Te Araroa - day 0

After a couple days exploring Tokyo, and a week skiing in Hokkaido, we started our working holiday in New Zealand. We spent our firet week in New Zealand beaching and birding all the way from Auckland to Akaroa to Rakiura. Now we begin our South Island hike or "tramp," as the kiwis say. Both of us had the dream of visiting before we turn 30 and it’s coming true! My 30th is fast approaching this May 30th so I made it just in time! One of the questions I am asked most is why New Zealand? As a kid I remember looking in a coffee table book of 100 most beautiful places in the world. There were several photos of New Zealand that caught my attention, but I really became interested when I heard there was a long distance trail going through the South and North island called the Te Araroa. We will be hiking the South Island portion which is about 800 miles and it will take us around two months to hike if all goes according to plan. Once the snow falls, I hope to work on ski patrol at a resort in the Wanaka and Queenstown area. We aren’t too attached to what we end up doing for work as long as it pays the bills and allows us to ski! From what I’ve heard about the mountain biking, kayaking and climbing there, we will have no problem finding an adrenaline rush off the snow either. After nearly four years of staying in one place, I’m feeling the itch to see more of the world and I couldn’t think of a better travel partner than Will. While I aim to be spending less time on my phone, I also want to share stories of our experience with our friends and family. We are looking forward to hearing from all of you as well!

-Katie

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