Alright, I bought this one-way ticket to New Zealand. Now what? A friend had told me about this site called Workaway. It’s a site with a network of hosts all across the world that offer a cultural exchange. The basic rundown is that you can meet up with a local and do a bit of work (20-25 hours/week) in exchange for lodging and meals. Sounds great. Save money and get an authentic, everyday experience. Prime situation. For months, I combed through the site vetting hosts.
What was the location?
What was the accommodation?
What was the work arrangement?
Did the host have positive reviews?
There are a ton of variables. The work ranges from landscaping to childcare to teaching a foreign language. The lodging can be a caravan and outhouse in the yard to a rustic cabin [foreshadowing]. I’m pretty sure I saw a teepee/lean-to situation on one profile. All in all, it’s a ton of information to process.
So after doing all of this research, I lined up six weeks worth of work across 4 different hosts. Conceptually, I had a good idea of what I signed up for. But when you’re half a world away, you’re not exactly sure how it’s all going to turn out. I guess people were also taking a chance on me since I had 0 reviews on my profile.
Good news: my first experience was a success. I mean, I’m still alive and not buried in a random corner of New Zealand.
But really, I may have accidentally spoiled myself by picking the best place first. I had incredibly gracious hosts in Alan and Gill, a boss cabin all to myself [shadowing complete], and some pretty dope meals.
Here’s an Instagram story I made of the daily routine:
Soon enough, I’m going to be a wizard at all things yard/home beautification. Meh. We’ll see.
A big benefit to this work exchange is that once your tasks for the day are complete, you’re free to do some exploring. Buuuuuuut, what I didn’t really take into account was how rural most hosts are. There was pretty much nothing in walking distance of the property I was at, so it was a balancing act not to waste the day.
Thankfully, Alan & Gill let me borrow one of their cars. That was a whole experience within itself (everything related to driving is opposite from the US). So I did get to see some of the main haps in the area.
My first main off day was completely shit weather, of course. I made it to Pakiri Beach, which during low tide was probably the widest sand beach I’ve ever seen. I tried flying the drone and it was tilting sideways from all the wind. Bust. Next, I went to this marine reserve called Goat Island. Saw some birds that I’d never seen before — big ol orange beaks. It was a pretty place aside from the rain.
And finally, to cap the day, I did a very Nathan move and went to the nearest brewery. It was mid-afternoon, mid-week, so there weren’t many people. Plus — there’s a theme — the rain had intensified. Naturally, I got a flight which was $20 New Zealand Dollars ($13 USD). Kind of pricy, but 5 decent-size tasters. I rated their Bock the highest, 3.5 squirrels (per the Scott Toney system of beer rating). It’s gotta be something about the water here that creates a specific flavor. I’m still acclimating. But since I drink like a fish, I’ll be up to speed in no time.
My Saturday off was a totally different story — beautiful weather. Perfectly sunny day and low 60s which is warm for a New Zealand spring day. I went up to a place called Mangawhai (‘wh’ is pronounced as ‘f’). They had a decent farmer’s market that I perused, a butcher that was making dank ass grilled sausages and another brewery (3.5 squirrels again). I hit up some shops and then went to check out the surf beach. There were some bluffs with trails that took you up to the peak. An EPIC view I wasn’t expecting. It was windy again but a much better drone session.
That’s more or less my first week in Kiwiland.
The only drag is that I haven’t met many people outside of my hosts yet. I’m sure that will change in time. And when I get a little bit more outgoing in striking up conversations with strangers. Don’t worry, Mom. People here are nice and not threatening [second murder reference].
I’m onto my next host now after a good first run. Let’s hope the vibe continues!
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