump in 1988. At Kawarau Bridge, about 15 people left the bus leaving only five brave souls to make their way another 10 kms to the Nevis Jump site. Not much was said on the bus ride – I sensed that everyone was as nervous as I was about the upcoming jump.
After turning off the SH 6, a quick 10 minute ride up a dirt road left us at the base of a steep mountain. We got off the shuttle bus and were asked to board a smaller, 4WD vehicle which made its way up a steep and winding gravel road.
As we neared the top of this road, our driver pointed out the wide open canyon to our right. Suspended above the canyon on a cable was the jump pod where I’d soon make the leap. My heart skipped a couple beats and I began to get a feel for what was to come – a massive jump.
After reaching the top of the hill, myself and the other jumpers were fitted with a harness, our weight was checked again, and we were led to the cable car which would bring us out over the canyon to the jump pod. The jump pod itself features a glass floor which provides some stunning views of the river on the canyon floor.
Getting ready to jump
When it was my turn to make the leap, I was positioned in a chair which appeared to either belong in a dentist’s office or a torture chamber. The bungy cord was strapped to my feet and I was given some last minute instructions for the jump. Of my biggest concern was the bit where I was to pull the cord to release my feet after the second bounce. This would allow me to be pulled back up to the pod in a seated position – as opposed to upside down. Seemed to be straight forward enough – unless perhaps you had just experienced 8.5 seconds of free fall!
After the instructions were clear, I ‘toed’ my way towards the jump point. A small, metal platform which juts off of the bungy pod. The cord was tossed over the edge leaving me again with the stomach turning feeling of what was to come. The jumpmaster counted down, “3, 2, 1, go Matt!” and I dove out, hands first, over the canyon below.
Words can’t begin to describe the feeling, the ground rush sensation you get as you plummet towards the canyon floor below you. I won’t even try. It’s a completely comfortable experience – no significant jerk as the bungy cord reaches it’s end. A smooth flow up, and again back down. The euphoric feeling is immediate, and lasts for hours after the jump. You’ll instantly begin thinking about when you can jump again.
Soaring through the canyon
The experience was a great one from start to finish. The team at AJ Hackett does a terrific job of both making you feel safe and comfortable. From the check in, to the harnessing up, to the jumpmaster who is your last contact before making the leap – everyone was professional yet fun. Both characteristics you want the day of your jump.
Thinking of taking the leap yourself? Here are some facts to get you started:
How high?134 meters (440) – Australasia’s highest jump!
How long will you fall?8.5 seconds
How much?The jump itself will cost you NZ$250 – all transport included. AJ Hackett also throws in a free shirt. If you want video and photographic proof, you’ll be out another $80. Not a cheap experience, but well worth it in my view.
Where?The check in for the jump is in Queenstown’s City Center at the Station Building. Allow about three – four hours from start to finish.
Is it worth it? Yes. It’s not a cheap experience, but well worth it in my mind. For $250, you’re getting a half day experience that you’ll remember for the rest of your life. Taupo’s Bungy is pretty epic as well – but, you pay your $109, get your ticket, jump, and that’s you finished. AJ Hackett goes out of their way to make your jump an experience to remember.
Kia Ora - I'm Matt. Adventurer, Instagrammer and New Zealand travel planning expert living in Queenstown, NZ. Founder of Planit NZ - New Zealand's largest travel planning & booking website.
Hello! I’m Matt. Thanks for checking out my blog. Be sure to follow me on Instagram for loads more New Zealand travel inspiration. Comment on one of my photos so I know you came from here!
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Backpacking Matt 
