Tell us a little about yourself and your role with Smaller Earth in New Zealand
My first interaction with Smaller Earth was as a participant of the Camp Leaders USA Summer Camp program. It was an incredible program and I could never of imagined at the time just what an impact on my life this 3 months at a summer camp would have.
After camp I traveled for a couple of months and started full time with Smaller Earth just days after returning to New Zealand in November 2012. Since then I have re located the office to Queenstown and Smaller Earth New Zealand has taken a huge step forward.
My role as the country director has been a journey! It's challenging, rewarding and always changing. I have been responsible for the set up of our Kiwi and Kiwi, inbound work program. There is such a demand for people wanting to travel to New Zealand from all over the world.
Now we are able to support them through Smaller Earth and help make their trip to New Zealand smooth and enjoyable. I love working for Smaller Earth, a company that really promotes personal development and positive impact and opens up so many opportunities for participants of the programs and for staff members alike.
What's one piece of advice you'd give someone moving to / doing a gap year in New Zealand?
The main advice I would say is bring a good rain jacket and don't let a little rain stop you from having awesome adventures! Oh, and step outside your comfort zone! If you are tempted to try/do/see something, just do it! You may only be here once.
What's the most common question you get from Kiwi to Kiwi program participants?
Where in New Zealand should I go? How long should I stay?
The answer is, stay as long as you can and go to as many places as you can. The South island has more scenery while the North Island has more culture. Both very much worth a visit and both offer very different options of activities and sights.
The ideal job length is 6 months, this is what employers are mostly looking for and that gives you plenty of time to travel as well. While a whole GAP year is ideal, this might not be possible for all - Minimum 4 months I say.
Any not-to miss adventures?
It's so hard to narrow it down as there are just so many! A trip to a place like New Zealand can be so personal, everybody is looking for something different from the experience. For some its the total unknown so far away, for some its the nature, hiking, rivers, lakes and mountains. And for many it is the adventure activities, skydiving, bungy jumping, White water-rafting... There's something for everyone here so just come and experience it!