Moving through seasonal work is the only way to travel, and New Zealand is by far the easiest country I have ever visited to find temporary work in! In 18 months I have worked with kiwi fruits, apples, two epic ski seasons and a travelling carnival, and have worked for accommodation in a number of short but sweet temporary placements. I have slowly made it from the top of the North Island to the bottom of the South Island in my trusty van, finding work through the internet a month or so before moving on to the next place.

I’m from the UK and I had my first job confirmed before I arrived in the country so after a short holiday was able to get stuck straight in. I walked into the ASB bank, and walked out with a bank account and card 20mins later! I walked into the IRD office and walked out with a temporary IRD number (the actual one came through a week or so later). I bought my van from a really small town and paid half the price than in the big cities, if you can fly into Christchurch, vehicles are a fraction of the price there than in the North Island.

Through working in different places you experience the real New Zealand and get to know the towns and locals, and discover the places that aren’t in the guidebooks. At work you meet literally hundreds of like-minded travellers and are able to build life-long friendships and go on mad adventures with them. I have had countless unforgettable experiences here and have been able through working so often to also do all of the bigger tourist activities without even touching my savings.

My advice – work hard play hard and be organised. Get to know where the seasonal work is at the different times of the year and use websites like Seasonal Solutions to plan work in advance and you will have an amazing time in New Zealand. I would do it all again in a heartbeat, very sad to be leaving this Christmas.

LIVE THE LIFE YOU LOVE, LOVE THE LIFE YOU LIVE!