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Blueberry selecting

Hop work in Motueka

When in search of work in Motueka, there are lots of options to choose from. Depending on when you arrive you’ll find a job within the orchards around the town center. They are plenty.

The orchards grow kiwifruit, apples, cherries, blueberries and different crops that present work from end of winter until the late autumn months.

From the tip of September until half of November I worked for Mac hops. I did mainly propagation work and some planting. Lucky for me as a result of the spring was very moist and propagation occurs inside. Which meant that during rainy days I might still work. Every day we’d begin at 7.30 am. Hop stems could be reduce up and dipped in a rooting hormone. Then the person stems can be planted into particular person pots and cared for in the greenhouse. Those little vegetation, in 2 – 3 years, would then be planted out on the field. Whenever an old plant had died or did not produce enough buds, they’d get changed.

We labored with 10 people propagating and another 15 folks outside, coaching.

During 2 weeks, within the afternoon only, half of the team could be thinning on the farms small block of kiwifruit. This was additionally paid hourly. There was by no means a day you’ll be bored on the job because in in the future you could expect to do 3 different things.

Mac hops is a family owned farm that has been growing hops for two generations now.

Owners Brent and Owen share the management of the farm. Never have I met such a hard-working duo. You often find them in the shed if you arrive at 7.30 am and they will stay late to work long after you’ve gone. Which is understandable because the farm has simply expanded with a brand new plot in Mapua.

Brent and Owen grow hops for Mac’s New Zealand brewery, famous for its craft beers. One of them the Hoprocker. The greatest workloads on the farm are in the course of the spring and late summer. In October, the hops have to be trained, which is contract work. You can count on the coaching interval to last a minimum of three weeks. I did propagation which is paid $16 per hour + %8 vacation pay. Another job is planting which can additionally be paid hourly. Then the harvest happens around the end of March. You can count on to do totally different jobs since there are numerous other duties on the farm. For instance, weeding the glass house, potting vegetation and sweeping the shed.

There is staff lodging obtainable. For $100 per week you get a room with a shared kitchen and bathroom. If you intend to camp, it costs only $50.

Mac hops

ninety one Poole road

Motueka

South Island

Google maps:

/maps/place/91+Poole+St,+Motueka+7120/@-41. ,172. ,18z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x6d3b8729db2a0919:0xcd738be9b12e01bf!8m2!3d-41. !4d173. ?hl=nl

Kind regards,

Jozefien Nuyttens,
snowboard and ski teacher

Facebook:/coolcappucina
Instagram:/Jozynuyt
Twitter:/Jozynuyt
Website:thesingingmonkey.com/

“follow your heart but take your mind with you.” Alfred Adler

by Jozefien Nuyttens
16/05/2017 9:31:33 PMJozefien Nuyttens Hop work in Motueka

Working as an apple packer in Motueka!
I labored for James Apple Packhouse in Motueka for more than 1 month and this was extremely an easy and pleased job. We worked solely 40 hours/week from Monday to Friday, with wage 15.25$/h. All we want to do was to choose apples from the round box and put into the tray. There was one attention-grabbing level on this packhouse which made me actually impressed. That was: we had cakes for break time from boss very often in week. This just isn’t an enormous packhouse, but the atmospheres so heat and friendly. After season completed, boss even helped us to find job in kiwifruit packhouse. I wish to recommend this packhouse to anybody who wanna discover jobs in Motueka. Job in James packhouse could begins from March and finishes in May. This is the tackle and cellphone number of my boss:
James Packhouse
Address: eighty five Brooklyn Valley, Motueka by Jamie Nguyen
9/05/2016 four:21:fifty nine PM

Jamie Nguyen Working as an apple packer in Motueka

You have just lately arrived in a new metropolis, booked yourself into a hostel that you found

on-line from and are able to hit the ground running – making new

pals, exploring the native cafés, and discovering bars hidden down poster-pasted alleys. That was

my mindset after I arrived to Wellington, New Zealand in the center of January. I didn’t have

many expectations once I first arrived, but I knew I wanted to try to find a short-term half or

full-time job and a spot to live. On my second morning at Nomads Hostel, the sort receptionist

who knew I was new to town and in search of work let me know that there was a possibility

to do Work for Accommodation at the hostel. For those of who haven’t heard the phrase “work

for accommodation” it’s where you do work at the hostel in exchange at no cost lodging

plus other perks; these perks can differ by hostel from free wi-fi, complimentary laundry, and

even a free meal a day. The hourly commitment per week additionally varies per hostel and usually you

have to make a small bond cost to make sure that you could be there for the minimum two-week

dedication. Work for Accommodation was such a pleasant method to become conversant in the town

and attend native occasions similar to strolling excursions, or Music within the Park with other people who have a

working holiday visa here or vacationers passing through. And since you’re solely working as a lot as

four hours per day, you possibly can have the rest of the day to look for a job within the city. I recommend

Temp Agencies; these might require that you just come in for an interview, however after the interview and

receiving your contact info they’ll contact you once they have a job that wants filling!

Extra eyes that will help you in your way to saving some further cash, so you’ll have the ability to explore the remainder of this

lovely country! So in case your goal is to giving life within the metropolis a-go, then think about the work for

accommodation as an choice to help keep some weight in your pockets, so you can go out for

that drink along with your new friends within the bean bag chairs and enjoy the harbor view.

by Hillary Hodgskiss
24/03/ :50:55 AMHillary Hodgskiss Working free of charge accommodation in Wellington

I first came to New Zealand on a working holiday three years in the past. As I’m the type who likes planning ahead, I began making use of for jobs (mostly through the Seasonal Jobs New Zealand website) in October, hoping to start out work in January. But when I was called up the subsequent day by two totally different locations asking if I may start work next week, I determined to delay the search!

In December I utilized for 2 different cooking jobs, one at Mt. Cook Village and one in Wanaka. They each got back to me nearly at once, and after googling photos of each areas (knowing virtually nothing about New Zealand at the time), I decided to go with the Wanaka job! I had labored as a baker and breakfast prepare dinner the summer earlier than, so I was a super candidate, and I was offered the job as a chef’s assistant at Kai Whakapai following a cellphone interview.

Honestly, I would have been proud of a fruit-picking job—anything to get me to New Zealand. But Kai Café was excellent.

I began my job the day after I arrived in Wanaka. The flat I had lined up fell via (there was a miscommunication, and the room I wished wasn’t available), but I was in a position to type out a significantly better (and cheaper!) place that same day. Basically I simply sat on the lakefront while the flat-owner chatted to his mate, and subsequent thing I knew I had a place to live!

That was my first introduction to how easy and easy most things are in New Zealand.

It was simple sufficient establishing a bank account with Westpac and getting an IRD quantity (required for anyone working in New Zealand), and then all I needed to fear about was work and journey.

Working at Kai Café was great. I had never been formally skilled as a chef, but I was given many opportunities to perform as a full chef, and the team was plenty of enjoyable to work with. I had coworkers from Scotland, England, the Netherlands, Germany, and New Zealand, and the house owners were never afraid to step in and wash dishes if we have been busy.

Better nonetheless, with the excessive minimal wage and affordable cost of residing, I was left with about $500 every week to spend on journey. I visited Mt. Cook, Milford Sound, Queenstown, Glenorchy, and the Catlins; did a canyoning tour, a horseback using trip, a 4-wheeling tour, and a whitewater sledging trip; and hiked up mountains and to backcountry huts most weekends. It was crazy! I started to think of my work-days as “down time” in between the hikes and adventures.

I worked at Kai Whakapai for 3 months, and afterwards spent three weeks traveling round as a lot of the South Island as I could see. If I had the prospect to do all of it again, I absolutely would. For me, it was comforting to have a house base to return to whereas I traveled, and a community to turn into acquainted with. And I gained enough expertise in my function that I was later employed as a proper chef at an upscale restaurant.

You can most likely inform how much I beloved New Zealand by the truth that I’m now a resident!

by Rebecca Vickers
24/03/ :39:14 AMRebecca Vickers From working vacation visa to a resident

From the massive city to the sphere
You couldnt imagine a much bigger distinction. After my good friend and I arrived in Auckland we immediately looked for a job, in fact in case you are coming to NZ for beautiful nature a metropolis that homes a 3rd of the entire population isnt the most effective address.
Two days later we discovered ourselves in Kerikeri within the far north. We contacted the Hone Heke lodge members of the BBH club that are working hostels and in my view one of the best place for backpackers looking for employment.
My good friend and I labored on a kiwi orchard and have been assigned two primary duties,thinning and vine coaching. For the former we had to take the undersized and misshapen fruits off and discard them on the ground, that is needed so the remaining fruits can mature and ripen to the specified size. Besides you additionally need to strap in new vines too a guide wire so that they dont get damaged when the tractor drives down the row. During a piece day of eight hours you would possibly be alone in your row and it could become exhausting to concentrate with so many hundreds of kiwi hanging above you. The two tea breaks and a half hour lunch make the day much more bearable being in a position to plug in your head phones take heed to music and loosen up outdoors in the shade make all of it worthwhile.
However while doing vine coaching there was no canopy to cover underneath and whether the sun was shining or the rain was pouring down we had to climb up and down the ladders to twist the younger kiwi vines round strings.
Speaking of rain on most different orchards it’s not potential to work as a outcome of if you cut or scratch some of the wood you’ll find a way to open up the entire plant to PSA infection. Luckily for my pal an i we have been working on an orchard that had PSA resistant kiwi crops, which is actually lucky for the backpacker and the backpackers checking account. One of the most important things I found was sporting good trekking shoes, on my first rainy work day I determined to wear comfortable sneakers which received soaked immediately. I would suggest towards them except you want the feeling of walking round all day on soggy sponges.
Altogether I did this job for eight days then the work completed. I got here too late for the full job as it could last for a number of weeks at a time relying on the scale of orchard. Compared to my different jobs as a farm worker I would all the time recommend thinning. Despite being quite boring it isn’t as exhausting as a few of the different jobs so you can all the time take pleasure in your free time within the evening with out being too tired- for instance with a large pizza and a lot of ice cream like we did after weve completed our first week of work.
The final and most important information to the backpacker is cost. Most orchards pay minimum wage which is 14.75$ an hour after tax and vacation pay (which is collected and given to you after you leave the job) you’re making 12.91 an hour. I almost always had the weekend off except for once when the climate was really terrible and we made up for it on a Sunday. So you’re almost assured forty hours per week which interprets too 516$ every week. Subtracting the hostel prices and grocery payments and a little bit of economics it can save you over 300$ which can then be spent on day trips too Cape Reinga or Abbey caves or 90 mile beach. Most people go to these places so make friends and share petrol costs and the price may be one fifth of a bus tour!
Urls:

by lomelli
24/03/ :34:37 AM

lomelli From the massive city to the field of kiwi fruit

It was about early October final 12 months I think. I have been in New Zealand for about 2 months and it was about time to get myself a paid job trigger I was running low on cash. So I decided I may go for some seasonal work. Since Im in the kiwi country what else could I do however work within the kiwi industry? “What a great expertise that shall be”, I was considering at that time. After a short period of time I have discovered myself a job in Tauranga as a kiwi pruner. I had no idea what precisely I would be doing but it was a paid job after all. It was a work and keep packet which means that I needed to stay in a sure hostel for the period of labor in change for them to search out me the job and arrange the contact with the contractor.

Between the time I arrived at the hostel and the actual date the job started there was a spot of a couple of week. Of course I havent been informed about that. There were quiet plenty of other backpackers around who also waiter for the job to start out or who’ve already been working. So it wasnt onerous to kill time after all. We would both drive to Mount Manganui and have a swim or have a couple of beers within the evening or one thing alike. I had fun there.

Eventually the job started. We had to go to the companys workplace and signal our contracts, get told about Health&Safety and we alos obtained a short description of what we had to anticipate from the work.

The subsequent day we began working. We acquired the address of the orchard we were working at from our supervisor. After arriving there our supervisor defined us what the standard working day seemed like. Two brief paid breaks, one huge lunch break, usualy 8 to 9 hours…it didnt sound too unhealthy. Then the precise work began. Turned out were werent really doing pruning but quite something thats referred to as thinning. Everybody got his or her personal lane of kiwi crops and we had to take away small branches to even out the growth of the crops. Its kinda exhausting to clarify that. But after a couple of hours and with help from our supervisors (there had been three of them) we ultimately figured out what to do. It took us a couple of days to become moderately quick. But it took me only a few hours to search out out that this job is the easiest factor on the planet. And also essentially the most boring thing. But once more, it was easy cash. So the hours glided by. Once youve completed your lane you both had to help another person end his or her lane or start one other lane yourself.

Thus the first days handed. Then the job changed. We didnt need to remove small branches anymore but the flowers of the kiwis. Not simply all of the flowers in fact. Wherever their grew a triple, like three linked flowers, we needed to remove the two smaller flowers of them. And there have been heaps of thos tripples. Again, its type of hard to explain what we truly did. But once youve discovered what needed to be done it was the a simple, boring and repetitive work. And like this the weeks passed by. We principally worked 6 days per week with days off only if the weather didnt permit working. You may in fact take a day with out work should you wanted to. We received paid weekly and the wages obviously changed primarily based on the hours we made per week.

I stayed in that job for about 6 weeks and once I felt I had saved sufficient money I was off again. Back on the street.

I probably could had saved a lot more money I it wasnt for the beer and wine being as tasty as costly in New Zealand. But its not always just in regards to the cash, right? And I had a lot of enjoyable and memorable nights throughout my time in the sunny Tauranga. The peak of that in all probability being considered one of my mates coming after an evening in the metropolis at 10 a.m. telling us he had spent his night in prison reason for drunken conduct…

Anyway, I hope that gives an idea of what to expect when doing seasonal work in New Zealand.

by Cedric Sell
24/03/ :27:47 AM

Cedric Sell Working with Kiwi fruit

It was just like any strange yr. I dusted off another 12 months of studying and was on my 3-

month holiday till I started university again. I was low on earnings and wanted to make use of my

time wisely as life as a scholar is difficult especially within the monetary area, most of the time

youre broke as a result of lodging prices, food, university related prices and journey prices.

Nothing is straightforward and I certain learnt that the exhausting method. I ended up looking for each single job

potential, my job expertise isnt great and all of the places I applied which were principally retail,

wanted experience because it was the Christmas rush. The time of the yr the place each single

retail store prepares for the climax of the yr and put together their scenery and prices

to swimsuit the time, they’d no real curiosity in training someone from scratch. After e-mailing a

couple of locations with no sudden response, it was clear I would not get any retail jobs.

I began on the lookout for different kinds of work, I went on to backpacker’s board and looked for the

jobs there in Auckland but there was nothing that I could truly do, there were jobs

available but once once more a essential quantity of experience was required so I just shrugged

off the concept of actually finding a job again. I started looking ahead to University starting up

once more. It was around mid-December the place I got a wakeup call, I realized that I had failed a

few papers in my second semester and I had to redo them however I was missing the mandatory

amount of money to retake the papers. it hit me exhausting. I felt depressed at instances as I really

needed to finish off my second yr of University to advance otherwise I would never get

my diploma and I could be jobless without experience too.

I began the search up again and literally was on prime of it day in day out, it was hard.

Employment in NZ is not one of the best in my own opinion, it’s exhausting for college kids to discover a job

particularly when most jobs require a sure period of time to work under contracts corresponding to a

minimal of 6 months. I saved looking out but in all honestly I thought I would never discover a

suitable job. I stumbled upon Seasonaljobs.co.nz and I had a look at the listing of jobs that were

listed within the north island, most have been up to date and I saw one listed that mentioned they needed a

couple of egg farmers. I began at the hyperlink for a while, questioning my morals. Ive by no means had

any experience on a farm, nor any experience much at all. I learn up on the details and the

only thing that fell prey unto my eyes was the “No experience needed”. I was fairly

shocked to truly come throughout a job that doesnt require expertise. I texted the individual

that had put up the advertising and he gave me a check run.

It was in Henderson on a distant farm. Was a few South-Asian men. They appeared like

very hard staff. They confirmed me the way to extract the eggs from the chicken and how to

make sure they dont crack when taking them, making sure not to shock the chicken so they

dont break it. How lengthy it takes for the eggs to become eatable, not letting the eggs ripen

too much was the key. It was onerous work. Very exhausting work, or so I thought. A couple of trucks

would come by once in a while to choose up the eggs that had been collected and they have been taken

away to be sold in shops. There had been lots of trucks. Ive never really experienced any work

like this however at the end of the day it was satisfying. Finally, being ready to work felt really

good. I felt like I would get someplace. The days had been very lengthy though, It was extremely

busy too, there have been a couple of other individuals they’d employed.

They looked a bit older than me. They were very nice although. The vehicles saved coming and

we stored piling up the eggs.

It was the Christmas rush I tell you. I never actually realized how onerous these people work just

to get eggs out in the supermarkets. People that work in agricultural and farm areas have to

be proven a bit extra gratitude. They work really exhausting for everybody to verify they get

what they need. Im more appreciative now after I see eggs in the supermarket. I continued

working till about mid-March, University was starting up once more. I was joyful that i was in a position

to gather enough cash to retake the papers I had failed and I was joyful that I was capable of

discover a job in the farm space, it really opened my eyes to plenty of issues I was blinded to. I

recognize every farmer now, very a lot.

by
29/02/ :36:forty seven AM

The Christmas rush

How is the widespread employee within the pack house?
Deprived of fresh air and silence, uncontrolled in his/her movements. This is as a end result of the kiwifruit pack home makes you a little twitchy.

But when one desires a winter of snow, one wants one factor: money!

Thats right. My choosing a job in kiwifruit was not out of a pure poetic plight we Europeans are most likely to have with New-Zealand and kiwifruit.
I really have to say though, it did sound like a tasty approach to spend my autumn months.

March 2015 I left my house country Belgium for New-Zealand. It was the primary country that I travelled to where I knew nobody. My plan for the primary months was very simple: to discover a job as quickly as potential to replenish my savings. If attainable on the South Island.
Fruit picking was an obvious choice, since it is rather Kiwi. I searched google and located the seasonaljobs web site.

It had a job supply from a pack home referred to as Inglis packers. They wanted 30 people to start at the beginning of April. The pack house was located in Motueka, a city on the very prime of the South Island.
Having no idea of what Motueka can be like, I imagined discovering a lovely countryside community. Fruit bushes on each nook and plush hills with sheep and cow.
This was not so removed from the reality.

I arrived in March with not more than my backpack and snowboard. The pack home was on the outskirts of city. There I met the pack house king: Mr. Kong.
Mr. Kong provided me a job as a grader. $14.seventy five per hour + 8% vacation pay. hours every week.
“Work starts subsequent week.”, mentioned mr. Kong.
It sounded heavenly in my ears.

A grader makes sure that our odd Smiths and Joneses on the planet aren’t confronted with anything confusing. Blemishes, haywood marks, watermarks.
Because we know what will happen if the shopper picked up a kiwifruit with a blemish. The horror! Terrorised by non conformity they might run away in tears. For sure we are not trying for anyone to cry.

Now that I had a job, I needed someplace to remain. I still had time to find a place since work only started work after a week. With this excellent area to explore but no cash to spend, I determined to do a tramp. Because this was Abel Tasman country! Cheap fun.
My gear was saved at the I-site in town. Then I packed my backpack with peanut butter and appels and was on my method.
The Abel Tasman was merely beautiful! I found a friend on the journey named Mark. We did not end the tramp collectively. When he left, he donated a block of cheese. For a hungry tramper consuming nothing however peanut butter and appels, this was one of the best reward ever.
Since we had been both working in pack houses in Motueka, I was going to go to him when I obtained back.

I found Mark again, a few days later, within the Motueka backpackers campground. A rugged sort of place however the cheapest accommodation in town. I met the proprietor Lesley who outfitted me with considered one of his personal tents and a weekly hire of only $90. Now that I had found my palace, I was able to tackle the job.

I graded in Motueka for 8 weeks and finished with $2500 in savings plus 2 bins of kiwifruit. Money used to buy a season move for Cardrona ski resort.
All this time I lived in a tent at the Motueka backpackers. I met a variety of the most colourful folks there. Kiwis and travellers: a author named Jonesy, a whitebait fisher named Ed.

Motueka was a great place to remain. The place to make money and new friendships.

The packhouse the place I labored:

Inglis Packers
20 Thorp Street

by
29/02/ :33:38 AM

Packing kiwifruit in Motueka

Our first seasonal job in New Zealand was an asparagus picking. We found some e mail adresses of asparagus farms on the internet after our arrival to Auckland and in a couple of days we arranged an interview in one family firm rising strawberries and asparagus. The farm was near Hamilton and we were working there for 5 weeks – until Christmas time when asparagus season was finished. First week was actually exhausting was us and we were drained. It was only working-sleeping. But by the point our bodies obtained educated and we had been quicker and stronger. After few days the supervisor offered us a job in the packhouse so every day after work on the sector we earned some more cash by sorting asparagus that we had picked a couple of hours earlier than. These kinds of jobs are very stereotyped so that you needto find something what will assist you to to do your job well daily. For us it was breaking via the number of crates we should always decide in the parficular time. It was very good experience – we obtained data tips on how to develop asparagus, the means to pick it and kind it and the profit – larger muscles!:-)

by Adela Kadanikova
29/02/ :27:47 AM

Adela Kadanikova Asparagus choosing

Are you looking for a straightforward, relaxed job?

Dont like working up a sweat or getting dirty?

Afraid of a little bit of sun or the wild components of the New Zealand outdoors?

If you answered yes to any of the above, then seasonal work is NOT for you! There is dirt, there could be sweat, there are bugs and sizzling solar and wet days BUT dont get me incorrect…I love it!

The work on a vineyard (or I would assume at an orchard or other farm as well) leaves you not solely with cash in your pocket however with the feeling of accomplishment and the enjoyment of a hard days work. The pleasure of nice firm and the pleasure of working within the nice outside.

My first experience in seasonal work was at a winery simply South of Auckland in a tiny city known as Whitford. I lived in a small home with a group of other travellers where we shared our tales, our meals and plenty of wine! We did that at night that’s…in the course of the day we worked.

The work the first day concerned choosing the grapes and loading them onto a truck that might later that day be delivered all the greatest way right down to Napier. Since I had labored on a farm growing up and had some experience driving 4 wheelers, I obtained the enviable job of riding round on the quad and bringing the grapes from the vineyard to the truck. It feels like enjoyable and at times it was great to journey round with the cool breeze cooling me off from the warmth of a mid-March day in Auckland but it was also the toughest job of the day. I needed to choose up tons of and lots of of baskets of grapes that weighed…enough to be a exercise…and cargo them onto the quad trailer then eventually into the massive rig truck. Needless to say, I obtained some good muscular tissues within the two weeks I was there.

Aside from selecting we needed to stroll through the rows early in the morning and scare out the birds that had settled to eat the fruit in a single day. Sounds straightforward but with the dew on the nets and our heads scraping the soaked fabric, we would be soaked inside minutes of “chook scaring”. Banging sticks together and screaming at the high of my lungs at 8am made for an fascinating start to the day however it simply added to the surreal experience of the seasonal job of grape picking.

The hardest job we did…and the toughest job Ive ever accomplished…was riding on the back of a tractor and pulling within the nets to those large burlap sacks that have been sufficiently big to suit half a dozen full grown men inside with house to spare. The moist nets stretched across 5 rows of grapes made for fairly the exercise whereas pulling it in and I swear I couldnt feel my arms for the remainder of the day. Again although, it was an unbelievable exercise and by the end of the day I had a feeling of exhausted accomplishment that’s simply incomparable to anything.

The early mornings in the crisp, recent morning air, the solar baked afternoons followed by an evening of leisure and wine made it an unforgettable experience within the fields of New Zealand.

If you want to work in the Gods good land, experience and learn concerning the culture and industry of natural meals or just want some cash, this can be a nice opportunity!

So put on your work clothes, roll up your sleeves and get out and concerned in seasonal work within the spectacular nation that’s New Zealand!

by Kevin Gillikin
27/05/ :50:33 AMKevin Gillikin put on your work clothes, roll up your sleeves and get on the market

The beginning of April in New Zealand isn’t imagined to be windy, chilly and wet. At least this was what I thought it was alleged to be when I booked my flight from Singapore to Christchurch within the local weather controlled consolation of my office in the CBD area of Singapore. Assumption number one of , one made by a naive citizen of year lengthy hot, humid and sunny Singapore with its remarkably predictable and unchangeable climate, was rudely smashed as I exited Christchurch Airport.

A gentle drizzle. Some wind. Chilly air.

“ Brilliant, nice mild drizzle”, I thought, as I slipped my fleece jacket on prime of my hoodie and waited for my bus. Welcome to New Zealand.

Weather Lesson Number 1.1 for any natives from sunnier climes (like me): New Zealand’s climate is unbelievably unpredictable and changeable. Be prepared. Layers layers layers – Waterproof jacket / pants, fleece, shirt, base layer / thermals, gloves, beanie, hat, sunglasses, solar block cream.

You may be wondering why I wrote Lesson Number 1.1 above. That’s as a outcome of there have been (and I’m sure are) many classes learnt up to now. LOL – Laugh Out Loud for the uninitiated and used in this context to take the piss out of myself.

As I sat within the relatively heat environs of the bus, I assumed that the light drizzle would certainly peter out fairly quickly. That wouldn’t be an unfair assumption to make within the context of Singapore. A gentle drizzle in Singapore often abates after roughly half an hour to 2 hours. Nope. Not in Christchurch, New Zealand. I got off the bus to a quite heavier drizzle, simply sufficient to moist all of the backpacks and luggage I was carrying and necessitating a difficult extraction of the rain jacket. As you can see, I like making assumptions and I’m cussed in that I don’t fairly study my lesson when I’m proven mistaken.

Weather Lesson Number 1.2 : Have your layers packed accessibly. Common sense.

THE first seasonal job: Excitement, trepidation, happiness

Finding my first seasonal job was surprisingly easy. In this point in time, 21st century Google Facebook internet age and all that, clearly the most convenient way of looking for a job is through the Internet. Some of the web sites I used and still use frequently are:

/work_jobs/index.php

/travellers/billboard_home.asp

Internet Tip Number 1: Use a mobile phone or pill to entry online websites in New Zealand. Why? Because, in stark contrast to the remainder of the world (I think?), hostels right here do not have free unlimited wifi. The hostels typically limit utilization to a measly 200MB or much less, or none at all, within the price of accommodation. So you both pay lots or use your ration up inside an hour if you’re on a laptop computer. Personally, I even have no issues doing most of my internet surfing and searching on my somewhat small old and dependable (touch wood!) Samsung S2 and found that I never exceeded the measly restrict. My roommates who had been utilizing their laptops busted their limits on a regular basis. Use your smartphone to limit knowledge consumption. Presumably, cell pleasant sites are much less knowledge intensive and extra navigation friendly for smartphone users.

As I came to New Zealand particularly to search for jobs that would contain working outdoor, that actually affected the sort of work that I contemplate viable. It seems like 95% of young youngsters in New Zealand are looked after by au pairs ie. nannies of international origin with questionable suitability. JOKING.

I managed to find a grape selecting job via the job search boards listed above inside per week of arriving. From what I collect, April is the middle to finish of the grape harvesting season across the South Island and so there were some jobs of that kind around. Fortunately for me, the job description matched my dream job – working on a vineyard outdoor within the stunning autumn sunshine in wine nation. Paradise on earth. Ah, the naivete of youth. Or quite, of a tropical metropolis boy.

I arrived just earlier than 8 am on the vineyard in Waipara Valley, about an hour’s drive north of Christchurch, and located a fair few backpacker wanting types ready around for something. They had been all dressed remarkably in a unique way and yet all seemed the identical. Odd isn’t it? Shortly thereafter, we got temporary instructions on what wanted to be done, ie. snipping bunches of grapes off the vines, and led on a brief invigorating walk up and over a rattling steep hill.

It was an attractive day, the sun was out, cows had been lowing in the distance, there was a random canine making his energetic and excited rounds amongst all of the pickers, I was heat – a rather uncommon incidence considering that it was raining every darn day in Christchurch in the past week. As for the work, it was repetitive but satisfying. Start on a row of vines, verify every bunch of grapes for the color (eg. Black for pinot noir grapes), snip, toss in bucket, transfer on to the following bunch. Repeat x a thousand. Eat some grapes occasionally if you so desire. I liked it.

Apart from the work, which was simple and relaxing, it was great meeting people from around the world and getting to know them, even when just for somewhat bit. I know it’s clichéd, I know it’s overused, but the actuality is that every one of those great and interesting persons are likeminded people. Why else would you be in New Zealand? And this makes for great conversations and bloody good yarns.

Back to the grape picking – evidently, this primary day was an amazing expertise for me seeing as I come from a tropical tiny island city-state with a inhabitants of 6 million and no vineyards. Couple that with a previous job which required no bodily effort whatsoever aside from typing, talking, making phone calls and enduring 12 hour days, and you have a recipe for – happiness! Firstly, I might perceive how significance (obviously) the grape picking course of is to the ultimate product to be made from them – hopefully good wines. The satisfaction of seeing rows of vines picked clear was additionally tremendous as each day there was tangible and visual progress. In addition, there is a component of staff effort and working with a gaggle of people in path of a standard goal. That requires no clarification surely. You additionally get to learn a lot from the everlasting employees on the vineyards, who were, definitely in Waipara, extremely generous and pleasant and always more than keen to share their knowledge about every thing and anything to do with wine, winemaking, winery work, grapes and … the weather! And when the climate is nice, just taking a moment to lookup and around does wonders.

In my thoughts I see the rolling hills of Waipara extending out into the space, a patchwork of pine timber and common tidy squares of farmland, a myriad of greens underneath the sunshine and clouds, think about a tiny breeze in your cheek and the crisp pure air with each breath. The smells are not overpowering but light – the softly fermenting odour of grape juice on your gloves, the animal scent on the breeze and the earthy full whiffs of soil and mud complement the gorgeous landscape. Imagine the sticky feel of grape juice on your fingers, the style of completely ripe black pinot noir grapes that depart a teasing suggestion of the wine to come and the chirping of birds within the background.

It was a tremendous experience beneath the hot and welcome golden sun. But what was it like in the unceasing rain? I’ll let you understand after I get right down to writing about that soon!

I’m nonetheless travelling and working across the South Island. Can’t imagine it has solely been getting extra superb. Still loving it regardless of the weather!

by Jian Xi Teng
27/05/ :36:19 AMJian Xi Teng MY JOURNEY FROM $350/HR TO MIN WAGE: LOVING IT IN NEW ZEALAND

What is The Gorilla Hut? That was not the first query. We have been just looking for work, and decided to observe a lead provided by Peter’s and Julia’s cousin, a man who had been there for three months a yr before us. We exchanged a couple of texts with this Damon person and he stated he had organized with an orchard for us to do some apple choosing. The solely factor we knew is that we had to take the “Tamahere” exit in between Cambridge and Hamilton. Still there we went!

We arrived at the moment of the day when the sun casts no shadows. The backpackers sign meant nothing to the junkyard where a set of what appeared abandoned vans and automobiles rested, lifeless, at sight. We got off our vehicle and a black labrador greeted us and began strolling towards a shed. Being that it seemed the only reception we had been meant to receive I followed him and we went through a door hidden in between two vans. There was a hallway, and to the right a precarious bathroom with a shower and two bathrooms. And suddenly I was inside. The what query arose at that very moment. For the several “extirpated” automotive seats arranged in a semicircular trend around a small wooden desk put imagination at task, but no more than the eight hundred stuffed monkeys hanging from the roof and clinging to the partitions. There was additionally a bar, guitars, a drumkit, plenty of DVD’s, a pool table and a desk tennis table, bicycles, boots, a bow, a fridge, a lot of empty beer bottles, and plenty of interesting issues simply laying here or there. Behind me, above the door body, the wall was painted and an inscription mentioned: “The Gorilla Hut.”

I heard some chattering behind a plastic courtain. English accent. I went via it and there were two guys dressed in cakis and workboots: “Damon’s not residence proper now, but he knew you’ll be arriving any moment. So he must be back soon. Just get yourself comfortable mate.” And so we waited, but not for lengthy as a outcome of a few minutes later we heard a automobile parking exterior.

The man, in his forties, walked in course of us with a smile in his face and a big hand to be shaken. He showed us around and then took us by way of a field where a cow grazed peacefully and some piglets had been feeding. We arrived then to the farm house. It was the place the place everybody gathered to have dinner, a meal that Damon cared to cook dinner every single day, and in addition where we selected to sleep.

The home mirrored the spirit of The Gorilla Hut. One might say it was messy, and even dirty, or that the proprietor had no respect in any respect for order. It was what hell would look like on your mother. But I prefer the word chaotic. Chaos is what humans attempt to seize, attempt to management, it is also what we fear. We like to impose an order into a world we consider to be ours. We build monstrous cities where we feel protected and issues make sense, we put names on issues, we imagine that there’s a place and a objective for every little thing.

So whenever you arrive in The Gorilla Hut, you are feeling something quite different. And you get a reminder that typically is better to “Let the chips fall the place they could.” Sometimes you have to abandon your self to the scenario and benefit from the journey.

The apple choosing work was not good. They paid $32 per bin and in one day you were fortunate to fill two of these. The warmth was overwhelming because of the drought. And last however not least, in apple picking it’s tougher to talk to some co-worker because you care for a row of timber and are constantly climbing up and down the ladder searching for the god forbidden fruits.

But nonetheless we selected to stay, as a result of we had the prospect to be in a single superb place.

by Germán Distel
26/05/ :28:02 PMGermán Distel The Gorilla Hut

If you contemplate to go after the big money in sales, maintain studying a bit extra earlier than you bounce into the “shark pool”(cause salesmen are sharks!).
I labored in sales in NZ for three months, and trust me thats a bumpy highway. If youre on the lookout for the easy money and the great time, roll of mattress and wake up from the dream world.
Sales is a practice that requires lost of coaching, motivation to succeed and most important, time and expertise.
Some people born with the reward to sale “ice to Eskimos” and a few need a bit more practice. Usually the best drive to enhance comes from the “hunger” for money. When you work on fee it means: “the more you sale, the extra you earn”, simple as that.
In most gross sales jobs you can have a really dangerous week and in in the future to make huge sales that can steadiness the all week. Some days you can sale nothing all day lengthy and in lower than half hour to make some sales that can cowl the all day. Its a difficult job, so you want to know tips on how to hold your head up within the exhausting moments. And belief me, youll have loads of these.
The first lesson in sales is to grasp that nobody got up in the morning and thought to buy your product, it is your job to make the costumer stop and verify out your merchandise and hear to about them, and ultimately make him purchase it.
The second lesson is to learn to handle rejection, youll hear the word “No” many times a day, and thats ok. Youll never have one hundred pc success fee, no one has. In most sales jobs you work on a mass of individuals, so the more folks that youll get interested in your products- the extra youll sale and basically the more money youll make.
Usually the first week or two are the toughest weeks, particularly for the inexperienced ones, cause it takes time to learn how to sale the particular product and to get to know the work surroundings. The finest tip right here, is to take a look at the veteran salesmen and learn from them. They are doing it for some time, in order that they probably knows what therere doing. Remember that an excellent salesman can sale anything anyplace, nevertheless it all the time good to learn new tips.
To sum issues up, gross sales might be one the most effective jobs if you’d like the “massive money”. But it is not for anybody and it takes often a bit of time until you begin to earn the big bucks. The statistics for oversea travelers is rough, from 5 people that can go to gross sales job-only 1 will succeed and most of the others will fail. So earlier than you apply to sales job, think twice if youre up for it.
From my experience it could be a rough job but also fun and really profitable.
Good luck

by Rb
13/05/ :03:26 PM

Rb Working in sales in NZ

Ever since I had utilized for working holiday new zealand, my good friend been asking me what are you going to do in new Zealand. I all the time kidding and say apple choosing after all. And who knew, I did get a job as an apple picker. And the nightmare start. Just kidding. I meant significantly, the nightmare begin.

Provide you some background of me. Im an Asian guy with a relative small physique and low stamina. And you can guess that apple selecting is a extremely hardwork for me.

I received the job once I saw the job posting in working holiday new Zealand group in Facebook. So I contact the person they usually say there may be apple pocket obtainable in Motueka. So I say why not and drive down to Motueka for the job.

First I thought apple selecting, how hard can or not it’s. Little did I knew that, it was hell for me. The shoulder bag is obviously too hard for me. And I took a long time to fill in the whole bin. On an excellent day, I might get four bins per days. But if wet day, I will most likely only get a 2 bins.

One bin of the apple most likely price nzd 25 after tax. In a lot of the week, I may not even able to decide sufficient to make a substantial profit. Then, you must face the sore again on an everyday basis end result from carrying the heavy shoulder bag.

Knowing that I cant never make enough to support the travelling that Im planning on doing, I quit after one month.

Tips for apple picker? You obtained to have the willpower, motivation and fixed stamina all through the times to make it in this profession. Lol. Its an distinctive experience that I might or might not miss. Good luck future apple picker.

by Lai Sem Min
13/05/ :56:02 PM

Lai Sem Min Life as an apple picker

Hello ladies and gentleman,

right here is my story of the summer season. My name is Philipp, Im from Germany and journey through this beautiful country, like each other ordinary german round right here. But perhaps, my story isn’t that odd, as a end result of Im 31 jears now and catched my final probability to get this work and journey visa, to discover your country and…in fact, myself, as nicely. My journey of the first 6 weeks in NZ took me by way of the Northern Island directly to Marahau, the place I found my first kiwi work expertise. When I arrived in Marahau, the gate to the fantastic Abel Tasman national park, my plan was, to visit a pal of mine, who I know from germany and who spended 3 weeks over chrismas along with his family in his hometown. But it should also become my hometown for the following 4 month, as a result of I was working out of money, when I passed the sign “MARAHAU” at the entrance of the city with my tiny automotive. Many folks in germany told me concerning the nice work conditions in NZ and how straightforward it’s, to get a job. So i did, what i like essentially the most: I walked by way of city from door to door and asked the locals and the businesses for a job, head to head.In my first strive, I got in a spot, where an area Couple leased tiny comfy chalets to the tourists. Cleaning up was the challenge, however I was not fast and fuzzy sufficient, for the matter that its not my favourite pastime, to scrub up, I guess. So, I asked on the kajak firm, because I heard about that they typically look for folks, who wash the kajaks when they come again from their journeys along the shoreline of the abel tasman. Fully strike! They appeared for anyone and so I joined the group of coordinators, guides, boat-fixers and a lot of extra emplyees with different duties. They all had been very pleasant and welcomed me warmly. In the first days, I perfected my skills in utilizing a hose to scrub a lot of boats in minimal time and to know the special slang of the kiwi-english. The latter was supplemented by my colleague, who rised the problem of understanding english with her UK accent. We had lots of fun and joked in regards to the totally different behabits of our nationalities. For the primary time, I realized how much german I am, compared to the german stereotype that is within the imagination of other nations. The completely german, that I never felt to be in my homecountry. The guides at all times had exiting and funny stories to tell, once they got here back from their trips with people from everywhere in the world, where they had seen seals and sailed with the wind across the rough sea. For a lengthy time, I only listened to this tales but had by no means the time to expierience my very own adventure out in the wild nature of the abel tasman sea. Until the day, when I joined a guided one-day-trip wit an experienced feller, who was truly the founder of the primary kajak-company in marahau and, by choice, the daddy of my good friend. when he arrived in marahau 27 years ago from germany, no person had expected, that sea-kajaking would turn into so in style in that little city. Today, he is the wittiest and most professional fellow of the whole company and leads the individuals with charme and sense for the real exiting sights in his second home: the tasman sea. So, we have been fighting collectively against the large waves to appeletree bay, where we had our first break. After that, we paddeled alongside the shoreline of adele island, listening to the native birds singing, exploring dark caves and watching the seals, who were hanging out lazy in the solar. We paddeled into remote bays and had lunch at the seaside. At the end, we finished this amazing sunny day with a crusing into anchorage bay and got again to marahau in high pace with the watertaxi. When I turned again to the corporate, I lastly knew, what the guides have been speaking about, when they reported from their experiences. So, I spended practically the whole summer season with all that good individuals, mounted the boates or helped out with driving vans and choosing up boats from the seaside. Their was all the time music in our workplace, we enjoied the leftover food together or had a beer and witty conversations or crazy, freaked out partys after work. And their was always that carefree spirit, that connected all the lovley peole, working within the company. I finished my work there end of march in an incredible dress-up celebration, the place I was floating a last time via the superior spirit of this summer time, dressed with paddle-wings and sun-glasses, that appeared like fly eyes. The farewell was hard, however I will return to Marahau in the future, to gentle up this one-off summer season in my memory again, after I see my friends and old workplace once more. But what i positively will take house with me is that free foodloose heat spirit, that the kiwi life-style teached me. Its not all about incomes cash, its far more about spending an excellent time in nice firm of openminded peope, who just take pleasure in life, prefer it comes. Thanks for that. This was my story. Hope, you enjoied it. Have an incredible lifetime.

by Philipp Schulz
5/05/2013 5:05:27 PM

Philipp Schulz Marahau

After three months of joyful touring on the south island i had just about run out of cash and was desperate to discover a job. i went straight to Blenheim as a outcome of lots of people had advised me that there were lots of alternatives at vinyards there. After about two days of asking round and searching the web one job (which i discovered on seasonaljobs) in particular caught my eye. it was a reside in possition on a family-run vinyard, named isabel vinyard, near Renwick just east of Blenheim. i known as the quantity and 2 hours later i used to be picked up and drove straight to my new job!
After 5 weeks of work i can now say that it is among the greatest experiences ive had in New Zealand. The people here realy attempt to make you part of the team and have a realy enjoyable perspective. Whenever we wish to go to city for weekly shoppings we are ready to just use one of many automobiles without paying anything. And the beauty of working on a vinyard is the abundance of wine. Every finish of the week we go to cellar and get some free half empty left over bottles, people didnt end at winetastings. So theres loads of enjoyable in the weekends.
The work itself consists of hanging nets over the vines to protect them from birds and clipping them collectively. its exhausting work because you are bending down for about 9 hours a day, but in the mean time you can speak with eachother and fantasize on what youll be doing with all the money youre making. Another extra exiting a half of the job is bird scaring. That doesnt mean having to stand around in a area with a rake trying indignant all the time, but driving by way of the vegetation on a fourwheeler 30 miles an hour. it really offers you a kick, speeding through the fields in the solar with cloudy mountains within the distance (and getting payed for it!).
We reside in a lodge on the vinyard itself for a small payment which is deducted from our wage. At the other finish of the vinyard is another house the place all the woofers reside. A couple of occasions a week we get collectively to watch a film or enjoy a glass of properly deserved homegrown Sauvignon Blanc. its a very cool ambiance assembly new folks each week, sharing travel experiences and tips on the place to go subsequent.
Pretty soon harvest is beginning which based on the folks right here is one of the best time of the yr. So sick be sticking round for a while, not having the sensation im working but just having a fantastic time!

by Gosse Verschoor
25/03/2013 8:fifty one:56 PM

Gosse Verschoor hanging nets at isabel vinyard

When we arrived in New Zealand final September, we wished to get out of town (Auckland) and see the actual New Zealand, so once we saw an advertisement saying “farm stay, kiwi household, must love animals” we knew we had discovered the job for us.

When we referred to as in regards to the job it must of been destiny as the job had been filled already but the couple dropped out simply 5 minutes earlier than the phonecall, so off to Whakatane we had been.

So after 6 hours of travelling down from Auckland, including running around Rotorua in torrential rain in search of a gift for our hosts, we finally arrived on the farm and have been greated by three very pleasant labradors and a host of newly born calves.

Following an evening of getting to know the household and an excellent roast dinner, we have been sent to work brilliant and early the following morning, and I was in for somewhat suprise. A little nervous firstly I started shifting along the row milking, the third cow alongside decided to give me somewhat welcome to farming throughout my head, by this point I knew what I had let myself in for however ahh well all I might do was snort.

Now I am not going to account for every single day of the 6 weeks we spent on the farm so I thought I would list some of our favorite humorous and most memorable moments while in Whakatane.

1. three Little pigs- Half method by way of our keep on the farm, three little pigs arrived in potato sacks and we shortly turned very attached to them. One of our first experiences with these cheeky animals was chasing considered one of them on the primary day around the farm after it somehow managed to escape, and let me tell you one thing pigs can run, and I imply run. Despite the tough start, the pigs beacame firm favorite and ultimately we managed to show them their names and make them sit for the favorite meals, surprisingly oranges.

2. Family holiday- one of the highlights of our stay on the farm was being invited on a camping holiday to Bowentown with our host household and their children and grandchildren, we have been really made to feel a part of the family with barbaques, hungis (a moari way of cooking involving stones and an underground pit, nevertheless in this case a beer barrell was used) and fishing trips. This was one of the primary causes that we might recommend staying with a kiwi household while on a working vacation, you may be geniunally made to really feel a part of the household.

3. The escaped cow- So for the first time the farmer had trusted us with deliver in the newly born calf and its mother. At first everything gave the impression to be going supprinsgly well, with our quad biking abilities serving to us to around the mother and bring her down towards her new padock. However cow one hundred sixty five as she was recognized had different ideas and determined to leap over the electric fence and start heading down in path of the highway. Myself in a state of panic determined to chase after the cow (BAD IDEA!!!!), the cow simply started to run faster and quicker (and like the pigs she could move), so my next transfer was to slide under and electric fence and attempt to catch the cow without her noticing. However as this was taking place, I turned and noticed the farmers car coming up the drive (perfect timing there Peter). Luckily the cow slowed down before she caused a serious site visitors accident and all was well

This has definaltly been the spotlight of our trip thus far.

by Alexander Hannay
5/02/2013 3:fifty four:09 AM

Alexander Hannay Farm keep

It was the summer time of , the solar was shining pretty much everyday here in New Zealand, main me to finding a seasonal job at a berry farm in the Bay of Plenty. I normally reside in Auckland but spent the majority of my summer time down in the BOP as I even have relatives who lived in the area that I was staying with. Of course residing down within the BOP, I had to make the most of the attractive climate with the temperature exceeding 25 levels just about everyday by discovering a seasonal job that was outdoor. I did not like the idea of working inside as I am a real outdoorsy 18 yr old, so by finding a job at a berry farm was the proper scenario for me.

Waking up on a daily basis round 6am to journey to the berry farm (which was about a half hour drive from my relatives house) was a tricky job as I am not a morning individual however as time went on it grew to become OK as I was excited for the day forward. Picking berries in cloudless blue sky scorching NZ weather was a treat in my eyes and being paid to do so was superb. The house owners of the farm had been laid again kiwis who welcomed tourists to their berry farm to indulge in several berry treats such as mixed berry ice-cream, smoothies or simply the berries by themselves. I made a number of pals while choosing berries at the farm to this present day I keep in touch with. Spending hours on finish with the identical folks choosing berries and making berry ice-cream etc. meant that you just really obtained to know the individuals you labored with. Id advise any vacationers coming to NZ in search of a job to select one where youre likely to make life-long friends, corresponding to working at a berry farm.

Every so usually we had been allowed to bring home a punnet or two of berries home with us which Id take back to my family members home and we would make berry smoothies on scorching days when I was not working. I gained so many useful skills from working at the berry farm as it did not simply involve selecting berries. We had to run the ice-cream machine, make smoothies and sometimes operate the quad bike. Of course being a berry farm, many Kiwis/tourists would cease previous, which means that I was capable of meet many new people, hearing about the place they got here from, what they were doing in NZ, simply loads of really fascinating tales.

For any folks travelling to NZ or kiwis looking for a seasonal job I would definitely advocate that you simply get one as I would truthfully say it has been probably the greatest experiences of my life, and I obtained paid for it! Living the Kiwi dream! I intend to return to the berry farm to work once more one summer time as it really was probably the greatest summers Ive had here in NZ. I know that after I travel overseas I am undoubtedly going to find a seasonal job because of the many positives that I received out of working at one here in beautiful New Zealand.

by Beau Thoresen
18/12/2012 2:thirteen:fifty six AM

Beau Thoresen Berry-Picking and Ice-Cream Making

My Trip to New Zealand started on the 14th of August 2012, from Frankfurt (Germany), over Dubai (stopover for one night) and Sydney, with arrival in Christchurch on the seventeenth of August 2012.

After a few days staying in Christchurch, I began trying to find a seasonal job in the South Island. I learn that there was an organization looking for winery employees in Blenheim. After reading this, I contacted them and got the good news that I could start there immediately. The manager informed me the address of the lodging, where I was required to remain throughout this time. The next day i drove from Christchurch to Blenheim. When i arrived at the accommodation I was given a cellphone quantity I had to name, after doing so I was informed that I can be picked up at 6:45am.

On the subsequent day they picked me up one time at 6:45 with a van and some other staff drove with us. After a half hour journey, I arrived at my new working place. At first I had to fill out a kind with my details and signal the contract. After that I might start working. My job was “stripping”. The work was very hard, but the time passed shortly. It was also good as a end result of the colleagues were all very pleasant and funny. At the weekend we drank some beer with our colleagues at the hostel. It was a good time there.

A week and a half later, I obtained disappointing news. In the evening at 9:30pm, our driver got here into our room and stated that my roommate and I should contact the boss, because there was no area within the van for us. After writing to the boss, we were informed that we have been fired because we have been all too gradual. We have been all offended and disappointed, because he didn’t notify us personally. So the work ended sooner than expected.

The subsequent shock hit me a few days later when I checked my steadiness. So I received on the second working week with much much less salary than promised.

I instantly wrote the boss, who assured me then that I would get the money the subsequent day. On the following day the cash nonetheless wasnt there. I wrote thrice, and every time the boss gave the identical empty promises. After many unanswered messages I finally gave the ultimatum that I would contact the Department of Labour. After this, I instantly received a message promising me the money. The next day, this was the case, but I didn’t receive all of it. So I contacted him once more. After a number of unanswered messages I told him I would go to the Department of Labour once more. After that i obtained the reply that he will switch the money as quickly as attainable.

The subsequent day, the money, every week and a half late, finally transferred into my account. I was not the only one who had this downside.

by Christoph Zeuch
25/11/2012 9:54:44 PM

Christoph Zeuch Vineyard Work in Blenheim

After working 3½ months within the horticulture subject, I thought it’s time for me to try one thing else in New Zealand. Well, no less than something that I might not need to get in touch with the crops this time. Hence, I began browsing via the internet on all the seasonal jobs web sites, like what the others will usually do when they need to hunt for a job, hoping that I might have some luck.
After 3 days of hunting, I saw a posting titled ‘Milkman’ on one of the websites. Immediately it has caught my consideration. I picked up my telephone and dialed the variety of the contact person, and fortunate enough, he scheduled an interview.
10.30am the following day, I went to fulfill Liam, my interviewer. He defined to me the position of a milkman, and basically, the job is to go door to door within the neighborhood and attempt to just sell some milk. It sounds actually fun after listening to it and I determined to offer it a go, in spite of everything I’d been a pharmaceutical consultant for 3 years and I believe I can handle this.
Feeling all excited for my first day of work. We go as a team of eight ‘Milkman’, all from different part of the world. We’re assigned with forty homes in a day, and our goal is to enroll a minimum of four prospects for the milk delivery service each day. The first door that I knock on was horrible. The woman probably didn’t perceive what I’m making an attempt to sell to her as a result of I virtually stuttered over my traces and I was talking with the velocity of a rocket. I was panic. Obviously she didn’t register any with me. I proceed to knock on the following door and try to keep myself motivated. After a number of calls, my traces obtained better and I was capable of generate some curiosity in my prospects. Ended my first day with one sale, which earn me 30 dollar of commission. Not too bad!
It’s my second week being as a milkman and I’m still feeling excited being as one. It’s really a beautiful feeling when people tell you tales about how the milkman used to ship milk to their doorstep every morning prior to now, and how they respect us bringing back the tradition once once more. It makes them nostalgic. Once in a while we’ll be invited into our customer’s house as properly, simply because detailing exterior of the door during winter time is too cold. It’s so warm and cozy with the firewood burning inside, and someday it makes me feel reluctant to exit of the house.
Definitely we’ve our unhealthy days as properly, such as not getting gross sales in any respect within the day, or when it’s pouring outdoors and we’re still required to go door knocking. However, it’s a special and awesome experience. It offers me the chance to know the Kiwi’s culture extra. Besides, it additionally helps me to strengthen my communication and interpersonal abilities. I’m actually glad that I even have this job and I embrace the expertise that I’ve been through.

by Camy Chew
4/08/ :00:forty six AM

Camy Chew Working As A “Milkman”

If one year in the past someone had said that I would be working with children -and enjoining it madly- no person may have believed it. But I spent the last four month working as an au-pair and I am certain that this job gave me the chance of understanding the kiwi tradition higher than some other job I might have taken, plus giving me plenty of data about kids -something useful If one day I determine to be a mother.
I am a journalist and after five years writing for a journal in my home country, Uruguay, I decided to take one hole yr simply to journey, discover new experiences and write about them in my blog ()
Our home tongue is Spanish, so I thought that the perfect was to choose a rustic were English were the language spoken -this is the language I use when I interview international artists, so bettering my vocabulary and pronunciation would be something very useful for my job. Lots of friends really helpful me to return to New Zealand. Every 12 months 200 Uruguayan citizens between 18 and 35 years get a New Zealand `s working vacation visa, and in 2011 I turned in considered one of this lucky ones.
To avoid the temptation of talking on a regular basis in Spanish I decided to stay with a kiwi household as an alternative of shifting with Uruguayan and Argentinian associates. This can be, I informed myself, a short-cut in my immersion inside the kiwi culture and habits. There are several ways of finding a native household to be your hosts -small mattress & breakfast, for example- but I determined that being an “au-pair” (a nanny that lives contained in the house) was the most correct for the aim of my journey, as a end result of it was going to give me the extra advantage of speaking repeatedly in English with this children -and additionally having the flexibility to train them some Spanish. Furthermore, the expertise was also making me in a place to save the money of the hire and meals, and also earn a little bit that I might use for traveling across the nation (I spent it at weekend journeys to Coromandel, Taupo, Tauranga, Roturua and Wellington, plus a ten days trip at South Island)
There are a number of websites specialized in nannys or au-pairs in New Zealand, like , -aupair.co.nz, , /au-pair-nz, , and heaps of different else -if you write “au pair” in Google you will note a lot of websites. But I already had an Argentinian pal dwelling in Auckland before I arrived to New Zealand, and she put me trow a kiwi girls who has on the lookout for an au-pair for his or her two youngsters.
I must confess that when I began this job (March 2012) I didn´t know even tips on how to change a nappy. I don´t have youngsters nor nephews -I am the elder one of three sisters- so my data of children was little or no. They have been like ET to me!
The first time I put one of them “Time out” -this is the way we call when they will have punishment for dangerous conduct or “being naughty”- he stated to me: “I don´t like you”. It was very exhausting for me to hear that, being as I was so far from my home and my family, however the mother then stated me to don´t worry about that and keep it up. Actually she thought me so much about kids in the 4 months I worked for them, that I am sure that if in the future I turn out to be a mother I will owe her so much. Maybe it contributed the reality that she herself had been an au-pair ten years in the past, in a winter she spend in Switzerland. She additionally lend-me all her snow tools in the course of the week that I took off to go to South Island and ski in Queenstown, and she also provided me her van to make use of every time I want -but I don´t drive so I by no means used it.
And I can´t explain you how joyful I felt the first time one of the children said to me: “I love you”. Far away from residence and my beloved sisters, this two youngsters were somehow my family, so the candy words of the boy -and the smiles and cuddles of the one 12 months old girl- have been the things that made my days. I find out how essential is for them to see you sturdy but candy, pleased however agency. Because every thing is simple when you’re playing with songs, making castles with Lego or studying tales, but it’s not so enjoyable when you want to teach them to share the toys, to not hit one another, to wait their turn for one thing. It just isn’t easy as a end result of they will never say “Oh sure you might be right”. Of course not: they’ll complain, shout and cry. And you need to present them that you are the boss. That you’re in cost. And truly this is good for them, not solely as a end result of they may study manners, but additionally because they may really feel safe.
Being a nanny additionally gave me the chance to visit parks, museums, streets and do loads of activities -the dad and mom gave me a lot of freedom across the metropolis, the only requisite was, in fact, that the activity was fascinating for the children. During a quantity of activities I meet some women -nannys and babysitters most of them- that are actually great associates for me. Being a nanny is a typical occupation for youngsters and college students, largely as a end result of it’s completely appropriate with studding and also as a outcome of it is rather gratifying -if you like youngsters, of course.
I even have a bachelor degree in Social Communication, and wile I was working as an au-pair I also began growing the Social Media of Edcorp, a global consulting firm specialized in Education in New Zealand. I was additionally giving some classes of Spanish as a private tutor, writing free lance articles of tourism to Spanish and Latin America media, and updating my blog as frequently as I can (the blog is in Spanish, but yow will discover plenty of photos taken by me in this 4 months round New Zealand)
At the start I was in a place to all this actions on the similar time, but four months earlier than beginning I decided that it was the moment for a change. Even though the experience was great, I wanted my very own flat in order of getting more independence. And I was also craving for new experiences. So I give the job for one of my Uruguayan associates -she is a kindergarten teacher so she was thrilled with the offer-, I took more hours on the workplace and I also assumed a brand new problem: being the barman of a really gourmet restaurant. Before coming to New Zealand I studied how to be a bartender at Cocktail Club Uruguay (), one of the most prestiguious faculties of my country, however I even have no experience, so it is quite a problem. I will write about this new job in a few months, in my subsequent post.
Cheers!
Carina Fossati

by Carina Fossati
2/08/2012 9:32:19 PMCarina Fossati Being an au-pair

I was working in Hastings, choosing apples. It was a really onerous job, carry all day lengthy a basket filled with apples and a ladder, climb it to achieve the highest of the trees, I was greater than exhausted each night time. Sunny Hawkes Bay wasn’t sunny at all, apples have been tiny and stuffed with diseases, the bins were exhausting to fill, I wasn’t saving cash in any respect.
At this stage, after 5 months in New-Zealand, I was working out of cash so I was about to go back house, ending my journey without having seen the south island. And in the future, I saw an advert of Seasonal Solutions on Facebook for grape harvesting in Central Otago. I’d already harvested grapes before, in France it’s very popular and very nice. I thought it could be an excellent expertise that would give me the opportunity to visit a little bit the south island and perhaps save a bit of cash. So I put my stuffs within the rear of my automobile, took the highway and 3 days later, I was in Cromwell, harvesting grapes under the sunshine, surrounded by the gorgeous mountains and this superb blue river, it was like paradise. I worked for Grape Vision, an area contractor, if at some point you’ve received the chance to work for them, go for it, it’s top-of-the-line. I had an incredible supervisor, the one who make you feel very good at what you are doing and unique. They paid us more than the minimal wage and than the others contractors around, they gave us gloves to guard our fingers and supplied one thing to eat every morning’s smoko. And we had a ending celebration with a meal and drinks ! The job was fairly simple because the vines are greater here than in France and the folks, largely backpackers from all over the place like me but some local as nicely, were very friendly. We have been working all collectively in four or six rows every single day, we might chat and pick at the identical time. I labored 3 weeks without a time off, it was somewhat tough however I did it and it was value it, it was good money.
It was certainly one of my greatest expertise in New Zealand, I warmly suggest to anyone who likes working out of doors to attempt it.

by Anne-Flore Grandsire
2/08/2012 9:24:42 PM

Anne-Flore Grandsire Grape harvesting in Central Otago

Whenever you begin planning a visit to New Zealand, and once I say a trip I mean a “one yr journey on a working holiday visa to the most isolated nation in the complete world”, you don’t notice what journey means till you arrive at the airport in Auckland. Nobody is ready for you, you might have a backpack that weighs half your weight and a customs guy is making you clarify what is that Argentinian infusion you are bringing with you. You don’t even understand at that second that you are putting yourself into probably the most adventurous 12 months of your life. And I’m not just talking about swimming with sharks, leaping from the highest tower or driving essentially the most dangerous street. Definitely not (even robust you can even do all of that on this country). I’m specifically talking about saying goodbye to your liked ones (and not see you tomorrow) leaving all your mates and security places like your home and your job, getting on a airplane for extra tan 15 hours, touring roughly 12000km to a country you barely learn about, touchdown right in the different side of the world without the slightness concept of what’s going to occur from the very first day, and still… getting on that aircraft and saying goodbye.
It’s been six months since we arrived in the greenest country I’ve ever visited and in early February we started considered one of many “adventurous trips” if you solely know the beginning however never even imagine the ending.
(By this time you should have realised that I’m not travelling alone however still I wish to create type of a mysterious atmosphere)
After spending two fabulous months at Mount Maunganui working on the beach, actually on the seashore (cleaning the oil from the Rena spill) we decided to keep on travelling and move on (well, we, our employers, who cares?) We had no thought the place to go, so we decided to visit a pal we made through the first months of our “one 12 months trip on a working holiday visa to the most isolated country in the whole world”, who was at that moment living in a farm in the course of nowhere. Just what we needed.
So, as soon as again we stated goodbye, now to our beautiful flatmates, packed all our stuff put some petrol in our automotive (the kiwi movil from now on) and began our first street tripping (yeah! If you sing it, do it aloud! Road tripping. Yeah!)
I couldn’t sleep the two nights earlier than the street tripping and that’s not because I had conjunctivitis (for god sake!) It was only for the simple cause that that was going to be the primary time I was driving in the high way, in my very own automotive with a map and a co-pilot as the one witnesses. Yes, I really have to confess it. I obtained my International driver license just a few days before coming to New Zealand and even tough I drove lots in the city I had by no means ever pushed within the high way earlier than I arrived to New Zealand (and, for my pleasant, I came upon that I’m a very good driver)
So, a couple of hours later, my nerves somewhat confused by the up-side downs and more than 500 km pushed non-stop, we received to Russell, the first New Zealand capital (a very long time ago) and some of the peaceable and beautiful locations we’ve been in New Zealand up to now. Our good friend was waiting for us in her new house, she hadn’t made cookies or an enormous dinner but a mattress and good bathe was enough. We decided to rest and wait till the next morning to go to city, have fun our friend’s birthday and see what Russell was like (yes, I know that I’ve already mentioned that’s one most stunning towns in NZ but at the moment we had been about to find it out)
The subsequent morning we awoke early, had an empowering breakfast, took some fruits and drove straight to town. We spent just one hour hunging across the town till, by chance and without any expectation, we found a tiny little ad on the post workplace that claimed:

“We are in search of experienced, tidy and accountable folks to
be part of our group. Please send us your CV or come to the hotel”

If my mom was informed one year in the past that I was going to be a housekeeper at a five star hotel in one of the spots cities surrounding the beaches of New Zealand, she would have snort actually loud and mentioned ‘no way’. But there I was, two days after that miraculous morning, introducing myself to the unbelievable world of the bleach, the mop and the air freshener. Becoming a master of the vacuum cleansing and the ironing. Willing to know new products on a regular basis and utilizing them as knowledgeable and skilled cleaner. Extremely tidy and organized. Dusting, sharpening and moping. Becoming the bellboy, the service man, the pool man and the manager’s hand. And, finally however not least, being a member of the funniest, coolest and most cheerful (and international) housekeeping staff within the world!
Our job began on a Sunday, are you capable to think about beginning a job on Sunday? That is hard working! And it was only the start of the onerous working. We spent the following three months working so much, I think that we solely stopped to drink some tea and have some cookies, no I’m simply kidding we labored a lot but, fortunately, we also spent some time going to the seashore, cooking, studying and having the good life but not for a really lengthy time because, even powerful we never thought that we have been going to stay for more tan per week in Russell, I myself, discovered a second job (and yes, my mum remains to be laughing and couldn’t believe I was working double!)
So here comes the outline of one my typical double shifts days.
eight.00 am. Alarm clock went off for the primary time.
8.30 am. Alarm clock went off for the fourth time and I jumped out of the bed.
8.35 am. With my face and tooth cleaned, I started to make and have breakfast
9.00 am. Signing in at my first job (still a bit sleepy)
9.01 am to three.30 pm. Cleaning, dusting, cleaning, moping, cleansing, vacuuming!!! Cleaning, cleaning, cleaning!!!
3.30 pm to four pm. Quick bathe, quick lunch and making ready myself for my second job
4 pm. Signing in at Sally’s Restaurant.
four.01 until late. Stocking the bar, making coffees and drinks, waiting, writing the specials on the board, serving to in the kitchen, taking a ten minutes break, making the payments, counting ideas, cleaning and shutting the restaurant.
Late. Having dinner and a few drinks on the restaurant, next to the Russell wharf, relaxing with my new pals (and the enigmatic somebody that has been with me by way of all the trip) and having the best time of the day underneath the shining moon (unless it was raining. Then, it was only the restaurant’s roof)
Later (after late). Getting house in my Mercedes Benz, smoking a Cuban cigar, consuming my scotch on the rocks, listening to chill out music and taking a protracted bath. Oh no! I felt asleep again! Sorry! The last part of the day wasn’t that interesting so we’ll skip it.
Adventure means out of any conference for me so a incredible summer time spent in the unthinkable Russell, working with wonderful people, spectacular viewings and the best setting ever is an journey itself with none doubt.
Our Working Holiday Visa Tour continues to be on, so buy your tickets. That was only the start.

by Juan Ignacio Murillo
6/06/2012 7:15:33 PMJuan Ignacio Murillo Whenever

To begin with let me just say that it wasn’t simple discovering a job in Mount Maunganui. But, as they are saying (even although I don’t know who “they”are), hope is the very last thing you lose.
We arrive to New Zealand on the last days of November. Oh wait, I forgot. You don’t know who WE are. I’m Gonzalo, and I came to the kiwi centre of the universe with Juan from Argentina, the Dulce de leche centre of the universe. Now we will go on with my story. As I was saying, we arrived to New Zealand on the last days of November. We stayed in Auckland for two days after which moved to Mount Maunganui. It’s a 6 hours drive by bus with a short scale in Rotorua. The highway to the Mount is quite wonderful. You get to see stunning prairies and mounts. One expects to see Heidi or the Von Trapp family coming down at one moment or the other. (They don’t, in case you were wondering).
So. We got to Mount Maunganui, and we were thrilled to see the place where we had been going to reside. I mean, you see the seaside, you see the sea and an enormous mount on the end that sums it all up. How might one not be amazed by that?! Of course we have been two, but the rule still applies. We stayed at a backpackers on one of many main roads but a bit except for town centre. Great place. And the very subsequent day started on the lookout for a job.
We couldn’t find anything. We went into each store, motel, lodge, drive in. We even went right into a tent, however that was only a mistake. Although the couple that was in did offer us some work! But I aint ironing nobody clothes!! So we simply saved on on the lookout for an entire week. Now, for those of you who don’t know this… every week is manufactured from seven days. And that brings you down. So we were ready to depart the mount, feeling defeated, when the girl who works at the backpackers said:
“Hey guys! I assume I got a job for you!”
“Well take it!” we stated fill with joyment.
So, she made a cellphone name and on we have been into the bus all the finest way to Tauranga city. What a moment of happiness. We may already see ourselves with our pockets full of cash, and our hearts crammed with satisfaction. But largely with our pockets crammed with cash. Then again our pockets werent that massive so it didnt want too much cash to fill them. Anyway, we went to this employment workplace and informed the receptionist that we were there for a job. The man requested us if we had a automotive. We mentioned no. He said he didnt have any job for us.
Sad once more.
But we werent going down with no fight! So we told the guy that we’d get a automobile and come again the very subsequent day. And we did. And we received the job. Now in order so that you can understand what was it that we did, I need to inform you about somewhat disaster that occurred on the New Zealand shores.
There was this big boat coming from I dont know the place to I dont know the place (not a protracted journey I suposse since both locations have the same name) carrying a lot of stuff in it. And rumor has it that it was the captains birthday so everyone was drinking. You know the way they say that you have to not drink and drive? Well plainly it additionally applies to driving huge boats stuffed with stuff. So the boat hit the rocks and the oil started to come out and float its approach to the seashores. And our job, was to pick up that oil and put into luggage so the beaches would be clear and pretty… and secure as soon as once more.
Its truly a reasonably good job. You earn cash and you are doing something for the surroundings. We had to make use of this white overall, gloves and boots so it felt like you have been in a movie starring Dustin Hoffman. Have you seen that movie? Its actually really good. You should see it. In truth I advise to go right now and hire it. Go. Go now.
Have you accomplished it? Have you watched it? Wasnt it awesome? See? I told you!
Now lets go back to my story.
The pay was good, and we had a 30 minutes lunch. Now, the lunch time was unpaid however they would give us an enormous lunch consisting of two sandwiches, a muffin, a square of cake, a fruit, and chips. So it was great! Since we were engaged on the seashore underneath the sun, they provided us with plenty of water and sunscreen. Every morning our supervisor would tell us the security guidelines of the day. And you understand in the beginning it was onerous to know what he stated. Kiwis have an accent thats difficult to understand. But between me, my good friend Juan, a guy from Paris, and two verify women we have been capable of understand what we must always or shouldnt do. At least most of it.
We did this job for a complete month and we beloved it. But after a while, there just wasnt that a lot oil in the seashores. (Thanks to who? A-ha! Thanks to us, yes sir. Good staff arent we?) so that they advised us that the job was over and that just a few would proceed working.
We werent part of that few people group.
And off we went in search of another job. But thats another story and maybe Ill inform you about it in one other letter.
Now go, enjoy the seashores and know that they are clear of oil.

by Gonzalo Silvela
21/05/2012 9:39:00 PMGonzalo Silvela Picking up the oil in Tauranga

I arrived in Auckland on 03/21 and started to search for a job, searching on-line.
I saw an advertisements for apple picker on suitcasehome and I TXT the contact person.
He rang and advised me there was a emptiness for onion grader, much appropriate for girls.
So I took it and booked a bus ticket on nakedbus from Auckland to Waipawa.
I left Auckland at 7:30 a.m. and reached Waipawa at 7:50 p.m. and the supervisor of the onion packinghouse picked me up.
After an extended journey, I had a sound sleep within the dormitory that provided by the manufacturing facility owner.
My first seasonal job as an onion grader began on 03/27, simply selecting out stones, rotten and broken onions from the great ones
No WIFI and weak sign indoor for name, which dissatisfied me.
The rent was $100 per week and 4-6 persons per room.
I stayed there for two weeks and loved life with these guys good at cooking.
We had events at weekends, sharing meals like Sushi, Indian noodles, Pasta and chicken rice, and so forth.
Nice pure magnificence there.
/forum.php
/nz/bus/

by Wei
12/05/2012 1:18:38 AM

Wei Onion grading

Last January, after three months of thrilling travels and low-cost living, I found myself back in Auckland persuing workplace jobs as soon as once more after promising myself I wouldn’t do another workplace job for the relaxation of my time in New Zealand. I was staying for a number of weeks in Whangaparaoa, a penninsula 40km north of Auckland, with associates. After only a week of job searching on numerous websites I had an array of presents coming in for sales and administration jobs. But something in the again of my thoughts informed me that this was not what I truely wished to do, and so, I decided on a change of course.

I seemed on the seasonal jobs web site one evening and looked for hospitality and south island. Up got here an inventory of varied hotel chains in locations similar to Wanaka, Queenstown, Tekapo… all of the beautiful places that I knew I would miss out on if I have been to waste the relaxation of my valuable time in Auckland! Then low and behold, one specific place caught my eye! This was in a spot I had never even heard of. I knew I had handed by way of, but like all other small towns, the first time I had handed by way of Omarama, it had never actually blown me away enough to cease and have a espresso, and it had by no means imprinted on my memory. I looked on Google, found the location and browse somewhat bit in regards to the city – A small city with approx 800 residents. The location was perfect, simply 100km from Wanaka, Tekapo and Oamaru. This was just what I wanted to escape the hustle and bustle of the town, to go and reside and work someplace quiet, where I can work as many hours as I like (which was so much after 3 months of not earning) and that I can handle my finances.

Reading the fine particulars concerning the job, and having checked out the estasblishments website on-line, I knew then and there that this was the job for me. I known as the phone quantity on seasonal jobs and the very subsequent hour I had a call back. Could I send my CV and a quick masking letter? Yes! Of course! The subsequent day(actually my birthday) I acquired a phone name. We want to offer you the job, and as youre experienced you’ll be starting on a little greater than our primary entry wage. Wonderful! thats precisely what I had expected! The next day I packed the van and set off on a three day road journey to Omarama, Place of Light. When I arrived late within the evening, three days early for work, the employer by no means did not disappoint. Everything that was promised to me was delivered… Unlimited hours, good wage, lodging offered for a lump sum, induction, coaching and a beautiful, quiet and scenic backdrop to take pleasure in the remainder of what had already been a glorious summer season. Starting work within the restaurant/housekeeping departments, I later transfered to the kitchen, first as a kitchen hand, then being educated as a chef assistant.

Needless to say, I fell in love with the region and labored at an area skilodge for the winter. But earlier than I had left for the winter I had secured my job again on the same institution in Omarama for the next Summer. Im still right here now, as a breakfast and lunch chef, coming to the top of my second summer season, and once once more I am looking at the seasonal jobs website to try and discover some income for the winter. Ive been requested to return to my job in Omarama again next summer season season. Of course it is decided by my VISA but I would have no different objections. To me, Omarama was the place I was meant to be all along, it seems like house to me. Being here has modified my life in many ways, it seems like the trail I was all the time meant to take… the highway less travelled!

Charlotte Cook
UK Traveller & NZ Enthusiast

by Charlotte Cook
3/04/2012 7:57:24 PM

Charlotte Cook Omarama, Place of Light

Back house, and earlier than coming in New Zealand, I obtained a level in horticultural manufacturing and I wish to run my very own apple orchard for making apple cider, which is very well-liked within the place where I reside. So, certainly one of my plan was working in apple manufacturing for afford my trip of course and study information techniques.
Full of hope, I arrived in Napier initially of December, as advocate by the Pick NZ office (/), the primary result appearing if you look for a seasonal job in fruit picking in NZ. Very excessive level of job demand for this era of the yr, and after having registered myself on the net site and send some emails directly to the office with out receiving any concrete answer, I decided to come and see on my own. As so many other travellers… I found a metropolis full of backpackers on the lookout for the identical thing, a job in apple thinning, the only job available presently of the year. Most of them have been, even worse, in a hostel where the supervisor had promised them a job if they stayed within the hostel and paid for room for per week but couldn’t give a job to everyone, so all these poor travelers have been wasting their money in the meantime. Very discouraging.

Of course, the trip until Hastings for visiting the Pick NZ workplace and registered myself again in particular person was ineffective. The similar answer, ‘we will let you know if we’ve any opportunities’. I started to search for orchards address on Internet and go there for assembly the manager in particular person and ask if there have been some positions out there, and send some emails on the identical time. After three days of work, because as all over the place in the world, on the lookout for a job, if you actually want to get one, is a full time job, I obtained a positive reply. But the supervisor was looking for somebody with expertise with hydraladder… Hum, I might do it, I could study something new in a brief time, and I was very motivated so that labored ! The farm was positioned between Napier and Hastings and was additionally a wwoofing place. They gave me a go during the 3 first days as a wwoofer and eventually they employed me. I was working eight hours per day, 3 hours for food and accommodation, who was in a caravan with share kitchen and loo, and the rest was paid. The job was not very hard, apple thinning being simply choose the small and dangerous apple and let them on the ground, so that you get it rapidly and may be very quick after only three full days of labor. Of course, you must know that you just go to spend eight hours up, outdoors, concentrated on apples, and that could be boring generally. But compared to the employees that I met earlier than, I was paid hourly and not by contract (per tree), so I had respectable wages. There had been different wwoofers over there so I might socialize. I worked there for 5 weeks and so they supplied me to come back back for the harvest season. Of course I stated yes, I didn’t really want to have the identical unhealthy days, care about cash and job opportunities. And even if this year is a nasty 12 months for apple due to the dangerous summer, I met some great individuals and it was a fantastic opportunity for me to study one thing new in my job back residence.
In conclusion, I want to say to travellers who would like to get pleasure from a working experience in New Zealand to do not rely on those who say to you that they’ll find you a work however offer you nothing concrete and that’s at all times higher if you do it by yourself.

by Anne-Flore
1/04/ :39:18 PMAnne-Flore Napier or the job war

Dear fellow backpackers,

I am positive you’ll agree that there usually are not many nations as appropriate for backpacking as New Zealand is. However, I am sure additionally, you will agree that a green land far far-off just isn’t so eager on our pockets, which makes working here essentially for nearly everyone who wants to stay more than a month or two. And we all know that not even six months is enough to discover all the beauties of Kiwiland. The work itself is a pleasant alternative not just to make some money, but to get to know the working system in one other country, be taught some additional expertise and meet other travelers. It is nice to put down a backpack for a couple of weeks and stay nonetheless in one place for some time earlier than the journey bug begins kicking in once more. But I am sure you already found out that that is harder than it sounds. It just isn’t work that it’s a necessary evil, it’s discovering it. Yes, there are different job companies and services which you would expect to provide you with work and all the information you want, however my own experiences show, that like at many different things in life, you need to shift for your self. Best approach to get seasonal work is to go on to managers of orchards or vineyards. Most of job seekers try this, which implies they skip the middlemen and therefore they don’t have something to offer you. Ask travelers on the hostel you’re staying and get managers contacts from previous workers. Call them and do not await the cellphone name you have been promised to obtain at an company. Even locals I met didn’t prove to have very dependable data. They are all saying issues like: “Oh, yeah! There’s hips of work here or there,” however they don’t know that there are additionally a lot of backpackers fighting for that spots. Websites like , , , ect weren’t very useful to me, however they might help you to seek out out what kind of work is developing in different regions. Build your itinerary primarily based on that.

One other thing that is essential in case you are in search of work in an orchard or a vineyard is having your individual experience. There’s a cause why they ask you if have on at each company. My experiences present that you’re more likely to get a job in case you have a automobile, but that’s not fully true, especially when you go directly to managers. Also not completely true, is that all job agencies are ineffective. Barbara at Wanaka Job Agency is a good lady and she doesn’t just offer you false hope, she certainly calls you, and not simply as soon as.

If you’re on the lookout for other kinds of work, the story is not that completely different. The smartest thing is to go to a sore, a restaurant or a café you need to work in and hand your CV directly to the manager. Be persistent. Go there many times so they’ll bear in mind you and know you are severe. In my opinion work is easier to seek out in smaller and quieter towns where backpackers usually don’t stay for more than a night similar to Twizel or Arrowtown. The competitors in larger cities is hard, particularly if you are making an attempt to get a job in a metropolis middle. Stores alongside Qeen St in Auckland will reject you by showing you a pile of CVs they receive every day. Again, strive your luck in quieter neighborhoods.

Bottom of line, there’s lots of seasonal work in New Zealand and it’s attainable to get it, although it generally looks prefer it isn’t. Just don’t lose hope, look around you and be open to anything that comes your way.

Happy travels and best of luck,

Tomaz from Slovenia

by Tomaž Meniè
29/02/ :29:26 PMTomaž Meniè Some useful ideas

Having no previous expertise in a seasonal job before coming to New Zealand I thought I would be pretty nicely prepared otherwise. Given the fact I was in good physical well being and eager. While I wouldn’t say the job was overly difficult or taxing there have been some parts I will say are difficult. Central Otago in fruit picking-season has many backpackers and travelers (as nicely as students) there for some additional money. We two began by driving right down to Alexandra from Christchurch. We arrived and went into the office of Seasonal Solutions the subsequent day to meet the ladies working there and to register for orchard and winery job/s. It was unfortunate nevertheless it seemed the one work available could be cherry picking and never for a couple of weeks. So we would have to wait. Luckily we received a textual content as a lot as come into the office that subsequent week if we were excited about apple thinning down in Roxburgh (about 40 km away). The job was fortunately received and we headed there the subsequent day to start out instantly. It was also fairly good as ultimately the cherry choosing season obtained pushed back fairly a number of weeks and then rain damaged numerous the inventory. Roxburgh is a reasonably small city with a couple of backpacker hostels a grocery store some chippies a couple of pubs and so on.. Most folks staying in the hostels there are doing seasonal work. When we arrived some have been on early cherries or other work across the orchards e.g. netting or apple thinning. For us a bus would come and decide about 30 folks working on the one orchard up on the town at 7.30 in the morning and we might get dropped again home by quarter to 5 in the afternoon. The accommodation as in most of NZ thus far is of a excessive standard; clear and comfy. The job itself is not too onerous. You are outside all day. In December the heat is not exceptionally unhealthy – although after the primary few days you realise sunscreen lengthy sleeves and a hat are necessary. And heaps and heaps of water! Most people can undergo three litres a day simply. Also I found that I would eat lots to take care of vitality levels – sandwiches and fruit and so forth.. It helps to have someplace nice and relaxing to return house to on the end of the day. The hours can be lengthy (6 days a week) and the climate troublesome. The job of apple thinning includes taking many apples off the tree so that the remaining apples can grow to a full and good size. So when comes time to select them they’re prepared. You use tall ladders to get to the tops of the timber and get paid for the amount of trees you do. Trees are graded in accordance with issue. For instance a really massive tree with plenty of branches and a fair few apples will take longer to finish than a smaller tree with less dense foliage (leaves etc.). Therefore you get paid more for it. I did three weeks in the long run as the contract completed before Christmas but my pal I am traveling with went back after the brand new year when the break was over and continued till the top of January. Apple thinning can be tough on the muscle tissue to begin. For the first 10 days you feel as though all of your body is aching. After that you don’t discover it so much anymore. It rained a few times in our 3 weeks there working within the orchard. Most folks you meet are really nice and I must say it was a fair introduction to this kind of work total. You get used to living with lots of people who’re all doing the same factor – you share the identical problems and snort about your aches and pains and difficulties related to the function. Most persons are really pleasant All in all I would say it was a decent experience and a nice way to make some money for your travels whereas staying in New Zealand.

by Donna Keenan
27/02/2012 9:38:00 PM

Donna Keenan Fruit selecting in Central Otago

Hello there! My name is Isha, and I come from the Netherlands. I got here here in New Zealand to travel and work. When I arrived I found that I most popular to travel first, and so I travelled for 2 months and spent some huge cash. After these 2 wonderful months I realised that I really needed to find a job to earn my a reimbursement. And so my job looking began. First I tried to get a seasonal job in Nelson/Blenheim. Unfortunately, I was there at the mistaken time: The season wasn’t even started and most of the companies were on holiday break. So after two unsuccessful weeks I went to Wellington to try to discover a hospitality job. This didn’t work out either. I was fairly tired of (for more than 1 month) intensively looking for jobs, and so I decided to go to a ‘working hostel’ in Napier. This hostel would assist me with getting a seasonal job, and provides additionally transport to the job, which is nice as a result of I don’t have a automobile.

I got here right here together with Janine, one other Dutch girl that I met throughout my travels. We each hoped that we could get a job actually soon! At the time we arrived here and we checked in, I was extra pleased than anybody in the world, because the hostel-owner said they should have a job for us in 2 days. After all this gave the impression to be not exactly true, as a result of it was one week later that we could lastly start. We had been going to do choosing, thinning and pruning Capsicums. When I first heard that, I laughed and thought how ironic it was. In Holland I stay in an space where there is a massive capsicum-business in glasshouses. So Isha goes to the other aspect of the world, to do the identical thing she will be able to do next to her personal house in Holland! Haha!

The hostel-owner advised us to put on a shirt with long sleeves and lengthy pants, sport shoes, and a cap towards the solar. We additionally put lots of sunscreen on, because we had been nonetheless somewhat bit sunburned from a couple of days before. Tip: Bring all the time sunscreen with you, though it’s not sunny within the morning, you realize the altering climate conditions in New-Zealand! I brought my little 750ml water bottle, assuming that there can be a water tap, the place I could refill my bottle. When we arrived there by automotive with 3 different individuals from our hostel, we had to sign a contract on the bonnet , which I thought was funny as a result of I expected that we had to have an interview in an office with the supervisor or something. But no, solely signing the contract and giving our paperwork was sufficient. Tip: If it’s your first day of labor, convey your passport, and a replica of it, a copy of your visa, your IRD-number, and your checking account number. Besides, there was nothing like an office there! There wasn’t even a water faucet, which meant that I was going to die because of a lack of water;) Well, okay, it was not that unhealthy, but you can say that I appeared much like one of many unhappy dried out Capsicum-plants at the finish of the day! Tip: Bring at all times loads and a great deal of water with you!!I never have had a seasonal job before and so the first day was pretty exhausting. We needed to sit on a plastic box, which was positioned on a trolley, and put ourselves ahead with our legs. Meanwhile we needed to take away the side-branches, but to do that you wanted to bend over. How later that day, how older I felt myself. In the top I couldn’t even sit straight anymore as a result of my back was hurting and caught on the identical place. Haha, and with the sun shining, sweating like never earlier than and a lack of water, the music in my ears was the only reason I survived that first day. Tip: Bring you I-pod with some good music and ensure it’s utterly loaded (the final hours of the day you’ll in all probability want it the most)

The day after, I was better prepared. I had a short-sleeved t-shirt on, as a result of there was no purpose to put long sleeves on, and I had ten occasions extra water with me. Unfortunately Janine didn’t come with me the second day because she had an excessive amount of ache in her back. When we arrived I was fortunately stunned as a end result of we needed to decide the large capsicums! This was really fairly funny to do. Except that we had to make use of a little knife, and that I (of course) minimize a piece of my finger of. Haha, however despite the precise fact that I had a Vietnam wound now, which I secretly thought was really cool, the choosing of capsicums was candy hey! Just racing with your trolley in entrance of you, put the capsicums in the plastic packing containers, and attempt to be the fastest.! I was sad that after 1 hour all the massive capsicums the place already picked. Now I wanted to lock all the vegetation to a cable with tape in order that they’ll grow straight. This was much less exhausting for my back, so that was good. But this time my hand was painful after a while, as a result of you have to staple the tape around the plant and cable together with your hand. But by no means mind, the first days your body simply should get used to the act or transfer. So don’t be scared, in the end every thing will be all right;) We have three breaks a day and within the break we just hang around the automotive slightly bit. It’s good to chill out for a moment and secretly eat some blueberries from the opposite field! Tip: Take except your lunch also one thing candy, something recent and one thing salty to eat with you. Like a muesli-bar, an apple and some nuts or chips.

At my third working day it rained within the morning. I first ready to go to work, than I heard that we didn’t should work so I went to mattress again. After ten minutes I heard that we did need to go to work anyway, so I stressed and tried to be prepared at time. But then after 5 minutes my colleague obtained a text-message that there was no work right now. Haha it was crazy, but ultimately I went back to mattress once more. Tip: Check the climate circumstances for the day after, so as to ready , and already know if there is a chance you don’t should work the following day.
Well, this was a description of my first working days! I hope you loved it. I suppose the first days are at all times onerous because your physique has to get used to it. But after a couple of days everything is okay, you will get to know the folks you work with, and speak with them whereas you’re working. You can also take heed to music, or think about your boyfriend (or girlfriend haha). So in spite of everything, it’s not that dangerous, and typically will most likely be even fun! You will get tan, and perhaps lose some weight! You are exterior, in the summertime, with the character around you and though the days might be long, I think it’s a pleasant approach to earn some money!

I will end my story with three different suggestions.
– Take many different clothes with you. If the climate abruptly changes you wish to be prepared. So take a sweater and your raincoat with you!
– If you’re preparing for work in the morning, put some recent lemon and a few sugar in your water. Believe me, ingesting this helps you surviving the heat.
– If you’re bored with all your music, because you’ve listened it for a thousand times, you can even buy some audiobooks and put them in your I-pod! Now you presumably can enjoy a narrative, and earn money on the identical time!

by Isha Persoon
16/02/2012 3:forty five:06 AMIsha Persoon Some useful ideas

Im a small town New Zealand man and when i left school i wished to leave my small town behind for a new and thrilling journey. Having spent all my faculty life in the north island i decided to head off to the south island. i had been informed by a couple of family and friends that i ought to go to a spot known as MOtueka and choose apples. It had never crossed my thoughts to do anything like this before however i used to be looking for an adventure so i decided to head off. I figured the south island was much colder than the north so i packed a quantity of jackets. But when i arrived in motueka the climate was good and that i didnt ever use the jackets i had packed. My first day on the job started around 7am , it was powerful work and that i ended up solely choosing 2 bins ( the common for a traditional particular person was 4).By the end of the week i had reached my goal of four bins a day but was stuffed. I felt like going to my cabin and dying however then i got chatting to some folks and we determined to treat ourself to a few beverages. As time went by i began to choose even more bins and was getting some what fitter. together with my work bettering my social life was additionally bettering. There was me and about four kiwis, a couple germans , an american, brazilian, a frenchy and a few checzs. I had never seen this kind of variety before as i had by no means left the north island but it was cool to listen to so many tales from all around the globe. Things have been trying good, life was nice, good instances and good friends. So after my first day of ache and terror it had some how jumped to the end of the two months. it was unhappy but my pockets had been full of money, i used to be super match and that i had met some superior folks, some who i still stay in contact with too today even though over 10 years have passed. Its part of my life il always remember in one of the most lovely places on the planet with some unbelievable individuals

so that was only a transient explanation of my first time selecting, i liked it a lot that i returned a couple of years later. I reccomend it to everybody

ps only drawback is you may get sick of apples

by Tony Sundman
18/01/ :37:46 PMTony Sundman Fruit picking in Motueka

“Well definitely my expensive,” she stated “you’re going to have a beautiful time at the lodge, consider you me.”

“OK, Angie. It’s a deal then. We’ll be there in three days. See ya!”

Wow! I thought to myself, what a nice girl. Can’t wait to get there. I googled “RUSSELL NZ”, clicked the “image” tab and it appeared to be the right place. Really lovely. So we packed our stuff, which isn’t so little, threw every thing within the automotive and stated goodbye to our woofing hosts in Tauranga. It was a very nice expertise to woof on a farm, however we needed some further cash and we thought we’ll have the ability to get a full-time or part-time job in Russell. Also the Rena mess made our determination to go away the region an easy one.

The deal with Angie, the proprietor of the Family Park in Russell, was that we work there for two,5 hours every day for accommodation. Which sounded quite reasonable at the moment, comparing it to the 5 hours we labored on the farm for a room and most of the meals. Plus we could apply for some afternoon paid jobs within the town, which there are “heaps” of.

So there we had been. A 27 year old Slovenian couple, each with university degrees (not that it issues, not right here not at home), full of energy and expectations parked at the Family Park to start our work there. Angie greeted us with a voice that was a mix of snobbish English and something I couldn’t determine at that moment. She confirmed us our room, which was a giant one with 4 beds and a small fridge. The furnishings and the equipment within the room have been barely out of date, some 30 years, however so have been essentially the most issues across the Park. Never than less we type of appreciated it and have been pleased to lastly sleep on a double bed after last week sharing a bunk, which doesn’t assist the connection steadiness.

“You guys loosen up, and go to the town to ask for some work. I’ve talked with the restaurants in the town and so they need heaps of assist there. I’m positive you’ll discover one thing rapidly. No worries. You’ll be okay here. Believe you me.”

“That’ cool. Thanks Angie. And we begin to work tomorrow? What sort of work we shall be doing?”

“Well, we’ve obtained cleansing covered, so that means you two can do lots of gardening. Is that all proper with you?” requested very politely, emotionless.
“I guess so. I love working outside within the nature. And what time should we start?”

“Oh, I’ll inform you within the evening, I really have to ask Bob, as a outcome of he shall be working with you guys.”

Bob was her husband, a Kiwi. An all right dude turned bitch whipped. But that’s how things end up generally, even for the toughest chaps. She got here from Australia and after getting to know her made me contemplate real good if I want to visit the nation. They lived half of yr in New Zealand and half a 12 months in Australia. A nicely of couple with two grown up daughters. They bought the place ages ago as a type of funding and rented it out to totally different managers. I’ve been informed that the prior supervisor turned the place right into a dump. Having drug dealers living there and let it slowly rot away. Now it was their time to take over their kingdom once more and regain power and the Working-Holiday Visa travelers had been their servants that may make the magic work.

There were lots of different individuals working on the place. A 19 yr old German couple so fantastically naive and filled with hopes and goals it made you are feeling like an adolescent again. But they needed to work 3 hours daily, as a result of they stayed in a special lodge, which was a lot smaller than our room, but had a terrace and wooden flooring. There was also a German woman (seems that nowadays the country has extra German inhabitants than Argentina after WWII) who was also in search of some paid job, as a outcome of she wished to travel together with her boyfriend who is on the way here. But she was more or less in her room watching soaps and trying to find jobs that really paid, so we didn’t had a lot contact. And not to neglect a 6 head household, which had been the good people we met up to now. So we had been the Park pack. Doing whatever there was, to maintain it clean, hold it fairly to Australian requirements and to be good obedient workers, which we were compelled and proved to be simply the following day.

“Why don’t we go right down to the town to ask for jobs?” Katja requested me.

“All right than. I simply seize the CVs and we’re off,” I replied, ”it could be good if we discover one thing today, ha?”

“Yes, that might be cool. So we will finally save up one thing as we agreed to.”

The little town of Russell, which we didn’t know by then how little it was, was very little. It wasn’t simply very little it was also a good hour stroll from the Park. So here we go petrol money! The city middle consists of 4 restaurants, two cafes, a pub, three souvenir retailers and two supermarkets of the identical company. Lots of opportunities for everybody I guess. So afterward I checked the online, telling me that that Russell has only about 2500 inhabitants. Hmmm. That’s for not doing all your homework!

The next day we begin at about 9 AM. Bob the chief rocka drove us in his SUV/4×4 around the property whereas we put the trash in the trailer hooked up to the automotive. Next stop, dropping the rubbish after which fill the trailer with what they call good soil. Actually it was simply clay that stood there for ages and was hard as a….
Well, I don’t thoughts working with picks and spades, however my girlfriend definitely wasn’t used to that kinda work. But we did as we have been told to. And no time to breathe or go to toilet or get a glass of water. “Hey we now have only two hours and a half,” stated the chief. I’ve labored in landscaping for a while and I can inform you that we by no means worked this fast. Not as a outcome of we wouldn’t need to, however as a end result of it’s just not healthy to work and not using a pause or hydration, especially beneath the world well-known New Zealand solar.

A shock awaited us simply across the nook. The next day it was burning stuff day. Which means that we burned all of the old invoices, recordsdata and papers, of course maintaining the 30 12 months old broken folders for future generations to use. And they picked just the proper spot to do it – on bare land in front of the timber.
“Don’t you think the forest can catch fire?” Katja requested Bob.

He looked like a wasp stung him in the nuts, like: ”Nah. It’s gonna be all right. Don’t you worry. If that might be Australia we would be in bother, but New Zealand got good timber, they don’ burn that quick. Plus it’s not that dry here”

“Whatever you say” I go. Although it appeared like a damn dessert.

Then we watch the fireplace that rose like three meters high slightly touching the manuka bushes. He places on more paper and a few dry gorse. WOOOOF it goes. We just watch the spectacle skeptical and wait ‘til it would go down. He dontyouworryin’ us again. Meanwhile Angie stops by and whispers in Bob’s ear: ”Hey. Why are they standing around? They don’t do nothing. Get them to work.”

I simply think to myself: “What a poor schmuck!” and “What a c**t!”

“You can not load everything on the fire” Bob goes. “It’s going to be too big. The forest might catch fireplace.”

“OK, but nonetheless. Maybe he can get new folders and she can put stuff on the fireplace. They can’t just stand around.”

Of course this was a fantastic idea and we end the day smelling like smoked salmon. When we arrive at the so called base to return the gear, meaning gloves filled with holes, they find out that there are nonetheless 5 minutes left so we do another stuff for the subsequent 20 minutes. How do you want that?
In the following few days we got the duty to make a forest trail for the shoppers. What seemed like nice, ended up frustrating, when lastly Angie interfered. She wanted the trail to undergo the swamp. Hmmm…

No downside. There you go. Now the individuals staying in the Family Park can freely benefit from the moist experience within the stunning swamp. Just don’t forget to provide them gum boots Angie. We stayed for two weeks all together. The 6 member family residing there and some other woofers made the keep there gratifying, however we wanted some paid jobs. Where do we go from here? Let’s go to Wellington! We guessed in a big city it’s going to be easier to find a job, extra folks, more jobs.

RIGHT?
WRONG!

by Grisa Grauf
20/12/2011 1:35:37 AMGrisa Grauf Where Do We Go From Here

“Haere Mai, passive reader. I arrived in NZ last March and spent a couple of months in Auckland. During what is amusingly referred to as ‘Winter’ within the Southern hemisphere (for the apparent but nonetheless pleasantly foreign concept of it operating from June to August), I started to journey across the North Island. Myself and my delightfully reckless new good friend Pierre (yes, French) set off to the Bay of Plenty (of recent oil spill fame) to hunt out opportunities within the conventional New Zealand seasonal vocation of Kiwi-picking. Te Puke, the kiwi fruit capital of the world, was the place we found ourselves quickly after. Checking in to the ‘Hairy Berry’ hostel it was a wonderful surprise to search out that a drink fuelled, metal loving, Norse-cultured vitality vibrated its walls. We have been each soon revelling in late evening sessions of testosterone fuelled excessive drinking, discussions on historical warfare and random acts of destruction to the pleasantly reminiscent thrashing of Slayer and the like.

A great deal of seasonal agriculture work could be discovered via the native hostels and motor parks inside the respective area. After talking with a contact at the Hairy Berry we soon discovered ourselves packing Kiwi’s by the thousand in an enormous warehouse at Satara, considered one of a number of packhouse chains in the area; a line of labor that did not pay particularly nicely however made up for it within the obtainable hours (sometimes 60+). Its a monotonous surroundings, the air full of kiwi fibres and the noise of conveyor equipment, however like many issues its one thing you will get used to. Soon after this we tried our hand on the much more physically demanding (but equally more soul rewarding) precise choosing of the Kiwis. We both moved into a caravan park on the opposite side of town for a less expensive lease whose minor inconveniences could be resolved easily by a bit of ahead planning forward of the 20yard walk to the kitchen and the $5 purchase of a 2nd hand electric heater. Contracted to be paid by the value of a crate divided by how many individuals had been choosing to fill them, this inspired a motivation and impetus to choose the Kiwi’s, hanging between 5 and 7 ft off the bottom, at a ferocious fee. Myself I achieved a really joyful effectivity in grip-to-drop price that should have amounted to round 3-4 items of fruit within the chest-mounted bag per second, filling the bag in about 4-5 minutes. At about $14 per crate, a mean of eight folks per team and about baggage filling a crate… nicely, you do the maths.

The work was exhausting and once in a while annoyingly infrequent when the rain clouds appeared. But this was an authentically, and literally ‘Kiwi’ expertise that I would never change. Pierre and I shared solidarity with each other and all others we met of a form I consider can solely be felt by those from lands far away, joined together and engaged in a sporadic physical labour on overseas shores. But much more than this, due to the PSA infection, a congenital illness that has now unfold throughout nearly the entire Kiwi business in New Zealand, this seasonal work that has kept working-travellers flowing by way of this area for decades, might properly totally come to an end throughout the next 4 or five years in accordance with many growers that we spoke to. For this purpose alone, I really feel privileged to have been a part of it”.

by Rob Cummins
20/12/ :55:44 AMRob Cummins Picked it, Packed it, Buggered Off!

I grew up in Marlborough, where Seasonal Work is a way of life. Each and each summer time I marched out into the vineyards, sun-block smeared throughout my forehead, gloves at the prepared, hoping to gain new pals, some extra work experience, some cash to burn, and most importantly, a sun-tan.

What I gained from seasonal work was all that and more. I gained character. Working outdoors in the parts can have its ups and downs however at the finish of the day it’s at all times price it. You retreat again out of the sun to wherever it is you got here from and luxuriate in a unbelievable glass of Marlborough wine, quietly questioning whether the grapes that went into the wine got here from a plant that was as soon as tended by your own arms in summers passed.

The folks from all walks of life who be a part of you working along these long rows of endless summers will stay with you eternally. For a number of summers I watched a friendship blossom between myself and two friends as we bud-rubbed and wire-lifted away our days together. Those girls are now younger women, and will be escorting me down the aisle as my bridesmaids in January. I watched a romance grow as two individuals working collectively over the summer season leaned over the wires and whispered things to one another. They are still in Love and nonetheless spend their summers working together as a couple, 5 years on. One year I labored with a Tongan family for a few weeks and discovered things about their language and culture that helps me relate to individuals in lots of conditions.

Those people who have skilled seasonal jobs like me will agree that although it feels like you’re simply selecting up a bit of labor over a time period, and though it looks like a temporary state that will be gone and forgotten, this isn’t true. Seasonal jobs COULD change your very life as you realize it.

by Aimee Tapping
20/12/ :fifty one:48 AMAimee Tapping Seasonal jobs COULD change your very life as you understand it

Kia Ora! I’m Anne, 28 years old and I’m from Holland. I arrived the 4th of September, 2011 after an exhausting 24 hrs trip at Auckland airport. The first weeks I travelled around for a bit, did a highway trip with my Kiwi cousin, my aunt took my everywhere I needed and I had a great first month.

After a month of travelling a bit around and sightseeing, I observed that I was spending more cash than I calculated I would. Not a problem, job hunting started! Translated my CV and went into town, to drop it off at some locations. I was trying forward to work in hospitality, so a lot of the locations were restaurants and bars. No expertise, but back in Holland I used to work as a supervisor in a supermarket so I had a lot of experience with working with folks and prospects. Always pleased, a smile on my face, be positive that prospects have a time out: that’s what you’re liable for when you’ve a job in hospitality. I thought I might do it!
After a couple of days I received a phone name from a restaurant, they needed me to return in for an open interview, with 4 others. Eventually I was the lucky one and had to come in for a trial. Even after the trial, with no expertise ánd a Dutch accent, they hired me! Thirty to forty hours is what they promised me. Lucky me! Waitressing in an excellent restaurant, making delicious coffees and dealing behind the bar would be the issues to fill in my job.
The first evening I was barely nervous: my first job in a rustic I just arrived 6 weeks ago, speaking a language that I’m able to talking it however which still isn’t my first language, and in an trade I’ve by no means worked before. After all I did a great job. The girls with who I worked that evening had been joyful, and I was a member of the team!

After a few weeks I realised that I nonetheless didn’t work thirty hours per week so far, and even after asking for extra hours (a woman quit) I ended up with 20hours every week. Not what they promised me. Last weekend, I work right here for 6 weeks now, I needed to work with this girl who manages the restaurant. Once she entered the constructing, all staffs faces tightened and I might feel the tense. And certainly, as the ladies I was working with once told me: she is a tyrant, snarls at the workers, never let us finish what we’ve to say, gives us orders in entrance of consumers, always in search of something that she can blame us for, treats you want you’re the most silly individual she has ever met, and so on and so forth… Once she is in, all the employees quite wants to go residence.
Before I utilized for a job at this restaurant, a women told me: don’t apply there, I was there as soon as having a espresso with a good friend and on older lady was shouting and screaming to her workers. You actually don’t wish to work there!
But I did…
And no I finally worked with her, I can undoubtedly say that she just isn’t the sort of particular person I need to work for. I used to managed 20 folks, but I never ever treated them like how she treats us. Ever. I know sometimes you must be hard at your workers, but when you ask it properly but nonetheless letting them know that you’re the boss, they may do every thing for you! My team in Holland had by no means let me down, and I was respectful to everyone. This lady, on the other hand, is the alternative. Never in my whole life I let anyone communicate to me once more the finest way she did.
Tonight I’m going to give up my job. Not only due to her, I just don’t want to give her the joy that someone quits because of her, but largely due to the hours that they promised me I would get.

I work to live, I don’t live to work.

by Anne van Hulten
19/12/2011 9:03:48 AM

Anne van Hulten I work to reside, I don’t reside to work

I flew into New Zealand on twelfth October after putting back my flight from Chile three occasions, sure the workers at the travel firm had been starting to get to learn about me and my life! I spent just over 7 months in South America, the tip months werent by choice – I had to stay there until I made enough money to proceed my travels. My flight over to Auckland was a nerve racking experience, I couldnt sleep as I knew I only had $100 to my name and I seriously needed a job. Not the most effective time to be flying into the nation with the rugby world cup on – the value of hostels were extortionate.

I arrived at 6am within the morning and was told I wouldnt be succesful of verify in until 1pm – so after a long flight with no sleep I needed to battle on earlier than I could finally rest. I took myself to job boards in hostels, the publish shop to get my checking account and IRD quantity sorted and then to an internet cafe. I plodded on and received myself 2 interviews for the subsequent day and another 3 for later within the week – I actually wasnt messing about.

The rugby world cup although expensive for me, helped me out as I received a job instantly as a Transport Advisor, which was a tad ironic, informing folks the place to get their transport from when I had solely been in the nation myself a mere matter of days. I even have additionally labored for different companies; at a food occasion making cocktails, at Ellerslie Racecourse for the Melbourne cup and a door knocking milk man! I even have been none cease in my quest for work and the search continues. I like the journey and experience however additionally it is not as straightforward as I thought it would be securing a job.

Thanks for reading.

Emma

by Emma
20/11/2011 1:13:49 AMEmma I solely had $100 to my name

Odd Jobs In Central Otago
This winter, I came from Canada with a gaggle of my friends to spend the season snowboarding at Snow Park. I supposed on getting an element time job as quickly as I arrived and settled in Wanaka, however I didnt know it might be so exhausting to get work here. For two months I job hunted with no success – town was too quiet! After almost giving up hope the Job Agency in Wanaka gave me a call about some work at a restaurant on weekends. I fortunately accepted (especially as a outcome of I was virtually broke) and started working the same weekend. After I labored a quantity of weekends there, the company began calling me with more and more work throughout the week. Over the final two months of the season I actually have accomplished numerous odd jobs around Central Otago together with; winery work, serving to a shifting company and even establishing a fashion show. Some of the work was superior and a few was terrible, but the company at all times gave me one thing to do. They listened to what work I loved and helped place me in more related positions. When it got here time to depart and transfer onto Queenstown, the agency in Wanaka set me up with the agency here and has already got me some work lined up. If youre a backpacker in Wanaka or Queenstown and on the lookout for some half time work definitely pop into the Job Agency and see if they can help you out. They usually pay just over minimum wage and are good at discovering you’re employed each week. I had a nice time working for them and hopefully you do to!
by Kyle Gibson

by Kyle Gibson
20/11/2011 1:07:50 AM

Kyle Gibson Odd Jobs In Central Otago

Peach thinning working expertise

When I arrived in Hawke’s Bay, I quickly found a seasonal job – because of my roommates who informed me. A local firm employed us to work in a nearby peach orchard.
Our task was to chop off a lot of the peaches, in order that the remaining ones had sufficient house to develop actually big. Doing this we had to make use of a ladder so as to get to the highest branches of the peach bushes, nevertheless a few of them seemed to be unreachable. Observed by Indian supervisors we had to end a minimal of three timber per hours, which sounds quite straightforward however it is nearly inconceivable. Work started each morning at 7 a.m. and ended at roughly 4.30 p.m. in a six days per week schedule. We had been promised to earn $5 per tree; ultimately all of us got just $13.25 per hour (before tax, which is minimum pay).
Working in a rural orchard means silent environment, contemporary air and time to consider everything, but additionally itching, bloodshot eyes and skin irritations due to sprayings and sunburns and dehydration due to solely few breaks during the day. In addition to that we needed to stand the so-called Indian way of motivating people, which meant threatening us with dropping our job in such unhealthy English a three-year-old could express. As a result many works had been fired after having worked 2 days and many quitted deliberately. At least the wage was in time.
All in all this job is an efficient means to earn cash rapidly for 2-3 days should you need it urgently, however nothing more.

by Michael
20/11/2011 1:06:45 AMMichael Peach thinning working expertise

A few years ago I travelled to Queenstown to tie vines in a vineyard. It was a wonderful time of 12 months. The first frosts of winter were beginning to look and each morning the younger vines have been frosted over. We began work early within the morning, earlier than the solar got here up, and were picked up from the shared lodging by the foreman in a van. The temperatures had been brisk, and although the solar had already come up, the vineyard was shaded by the mountains, and there was no warmth to thaw our palms until round 9.30 within the morning. The men I shared accommodation with and worked with on the vineyard were all of very completely different character, and doing the work for various reasons. Some were finding out viticulture; some have been seasonal regulars, following the winery season up and down the nation. I was attempting to shortly earn an extra buck to buy an engagement ring for a lady I wanted to suggest to. When the sun came visiting the mountain range, it was a very stunning and satisfying place on the planet to find oneself. And with half the working day already behind, we would stop for lunch on the hill facet, among the vines in the sun and chat and joke among ourselves. The working day would end round 3pm, and sometimes a chill wind might be felt travelling up the valley, from the river. The mornings and the evenings in that part of New Zealand are the longest components of the day.
By the time we arrived again in Arrowtown the place our shared accommodation was, it was properly into nightfall, and really cool. As I said the mornings and evenings take up the greatest parts of the day within the excessive mountainous areas of Queenstown and Arrowtown, and although it was cold at around 4pm every night, one might take pleasure in a spectacular array of dusky colours in the sky almost every night time. The air is so clear and dry at that altitude, and the climate is consistently good. I assume due to the outdoor work, and clear clear crisp working environment of the mountains, everyone was very subdued after work, and would usually retire to bed early. But earlier than mattress we’d share a meal. Every evening it was someone else’s turn to prepare dinner, and there was a giant pot, that was used by everybody. The meals have been primary fodder. Mince and boiled potatoes, mince and beans, stew, stew and cabbage and potatoes, stew and beans, and so forth.
I will always keep in mind this time working in the vineyards of Queenstown, and would encourage anyone who needs to have a go at doing seasonal work to offer it a try. The begins are early, the days may be long, and the work hard, but it is an unforgettable experience.

by Morgan Barrie
20/11/2011 1:00:12 AM

Morgan Barrie The younger vines have been frosted over

Back in 2009, I was able to scrounge up enough money to travel half
way internationally to Japan and New Zealand. Of which I spent one
week in Tokyo, Japan and a month in Auckland, New Zealand. I was in a position
to stick with a very good good friend of mine, which meant I did not have to
pay for accommodation. I went out to NZ desirous to spend time with my
pal, while seeing what I might of NZ and not dropping too much cash
within the progress (since I was a student!).

If you need to work in NZ you will need to do the following first
earlier than you’re permitted to work for a 12 months. The New Zealand
government offers one thing called a Working Holiday Scheme which
merely involves you applying without needing to supply any evidence
that you have even received a job provide. I am a UK citizen so it was
not essential for me to use for a Visa.

Finding work for me was simple only as a result of the work found me! To my
benefit, I was in a position to help my good friend who’s a bass guitarist in a
band but he now performs for a band in LA known as “Tribe”.I ended up
helping his band with some odd jobs such as some promotional filming
and carrying gear. Nothing main, however that was how I obtained by! All the
whereas I was in a position to watch a stay exhibits, for minimal effort.

It was nice with the flexibility to spend time catching up with my long time
friend and his family. He was able to present me a great time on the North
Island, with us having some eventful nights in Auckland. I also had a
site recommended to me referred to as / that I discovered pretty handy
on determining what I should do subsequent.His household also owned their very own
boat, so one weekend we had been capable of get an incredible view of Auckland
from a distance. The view had then become pretty blurry since I got to
hold off the back of the boat on one of those rubber tubes.

My private highlight of my time in New Zealand though, would have to
be leaping out of a aircraft from 15,000 ft in the air over lake Taupo.
If you get the prospect, you have to do Tandem Skydiving! That is one thing
I will always remember, and the view on the way down was actually
breathtaking.

All in all, in case it is not obvious I actually loved my time in New
Zealand and if I had the prospect I would most definitely go to again. I
now work full-time, so I hopefully is not going to need to do any odd jobs 😉

Email:

Twitter: @Gav_at_Locanto

by Gavin Lammin
20/11/ :35:17 AMGavin Lammin The work found me

Hi all!!,
My name is Gonzalo Barnes and I am from Argentina. I even have 24 years old and I applied for the workig vacation visa final yr.
I actually have arrived to Auckland with two friends final December and I really have worked in many various locations. During the primary days was tough to seek out work but after some days of going to each place and sending ours CVs to all of the emails imaginable we decided to go to Waiheke Island, near Auckland. Good place to begin when you have just arrived to NZ. There I labored in a restaurant and my associates in vineyards. We labored like 6 hours the three of us a minimum of and it was great after expending so much cash within the metropolis of Auckland.
My work was excelent! I passed a nice time their and the fee was good enought as a result of I didnt have many expenses.
After Waiheke I went to Tauranga but we couldnt find any work the first week so with my two friends we determined to go to Napier. After some days we began in vineyards once more however now we had been solely placing nets over the plants. A hard job, because you ought to we quick to get some good cash. After ending with the sphere work we moved to Watties Factory. We worked their as a grader for two months but the job here was actually onerous. We labored their eight hours a day taking care of the unhealthy fruit. We couldnt hear anything within the factory and I generally worked with my mate close by. So I dont recomend to do this for long time although the pay is good.Despite this, we have a great time in Napier because we leaved with lot of Argentinian people in the same home. After work we usually go to Waipatiki beach and we now have enjoyable.
Finally, we went to Mt Manganui and we found a job in a packhouse through the night time shift. We worked 12 hs a day, 6 days every week. I labored as a tray pay making the packing containers where the packers put the kiwis. It was very hard but after 5 weeks we made excellent cash and we decided to go to Coromandel and Samoa.
Now, after 2 months of relaxing we are trying to find some work in Auckland to earn some more cash to go to Asia.

I hope you can get pleasure from my experience,
NZ is excelent!!
See you

by Gonza Barnes
24/10/2011 2:fifty three:12 AM

Gonza Barnes Working for Watties Factory

I got here into this aircraft of existence from the spirit realm several years in the past, taking the identical old route by way of my mothers vagina. By that stage, some white colonialists had pretty much taken over the place. On some islands in the Pacific they have been busy chopping down trees to plant marshmallows on the hills. They left a couple of bushes standing in order that they may pack tourists onto buses and present them what quantity of trees they nonetheless had standing. Agriculture flourished as valuable overseas forex was milked from the tourists wallets and they jumped off bridges into quasi-suicidal joyous oblivion, only to be caught by a rubber band and sprung back up to be milked once more one other day.

Some of the less milkable tourists have been put to work in the vineyards, producing precious booze for the colonialists. They talked in regards to the size of the locals cellphones and the sameness of all individuals, seeing solely themselves reflected in everybody that they met. These tourists of the world got quite a uncooked deal from dodgey contractors who would tackle far too many of them so as to fill contracts they couldnt afford and then lay them off at random when work ran low.

The more fortunate vacationers labored in the orchards selecting cherries to be offered in Japan for a buck every. They worked beneath rather more favourable circumstances since they worked directly for an orchard owner. This gave the further advantage of discounted onsite lodging in plenty of cases.

The tourists virtually with out exception drove around in poorly operating and infrequently harmful vans which they purchased in Auckland for means an extreme quantity of cash. This gave them one thing else to talk about in addition to when each of their visas would run out and the way ignorant and old style the locals were. These vans could possibly be seen parked at most rest areas except perhaps within the small hamlet of Alexandra, where ignorant and old style locals would write obscene messages of hatred on the windows for no specific purpose. Alexandra is what occurs when you take a white-picket-fence suburb and depart it out within the desert for twenty years. Deprived of their mall, the residents activate each other in oft-repeated drunken brawls and try and impress women they’re probably related to. This ends in a town with one cop per sq. inch of scorched earth and a river of shitass boyracer automobiles that meanders by way of the KFC drive-thru every weekend.

So in summary, attempt to work on orchards and never vineyards if possible (or else as a bartender or waitress if youre pretty), NEVER work for contractors, dont go to Alex and keep in mind that journey doesn’t represent a meaningful personal expertise, no matter how long the flight was. This requires unbiased thought processes and self-actualisation to keep away from acting out a TV show or walking around with a mirror infront of your face.

by Hayden McLean
24/10/2011 2:47:09 AMHayden McLean Working New Zealand from a special perspective

Even though I can not explain my exact reasons, I had always been dreaming about coming to New Zealand. When I began relationship my current boyfriend Tomas, I was slowly preparing him for the reality that as soon as I end my university research, I wish to come to this wonderful country, no matter if with or without him. Although my pursuits in English have all the time been large, Tomas has by no means learnt it and this truth apprehensive me a little bit.

After our second anniversary and also after nearly two years throughout which we spread this info amongst our households and friends, everybody grew to become a little bit bored by our plans and stopped hoping we might ever get there. At that time I finished my economy research and had summer season holidays ahead. This was the time when I had to decide whether or not to find a job or simply go away and lengthen my holidays. I had a lot of free time to browse on the web and collect the needed info. As I was not fully determined but, I began to apply for both and let the faith resolve.

While I went to some job interviews, we sat down one night and applied for the Working Holiday Visa. Knowing that there are various corporations within the Czech Republic which might organize the visa for you and worrying that we might make some mistakes by making an attempt to get it by ourselves; we didn’t hesitate and visited the immigration websites (). After creating our accounts and downloading the right document, we began to fill it in. The questions had been very easy to know and much simpler to answer. At the tip Tomas utilized for his visa himself (without the knowledge of a single word) and was very satisfied that he may perceive the situations without having to pay to any company. We paid by our visa card on-line and will await the reply.

To our shock, we obtained the visa approval inside two days. From now on we had one 12 months for attending to New Zealand, and then the possibility to work and journey for a 12 months. Our desires had been slowly turning into true, I now not applied for another job, Tomas prepared his personal enterprise for enclosure and we started to plan our journey.

There are some very helpful Czech websites concerning touring and dealing in NZ, e.g. , Moreover, it is not tough to seek out many English ones: , www.i-site.org.nz and so on. For some extra data we additionally used many blogs of people that were right here earlier than, or we merely contacted some individuals via facebook or used the knowledge given by the immigration of NZ. Even though we obtained loads of useful info and advice, we nonetheless felt very unprepared and scared about touring around half of the world and never understanding anything for certain.
It was the best time for getting our airplane tickets. When we visited our largest travel agency, we found out that the ticket would price us legs and arms. After a little bit more looking on the net, we found a extremely recommended private ticket dealer Oldrich Ther on -levne.sletenkou.cz/ and decided to make use of his services and journey by Korean Air. A return ticket per particular person price us about 1800NZD, which was just a little bit greater than a single one (you want a proof of having a leaving ticket at the customs and we additionally wished to be safe in case we have been unsuccessful in earning any money for the journey back). By the finest way, the tickets included a really fantastic stop-over in Seoul, Korea in a model new 4-star lodge with all meals included. There are of course another options, e.g.: , , , …

One of the necessary parts was to rearrange an excellent health insurance. I am undecided if it applies in your country as well, however we now have to level out to our authorities that we’re insured if we don’t pay the insurance coverage at residence. We chose the one designed especially for working vacation employees Orbit Protect (). Try to compare the costs of various firms, but I am certain you’ll respect the fact that Orbit is held by a New Zealand company and subsequently easy to say in case of an accident. Moreover, it also consists of most of the Pacific Islands, that are a preferred destination for hard-working backpackers. 🙂

Once we obtained to New Zealand, we had been trying to run away from Auckland as quickly as potential, and subsequently we wanted a brand new automobile. What we may highly advocate in this case are either the well-known weekend car-markets in Auckland, strolling round some back-packers discover boards, or simply get out of this concrete jungle and take a look alongside the roads. Getting a automotive and alter the ownership is the matter of ten minutes in the Post workplace. Some different web sites are: , …

We slowly started to discover this superb country and in the meantime we have been slowly heading all the way down to the south, we were on the lookout for some jobs. In / you will find a really helpful map of the principle horticultural areas with their seasons and other essential data. From our expertise, working right here is principally a matter of combination of each knowledge of the peak seasons and an excellent luck. You might apply for a job through a mail, or a form on various web sites: , , or From our expertise, one of the best factor you are capable of do is ask folks, cease at farms, ask farmers, read adverts in native stores etc., greater than through the web. This is how we received all our jobs. If you are actually determined, generally it helps if you accommodate in a backpacker and the homeowners will allow you to with discovering the job.

For lodging, I advocate: , , or any local newspapers and adverts in supermarkets.

First we had been working in Blenheim at vineyards. The job was known as “wire-lifting” and was bodily actually hard. We were working for an Indian company, paid 3-4c per a tree. Even although we were attempting our greatest and nearly operating the entire day without having a break, we could hardly attain the minimal wage. We stop after four days and immediately discovered a job in strawberry selecting. This was paid 2$ per a small box. We could easily earn about 80$ in six/seven hours and benefit from the sun the the rest of the day. Unfortunately the season completed quickly and we needed to move on. It was the before X-mas and cherry season was already open. Some friends of ours obtained a stone-fruit selecting place in Cromwell and ask if we wish to be a staff with them, as a group of 6 was the condition for this job. We moved to Cromwell and picked apricots, plums, nectarines, peaches and so on. The supervisors had been awesome and generally helped us. We had higher cash than the minimal wage and were actually glad. The drawback when you work in a gaggle of people and share the price is that anyone takes it straightforward and it might drive you crazy sometimes.

After the stone-fruit and cherry season, begin apple and kiwi fruit selecting. We decided to journey and luxuriate in our time. After two months of working we had enough money for nearly two months of traveling. We moved back to the North Island and found jobs in a kiwifruit packhouse. The position was known as a “grader” and we worked nightshifts, 12 hours a day, 6 days a week. We had been paid 13,5$/h + 1$/h evening allowance. Tomas soon became QC (quality controller) and loved it far more. Even though this was a monotonous job and selecting may need been more fun, less hours for better money (depending on contract) and within the contemporary air, we knew some friends selecting and complaining about the by no means ending rain. So we finally earned far more money in the identical period of time.

We felt actually drained and exhausted after our 3months kiwiseason. We bought tickets to Samoa and spent the the rest of winter over there (3 weeks). When we received back we discovered a great family and now we are staying at their place, doing wwoofing. The spring is wonderful, every little thing is blooming and we get pleasure from working 3-4hours, 3-4days every week for food and lodging. We are attending to know the kiwi way of life and meet many interesting individuals. When we get tired and broke, we will move on and find one other job. It is really easy, and you may not believe, but in addition fun!

by Michaela
24/10/2011 2:43:eleven AMMichaela I had always been dreaming about coming to New Zealand

As far as I bear in mind, I at all times dreamed to journey. I thus stopped my studies and worked during 6 months as dishwasher in an old peoples house to pay my trip and realized this dream. The solely hard thing was to buy the flight ticket as a outcome of its actually expansive from France (about 1000€ = 2000$!!). It only took one week to receive my WH visa.

I arrived on June 27th to Auckland, the place I had a friend who waited for me for two months. When I arrived, this pal already had an house where I was able to live for $100 on K road!
My friend was obliged to maintain his job as barman till the top of the rugby world cup and wanting to travel with him, I thus decided to stay in Auckland waiting for him. Meanwhile, I made all the mandatory administrative procedures to work in New Zealand (IRD Number, Bank Account). Make positive to have all the mandatory papers to do this (they ask to proof of ID: Passeport and International Driver Licence or letter from your employer…). It took just one week for me to have every little thing I have to work.
But the thing is that I by no means actually seemed for work as I didnt actually need to stay in this large city that is Auckland.
Thats why, as an alternative of incomes cash to journey, I spent all my money in 1 and a half month.

After that, as I was really pissed of Auckland, I left to Blenheim (where I am at present) to work in vineyards.
I found my first contract due to one of the numerous backpackers you’ll find right here, in Blenheim. Then, I discovered all my different contracts by myself (friends, internet…) as a end result of fortunatly, I bought a van in Auckland so I was able to keep in there free of charge (only 3$ the shower in Blenheim group pool) as a substitute of paying lease for a backpacker…

My first job in vineyards was “stripping”. It was in an enormous vineyard and the boss needed us to make a minimum of 60 crops per hour (1 per minute). It was the very first time I was doing this job and the second day, I made fifty four crops per hour. In spite of this, this man fired me (and the three other guys working with me) as a outcome of we wasnt quick enough haha!
After that, I discovered one other contractor due to a good friend of mine, and I worked for him throughout 1 month, till the tip of september, when there isnt plenty of work in vineyards anymore.
Now, I am nonetheless in search of a job around Blenheim and in the South Island, and its actually difficult as a outcome of I assume all the roles starts at the finish of october or on november…
So if you have some informations about works on october, you may be welcome 😉

Cheers

by Denis Cassius Castelot
24/10/2011 2:38:32 AMDenis Cassius Castelot My first job in vineyards was stripping

Hi, my name is Mariano Ferreyra and I’m going to let you know the story about my first seasonal job in
New Zealand.

It all begins one morning in Auckland. Tired and disappointed about the lack of responses to my
textual content messages in search of for any place out there wherever in N.Z, I went to sleep early simply ready
for tomorrow. Just before attending to the stand by state earlier than sleep, I start listening to
my text message ringtone. I leap out of the mattress and grab my phone. It said:”Hi Mariano, we’re
contacting you from ####### Orchard. The job begins in two days. We shall be waiting for you.
Cheers”. My happiness was indescribable and the day ended with a fantastic future ahead.

My destination was Hastings, Hawkes bay. Someone informed me there were too many vineyards down
there, however I by no means thought there have been so much as I saw.

I arrived at 8pm, and went directly to the lodging arranged. I stayed in one of many many
flats the place held. I lived with four asian guys, one from Taiwan and the opposite three from Malasia.
They were working in the same orchard as I Would so, as I had no automotive, we organized they may take
me to work.

Next day, at 6:30am I was up getting ready to be taken to work at 7:00am. I had to prepare a bag
full of food and drinks because the day was going to be long and hunger and thirst needed to be
happy.

Once in the orchard, I was given some instruments and brought to my respective block. The job I had to do
was vine pruning. They you’ve a big scissor, a small one and some paper tyers. Basically your
task is to cut the tree huge branches first with the massive scissor leaving simply three branches. One of those
will finally be reduce too. The second step is to use the small scissor to cut little branches coming out
of the three branches. After that you pull all the minimize branches out. Finally you roll two branches (one
from every side) to the bottom wire and also you tie the final however of the department with your tyer.

It sound quite simple nevertheless it isn’t. After some hours, your arms start aching, so does your back. You
get actually hungry and thirsty and also you get paid per contract, which means the quantity you receives a commission its
up to you.

The constructive factor is that you’ve time to speak with the man in front of you and meet an individual
from everywhere, that’s how I met Sonia.

Sonia was a Chech girl that was working in Hastings since final 12 months. She was good and actually quick at
pruning. She was a cash machine, and she was gorgeous too.

As days passed by we received to know each other pretty well. I taught her some Spanish words and the
other method round. She made me strive some tipic Chech meals and so did I. We were beginning to fell in
love with one another, however we had been to idiot to comprehend.

At the same time,the job was ending and Sonia and me have been going to take completely different routes,
which made us really feel quite unhappy about it.

Anyway that month in Hastings was awesome. The experience of working outdoor, in an orchard
or farm is basically unique although its pretty taught too. I met many individuals from completely different nations
and we managed to trade stories and tradition. I also had a love story with this beautiful woman
that can maintain a piece of my heart for ever.

I advocate you whoever is studying that this are things that occur simply once in life. This are
opportunities we should not let them move away. We have to live our life as if every single day was the final
one, trying to learn from everybody and from every little thing.

Hope you had enjoyed my storie

Cheers

Mariano from Argentina.

by Mariano
18/10/2011 9:fifty seven:37 AMMariano My happiness was indescribable

I came to New Zealand with a good friend, fromChile, on the lookout for an unimaginable experience. We had been two weeks in Auckland looking for jobs, visiting hostels, restaurants and places of work who might help you finding jobs, also we spent lots of time going to the library of Mt. Eden,where you ought to use free internet, sending CVs every day, while we have been living in the home of a household, particularly in acouch of the residing room making an attempt to economize, beautiful family!. Every day emailsarrive to us saying “After a tough selection we now have to say that in thisopportunity your application was unsuccessful”, very frustrating. To overlook thosebad experiences we used to go to the amazing parks of Auckland, we stroll untilthe prime of the very best mountains of Auckland, Mt. Eden, superior view; we werein the top of another stunning hill known as “One Three Hill” with a hugeobelisk within the high. After a couple of weeks waiting desperately for any job wedecided to journey to Tauranga. Once in Tauranga we met a lot of individuals fromevery a part of the world, and one week more looking for job without luck, until!We noticed an commercial of one man who was in search of individuals to work in kiwipruning, we referred to as and SUCCESS! The day after we have been working in an enormous place,the bad part, it was unlawful and he paid per production, with out experiencelike us we could obtain simply 30 dollars per day, contemplating that we werespending 24 dollars per evening in a backpacker, and spending close to of 10 dollarsin food per day, we just couldn’t survive for far more time. After the thirdday of labor we arrived very drained to the backpacker and a guy told us thatthere was a risk to work repacking kiwi fruit, our eyes began to dropsmall tears just imagining we may have a standard job, so we went very early theday after to an enormous company of kiwi fruit asking for job, but we simply gotanother unsuccessfully phrase “sorry we are full, however you can go away us yourcontact in case we want more persons”. After that, seeing no future, we spentthe final energy that we had going to the library of Kati Kati, somebody advised usthat they may help us to find a job, once in there we obtained a listing of a coupleof packhouse in the zone, go for it! –I said-, began calling to the first, butthey have been full, the same with the second, the third, the fourth and the fifth,my friend told me return to the backpacker to relaxation, but I stated NO!, there isstill one more firm and I will name, I did, saying the same speech for sixthtime “Hi me and my friend are on the lookout for job”, she mentioned “great, we need twopersons now, can you be here in 1 hour more?”, WOW!, “Of course” I mentioned, andthere it was our first legal job!, we were working fairly exhausting for 2 weeks,choosing solely the Best quality of kiwis to export them to Asia, nevertheless it had agood reward. Finally we now have had a number of jobs, the most are sporadic, and so welearnt to search for jobs constantly. In spite of having this difficult experiences,we love this beautiful country, fairly kind people, incredible locations to visit,is all so green and blue that you feel an unique contact with nature. And now,get financial savings to continue this superior journey in New Zealand!

by Cristian Santibanez
18/10/2011 9:54:31 AM

Cristian Santibanez Working in a Packhouse in Auckland

Making our descent in to Blenheim on a narrow plane with sixteen seats and one for the pilot, it was clear even from the air what this town was about, Wine. Peering out of the window, trying downwards, all I could see had been rows. Rows, rows and more rows of budding grapes that have been destine to become the Sauvignon Blanc, the Pinot Gris – the Special Reserve that we see on our supermarket cabinets all over the world.

Still in the air, in fact I couldn’t have identified how carefully I was to see these rows, but I was quickly to seek out out. There was very little time actually, between my flight and the search for some sort of employment. It had been three months since I had accomplished a days’ work, again in my hometown of Bristol. Since then I had been on the road, which had taken me from Paris to Turkey from Istanbul to India, through Thailand to Cambodia and New Zealand was the ultimate cease. My partner was a Kiwi and so Blenheim was the vacation spot and after months of spending Lira, Rupees and Baht it was time to make myself some dollars.

This city was a haven for the travel-weary backpacker, seeking to enhance the funds. Marlborough was the home of countless vineyards and at this point within the early summer time there were contractors crying out for informal workers all over city. By the time I had unpacked my trusty backpack and slept off my jetlag, I was signed up with a vineyard contractor and my alarm was rudely announcing the start of my first day on the job.

Stumbling sleepily in to a bus stuffed with softly spoken European languages, I discovered that our first job was skirting. This concerned working our means along the rows, snipping the stray and overgrown branches from the underside of the plants. We have been paid only a few cents per plant, which sounded rubbish but there have been lots of crops in a row and the work was easy and swift. The weather on that first day was beautiful, and it by no means changed all through the two months I worked in the vineyards. Marlborough is known for its sunshine (which explains the grapes, I suppose) and those continuous shiny summer rays didn’t disappoint. The scenic mountains and hills that surrounded us added a sense of place and environment to the days we spent working.

The jobs I did over these weeks had been diversified. Sometimes the work was onerous, the heat was always there and the repeated utility of solar cream was essential, however none of the jobs had been beyond me and the variation of duties meant that I was never bored. I particularly enjoyed the work I did on a brand new block of plantings, which involved numerous days in a shed, making up one million green plastic grow-guards, which were put over the tops of the child vegetation. We then clipped a number of miles of irrigation pipe in to put, positioned to quench the thirst of the little plants as they grew. As they matured the grow-guards had been eliminated and the crops got the assist of recent wires that we strung in to position. I discovered this era of labor very rewarding because I felt like I had seen the process through from the very starting.

Later, as the mature fruit have been virtually ready for harvest, the last of my jobs was leaf plucking. This involved giving the plump bunches of grapes area to breath, by eradicating a number of the leaves from around them. This was a easy and rewarding job, which happened simply earlier than harvest. For me though, this was as far as my grape journey went. I was by no means to see the harvest as a result of my traveller ft had turn into itchy again and it was time to move on!

by Emily Fredrickson
18/10/2011 9:46:26 AMEmily Fredrickson Working on a winery in Blenheim

Hi, we are two guys from Germany and we’re here in New Zealand since August. I planned to have a gap 12 months after college years in the past, however I actually began to plan tips on how to do it one 12 months before we wished to come back to New Zealand. First I checked out some organisations which despatched me free material.

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/workandtravel/

But when I talked to considered one of their employees, she informed me that you can do it on your self simply. So we booked our flight, fortunately a relative works within the business, so we get it very low-cost, but it’s all the time an advantage when you can guide it very early. The next step was our working holiday visa, however there’s a very straightforward online application, the place they let you know everything you need to know and as soon as you has accomplished the appliance kind and paid the visa through bank card, you get your visa in ca one week.

(/migrant/stream/work/workingholiday/default.htm ) (The bank card is a good idea anyway, because it saves you cash so lengthy as you must switch the cash from residence.) Next we joined wwoof (/ ), to have the flexibility to work for lodging and food, but there are different webpages, too. (/findhosts.asp?network=1 ) One factor about your backpack: You need at all times less than you bring with you, so think about it twice. And I am actually glad about my mobile phone which can use Internet, because like this I can use its GPS!

Once we had been in Auckland, we came upon that the taxis are quite costly, but we had been glad to be here, so we didnt mind. We did not book the hostel upfront, however it’s essential to do that, whenever you arrive in vacationer season (thats the German winter). The three issues to do first, getting an IRD quantity, opening a New Zealand bank account and buying a phone card are very simple, too. For the IRD quantity just ask in the native New Zealand submit shop with two ids e. g. passport and international drivers license, for the bank account simply stroll into a bank (e.g. westpec) along with your passport and a current tackle and for the telephone card, dont seek for cheap offerer as they are out there in Germany, as a result of cell phoning is expensive anyway. (/ )

We started with bicycles but we came upon shortly that New Zealand is not the best country for travelling by bike, as a result of it is rather hilly and there aren’t any seperate roads, so that you at all times have to cycle on the primary highway. Additionally, when you begin looking for jobs you will be glad a few car as many employers want you to have your individual transport. The least expensive means is to buy a automotive privatly and buying a automobile is very easy in New Zealand. But a safe method is e.g the backpackers carmarket in Auckland (/), as a outcome of they have German talking employees and you’ll understand everything you signal. Once we started our trip, we had no problems finding jobs for lodging and food as there are serveral web sites.(see above) We needed to do gardening, chopping firewood, painting, weeding and different easy jobs, largely they find you something that matches your abilities. But after two month of travelling via New Zealand, we decided to seek for a real job. Everybody we asked earlier than coming into the country informed us that finding a job can be straightforward. But we had to sent virtually 30 applications to different places before we discovered a company which was searching for temporary workers. Benni, a carpenter could work full time and received paid very properly, whereas I labored half time doing each job that was around and was paid 15$. So simply despatched your CV to every possibility you’ll find, the worst thing that could happen is that they say no. (/work_jobs/index.php;/;/jobs; ) It can also be price it to have a look within the local newspapers and at the boards of hostels and supermarkets. I actually have been to hundreds of websites and I think one of the best recommendation is to start trying to find a job early sufficient, not when the money is already gone. Furthermore it’s simpler to find work for about three month than shorter and, after all their are extra jobs in summer season when extra vacationers are round. But just maintain trying!

Cheers Franzi and Benni

by Franzi and Benni
18/10/2011 9:forty one:15 AMFranzi and Benni Cycling in New Zealand not pleasant

When I first got here to NZ I heard that Hawkes Bay is the fruit bowl of NZ and it wasn’t a fable. I arrived in The Rotten Apple Backpackers at the end of September and already the first week in October I began working….and I didn`t stop for the next 8 months.

Jason, our wicked hostel proprietor, found me a contractor and my contractor discovered me all completely different type of jobs, beginning with sorting the pumpkins, planting tomatoes, weeding on high of Te Mata Peak, working in the vineyards, picking and packing completely different fruit and when it was raining I worked in a vineyard. When you work beneath the Contractor, you often receives a commission the minimal $13 + 8% holiday pay and normally he makes sure that you just get at least 40 hours per week.

Stonefruit- and appletree thinning begins in November and it goes til Christmas. The work is very easy and normally paid buy contract. Some contracts are superb and the quickest can earn $180-$200 per day (before tax). At the same time, some contracts are insanely low, so you’ll have the ability to work 8-9 hours and also you earn possibly solely $30. The good thing about NZ is that the Contract between you and the Employer says that you need to earn at least minimum pay. So should you don`t attain the minimum pay buy working with the contract fee, they nonetheless should pay you the minimal. It sounds good and you could assume that properly, I can simply be lazy daily then…but no, usually they allow you to attempt 2 days, and if you don`t get your velocity up, they recommend you to find one other job.

Vineyards have work all yr round. It all begins with pruning (May til September), then shoot thinning (end of October), then bud rubbing (start of November), wire lifting (end of November), leaf plucking (in February), fruit thinning (end of February), then netting and harvesting (in April, May). Vineyard work is usually paid contract. Physically the hardest is pud rubbing, even probably the most match boys obtained sore knees and back and never many people earned greater than minimal with that job. Wire lifting and harvesting are not exhausting and if you are quick you probably can simply earn more than $150 per day.

Apple selecting begins in March and that’s the most effective job to make good money. You have to be comparatively match (full bag weighs 18kg and you have to claim ladder) and motivated but the work is not onerous. Picking-bags are comfortable and don’t hurt your back in any respect. You should refill your bag carefully and never bruise the apples. One bin takes 36 of your bags and usually they pay again contract rate which is round $30-32 per bin (before tax). At the beginning of the season it`s straightforward to get 4-5 bins with 8 hours. If you work hard you get 6-7 bins. I use to work with boys from Bali and they picked every single day via the season bins with eight hours. So that shows it`s possible…at the identical time there have been backpackers who struggled to get 2 bins full. I was happy with my 6. And once there was the primary pick, and the second choose..there aren’t many apples left…and then usually the bin fee goes up a bit…about $40-45 per bin. But then it`s onerous to pick more than 2.

It`s also good to get a job in a pack home, cause then the rain doesn’t bother you too much. Most orchards don`t let you work with the rain, but when there is a lot of fruit ready in the cool-room, you can nonetheless go and pack it. Usually you work 9-10 hours per day, 6-7 days per week. And when you go and discover the job yourself you nearly certainly receives a commission more than a minimum (for example I got $14+8%). If you’re in Hastings, go have a look in Omahu road, there are heaps of packhouses (also MrApple, Appollo and so on.).

So my point is that it`s straightforward to discover a job should you prefer to work J And if you wanna have some crazy good instances, go to The Rotten Apple Backpackers! Good people! Good place!

Work Hard, PLAY HARDER!

Love NZ!!!

–Marina-

by Marina
22/08/2011 5:07:20 AM

Marina Fruit Picking Tips for New Zealand

Whale and Dolphin Watching
/Whale-Dolphin-Safari/index.html

ImEnglish and love the ocean, I came to NZ on the lookout for sunshine and warmseawater! In anticipation of needing work I compiled a canopy letter andCV and emailed a selection of totally different tourist outfits that specialised inmarine actions. Within a month of arriving in NZ a Whale and Dolphinwatching company invited me for interview. After a brief chat, I wasinvited to go on a visit with them that afternoon. We spent 4 1/2 hourscruising in beautiful sunshine with dolphins jumping throughout us. Apparently this was called work!

SoI received the job, which is busiest in summer when all of the vacationers are right here. I search utilizing binoculars for the whales and dolphins, I make tea andserve pies to the friends on board and I take photographs. Its essentially the most amazingjob, basking in the sunshine on the deck of a ship surrounded by stunningscenery, watching whales feeding simply meters away!

Themarine life within the Hauraki Gulf is unbelievable, on a great day we may discover apatch of ocean with 1000’s of sea birds (Gannets, Petrels and Shear Waters)in the Air, all diving and feeding on small fish (Pilchards) and crill whichwere being introduced up to the surface by tons of of dolphins. Then a whale could be seen, its spoutand a crash of water as it lunges to take meals.

Ourtrips would at all times be totally different, generally flat calm, you can see for milesand we’d head out to Kawau or Little Barrier and almost to GreatBarrier. Other instances would beright on the edge of protected operation, windy and tough we would look for shelterunder the Corromandel, the less glamorous a part of my job was handing out littlegreen buckets to individuals who had been seasick!

Weregularly saw Bryde’s Whales (perhaps 75%) of our journeys and Orcas come rightinto Auckland harbour! I noticed aSouthern Right Whale, mother and calf and even a Blue Whale, one of the rarestanimals in the world. A far cryfrom the smoke of London!

The Waitakere Ranges

/

Afriend of mine told me she had been provided a job slicing bait trails in the Waitakere Rangers. “What does thatinvolve?” I requested.

“I’mnot fairly positive she mentioned but you need to be good with a compass and map, and youget to go hiking every day within the Waitakeres.”

“Sounds good, can you place a goodword in for me?”

I went with my good friend to meet Andyat the Ranger Station in ‘Arc in the Park’. Andy took us for a short walk into the bush pointing outtrees and crops and figuring out birdcalls. It was idyllic however Andy knowledgeable us that the work was HARDand he expected us to get injured in some unspecified time in the future, but if we have been keen we couldstart within the morning.

Dressed in full tramping gear wearrived at 7am to fulfill the other workers. We had been supplied quite so much of instruments to select from: saws (Silkys),shears, cutters (Wolfies) and machetes. Issued with GPSs and maps we have been sent out in teams of two orthree.

I was working with a man who wasover 6ft and weighed in all probability 90Kg (a massive dude compared to me!). We had an hour-long hike along a nicewide path to our start point, and then it was into the bush. Our job was to chop a grid of trailsinto an space of bush, nailing bait stations (plastic boxes) onto tress every50m in an attempt to eradicate pests. We have been actually Bush Bashing, hacking, chopping, pulling, pushing,jumping and sliding our method through unknown territory. The trails needed to be wide enough forone individual to stroll easily alongside and put new bait within the bait stations on aregular foundation.

It was tough! On some days we movedno greater than 300m from our start level on a good day we managed perhaps 600mmaximum. We could be confronted bywalls of Supple Jack, every vine had to be individually cut after which prevented asit snapped again in your face. Or asea of Cutty Grass, its blades like razors, it had to be hacked away andstomped on. Flax was slightlyeasier it offered a cushion and could probably be jumped into! We were within the bush from dawn till nightfall,making two hour hikes out from the end of our trail in falling light, quitescary contemplating the tough terrain and the way tiered we were. Is this what theearly settlers needed to deal with once they made their means via the bushchopping down Kauri?

Although able to quit after simply asingle day, the work was fun and rewarding, a incredible approach to eliminate somefrustration and to feel like a real explorer. We saw lots of birds and somebeautiful Kauri and Rata tress and the work was valuable, we had been contributingto the conservation of New Zealand’s wildlife. By putting these bait trails in place volunteers may comeout on weekends and put contemporary bait within the traps to kill off the rats andpossums and provides the native chook species an opportunity to flourish. I felt privileged to do this job, toget off the crushed trail and inside the native bush of New Zealand and in thename of Conservation, it was fantastic!

Cheers

Edward

by Edward Baker
13/08/2011 7:26:05 AMEdward Baker Whale and Dolphin Watching

1. Jones/Suncrest Orchard, Cromwell.
Before working at Suncrest, I had all the time lamented the truth that with nearly all of jobs, we’re paid for the amount of time we spend at work, quite than for how much work we do. Being paid for mucking around at your office hardly makes you motivated to work onerous. Being paid for how a lot work you do, nevertheless, is fantastic, particularly at Suncrest, where the charges of pay were all the time very fair. I started the season thinning stonefruit, which is mind-numbing work, but which pays will when you can inspire your self to move quick. After a couple of weeks, the cherry season began and all of a sudden we were all rolling in cash. You receives a commission per bucket at Suncrest, and while the bucket rice, at around $5, just isn’t as much as some other orchards, Suncrest workers usually come away with more money, because of the fact that the managers appear to be conscientious with regard to offering work daily, in contrast to different orchards I even have labored at, the place we’ve been required to be on hold, earning no money, for days at a time. Also, the lodging available on the orchard is much cheaper than a lot of different orchards, at solely round $40 per week. Sure, the bosses at Suncrest can sometimes come throughout as, nicely, bossy, however youll soon discover that if you dont mess them round, issues will run very easily for you. I extremely advocate cherry-picking in New Zealand, significantly at Suncrest Orchard.

2. Fortune Fruit, Cromwell
Last summer season ( ) I was late in applying for cherry-picking jobs and, after a lot searching around, received a proposal of employment driving a tractor at Fortune Fruit, in Cromwell. This job was to show me the unimaginable pay disparity between folks doing different jobs on the identical orchard. Most orchards in New Zealand function a “colour-picking” system where there may be work virtually every day and pickers pick only the ripe fruit. This means that there is work every day for both pickers and different workers, such because the drivers who transport the cherries from the fields to the pack-house. If I had been driving on a colour-picking orchard, I would in all probability have recieved round $800 per week. At Fortune Fruit, however, the selecting system is what is called “strip-picking.” This is a method where pickers wait around for a wide selection of cherries to ripen and then choose an enormous quantity in at some point. This method is nice for pickers, who can make as a lot as $450 in a day, and typically round $1500 in a week. If, however, you are like me, and a engaged on hourly wages, you’ll make extremely little cash. Where pickers have been making $1500 per week, I was lucky to obtain $400. It was incredibly irritating sitting on a tractor watching individuals making loads of cash doing a job I was perfectly capable of, while earning a pittence myself. After two weeks, I had had sufficient and quit, forfeiting a days pay. I went apricot selecting on one other orchard and was soon making thrice what I was making driving the tractor, and enjoying the work rather more.

by Max Olsen
13/08/2011 6:50:50 AMMax Olsen Cherry Picking in Central Otago

Hi Everyone.

My name is Joaquin and I am from Argentina, we determine with my associates (tomas, agustin, and eduardo) to go to New Zealand to be taught more about your tradition and naturally to remain here for the Rugby Word Cup.

We departed from Buenos Aires( Argentina) in november 2010, and now we still right here.After we arrived we take the bus in the airport that its a bit costly, I assume its higher to take a taxi in case you are greater than 2, as quickly as we arrive to Auckland City we were very lost but individuals right here its very nice so they assist us to search out some accomodation and jobs too.
The first week we stay in acb base hostel ( In my oppinion the best backpacker, massive, clear, organized, good folks, partys, web, all that you need you have it there)
After one week in auckland we left to Napier , we lease a very bug home, we have been sixteen argentinian individuals residing there,it was superior, and we start our first work,we labored like 1 or 2 months in orchards, after which we get a job in a manufacturing unit ( Watties), there we meet lot of kiwi and mahori folks, really humorous and nice persons,The job within the manufacturing unit was not so good, as a end result of you have to be dressed with an general, 2 pairs of gloves, ears protectors (you couldnt hear ANYTHING!), boots… We appeared like Teletubies!. Also we had been grading eight hours a day wich just isn’t a sane job to do for an extended time. The good a half of the job was that we labored forty hours a week and the pay was good, and as we have been out at 2pm, we might go to Waipatiki beach on a regular basis to swim and have some fun, however a few weeks after we begin the job completed so we moved Christchurch however this time we hire just rooms in a family house and it was very nice to be there with that family, unfrtunately we cant discover any job in Christchurch so we decided to maneuver again, but this time to Auckland(big city with heaps of bars and a good risk to stat working asap in any place).
After long time we had luck and we discover an Au pair job in Auckland taking care of 3 little ladies , they’re very humorous and nice girls, actually we nonetheless doing that, and looking for another work as a result of the rugby word cup its comeing soon so Auckland its going to be a Big Party every place you go.
Its the primary time that we’re without work for more than 2 weeks, luckyly, we made the paperworks to recuperate our taxes, so we have some backup.
Through working somewhere else you experience the true New Zealand and get to know the cities and locals, and uncover the locations that aren’t within the guidebooks. At work you meet literally lots of of like-minded travellers and are able to build life-long friendships and go on mad adventures with them. I even have had numerous unforgettable experiences right here and have been ready by way of working so often to also do all the larger vacationer activities

I would love to inform you extra, however it’s inconceivable to kind all my ideas out in one day.
And what concerning the future? Well New Zealand is amazing country with beautiful individuals so I can see myself living right here. So who know the way many people that came to New Zealand as a vacationers stayed right here for ever.

I love Nz
celphone quantity : e-mail:
Joaquin

by Joaquin Monge
26/07/2011 2:02:10 AMJoaquin Monge sixteen Argentinian people dwelling there, it was awesome!

Hi Seasonal Jobs
Im Aleš and Im from Czech Republik. Before journey to New Zealand I worked like web site manager constructing development in Prague. I by no means wished go away Chzech Republic, however my good friend told me, I can make good cash there. So me and my girlfriend and two friends went to New Zealand. On the internet we discovered Information about this. Student agensy helped to us make the visa and college.
When we arriwed to Auckland, we studied there one mounth English lenguage and after in search of work. It was 1st of October. We tried to ship a few mails to different firm, what we discovered on the Internet, however no one no answer. We send a couple of e-mail to some backpapers and only two answer: “You can come right here, I even have be good for you”. We went there, we spent there one week and stil work nothing. The ouwner of backpaper was liar (Katikati Backpaper) So we tried visit picknz in Hastings and filled in types, however they never didn’t name us.
In Hasting we found very good backpper. The ouwner is superb man and he helped to us found the job. First job was with Chinese contractor. It was terible, becouse we didnt get vacation pay and tax was 21%. When I checked my on-line IRD accont, I saw he paid solely 16%, so he stole 5% every week from possibly 15 persons. No one didnt get payslip, realy crazy. So we changet contractor, but if you work for Indian of Asian contractors, its the identical. This is true, realy I even have lot of expertise like this.
After long time we had luck in May and we started work in apple packhouse and after kiwi packhouse. Realy good job, however climate made lot of drawback. Pickers coudnt choose fruit, so many days was day of.
In New Zealand, I tried:
apple thining
apple choosing
nectarins picking
dustman
pupkins weeding
apple packer
kiwi packer
sheep shearing
Maybe I made a mistake, when I went to New Zealand, but its excellent life experiance and nature in New Zealand is unimaginable.

by Aleš Kopecký
23/07/2011 9:40:58 PM

Aleš Kopecký No one got payslips, actually crazy

Hi, my name is Martin Muerza, and i have worked in lots of completely different places. We arrived to Auckland, the 24th of December of the 2010. That was not a good time to come to New Zealand because of all the non-working days they’ve for christmass and new year. So, after 15 days, we didnt discover any job, and we decided to go to Waiheje Island, a Beautiful place with unimaginable landscapes. There we worked in vineyards, 8 hours a day under the hot sun, however with wonderful views. The job was good, the payment too, and after work we went to Palm Beach with some friends and we really had fun.
After a month in Waiheke, we moved to Napier, the place we picked apples at first. Its a hard work to do in summer, and its worst if you do it by contract, and in our case a lot of the apples were green so that they were not good for choosing. After two days we give up and we began putting nets in Vineyard. A good job, and in case you are quick and arranged you can get some extra cash. While we have been working within the winery we applied for Watties Factory, and in a very rainy day, they started calling us from the factory, so with an enormous smile we went residence in order to be ready to work in Watties.
The job in the factory was not so good, as a result of you must be dressed with an overall, 2 pairs of gloves, ears protectors (you couldnt hear ANYTHING!), boots… We looked like Teletubies!. Also we had been grading eight hours a day wich is not a sane job to do for an extended time. The good part of the job was that we labored 40 hours per week and the pay was good, and as we were out at 2pm, we might go to Waipatiki seashore on an everyday basis to swim and have some enjoyable.
When the season finished in Watties, we moved to Mt Manganui, and after per week of going every single day to the packhouses, we discovered a job at Apata packhouse, the place we worked 12 hs a day 6 days a week, and at night shift. It was really hard, but after 5 weeks we made very good money. With some of that money we decided to go to samoa to loosen up a bit!!
Now I am in Christchurch, working not so frecuently, we worked 2 days in furniture shifting, which is a bit hard, and two days cleansing a reconstructed school. That was a extremely good job, no preassure, we listened to music, Bob Marley…
Its the first time that we are with out work for greater than 2 weeks, luckyly, we made the paperworks to get well our taxes, so we have some backup, but if anyone has work in christchurch give a name please!!!
Cheers
Martin

by Martin Muerza
23/07/2011 9:38:38 PM

Martin Muerza picked apples at first

Moving via seasonal work is the one way to travel, and New Zealand is by far the best nation I really have ever visited to search out momentary work in! In 18 months I actually have labored with kiwi fruits, apples, two epic ski seasons and a travelling carnival, and have worked for lodging in a quantity of brief however candy short-term placements. I have slowly made it from the highest of the North Island to the bottom of the South Island in my trusty van, discovering work through the web a month or so before shifting on to the following place.

I’m from the UK and I had my first job confirmed before I arrived in the nation so after a brief holiday was capable of get stuck straight in. I walked into the ASB financial institution, and walked out with a checking account and card 20mins later! I walked into the IRD office and walked out with a temporary IRD number (the precise one came by way of every week or so later). I bought my van from a really small town and paid half the worth than within the massive cities, when you can fly into Christchurch, automobiles are a fraction of the value there than in the North Island.

Through working elsewhere you experience the true New Zealand and get to know the cities and locals, and discover the places that aren’t within the guidebooks. At work you meet literally tons of of like-minded travellers and are able to construct life-long friendships and go on mad adventures with them. I have had numerous unforgettable experiences here and have been able by way of working so often to additionally do all of the greater tourist actions with out even touching my financial savings.

My recommendation – work exhausting play exhausting and be organised. Get to know the place the seasonal work is at the different occasions of the 12 months and use web sites like Seasonal Solutions to plan work in advance and you’ll have a tremendous time in New Zealand. I would do all of it again in a heartbeat, very unhappy to be leaving this Christmas.

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

by Robyn Peary
23/07/2011 9:32:33 PMRobyn Peary In 18 months I really have worked with kiwi fruits, apples, two epic ski seasons and a travelling carnival

With some saved up cash from a quantity of temporary jobs again home in The Netherlands, my New Zealand journey began in October 2010. Since it was really the primary time I went on a journey like this alone, I needed to get used to residing within the backpacker mode. And I imply moneywise! Looking back now on my first weeks/months in NZ, I understand that Ive spent rather more money than necessary in the beginning. Simply as a result of I had to learn the tricks!

So sooner or later in January (New Years in Queenstown clearly blew my budget) I was pretty much broke. Fortunately on the right time, because I went to Picton to visit a relative of mine and stay at his place for some time. As a local, he knew what was going on on the town and gave me some contact particulars of individuals who were in search of momentary staff. Eventually I ended up at a campervan rental business. It was excessive season and so they needed keen of us for grooming the vans, which mainly comes all the way down to cleaning. It could sound boring and uninteresting, but it actually was good fun! The summers been quite great iin Marlborough, so being outside in diploma warmth, washing the vans with a good spray of cold water wasnt too unhealthy at all! Besides, the group was small however great. I will most likely never have a greater boss once more than right here. She was all the time cheerful, pleased and reasonable, and even helped me to a greater contract (even though I only labored there for 1.5 months).

After this era I went touring again for a couple of weeks. Had awesome times within the Abel Tasman National Park and the Golden Bay area, and went again to Picton afterwards. I determined to buy a automobile, so once more: that blew my budget! (Even although it has so far been worth every cent.) I drove down south to Central Otago, where I had already been final summer season. I actually loved the world back then and determined to return to search for some work in the winter, which is supposed to be actually cold and snowy on this region! I found some cash-in-hand work doing some odd jobs for a quantity of people in Oturehua. Gardening, raking leaves, helping operating a small hostel, helping out at the native pub, chopping firewood… That type of things! A very good expertise, for this town has only about fourty inhabitants. It was special to be a part of a small local community for a while! The draw back was, though, that eventually there was no work for me anymore. And also: the winters been so gentle that we didnt get a single flake of snow! The sake of Mother Nature… But well, thats the means it goes.

On the method in which back north, I figured that the choice to go to Central Otago wasnt the best in financial prospect. I merely didnt make sufficient hours in my time there to save up an honest amount of cash. Also: basically the one technique of entertainment in town was the pub! On the way pack to Picton, I visited associates in Akaroa, spent more cash and realized that I was pretty much broke once more and that I needed to search for a new job. So thats what Im going to do now: take the ferry to the North Island tomorrow and look for temporary work once more in Wellington, and in any other case elsewhere. Ive spent eight months on the South Island solely so far, so it seems like a new adventure going to the other island. Im really trying ahead to the next months! And with the Rugby World Cup coming nearer, I positively ought to be able to discover some work this Spring too 😉

by Gijs Lijbers
23/07/2011 9:26:36 PMGijs Lijbers cash-in-hand odd jobs

Hi everyone! I hope you’re all nice, having fun with New-Zealand or dreaming about it 😉
First, I will tell you a bit about myself. My name is Nils, I’m a young French man (24), have studied software program engineering and worked two years as an IT-Manager close to Strasbourg in France. I’ve met there my beautiful girlfriend Emilie. I’ve obtained German and Dutch family and I’m used to journey since my early childhood.
Our story (related to New-Zealand) started final 12 months in November. Emilie and I had both a piece contract ending in December. We each thought that it was a great opportunity to travel – nicely, when you’ve discovered a long run job it’s onerous to go away for more than two weeks.
A friend of mine who spent one 12 months in New Zealand informed me a lot of good issues about this country. An English speaking country the place people are described as very good and the place the panorama should be wonderful? A rugby team we’ve crushed twice on the Rugby World Cup? Let’s go teasing them!
We utilized for a working vacation visa on-line. I obtained mine after three days and Emilie needed to send an X-Ray of her lungs as a result of she has spent greater than 3 months in Russia. (She had to show that she has not the tuberculosis disease).
Couchsurfing, WWOOF, HelpX … There are lots of websites made for travellers who need a place to stay (in trade of some hour work a day, or not). We arrived mid-January in Auckland and spent the primary night there at a Couchsurfer’s home. We went subsequent day on to Te Puke the place our first WWOOF-hosts had been waiting for us.
We couldn’t discover a better place! The folks had been so beautiful and their place was so beautiful! We had our first woofing expertise on their kiwi orchard: three weeks of weeding (we didn’t know at that time that weeding is the most common WWOOF-job), grabbing thistle out, thinning, housekeeping … We saw for the first time kiwi vines and discovered that kiwifruits are not all the time perfectly formed like those we buy within the grocery store. We additionally heard for the primary time in regards to the devastating PSA-disease and could feel how nervous our hosts have been. But although, they stored a optimistic thoughts and stored smiling.
We determined at that time to buy a car. Hitchhiking is nice and works nicely in New-Zealand (compared to France…) however if you see just one automotive per half-hour driving within the needed path, it makes you. We had a look at that advertisements on the New World panel and texted the primary fascinating one to ask for extra details. First answer from the guy: “R u indian?”. Strange. He texted us later that Indians usually are not good to cope with. OK… We organized a meeting to see the automobile and what a shock. The guy is Indian! Trying to sell the automobile of one of his friend stuck in Australia and who can’t get back and blah-blah. We didn’t buy it. Finally, we purchased a second hand automobile at a garage. It feels a lot safer when you don’t know much about mechanical stuff.
Taupo, Gisbourne, Hastings, Palmerston North, Otaki… We spent a quantity of weeks woofing/helping/travelling by way of the north island and met lots of nice individuals. All our hosts were nice and made us really feel welcome at their house. As we would have liked money for our journey, we labored as apple pickers at an orchard close to Hastings. Finding the job was not an easy task considering that we were still in Taupo after we looked for it. We looked for a while on the web and located the contact particulars of an orchard supervisor. We called him and on our way to Gisborne we stopped in Hastings to satisfy him. They even hire caravans to the pickers. Great!
Apple selecting is hard work. You should climb up and down a ladder all the day lengthy to succeed in the summits. It could be freezing, your arms are getting chilly by touching apples, sometimes they are moist and the water pours down your arms when you are selecting them. And you have still to choose quick if you’re on contract (and need to earn more money). We saw pickers who labored like robots. Some days, considered one of them may nearly decide as much apples as Emilie and I collectively. But even when it was hard, it was an excellent expertise. The manager and the house owners at this place have been (and still are!) nice and friendly. We had lots of good times, met new people and made new pals we will definitely meet once more back in Europe.
At least, we spent a week-end in Wellington with another French couple we’ve met in Taupo. After three months spent on the countryside, it was so unusual to be in an enormous city again!
We arrived within the south island in May and continued our journey, woofing/helping here and there. We additionally had our first unhealthy experience with a number, but by no means thoughts, we had a nice time with all the others, that’s the necessary thing to recollect.
Finally, we’ve landed in Queenstown on the end of May and plan to remain until the top of our journey right here. The snow is late this yr and it’s actually hard to find a job: for a automotive groom position, Jucy Rentals obtained a hundred and eighty CVs… That’s CRAZY! Luckily, Emily found a job at a bakery and she can pay the rent for our room while I keep making an attempt discovering a job. I pity all the shop/bar private who have to completely tell to folks like me that they have nothing obtainable, but most of them are understanding and making an attempt to help us and to cheer us up, that’s great!

by Nils De Winter
23/07/2011 9:24:45 PM

Nils De Winter A rugby staff we’ve crushed twice at the Rugby World Cup? Let’s go teasing them!

When I first arrived in New Zealand I utilized for jobs all over the place you could possibly think about, spending large quantities of my day in an underground web cafe/karaoke bar. Between variations of R.E.S.P.E.C.T. being absolutely murdered by shrieking women (and generally guys) I managed to discover a job at a marketing firm in search of a couple of people to hitch their vibrant gross sales staff. I figured what the hell, utilized, and finally left the god-awful karaoke din behind. A few days later I was provided an interview – a few questions requested and answered over the phone, similar to whether I was prepared to ask individuals for cash as a part of the job and the way snug I was chatting to strangers. I was then asked to come back in on a two-way statement day, for them to see what I was like and for me to see what they have been like; up till now, I didnt even have much of an idea what the job involved.

The obs day, as it was recognized, turned out to be fairly good fun. I arrived at the office at some ungodly hour to fill in some information varieties and meet the one that would interview me. This was where I discovered the job was basically advertising and fundraising on the road for varied charities. I would by no means have thought-about this job at residence, being one of those individuals who doesnt particularly like being marketed at in the street when Im desperately attempting to get on with my life before the outlets shut, however once once more I thought what the hell – I wasnt exactly need deep in greenback. I followed a team of 4 out to their location on the North Shore, being requested all the usual interview-type questions alongside the way. My interviewer was very friendly, asking a bit about me as an individual as opposed to an expert and putting me utterly at ease. As I wasnt an employee yet I couldnt participate in the true process of the job and so I was given a mission to show my confidence and personality in chatting to strangers – I was given an inventory of random questions to ask random strangers and given twenty minutes to go and come again with some attention-grabbing stories.

It was hilarious, really, and I genuinely did come again with some humorous stories. I was offered the job and started the next day. Talking to strangers about the charity we had been representing was good enjoyable and I got here across a lot of very interesting folks with inspiring stories of their very own. I beloved the individuals I labored with and all the time had fun at work. However – as time went on I wasnt making the gross sales (as they were called, although actually they had been donations) and my senior couldnt work out why – I was good at chatting to people and being pleasant; I just wasnt getting donations in. As we were paid totally on fee I was earning lower than I was spending on travel and expenses; eventually, I determined that it just wasnt worth it and give up. In two weeks, although, I learned an insane amount, grew in confidence, grew to know Auckland and its people very well and discovered some inspiring stuff – the job itself simply wasnt for me, and that was the one drawback. I might inform that if this type of job suited you then you would have an absolute ball and make some money as nicely, so if it sounds such as you and you need an opening in sales then go for it!

by Siân Robinson
23/07/2011 9:22:55 PMSiân Robinson Talking to strangers about charity

I got here to New Zealand with a plan. Fresh out of school, with an agriculture/viticulture degree, and a popularity for ‘always’ being prepared, I was determined to not let New Zealand catch me off guard. Hoping to amass a seasonal harvest position at a good vineyard, I submitted 400 resumes across the entire of New Zealand, each North and South Islands. I scouted out every wine related website I might get my palms on. (/ & / are an awesome start!) Out of four hundred resumes, about responded. Although there were a quantity of involved wineries, most were polite dismissals with urgencies to visit if I ever made it down their means. (I wish to notice: each turn down I received was extraordinarily kind and under no circumstances clinical. Just a taste of NZ hospitality.) I was lastly able to nail a proposal from GisVin ltd. in Gisborne, New Zealand. Having no vineyard expertise, I jumped on the probability. I wanted the opportunity to prove myself in a vineyard and GisVin prolonged the hand. I saved the $4,000+ as recommended (required) by the NZ immigration web site (/), for US citizens. I made copies of all essential paperwork, cards, etc. I purchased a spherical journey ticket, meaning to return house in 4 months. I did every thing a seasonal employee is ‘suppose’ to do.

Skipping ahead three months: I’m currently in Waipukurau! An odd place to finish up, no? After the Gisborne winery and dealing 12hr. night shifts, my frazzled mind wanted some R & R. I felt unfulfilled, although I had achieved what I had set out to do. So what next? BAM. Franz Josef, that’s what. Trudging over to the ever reliable backpacerboard.co.nz, I found a ‘Tourism Assistant’ place provided at the Franz Josef Glacier Country Retreat for full board. I e-mailed with out hesitation. And I got it! I ended up spending one month on the stunning retreat serving friends, cooking breakfast and dinner, performing housekeeping duties, baking cookies, baking muffins, …and extra baking! (They are incredibly nice hosts and I suggest you give them some business if you’re ever in the space. They deserve it. It is a lovely place to stay.) Embarrassingly, I gained a good 3-5kg at the very least and I’m still struggling to get my winery fit body back in form. Feeling the itch to move onward as quickly as once more, I travelled to Wellington in hopes of working for Fuel Coffee. I went for an interview final week and did not get the job. Another ‘what now?’ moment arose. Surfing the backpackerboard and gap year web sites as soon as once more, I found a request for ‘house elf help’. I e-mailed pronto…and no more than 2 hours later I obtained a response.

AND…here I am…in Waipukurau…a very content home elf certainly. I’ve since secured seasonal viticulture work in Warkworth and I’m actually psyched to begin in June. Three months of seasonal viticulture work will permit me to extend my visa by three months, for a whopping 15 month adventure in New Zealand.

I came to New Zealand with my resume in thoughts. Finances had been one my biggest considerations, as properly as how on earth I was going to navigate round a rustic I had never visited. Although my future in viticulture and viniculture continues to be of importance, it doesn’t overwhelm me like it as soon as it. Money is now not a fear, as I have realized there are at all times type people prepared to take you on in change for lodging. My recommendation: don’t worry, don’t over-plan, discuss to people, eat good food, and drink good wine. Have a goal in thoughts, but don’t be surprised if it doesn’t work out. Don’t be shocked if something else comes along. Don’t be shocked if you get every little thing you never knew you wished.

I would like to let you know extra, but it’s impossible to type all my ideas out in one night time. Pop over to http:/// for the complete spiel on my adventure. Thanks for reading and I want you luck with discovering a objective for your self. New Zealand is the place to do it!

by Katie Woolsey
23/07/2011 9:17:32 PM

Katie Woolsey Fresh out of faculty

I went for holiday working in New Zealand means again in 2006 together with 2 other pals. I am going to share here some expertise I actually have brought back from the land of the lengthy white clouds, Aoteroa!
A month before embarking on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure, we had made quite lots of analysis on the place to go, where to work, mode of transport, accommodation, which airline to fly us there., and so forth. After getting our plane tickets, there was not much $$ left, so we now have to travel on a really tight price range. We applied for our holiday working visa on-line, with out much trouble we obtained the visa within few days. Our plan was to travel round north island for 2 weeks earlier than settling in Blenheim for pruning jobs we had discovered online.
We arrived in Auckland, visited One Tree Hill, walk across the city for a bit, before making our method to Paihia. From Paihia, we travel down south to Rotorua, Taupo, Turangi, Whanganui National Park, Waitomo and Wellington where we took the ferry throughout the straits to Picton. Black water rafting and cave tubing at Waitomo and Tongariro Crossing at Whanganui National Park were the highlights of our two-week stay in North Island.
We took a ferry from Wellington across the straits to Picton. From Picton we made our approach to Blenheim. We have been informed by the winery contractor that we could not begin work instantly. We stayed at Spring Creek for about 2 weeks, whereas waiting for the contractor to name us to begin the pruning job he had provided us. It was fairly a protracted wait, as we don’t have a lot $$ left to spend. Finally, the time has come for us to begin out work. We were paid about $0.60 to $0.ninety per tree. We labored from 7:30am until 5:00pm, Mondays to Fridays, rain or shine. After deducting tax and transport cost, we handle to take back about $350 per week. With the money that we had earned in about 6 weeks, we lease a automobile and travel down south to Timaru to fulfill our good friend who was staying and working there at that time. Below had been some places that we had been to in South Island:-
Aoraki / Mount Cook
Christchurch
Dunedin – visited Baldwin Street which is reputed as being the world’s steepest avenue, Cadbury chocolate factory and Speight’s brewery
Fox & Franz Josef Glacier
Geraldine
Greymouth
Hampden – the award winning fish and chips shop is a must-go
Hanmer Springs – felt like Christmas as a result of it was snowing when we had been there; it was like strolling in the winter wonderland
Kaikoura
Milford Sound / Te Anau
Moeraki Boulders
Oamaru – home of the blue penguin colony
Queenstown
Wanaka – had an incredible time at Stuart Landsborough’s Puzzling World
Thank you, Alice and Sheila, for exhibiting us round once we have been there. It has been 5 years, I might have forgotten the names of some locations I had been to, but wanting back at the photos that I had taken, they by no means fail remind me of these nice instances.

by Law Siaw Sun
23/07/2011 9:13:23 PM

Law Siaw Sun Working bushes for $350 per week

Aloha!
Recently as I was lookin for a new job here in NZ and I stumbled upon your page, so I determined to tell my story a bit totally different – by way of text…

++PRELUDE++
Im originally from germany, grew up within the south and located my passion in a – for that space quite uncommon sport: Windsurfing!
After a lengthy time at school (and many wagged days to challenge the most recent storm on my native lake), it was quite clear for me that I couldnt stay a life far away from water and trapped behind a desk.

So I hit the web and – simple as I am – put all my hope into ONE SINGLE utility on the most first rate trying advertisment for brand spanking new windsurf instructors. A few weeks later I had virtually a brand new life:
From now on I lived on my own in a caravan, right in entrance of the sea (admittedly, it was behind the dunes). I taught people the means to windsurf and will share the one thing I loved and still love the most. And after the season (it can get pretty chilly in good ol germany) in summertime, I took up travelling and visited all kinds of locations – Italy, Denmark, The Canaries, Cape Verde, Morocco, Hawaii and now New Zealand.

Things up there worked out pretty good and I made this great spot my new residence – check out the Surf + Kite Club Zingst (-surfschule.de) for more if you’d like.

During my journeys, I additionally took up surfing (without a sail) and I havent been sailing on flatwater or on lakes since I went up to north germany. I love waves and I devoted my whole life to be as much as attainable within the elemtents, I stopped drinking, smoking, eat wholesome, do some workout on the land when there surfs flat and go to bed early.
Im actually hooked on waves. Sometimes I drive a couple of hours to a surf spot, spend heaps of cash, rise up in the course of the night to be on the spot at dawn – just to catch a wave.

Although it sounds just about like that, but Im not a happy-go-lucky particular person. While I was nonetheless in class I usually had fairly major depressions and I nonetheless have them occassionally, coming with panic assaults and I received issues to deal with people. All the therapies I tried again in germany have been kind of unsuccessfull. But I found a remedy and it’s surfing and windsurfing and sharing this ardour with others, even if its just for brief (sometimes Im in a place to keep up my mood). You can say that nearly every single day is kind of an enormous challenge for me. But itll never maintain me off from travelling and chargin for waves.

I dont know the place Id be now and what Id have turn into without windsurfing and browsing – but I may miss something. Life can be nice.

++THE NZ STORY++
After three years of being a windsurf instructor in germany, I determined to take a break, so I went this yr (2011) to New Zealand. After my last journey with the Surf + Kite Club Crew to Hawaii, I booked my tickets to Auckland Airport and with nothing greater than some Euros, a number of clothes and certain enough my gigantic board bag full of surf and windsurf gear, I arrived – no plans, no data, nothing. I always travel like that, cant clarify why, propably as a end result of I simply dont like to plan for the future, simply to get dissappointed anyway.
On the airport I requested for any hostel someplace around and took a shuttle along with another tourists right into the CBD. People at all times look humorous once they see me carrying a 2,6m bag around.

After being awake for more than 40h in vehicles and airports, I took a quick nap of about a day size. Later on I checked out my new location, Auckland is a beautiful city with its seaside although you’re in the course of the ocean you’re sorrounded by land. Fascinated and refreshed, I went to an internet cafe and lucky sufficient I found a net site of a surf college promoting for work as a windsurf instructor.

From my newly bought NZ SIM card I gave the college proprietor a call, we met, had a fast chat in a starbucks cafe and some days later I held my first lesson in English on the gorgeous seaside of Mission Bay. I was a bit nervous due to the unknown location and the new language to show in – although my day-to-day english is quite experienced through all my travels (not from college by the method in which – I by no means listened). So individuals drifted by way of the whole seashore as a result of I forgot to inform them to remain shut, however its a safe seashore and in the end all of us had amusing about it.

In the in the meantime I did some calls to totally different campervan owners that needed to promote their vans and after having seen the primary one and not very keen to take care of one other evening in the crowded hostel in the CBD, I bought it. It is gorgeous hand-painted, received some miles down already and afterward I had to fix some (luckily not very major) issues with the engine, however I was happy to be on the market, have my own residence and to be mobile. Later on my quite friendly boss (hes truly a psychologist from the UK btw) invited me to stay at his house together with his household quite often, so I even have a second residence as properly if I want.

From then on I taught nearly every weekend until the top of the season. And I love it, typically you get burned by the sun because you forgot to use suncream, sometimes you cant sleep because of all of the sand in your van, generally you got cuts in your toes from the shells, but there wont be many roles have been you can hang around on the seaside the entire day, get to know new individuals and be just busy with the thing you like the most! Altogether its not so completely different from germany, its a unique language, another sea, one other location, completely different people, but its still windsurfing.
But I seen one important factor – that Kiwis present their feelings whereas windsurfing far more than germans do. And its such a good feeling to convey someone else pleasure, all the cash couldnt pay for that. Unfortunately although, as virtually everywhere I travelled, folks seem to love and revel in windsurfing incredibly a lot from the first few moments, however seldomly you see somebody spending a lot time for it. People should know that career, money and all the posh is way not as necessary as being pleased and fulfilling your goals. Saying this, guys keep on doing what you love! Maybe see you subsequent time on the beach! Ill be on Mission Bay Watersports subsequent summer season again. Check for extra.

Now its getting a bit chilly here – but nonetheless heat compared to the german winter, so Im holding out and take a look at the hundreds of thousands of different surf spots NZ got to offer. The swells hitting the shoreline is figuring out the place I go subsequent and so stay retains on going. Occassionaly I make some money with some board repairs and what I didnt point out yet is that I really feel fairly assured in webdesign so I design and script homepages – mainly for surf faculties together with reserving system, content managment methods and all types of stuff. I typically get invited to peoples house – its unimaginable how open-minded and pleasant individuals are here without knowing you just a bit bit.

All in all, Im quite happy with my current life fashion. Sometimes Im nearly or completly broke, however so lengthy as Im near the sea and have at least one surfboard left, everything is alright. For anybody else, whos impressed by that story…go, do a windsurf/surf/kite course, get contaminated by the virus and life the dream. Even should you dont have any expertise, a surf faculty is all the time in search of helpers. Always make personal contact, present them that this is what you wanna do and you have to be fine!

Hope thats not too much, however hey – you wished more than just some sentences – and that is the short version already 🙂

Ill connect some footage from a particular event – a college reserving we did up in Thawaranui. We taught more than 70 individuals tips on how to windsurf and went kayaking with them for three complete days. That was fairly cool!

Good luck to everyone else out there lookin for jobs. All one of the best, Dan.

by Dan
17/07/2011 2:04:forty four AMDan German Windsurf Instructor in New Zealand

My name is Diego and I am from Spain. I was dwelling in Ireland with my girlfriend Kairika, from Estonia, after we decided to apply for a Working Holiday Visa for New Zealand. We had saved some money and our plan was to journey round New Zealand and work in seasonal jobs in our route to keep travelling and doing actions.

We arrived in Christchurch in January 2011, and after a few days in the metropolis we bought an attractive camper-van to begin out our journey within the other aspect of the world. It didn’t take long time to realise that we have been within the excellent place to reside on the road. New Zealand is a tremendous country when you like outdoors life, and we actually do. There are stunning spots everywhere, breathtaking views and a modern infrastructure of vacation parks, conservation campsites, public bogs and parks, i-sites with free tourism data, and so forth. An authentic paradise for nature lovers.

After one month travelling in South Island we determined it was time for us to find a seasonal job, stay for a few weeks in some place and reside a completely different expertise. We came upon there was an workplace in Alexandra (Central Otago) known as Seasonal Solutions who assist backpackers or anyone prepared to work in horticultural and viticultural trade within the space, so we went there and registered ourselves as job seekers. They even helped us with immigration advise and to get our IRD quantity.

After a couple of days we obtained a text message in my cellphone requesting affirmation to begin out working in a vineyard in Cromwell (Central Otago) subsequent day. We confirmed our curiosity and next day early in the morning we went to the meeting level in Cromwell where we met our manager and workmates and we all went to the winery where we would be working for the next 5 weeks. There were people from all over the place: Germany, United States, France, Chile, Vanuatu, Malaysia, etc. and everybody was actually friendly and nice, so it was an excellent international work environment stuffed with jokes, laughs and, sure, some onerous work beneath the solar and good money too. Our task consisted basically on thinning the vines. Harvest was coming soon and we had to ensure that the wine produced was going to fulfill certain high quality requirements, so armed with gloves and scissors we had been dropping the bunches of grapes not matured and leaving these more healthy following some directions from our managers. It was simple, mechanic, and the nice environment at work allowed all of us to get pleasure from our days in the vineyard.

When all the vines were nearly prepared for the harvest our job was completely different. This time we needed to cover all of the vines with nets for the birds to not eat the juicy and sweet grapes. I have to confess that I enjoyed more this task. In pairs, every considered one of us in all sides of the vine row was clipping the online wrapping utterly the bush with it. It was straightforward too, and our supervisor used to play good rock music in his highly effective automotive stereo so we could hearken to it while working, which helped so much. I even improved my dancing skills!

We used to meet after work to have some beers together in Cromwell, and I really have to say that I won’t neglect either the style of the cold beer relaxed in good company after a long work shift underneath the sun. It was a good time that now we keep in mind with a smile in our face.

Five weeks later we had to say goodbye to everyone as we weren’t staying for the harvest. We had sufficient cash to go back to the street and continue exploring the beautiful nation, its mountains, lakes, seashores and tradition. We crossed then by ferry to the North Island wanting forward to getting new adventures.

The next time we decided to work we went on to Bay of Plenty area, which is well known for its kiwifruit manufacturing. We arrived in Te Puke, near Tauranga, and we went directly to the i-site to ask for information about seasonal job alternatives in the area. The woman within the workplace properly gave us a page with a list of kiwifruit packing homes and fruit picking companies and she or he informed us that in one of them they wanted workers immediately for positive. We took the van and drove on to the talked about packing house, the place they asked us if we could start instantly.

It was surprisingly fast, in half-hour we had signed the contract and we had our aprons on while attending to the induction to discover methods to grade kiwifruits. It was a huge packing home, again with individuals from everywhere working in different departments. There had been packers in control of packing the fruits. There have been warehouse staff in command of transporting the pales. There were also individuals controlling machinery, testing the standard of the fruit and managers to guarantee the right running of every little thing. And finally, there were fruit graders with me and my girlfriend among them. Basically we were two or three of us in every place, seeing 1000’s of kiwis rolling in entrance of our eyes, and we needed to decide, based on some requirements, which one belonged to class A, which one to class B, and which of them were not match for consumption. It was an easy job and the managers had been really nice with all of us. We even had free cookies, espresso and tea in our breaks, and a nice terrace to sit down down beneath the morning sun to relaxation. After virtually 4 weeks, the kiwi season was over, and the corporate thanked all of us with an incredible lunch that no one anticipated. It was definitely an organization the place I wouldn’t doubt to come back back next year or to suggest.

With the great reminiscences and our pockets stuffed again we had been again on the road. And this has not completed yet. What will it’s next?

Diego

by Diego
17/07/2011 2:00:05 AMDiego Vineyard work in South Island New Zealand

Hi, my name is Estefanía and i’m chilean.
My story is really short, I’ve being here only for three month, so I suppose that the most effective is jet to came.
Me and my boyfriend deliberate this journey, not for so lengthy.
We had the concept, we apply to the visa, we promote most issues we may, and we simply take the plane and came.
We arrived only with a pair hundred dollars, just to sleep and eat for a couple of days. The first two days, we spent all day….and I mean all day, in the library looking for out the following transfer. We didn’t know a lot about New Zealand, only that there were seasonal jobs in some areas.
I was beginning to get slightly apprehensive, when, I don’t fairly remember how, I got into this website online a few small city in northland name Kerikeri. The web site (/ ) about a backpacker’s and so they supply to discovered you jobs. Great! So we took our backpacks, and hit the road!
Everything from there went great. The third day we arrive we begin working in this packhouse within the night shift. At first, a loopy job for us (a scriptwriter and a cook); pack house, machines, and fruit everywhere!!! But at the end it was fantastic, we met great folks, we had this crazy surfer good to drink beer boss, awesome supervisors and at last a great staff.
Great place Kerikeri, nice fishing, fantastic places to go to, so many seashores shut, and we are in winter! Imagine in summer!!
But, like every little thing, nightshift came to an end. So we got out of jobs.
We are still in Kerikeri looking for one thing. It could be great for us to remain here till August or September. But the fact guidelines, so if we don’t discover something within the next week, we must part.
Anybody knows good place to go now, jobs out there, in kitchens maybe?
Just asking!

Cheers!
Steph

by Steph
17/07/2011 1:56:54 AM

Steph We had concept, get visa, sell every little thing and simply go to New Zealand

I selected to work in New Zealand on a temporary basis using a “Working Holiday Visa”. Through email and various Skype conversations I was in a position to secure a job working as a nanny to 3 young children. Lucy (11), James (9) and Drew (9). The two twin boys proved to be quite a handful!

The family had been based close to Waimai in a light-brick one storey house with a lot of pretty massive glass home windows. What instantly striked me as completely different to my small appartment in London, was the extreme diffference in the quantity of house out there. In New Zealand (one of the children told me – James I think) there are apparently extra sheep than people! I wouldn’t argue with that! It appears that everyone has a decent sized backyard – even in the extra constructed up areas and small towns.

The people of New Zealand are noticeably friendly and can go absolutely out of their method to assist you. In big distinction due to this fact to, you guessed it, the British (I can say this as I am 100% POM as the Kiwis name us) who will readily ship vacationers within the wrong path simply to save heaps of time and hurry on. The entire family couldn’t have made me really feel extra welcomed into their residence. What I liked in regards to the job – was the stability that I was able to obtain between work and travel. The hours of job weren’t long and I was given weekends off which meant that there was lots of time for seeing all of the issues that I had placed post-it notes subsequent to in my Travel Guide. Another bonus of being a nanny, is that often (for practicality) you could be given a automobile. I was certainly one of these lucky people! It made getting out and about to see these attractions a lot simpler, and an increased sense of flexibility.

I would definitely advocate to anybody considering of working overseas on a seasonal contract in New Zealand to go for it. If you heart is in it – then there is not a method that you just cant have a completely unbelievable time within the land of the lengthy white cloud. I know I did.

by Laura
17/07/2011 1:54:19 AMLaura 6 MONTHS AS A NANNY IN WAIMAI

I am a kiwi so I have worked a lot in a lot of totally different jobs in New Zealand. Over the past six months I have travelled lots around New Zealand, mostly across the upper South Island, with a break in Taranaki over Christmas/New Years. When I first restarted my travels within the South Island in 2011, I was lucky enough to already have a job lined up via a friend from Wellington. He owns a property close to lake Ohau and was looking for a further pair of hands to help clear the wilding pines that had been changing into a real drawback there. The project was for 2 weeks at the beginning of May. I had learn in regards to the wilding pines problem in the South Island, but nothing can put together you for the dimensions of the problem. Literally, there were pines so far as the attention may see, and that was just on his one property. Luckily the pay was superb and we had help to sort out the infestation from both the Department of Conservation and Forest & Bird. It was not simple work however it was rewarding. Not solely did I know I was working towards one thing of real value, protecting New Zealands pure heritage, however when you’ve been down pulling out, and chopping down, pines for hours, you stand as much as stretch and throughout you in an incredible vista.
The lake was a intense blue and the hills caped with snow. On a transparent day you would see the Southern Alps throughout the lake. It was truly stunning.
There had been loads of recreational activities within the space. The Ohau Ski lodge was nearby (though ski season was not due to start until July), There was strolling in the hills, in addition to mountain biking tracks.
Food and lodging was provided as part of the arrangement, in a quaint little cottage nestled amongst douglas fur and NZ beech.
When the project was over I was sore and tired. But my camera was full, I was proud to have achieved one thing and my bank account was somewhat healthier allowing me to give consideration to journey unhampered by financial considerations for a time.

The work is ongoing. They are due for another blitz this October, and I am certain that around then the property owner might be looking for students and travellers for an additional two weeks work.

by Robert Garrett
17/07/2011 1:43:forty nine AMRobert Garrett Wilding Pines

Hey,we are a german couple, Carolin and Philipp , 19 and 20 and we are for a half 12 months with a working vacation visa in New Zealand. We are touring with a van trough the nation.
Our first place to work was in Gisborne to begin with of the brand new year. We took some flyers of the wineries in the surrounding from the i-Site and called them. By hazard, the third one got work for some weeks and so we worked there together with some guys from France and South America. Our job was to pluck the leaves, that the fruits get more air and sun. After that we hung nets to protect the crops of birds.
The job was not very hard in reality solely the again was hurting very a lot. Our boss was very nice and friendly. For smoko we got tee, coffee and generally cookies and after work we received the chance to style the selfmade wines.
After two weeks all work had been carried out and we had to search for one other job. In our hostel there was an announcement for plucking leaves on an enormous winery and we decided to go there. The boss was very unfriendly and the job quite hard. It was payed on production: for each plant you get 12cent or per row 30$. It wasnt possible to do more than 1.5 rows per day and therefore we quit the job after two days and moved on. Later we received to know that they cheated on us. In the tip all had been payed hourly and it was solely to maintain us working fast.
After traveling on South Island we stopped to work in Blenheim.A aunt in Germany has a customer who came from New Zealand to Germany. He has some relatives in Blenheim who’ve a Winery. The unhealthy factor was, that we knew only the name of the relative and nothing extra. After plenty of nerve-racking phone-calls we got to know that he is at the moment in Australia on holidays – so no work for us. In general presently all folks in the hostel searched for work – without luck . Two different Germans gave us a number from a contractor, she should have work but they tried it and had no luck. We thought that we might a minimum of try it and called her. After 2 minutes we had a job on winery.
The first two days we went there for thinning and then began with harvesting for an enormous firm of the area. The cost was on contract, the quantity is dependent upon the size of the bunches we had to pick. For the bigger and so easier ones we obtained 80c and for the vegetation with extra and smaller grapes we got as much as 1,20$. Every employee had some stickers with an individual quantity, which we placed on the irrigation line of every bay, one bay has 3 or four crops. At the tip of the day a supervisor went throw the rows and counted the stickers of each particular person. Actually you must trust them as a end result of you don’t have any proof of the work you probably did.
All in all of the staff was somewhat bit confusing, as a end result of daily it was another time that they choose us. Some days we needed to wait as a lot as two hours without knowing if someone comes. Additionally we picked shallots for some days. It was payed hourly however working the whole day in your knees with the mud round you was quite exhausting. After we decided to stop working it took a very long time that we received all of our money on our bank account.
Back on North Island we known as our old boss in Gisborne and she or he mentioned that maybe in a few weeks there could be some work for us. She also passed our number to different winemakers and finally she and a pair of others known as us, that they need our assist. We went spontaneously from Taupo to Gisborne once once more and labored one week for them. It was very nice to see our boss once more. Now she is not any extra a employer but a very good pal for us. We also bought there some wine for our family in Germany to point out them „our“ wine.
Our last stop was in Tauranga, there we wanted to work in a pack-house however that they had all no vacancies and an extended list of applications. Working as a kiwi fruit picker could be for a girl too hard, anyway they wished only boys. On the web we found some smaller jobs on little farms and did this for a few days. So all in all we would say, that when you really need to work, it’s straightforward to find a job in New Zealand. You need to be keen to work hard for the minimum wage and underneath all circumstances but with slightly bit of luck you meet nice individuals from all over the world and also you make friends with them. We made right here experiences we might never have made in Germany.

by Carolin and Philipp
8/05/ :45:37 PMCarolin and Philipp boss was very nice and pleasant

I arrived in New Zealand able to journey but knowing I would want to discover a job within a pair months so I determined to attend and see what alternatives presented themselves throughout my journey. As I visited each wine region I might, I stored an eye fixed out for jobs within the wine business, preferably in a tasting room. Initially I didn’t need to work as a cellar hand after an sadly depressing experience in Australia, but kept a quantity of contacts from my sister in law (who sells wine within the US) simply in case I changed my mind. I was also WWOOFing and purposefully chose hosts that were in wine regions or involved in winemaking, giving me nice insight on the native wine business and the growing areas. After touring by way of the North Island, I arrived in Marlborough on the finish of February, out of money and knowing that it was most unlikely that I would find a job in a tasting room as I hoped, so I began asking round at the wineries within the space to see if anyone was still looking for vintage assist; picking grapes was a final resort. It seemed that I was a few weeks too late for Marlborough since classic had already begun, so I emailed all of the wineries with job vacancies listed on-line as well as the contacts from my sister in legislation. Miraculously within an hour, I had a cellphone name from a contract winery in Cental Otago who wanted to hire me to begin in two weeks time. I was thrilled! Vintage in Central Otago was an superior expertise, I realized so much and was labored with some amazing individuals. I later realized that I was simply at the proper place on the proper time as a outcome of the vineyard had obtained many CV’s previously however only later realized that they needed more assist simply as I despatched them my CV. The fact that I was within the nation, had expertise in the wine industry and needed a job instantly worked to my benefit. This clearly emphasizes the worth of excellent contacts when traveling and the must be flexible. Those looking for a job in the business could have more luck in Hawks Bay since it seemed that wineries have been nonetheless on the lookout for classic assist in mid February (I wanted to continue traveling on the time though). It is also important to note that most wineries are fairly small and solely rent on an additional person or two throughout vintage except the bigger contract wineries or bulk services (mostly in Marlborough); this also means that tasting room jobs are pretty much everlasting positions held by family members or pals. My advice these looking for vintage work is attempt to discover a contact to get your foot in the door at a winery, email as many wineries as attainable and ask for ideas about where else to apply, have a look at bigger amenities who hire more folks and if nothing else, simply go and hope for the best. If nothing else it is possible for you to to find a job choosing grapes easily by applying at businesses in whichever location you select if you’re there at the right time. I was lucky but I additionally got here as a traveler with no set plans quite than a winemaker on the lookout for a selected position and site, which was to my advantage ultimately. Experiencing the wine business in New Zealand has been wonderful, I couldn’t be more thankful for an unimaginable alternative to increase my information of wine whereas permitting me to be part of the kiwi tradition. Cheers!

by Amanda Haehl
8/05/2011 8:46:18 PM

Amanda Haehl Vintage in Central Otago – Working in the Wine Industry

« To hold the doctor away, eat an apple a day »!

Well that’s one straightforward factor to do if you work at Mr Apple. We had read about this firm, employing over 1500 folks during peak season,
on Seasonal Jobs’ website as we first arrived in New Zealand. We fortunately drove our way through the North Island, and when we received to Hawke’s Bay we thought we might knock on Mr Apple’s door and give it a attempt. As everyone else, we did need to reach South Island with somewhat something in our pockets. A call on Saturday and a brief type filled on Monday, that’s what it took to get began on Tuesday!

We would work evening shifts at the Whakatu Packhouse, 6 days per week, from three.30pm to 12.30am, with two 30 minutes break amusingly referred to as “smoko”, and can be paid 13$ per hour for five weeks. Doesn’t matter what your background is, as lengthy as your again works! The Packhouse atmosphere felt warm and friendly directly. People coming to work in their shiny yellow uniform shirt appeared to have arrived from each continent. Chinese people, Koreans, South Africans, Polish, Irish, others from Samoa, Tahiti, the usual Kiwis and now us French! A actual worldwide melting-pot gathered to provide one of the best apples to the world.

That being said, our manager warned us at once, it’s not a simple job, involving lots of standing, twisting, rushing and lifting. The job consists in sorting out good apples from unhealthy ones, placing the nice apples on trays, turning them around so they’re lined up and have their purple facet up, and all this, at the speed of lightning. The first day was a whole nightmare, we felt as if we were in hell, a place filled with apples, coming at you so fast that you obtained utterly overwhelmed and ended up drowning beneath a sea of apples. In French, the saying “tomber dans les pommes” actually “falling into apples” means fainting, and this first day at work I thought: it must have been somebody working in a Packhouse that invented that saying. Hopefully, plenty of nice people got here to help us and give
us some good tips! They mentioned that our again would be killing us for a quantity of days, but that after a week, we wouldn’t really feel any extra ache. And that’s what occurred.

As the days glided by, we got better and better at dealing with those apples, crunchy Pink Lady apples, stunning NZ Roses, shiny Granny Smiths however mostly funky Fujis, coming in different sizes. Sometimes, we may even handle both our apples and a dialog concerning the Chinese society right now or Maori language with our neighbor. Speaking of languages, the Packhouse is healthier than school when it comes to be taught international languages. Everybody involves ask us some helpful French
words, and we obtained taught a whole lot of Samoa!

After every week, we additionally tried to range actions, packing apples away by placing trays in bins. We observed that everyday had its share of excellent and unhealthy. One day it’s pay day, at some point it’s chocolate cookie for everybody, in the future it’s assembly a new pal, and then another day it’s loopy speedy day when both fingers and eyes flip as red as the apples. And then you definitely realize, it’s not sheep that you rely as you fall asleep… But the good ambiance at all times makes up for it, and with such a good team, it got here as no shock when everyone arrived dressed as a rabbit the day earlier than Easter and chocolate eggs were handed out to all of us!

Also, little doubt that working evening shifts in a Packhouse had its share of advantages: no one asks you for a degree or even if you speak English, you don’t rely upon the weather to go to work and also you get to enjoy the morning in lovely Hawke’s Bay and discover loads of good places around Napier, Cape Kidnappers or the Te Mata Peak.

Here is all the information you should have your own Mr Apple expertise:

Address of the Pachouse: Station Road – Whakatu (Between Napier and Hastings)

Phone: / Email:

Seasonal work begins in February : graders , packers, tray fillers, stackers, quality controllers, packers.

by Caroline Fullenwarth
2/05/2011 8:08:39 PMCaroline Fullenwarth Mr Apple packhouse experience

North Island Notes
Having fallen really in love with the raw, sprawling magnificence of the South Island, I received onto the
ferry at Picton with trepidation, not sure what to expect of the North Island, besides more people
than in the south. I arrived on a dark, raining afternoon in Wellington and must say that I was
overwhelmed by town itself; by the quantity of individuals, vehicles, visitors, city sounds, shops, colors
and buildings. I arrived on the backpackers I was staying at for an evening and crashed, decided to
go exploring over the next few days to search out the gems I might really feel were glimmering in this notoriously
vibrant and cultural metropolis.

I went to the Te Papa museum and can’t advocate it highly sufficient. The staff are very
knowledgeable and keen to share their data with you enthusiastically. The layout is logical
and the displays are distinctive, fascinating and memorable. Cuba Street is a must in Wellington.
Walking up and down it can take minutes hours or days, relying on how entwined you get. The
eclectic smorgasbord of clothing retailers, countless espresso outlets, restaurants, golf equipment and bars, quirky,
small back-door art galleries (which are certainly worth investigating) and intriguing little side streets
that would lead to one other world present infinite leisure and stimulation. The persons are
interesting and friendly and there is a phenomenal buzz within the air.

Moving further north, I landed in Rotorua, and it would be a shame to go there without seeing
the geothermal swimming pools. I went to Wai-o-tapu, the place effervescent mud pools, multi-coloured steaming
swimming pools and geysers that shoot excessive into the air blew me away and are really an incredible pure
phenomenon. The distinctive sulphurous scent was a reminder of how completely different and special this area
really is. Another of my favourite things about Rotorua and indeed of the complete country would be
the Zorb. It is a massive clear ball into which individuals climb and is rolled down a hill, selecting up
a stunning amount of pace as you watch the world fly by between tumbles and peals of laughter.
It was top-of-the-line actions I ever accomplished. I did mine through Ogo somewhat than at the Agro Dome,
as you get a longer stretch of grass down which to roll and thus it is far better value for money. I
advocate that you do the moist possibility where they fill the ball with water and in addition that you simply get the
photographs or no less than ask to see them afterwards – they are hilarious!

Another activity that I extremely advocate is kayaking down the Whakapapa River in National Park.
I know that most people go to National Park to do the Tongariro Crossing, however once I was there
the climate was foul so we couldn’t do the crossing – it is known to be an area with high weather
volatility. Thus, should you land up in National Park, the climate turns dangerous and you’re at a loss for what
to do, ask round for the Adventure kayak company run by a girl called Sarah Cate. She will
come and collect you for the day and take you on a kayaking journey you’ll never forget. She
is professional and laid back on the same time, a ball of power and I guarantee you will have a well-
priced day saturated with fun and laughter.

I landed up in Auckland after a quantity of weeks of travelling the North Island, needing to search out work and
hoping to do a sailing course within the Bay of Islands, which I accomplished last week. If you are interested
in crusing and/or doing any crusing programs, I can’t suggest Bay Sail NZ highly enough. It is
run by Glen Caulton and from my first enquiry to the last goodbye, Glen went out of his approach to
accommodate me and the others doing the course. The Bay of Islands is magnificent and seeing
it from a yacht is certainly probably the greatest ways to get probably the most out of the area. Glen does day
charters and a host of different yacht-based actions. All info can be found on his web site. He
is an incredible sailor, very professional, I had complete religion in his ability, his 40ft sail yacht “She’s a
Lady” is great to sail and be aboard and above all, Glen is a superb man who could be very easy-going
and straightforward to get along with.

After my sailing course, my bank balance was looking far worse for wear and thus I wanted to get

a job. I truly have discovered one however it was not simple – I do not say this to frighten anybody, nevertheless it not always
a quick process to discover a job. However, when you have the right angle and maintain at it, there might be little
that may stand in your method when you put in the effort and time. From my limited experience, I highly
advocate that you just take up-to-date CV’s to the streets and go in to companies/places to work
rather than relying mainly on web-based applications as you presumably can feel the place out, meet some
faces and know right away how things have gone. If you drop off a CV, observe it up after a day or two
rather than waiting for them to get again to you – someone else might get the job otherwise.

In summary, I suggest that you simply get stuck into all that New Zealand has to offer. While the South
Island definitely is a particular place, so is the North Island – there is lots to do and see that’s not like
anywhere else and the rest, and it is undoubtedly worth exploring. There are numerous wonderful
small privately-owned corporations who present personal, small-group, well-run actions which are
worth supporting. If you do one thing with a company who provides you a great service, unfold the
word to others so that everybody can benefit. Enjoy!

Gabriella Garnett

by Gabriella Garnett
20/04/2011 eight:07:10 PMGabriella Garnett North Island Notes

Hey guys, my name is Freddy, i am 19 years old and from Germany. I am in New Zealand now for half a yr and began in Auckland to journey down south. But i got here right here to see one thing new in life, so just travelling one year could be fairly boring. Because of that, and naturally as a outcome of the monetary circumstances, i labored as well.
I began in Napier with fruitpicking – the everyday backpackers job :p
I obtained it from the owner of the backpackers i stayed at (Wallys Backpackers, 7 Cathedral Lane, Napier 4110, (06) ) who had contacts to Crasborne, an agency which employes worker for their contacts (basicly fruit selecting stuff). If you are round there trying to find a job – go there!!! EVERYBODY in that hostel was working, and having a automotive, we arrived wednesday night and received a job thursday morning!!! superior ! 😉

After that I went to Christchurch to work for Savvy Direct – a Company which makes advertisement for IHC, Red Cross and some other Charitys. I worked there as a salesman doing door to door gross sales or let’s imagine tring to make people signal a monthly donation to the IHC (Interlectually Handicapped Children). I saw the position marketed in TradeMe and I even have just utilized for it, passed the interview and the working test (pretty straightforward ^^) and started. I truly have worked there for a few month which was an awesomly interesting experience, but after that i ended as a result of the payment was on contract and I was not dangerous in it, but i havent actually had the motivation to extend my sale skills to a lot cause of having an issue with the ethical behind it and so on. I imply it was for a great course – my motivation to provide it a strive – but i didnt really feel comfy to leap all the time to the salesperson once more when you started to have an excellent dialog after an eyesbreaker firstly. Just a private factor, however im quite happy with my decission. But any way – awesome experience!!! And excellent for your english. As quickly as you are ready to say a pitch of 1-3 minuts completly by onerous you can actually think about HOW you say things. Good for the accent and quite humorous, so far as testing folks is anxious. In that case the job is extremly attention-grabbing and funny by the way. After a little while you start to do things, you’ll never do in your everyday-life, the place you are a individual, seen as such from all people else. But beeing just the man on the door from the IHC , even if that is exactly what you shouldn’t be to be succesful by the finest way ;), offers you the prospect to strive a lot of belongings you wouldnt like to attempt with folks, you might meet once more .

After that i worked in a Callcenter for the HIA Group, additionally in Christchurch. A good friend of me advised me about it, i simply gave the boss a hoop, had an interview and began to work the subsequent week doing surveys on the cellphone. Good practise for my english. I also favored the job by some means, however the earthquake made it inconceivable to work there any extra, cause the constructing i labored in was positioned in the centre. During that (because it was simply from monday to thursday, 6h/day) i worked for accomodation in my hostel (Frienz Backpackers, 169 worcester Street 8011 CHCH) and on the weekend for Micky Finns, 85A Hereford Street CHCH, a fairly huge bar with heaps of bands enjoying in there – so fairly buisy, always looking for anyone 😉
I also began to work specifically on Friday and Saturday for a Relocation Company (The Office Relocation, Torc / ), but sure – as i wrote before, the earthquake set an finish to all that 🙁 BUT they’re allways in search of poeple and that could be all round the nation. They are located in Wellington, however have plenty of stuff to do in christchurch, and if poeple want them anyplace else they go there aswell! Just give them a ring whereever you search something – funny group, good work and quick cost 😉

At the second i work in Ashburton, serving to with the potatoeharvest. I was visiting pals over right here and just had a glance in the newspaper on saturday, saw stuff searched, gave them a ring, drove over there and began the next day! The Agencys name is Tom Gundry Robinson Street
Ashburton 7700
(03) Ill stay there for about 2 weeks, cause im slightly bit fed up with farmwork. But its superb cash, cause you’ve the chance to work as a lot as 12h/day, 7 days every week.

At the second im looking for jobs in auckland.

What i am doing in generel when i wish to get a job someplace;

-have a look on trademe, seasonal jobs & backpackerboard.co.nz

-newspaper on saturday

-asking and speak to folks round me (very very effectiv!!!). If i come noew to a city, i try to begin somehwere where i’ve the possibility to speak to lots of people. Couchsurfing/big backpackers – Things like that provide the chance to fulfill individuals who may helo you 😉

You also shouldnt be afraid to just talk to folks in the street. I mean im not taling about going to random individuals and ask them for a job, however lets say you might be openig a new checking account and in the course of the course of theres a little bit of time to talk with the guy/girl caring for you. Often they ask you about you, your plans etc and if that happens simply tell them you’re looking a job. Poeple listed here are awesomly keen to assist you ! 😉

I was once standing in front of a cashmashine, ready for my turn (3 people earlier than me) and just explaining my friend behind me my plans, which had been basicly to get a job fairly quickly. The womain earlier than us, who obviously heard our dialog, just rurned round and advised us to go to …, trigger she have simply come from there and noticed a sign stuff wanted.

One other thing i do is google extra specified things. Once i did for instance somewhat, one hour software program take a look at in christchurch. Very fascinating for me, cause i like this type of stuff and 25 bucks money, which isn’t too dangerous for on hour of labor. Since that, i allways google software testing which supplies me the possibility to see choices, which wouldt be proven on the pages im usuallyu looking for. I would offer you that recommendation in generel if you need to to one thing different than the typicaly backpacker jobs. If you hear from people that they are doing something interesting or you just see your self doing one thing which you cant find there – google it and attempt to find somehthing around you. Write a nice e-mail with a gooc CV, attempt to just remember to are motivated and people will maybe give you a chance to proove yourself 😉

I want you all good luck and hope i could allow you to with that

Cheers

Freddy

by Freddy
20/04/2011 7:36:eleven PMFreddy Fruitpicking in Napier

Hi there,

I wrote an artikel about my New Zealand experiences and since there may be not that much time left for me and my boyfriend Sebastian I wish to inform u how the following time of my journey here was 🙂
The last essey stopped at my start of my wwoofingjob on the blueberryfarm in levin. Well, I was pretty excited at our first workingday – it was wednesday the 13.10. The hosts have been each Germans so the communication was nice trigger we are also from Germany however I guess for my English it might have been higher to talk some more english. So we began with weeding within the paddocks, surrounded by sheep and alpakas. 5 hours crawling and selecting however I actually have to confess it was a good feeling to work outside. We started at 9, worked until 12, than we had a espresso break with blueberrymuffins or cake and a chat with the owner and a few builders, after that we worked for 2 more hours. The builders have been there because the plan was to construct a new store on the road before the berryseason started to have a better place for selling.
After per week weeding Sebastian and I helped there with painting, digging soil and gravel and removing nails. After nearly two joyful month we determined to go elsewhere close to New Plymouth. The funny thing was that Sebastians brother determined a brief time after we made our determination to go to new zealand that he wants to do 6 month on a high school in New Plymouth as an exchangestudent. So we labored for an old woman in Oakura and visited Sebastians brother as typically as possible. We had also a wwoofingjob in Oakura in a really steep backyard with really big spiders and cokroaches. It was more durable than in Levin although we had solely 4 hours work per day and not 5. But the lady was good and I guess my muscels are a bit stronger than before so it was additionally a good factor 🙂 After this experience we took per week off from work and went camping at a holidaypark in Oakura. We had a great time, slept a lot, learn some books and had a gorgeous view over the ocean. But as you’ll find a way to imagine we received bored after per week and determined to call the blueberryart cause we promised to come back again for the harvestseason. And yeah, we got here again for one more 1 half month. That was a very fun time cause we obtained the B&B flat with other younger people. We lived along with guys from the USA, France, the Netherlands and Switzerland. We´ve carried out 5 hours picking or sorting a day and after that we have been capable of earn cash with some extra hours which is all the time an excellent thing… In the evening we went to the seashore or did some mussles on the barbecue – in all probability the best barbecue ever, and i’d have never anticipated to see such huge blueberrys – wow!
A good factor was that we also favored the daughter of the farmowners and her husband so we went there the week before we left for the South Island and did some wwoofing there. It was a nice time and we went for fishing around Kapiti, catched some fish and learned tips on how to make it eatable and we went to the forest with a friend of the wwoofinghost and shot some possums to assist New Zealands nature. We have done lots of issues we’d never have the power to do at house.
So, after a long time on the North Island we went to the South Island with the Bluebridgeferry cause it was a bit cheaper for us than the Interislander. We went to Picon for a week, camped on a DOC Campground and celebrated my birthday on the two. of February. I can recomend you the DOC brochure with all the Campingplaces (free or cheaper than the “regular” ones!) After one week we travelled to Kaikoura and had a nice time at the Puhi Puhi Reserve, also a free DOC Campground. We did the Kaikoura Looptrack, its a bit greater than 2 1/2 hours however you see beautifull landscape and a few seals. We´ve carried out it twice and I actually reccomend it. We also obtained a new WOF for our beloved car. It was a bit of a thrill however thank god our car is perfectly nice and we are in a position to drive the subsequent month with out problems.
After that enjoyable time it received a bit extra activ. We decided to stroll the St. James Walkway and bought some hut-tickets at the i-Site in Hanmer Springs then we drove to the Lewis Pass to do some camping earlier than the beginning of our tramp. We determined to drive to the beginning of the walkway and have a look how the character and the weather seems like. When we arrived we saw a letter with the knowledge that Ann-Hut burnt down final yr in April they usually need to rebuild it in May this yr. They also wrote in regards to the cold climate right now of the yr and reccomended to not stroll the observe. We had been actually dissatisfied and drove on to Hokitika. We defined our story to the DOC folks cause we had no additional use of the tickets. She informed us it would be not her problem trigger we bought the ticks on the i-Site and so we had to go to the i-Site in Hokitika. A bit careworn we went to the i-Site as she informed us and the lady on the counter told us its not the problem of the i-Site however of the DOC. We talked some time and after a few minutes we decided to promote her the ticks for 10% much less. We were more than happy to get part of the money again and booked an evening in a cheap hotel after all the nights in a tent. We were excited about a TV and a relaxation room in our room and likewise the matress was the highlight of the month 🙂
After that we went to the Franz Josef Glacier and made a brief stroll for some footage and after that we drove on to the Fox Glacier and spend some nights at the Gillespies Beach (highly recomended trigger the panorama is gorgeous and we noticed dolphins each morning).
Than we went on to Te Anau and wanted to camp at Lake Hauroko however after 24km we noticed that the campingplace was closed. Don´t ask me why, I actually have no clue but we had been actually upset that there was not even an indication at the beginning of the highway, i mean gas is not that cheap and 48km on gravel just isn’t the easyest factor. We discovered an other place and on the subsequent morning we drove to the Catlins. Its a beautiful panorama and we hoped to see some penguins at Curio Bay, there were none nevertheless it was nonetheless an excellent place. The Campground was by the way closed because of the heavy rain in the last days, shock…
At the moment we’re near the Moeraki Bboulders, we have been tenting at the DOC campsite however because of the rain a pleasant man advised us to depart the place – the ford was under water and would turn out to be impassable…:) We booked already our room for the final week in auckland, we will promote our car 6 days earlier than we leave and we’re joyful to have our buy-back guarantee cause some folks advised us its really onerous to sell a automobile earlier than the backpackerseason in august/september. Check the web for Kiwi-Cruise-Control and look for our blue Mitsubishi in 1 Month 🙂
So, we put some new footage on our weblog however we have not that a lot internet and i think we’ll full it at home, its not that long until then and im actually surprised how fast the time is gone:)
If there are any questions, please contact me, im joyful to assist :))

by Anna Jakob
7/04/2011 eight:22:24 AM

Anna Jakob blueberry harvest season

Hope that every one of you would possibly be enjoying your time in New Zealand and those who are simply contemplating to come- dont hesitate, it is stunning country, and it is so straightforward and funky to travel around.
My story began 3 years ago, while I was working for Emirates airlines as a flight attendant and certainly one of my journeys took me to new Zealand- Auckland.
As soon as I came upon that I can do skydive I signed for it as it was at all times my dream.
And that’s when it all started and I met my partner working at that time as a skydive instuctor.
One year later I determined to join him and come to New Zealand.
We have been dwelling since in Fox Glacier-Westcoast and dealing there too.
Fox Glacier is basically tiny small city that has few motels, hostels and pubs 🙂 so not much social life 🙂 But on the opposite hand it i a paradise- raiforest, mountains with snow all aound the year a bit of driving and you can make a bbq on the seashore and when you lucky see some Dolphis too…
You can do a skydive over there- what is unreal, hike the glacier or fly about it….well it’s beautifull place that is hard to descibe with words.
I labored for a while at Cafe Neve- cool place with cool individuals and good food.
As everywhere in New Zealand I met there and labored with people from everywhere in the world, what is basically cool- I specifically liked the Chillians, Argetinias :))).
While living in Fox Glacier we made few trips to North Island however I all the time liked to come back to South Island.
After 2 years we got a bit bored with the small town and we moved to Queenstown.
So right here we are in Quennstown preparing for winter season and a few skiing:)
I am additionally in the intervening time on the lookout for a brand new job what isnt so much fun but thats life.
Queenstown can also be particular town- many many tourists and younger individuals. The only assume I dont like is that almost all of your friens shall be right here just few months or for a season and than they take off…thats how Queenstown works and also you better get used to it.
And what in regards to the future? Well New Zealand is superb country with lovely individuals so I can see myself residing here. So who understand how many individuals that got here to New Zealand as a tourists stayed right here 4ever 🙂

by Michaela Veselov
7/04/2011 8:17:12 AM

Michaela Veselov bbq on the seashore and if you fortunate see some Dolphis too

My name is James and Im a 24 yr old from Denver, Colorado USA. Ever since I was very young Ive been traveling. Whether it was camping journeys with my parents, chugging along the greater US with my grandparents of their RV, road journeys with pals, or flying to different international locations with my family, I finally inherited a imply hunger to explore new places. In 2008, when my brother and his wife left the US to live in Australia, I saved up sufficient money to take a month off from work and go see them. That journey, prior to now, was the longest I had ever been away from my residence country; and I liked it. I knew I wanted to do one thing big after that, but I just didnt know what. I beloved Australia and the folks there and thought about going again for an extended amount of time. It wasnt till mid-2010 when my vision of a lengthy abroad experience really came into perspective. My brother had simply moved to Dunedin, NZ so his wife might obtain her masters at Uni. My dad and mom referred to as me in the future to ask if I can be excited about trying out New Zealand with them – in fact I was. Instead of following their original plan of three weeks abroad, I seized the chance to capitalize on this once in a lifetime likelihood and put issues in movement. After quitting my job, selling my automobile, and obtaining a work visa, I mentioned farewell to my pals and greater family back house and boarded a flight to Auckland.

I have never been actually alone in another country. Usually I even have friends or household for an preliminary net of help and a few would say Im not probably the most extroverted particular person. It was time to place every little thing to the test. When my aircraft touched down in New Zealand I was excited but nervious. Where would I go? What would I do? Will I be able to handle this? I stayed in Auckland for a couple days with the plan to by some means make it to Dunedin to look at over my brothers home while he was away. I knew I wanted to find a job inside a couple of weeks so I didnt have to spend all of my saved cash. But, how was I going to get this accomplished? After assembly a fellow American in Auckland, I determined to follow him all the method down to Queenstown, soak up that scene for a couple of days, and then bus down to Dunedin. It seems that this was the most cost effective method, on the time, to get to Dunners anyways.
I had a great time in Queenstown, but then again how couldnt I? The people in the hostile there, Nomads, had been so nice. It was unimaginable to not meet new travelers who had been desperate to discover the city as properly. I was very joyful at the time that I had made it to the south island, met some cool folks, and had already seen some wonderful sights. Hell, the aircraft experience alone into Queenstown was so cool! Seeing the lakes, rivers, mountains, and open land by way of my tiny airplane window made me so excited to see more. Now, to make it right down to Dunedin and find a job: how would I do this? Enter miracle bus experience.

Boarding the bus, I was excited to get a chance to see rural New Zealand. Coming from Denver which has a metropolitan space with about the identical population as the nation right here, I was used to seeing massive buildings, concrete, and automobiles. Now I was finally getting away from that and having fun with the infinite scenery on my route. No one really talked on the bus, and being a bit introverted I didnt actually make any effort to either. It didnt matter although, I was content material with what I was seeing out of the bus home windows which was enough for me. We cruised alongside for a bit and ultimately pulled into Cromwell where the passengers going to Dunedin and the like have been required to change over to a special bus. No massive deal. I stepped out for a cigarette and took my time outdoors in the course of an area that I was wholly unfamiliar with. After five minutes, to one of the best of my data I extinguised my cigarette and went and sat in one of the final 2 seats in the back of the bus. One spot was left, and the final passenger boarded, asking me if it was okay to take the seat next to me. Of course. What occurred next needed to have been destiny.

“Mate! Youre on fire!!” I turned to the man, with a dumbfounded look, and then seemed down. What the hell! My shorts have been smoking! I jumped off the bus, proper past the motive force who was explaining to everybody where we had been headed, and put the blaze out. Super embarrassed, I reentered the bus but to my astonishment nobody really reacted except for the three different individuals in the again, who little question had been all laughing. I said something stupid and pulled out a e-book to attempt to escape the ridiculous reality of what had just happened. Impossible. After a few minutes I just burst out laughing and the man next to me did too. Soon enough have been we joking in regards to the incident and finally started talking about other stuff as the bus rolled on. Man, how freaking loopy to have done that! It seems this guy was a kiwi tradesman who had simply finished up a 6 week stint in Queenstown and was headed again residence. Anyways after a good couple hours on the road, Pretorian (name change request per the individual), told me that he had a mate who was choosing him up in Dunedin and could drop me off at my Bros place. Nice! Soon sufficient the bus got here into Dunedin and we had been off.

Halfway to my vacation spot Pretorian suggests we grab a crate of beers and go to his place to tell his mates about the bus journey. Sounds awesome to me, I had nothing occurring and was ready to fulfill another locals right here in Dunners. Plus youve obtained to admit what occurred on the bus was damned entertaining. Come to search out out, my brothers place is just four blocks from Pretorians! Sweet as! I drop my stuff off and head over to his place. We all have a good time and inform the story of how I got here to be in their lounge that night time. Good occasions. I go residence that night time happy that a dumb mistake turned out to be an excellent thing. As time goes by I keep in contact with the mighty Pretorian and we proceed to hold out and have plenty of laughs.

A couple weeks go by and I am prepared to go away Dunedin to enterprise off for work. As Im wanting online at bus fares, and so on I get a textual content that claims, “Mate. Just hooked, lined, and sinkered this shopper who’s keen on me hiring a couple individuals for work. Want a job?” No way! I shut my laptop and jumped for pleasure. I had by no means thought I would come to New Zealand and be taught a trade, but now I was preparing for a portray gig that was to begin in a few days. How cool is that?! Work was great and after a couple of weeks I was beginning to get a hold of issues. To seal the deal, and to keep up with the obvious stroke of luck i used to be having, Pretorian just had a mate transfer out and wanted to know if I wished to live in his girlfriends and his flat. Rent was low cost, and the flatmates were super cool! Heck yeah! It just couldnt have turned out any higher for me. I had accomplished all of my preliminary goals and it felt good.

I guess the ethical of this story is, even whenever you stress about something or get down, the answer to your problems might be sitting proper subsequent to you. It actually pays to speak to everyone you presumably can as a end result of they can help open up doorways for you and provide you with really great recommendation. I am forever grateful for what Pretorian and his girlfriend have done for me. Living at the flat has been such a great time and an awesome approach to spend the first few months of my New Zealand journey. Not to say, Ive also learned tips on how to prep and paint homes as an added bonus. With only a pair weeks of labor left, Im now thinking ahead to what my next move shall be. I cant imagine it going as smoothly as this one did, however then again you really never know. Cheers!

by James Sprecher
20/03/ :10:39 PMJames Sprecher Mate! You are on fire!!

Having labored for 2 years in the path of coming to New Zealand, I thought I had sufficient money to final me a couple of months before I had to search for work. I was very wrong! When my friend and I arrived in Auckland, we had been dissatisfied. Not that Auckland is a horrible city, but we’d simply been (more than) slightly delusional to assume that each one of New Zealand can be like a variety from a National Geographic “Real Natural Beauty” edition. And it wasn’t; it was just a metropolis like wherever else.
We had each completely underestimated the jetlag, I don’t suppose both of us realised till two weeks or so after touchdown, simply what an effect it had had on us. We determined after a couple of days roaming the streets of Auckland to move as much as the Bay of Islands. Sadly, we’d booked for 2 weeks at Base Auckland, and could only get Base vouchers for his or her other hostels. Paihia was nice, overhyped however good and pretty and we happily frittered our money away on fudge and ice creams and sky dives (Definitely really helpful, although attempt not to move out like I did!) Two weeks later, we returned to Auckland, practically penniless and desperate for work. By likelihood we noticed an advertisement on-line for winery work in Blenheim. This was Friday, we contacted the man (Swampy, owner of Swampy’s Backpackers, Spring Creek) who stated we needed to be there by Sunday at the latest. We jumped on a 12 hour bus to Wellington the next morning and have been in Spring Creek but mid morning on Sunday.
There have been numerous individuals starting on Monday with us, and all the data we might discover was “It’s very hard!” Informative. The real blow came once we learnt we were beginning at 6am! 6am! I hadn’t even had to get up for college at 6am! But we bit the bullet, and at 5.15am the alarm woke us, bleary eyed and dreading what was to come. It was raining! Pelting, soaking rain! But our little posse, (us two Brits, 3 Czechs and a German) braved the storm and drove to the railway station the place we had been told to satisfy our employer. He was there in his truck, ready to inform us to “Go residence, we’ll attempt again in a few hours when it’s not raining.” Brilliant! By the time we have been back in our warm beds, he textual content to say the rain had stopped, time for work!
It wasn’t that unhealthy. We have been wire lifting; As self explanatory because it sounds. Involving lifting metal wires alongside rows to lift the vines in order that the grapes have room to grow. Some individuals are paid per post (anything from 3c to 12c a post) but we have been on hourly, round $13.eighty. Which wasn’t sensible however no much less than we might potter alongside at our own pace, and because it was almost always sweltering, that was a definite bonus! Although we began at 6am, we finished between 2 and 3 pm, so we have been back at the hostel earlier than anybody else took over the kitchen and it gave us much more time to relax and do washing etc.
Now wire lifting was fairly simple, however bud rubbing practically broke us. 10 of us spent 2 days on one block, doing the dreaded bud rubbing. If you’re on contract it’s alleged to be simpler, as you’re more motivated to maneuver forward. Hourly, we should have seemed ridiculous. Bud rubbing concerned rubbing off the lower growth on the vines, which means being bent double the whole time. By morning break (10am) we have been like old hags, groaning and aching. The following morning I felt surprisingly good, until I jumped off the bed and my legs buckled beneath me!
After a month working for these contractors, we felt we had enough money and so they had run out of labor so we were jobless, but wealthy! However, we stayed at Swampy’s for 3 weeks over Christmas, that was 3 weeks of hire ($130 p/w) boozing and Christmas based cooking and presents! We were poor again! Having vowed never to work on a vineyard again we were forced to go back. This time for various contractors; wire lifting was completed by now so we have been “ripping and tucking” – pulling off low hanging canes on the vines or tucking them under the wires if they had grapes on them; “second setting” – cutting off the second set of grapes which don’t ripen on time for the harvest and make the wine sour; “fruit thinning” – taking off excess bunches of grapes so that they ripen on time and the vineyard doesn’t go over it’s quota for that number of grape; “colour thinning” – removing still green, unripened grapes from the ripened ones and “net clipping” – fastening lengthy black or white nets around the vines with tiny plastic clips to forestall the birds eating the fruit. All in all, not very thrilling work, we diversified from contract for the ripping and tucking, and hourly for the remainder ($13 p/h after tax) some days go shortly, when it’s to not scorching and the work’s quite fast, different days when it’s sticky and sweltering and you take three hours to do a row make a day really feel every week lengthy. There’s something rewarding about it although, ultimately. I’ve never labored so exhausting in my life and I really feel proud that I managed to work for such long hours for 3 months in total.
However, I’m still in New Zealand, and I’m nonetheless dog poor, so the vineyards could additionally be calling again…

by Holly Snowden, Wales UK
11/03/2011 9:forty six:29 PMHolly Snowden, Wales UK The actual winery work lowdown

Im a British pupil, at present studying for a legislation diploma within the UK. I came to New Zealand as a backpacker nearly totally by accident. My parents emigrated to the Australian Gold Coast (they additionally reside and work part of the time in NZ) when I was 16, while I stayed at residence to complete my A levels, residing with my grandmother. When I graduated from highschool in the summertime of 2009, I flew out to satisfy them as a result of I hadnt seen them since I left, and Id never visited the South Pacific before. After spending a couple of weeks in virtually constant 30C+ warmth, I was excited to take my up my dad and mom suggestion of a trip to the extra temperate local weather in Auckland. We stayed within the CBD, and I, whilst they shopped, spent my time exploring the – compared to London – modest but not undiverse nightlife of the city. By the time they were due to go back Id met another travellers, and didnt really feel like leaving so soon, on situation that theyd advised me, and I was somewhat envious, of all their pursuits, from skydiving in Rotorua to – and sure, I know its cliche – exploring middle earth, on the South Island. Id pretty much run out of cash, nonetheless, by this level, so to have the ability to fund experiencing some of these things, as well as to recompense my dad and mom for the flight theyd paid for back to Queensland!, I figured I need to get a short lived job for a couple of weeks, at minimal. Perhaps not surprisingly, many of the retail stuff in the city centre wished people to commit for a yr or so, which I wasnt prepared to do (I should add that, fortunately, my of us had sorted out all of the work-visa stuff for me. I cant think about what might need happened if Id come up in want of cash without one!) so I went, after scanning the local papers, of all places, to work on a small fishing operation, owned by native Maoris, in Whangamata. After Id had enough, about eight weeks later, not quite prepared to leave this really fantastic nation, I applied, and successfully obtained an aupair place with an enthralling household in Wellington. Id beforehand been on an overnight trip soon after I first arrived here, and liked the historic really feel of the place, and thought it someplace Id really feel settled for an prolonged time frame. And so I sorted their two children (who were very troublesome at times) for about six months, give or take a number of days and actually felt like a member of the household.

Im back within the UK now, however will always remember the superb trip I had down beneath.

by Liam Butler
9/03/2011 eight:13:19 AMLiam Butler I had pretty much run out of cash

The Land of New Zealand

Landing in New Zealand is not like touchdown in some other nation. As I descended over the glacially blue tongues of water chopping into the comparatively untouched magnificence of the South Island and down via kilometres of thick tumultuous cloud to the green expanse of Dunedin, I knew issues had been about to vary for me, and they also have. I was blessed sufficient to start out with individuals I knew, who’re thoroughly Kiwi and have a deep love for and appreciation of the land.

I even have had so many life-changing experiences within the 4 months I actually have been on this nation – involving individuals, the land and never a lot of money. This is in itself a mirrored image of the greatness of the country, where you don’t want a goldmine to have an incredible time. In fact, following the well-worn tourist tracks spending all your hard-earned shanks and franks on various actions may be enjoyable however may see you ride rough-shot proper over the splendour that lurks beneath. And let me let you know – there’s immeasurable splendour beneath. So get out your spade or borrow one and get scratching by way of the surface!

I will begin with a narrative from the start of my journey. I was staying with three great individuals 20 minutes out of Dunedin in an impressive area called Hamilton Bay. They had helped their neighbour shear his sheep the day earlier than and as an trade, he gave them some meat, which we cooked and ate gratefully. As many individuals do in New Zealand, this household had their very own bountiful garden and loved it dearly. The next day we went right down to the seaside to explore some caves, run along the empty seaside and collect mussels which we steamed and ate with malt vinegar – delicious! The land of New Zealand may be very generous – Be good to the land and she or he shall be good to you. We went out to look at a band one night time – get out to see some native New Zealand bands: there may be a lot musical talent in this country, it might be a tragedy to leave right here with out listening to and learning from it. Get to the free concert events in summer time, pay for some of the local favourites and be positive to go to a minimum of one tiny little gig someplace in an obscure area with not necessarily such a large crowd – the outcome is irrelevant, however I actually have been the only one dancing to a few of the finest DJ’s I even have ever known until the early hours of the morning in this beloved country. ATTENDANCE DOES NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT TALENT.

* Handy Tip # 1: Stay with locals, even for simply a few of your stay within the country. I can’t emphasise this sufficient. They give insights into the country, allow you to avoid pointless “tourist purple tape” and may themselves give the best helpful suggestions you would ask for, which you must cross on to others. So too, within the final 4 months in New Zealand I even have met a variety of the greatest individuals I have ever identified. The way they open there homes, are eager to share their information of recipes for pickle, homebrew and varied different fantastic edibles and quenchers is each humbling and thrilling. They usually welcome serving to hands and let you get caught right in – so do!
* Handy tip # 2: When arriving in the nation, when you intend to remain for some time and want a NZ mobile number, use 2 levels. They are the underdogs, their service is great and their costs are cheaper. No more convincing ought to be needed.
* Handy Tip # three: Getting off the beaten monitor offers you more bang in your buck. Note, nonetheless, that this shouldn’t be carried out without consciousness – take a good friend or make a model new one to go with you or go with some locals. Otherwise – just ensure you are secure. This is the world we live in.
* Handy Tip # four: Get out of the cities. It is straightforward to get caught up in them, and that is all good and properly, however just ensure you take the time and take some time to spend some time in the tiny cities vacationers do not often frequent – I can virtually guarantee that something will occur there to increase your thoughts, you could properly discover one thing delicious that might not be found anywhere else in the nation and are prone to meet some phenomenal people who discover themselves not chasing metropolis issues however are rather more happy with a more sustainable life.
* Handy Tip # 5: I can not recommend Wwoofing (Willing employees On Organic Farms) highly sufficient. Before you come to New Zealand or if you get here, enroll, get the book, and get calling. But solely in case you are prepared to get soiled, do a bit of handbook labour and are prepared to work for a few hours every single day. Wwoofing is not about simply getting a free mattress and a feed – it’s about an trade. The more you place in, the extra you get out. Get your arms into the land, and you will expertise a whole different depth to the country. You will spend time weeding (“The Garden of Weedin’” as one Wwoof host known as it), studying about planting the proper things on the right occasions, little tricks of how to keep your crops as joyful as potential and there might be nothing extra satisfying than strolling with gummies into the backyard, spade, bucket and cutters in hand, to choose what you would like for dinner, knowing that your arms had an element within the process. I even have Wwoofed in a number of places spanning both islands and so they have been my favourite instances.

For example, I stayed with one Wwoofing host in Harihari for eight days. We went tramping for 2 days to go hunting, did their bi-annual “honey run”, made capsicum chutney and caught the start of the fishing season for one sure type of fish, where I spent the night working up and down the seashore from fisherman to fisherman releasing their hooks from the fish, bashing them on the pinnacle and getting them to the truck. 3 hours and forty two fish later, we three have been exhausted and energised at the same time and stayed filleting fish till the wee hours of the morning, completed off with a moonlit bathtub in the natural hotpools down the street. Note: DO NOT spend money in mainstream “hotpools” that are chlorinated and overly well-liked. Take the time to discover a native hotpool the place you ought to have extra privacy, can stay so long as you want and may melt into the morning at your leisure. While I am talking about Harihari, I will emphasize: If you’re coming to New Zealand, you should see the South Island. Whether you do it first or final is up to you, however it is essential. The magnificence, the approach to life, the land, the individuals – all terribly stunning in methods that may continue to disclose themselves to you in waves.

I have by no means liked anybody or anything as a lot as I love this country and I implore you – in case you are right here, get stuck in. For this land is new, has extra zeal than most and there are at all times seeds able to be planted and fruit ripe to be picked.

by Gabriella Garnett
28/02/2011 9:19:forty three PM

Gabriella Garnett The Land of New Zealand

When you’re staying in Auckland and also you don’t need to spend too much money, there are two options : solely do free actions, which may be quite annoying as quickly as you’ve visited the Auckland museum, Victoria park and different sightseeing… The other one is to work in backpackers in trade for accommodation. Almost every backpackers has a couple of places for this type of job, and, obviously, the most important the backpacker is, the more places there’s. This is why the best place to get certainly one of these is to search for it at Base Backpacker, the biggest in Auckland city. I first checked the internet to search out out the place I may do such a factor, and I noticed that there were three free posts at Base Backpacker. So I showed up there one morning, asking to talk with the staff supervisor. We had a brief talk, then she just hand me a contract, ask me to read it then signal it, and that was it : I was employed. The solely factor that made me different from the opposite candidates was that I obtained there the primary. About the job, the first thing to say I that it isn’t exhausting work. Obviously, you can’t ask somebody who’s doesn’t receives a commission to work too onerous. Let’s face it : even if you do, they won’t. Most of the time, backpackers has two types of jobs : reception and cleaning. I was hired as a cleaner, since it was the only vacant publish. The duties are mainly vacuuming, cleaning the kitchen and altering the beds sheets. At Base Backpacker, they ask for four hours a day, from Monday to Friday (20 hours a week), in change for a mattress in an 8 beds room. About the place now, staying in a backpacker and working there’s in fact very handy to fulfill new people, since everyone in your room does the same job than you do, plus that you spend many hours working, cooking or simply chilling within the lounge and different TV rooms. The major advantages of this backpacker are : the large and full lounge room, together with couches, two TV rooms, a Cyber Café and a Job Office The kitchen is clean and spacious, and the situation is superb, on the center of Queen avenue, with many bars, restaurants and the Metro Center nearby. The major issues are : first of all, 20 hours a week is, in my view, an extreme amount of for an eight beds room, in a rustic the place the minimum wage is around 13$ an hour. The place generally feels too massive with its ten floors. The smokers should get out of the place in the occasion that they need to have a smoke, since there is not any smoker room or balcony. If you intend in advance to do such a job, you’ll have the ability to name many of the Auckland backpackers and see if they have any vacancies. Some solely ask for 2 hours of labor daily (14 hours a week), and a smaller place asks for more quiet duties. These forms of jobs are very handy for those who search for jobs in Auckland and don’t want to spend money on the lodging while doing it. And when you’re solely requested two hours of work each day, you presumably can even combine it with a job !

by Gaspard Buffet
26/02/ :forty nine:08 PMGaspard Buffet Work in backpackers in change for accommodation

Me and my Brother Dan labored a seasonal job proper down south close to Gore.
We received the job as a outcome of I wrote up a small advert and put it up in the village store while we have been on the lookout for different jobs. I didnt count on to pay attention to something again however a couple of days later I received a call from a beautiful couple who owned a cattle farm.

Our duties were to heard cattle on motorbikes which was such satifying fun! It was a large farm of around 2000 acres so we could possibly be shifting cattle at a time pretty big distances and naturally when coping with dwelling animals they dont at all times go the greatest way you propose for them so it was all good enjoyable making an attempt to round up the one that jumped the fence and began trotting down the road entertainly the locals greatly.

One time however I was hurtling down an enormous long bank, on the Honda 200 Bushlander bike i used to be using, chasing a quite fast-paced calf that had damaged away from the mob. Tearing down the hill I had totally forgotten in regards to the pit in the floor…That was untill I fell into it. The bike crashed right down to the bottom of the pit and I carried on hurtling forward only to be met by a couple of old posts that broke my momentum but also took a good dose of skin off my proper leg.

The farmer additionally had a light-weight aircraft so a couple of times when there way a burst water pipe on the farm hed take us up within the plane and wed try to get your hands on the spray of the water not to mention having a little play with the controls in the meanwhile.

There was a trout river close by so in our spare time wed go down and pull out a fish or two and eat it on our camping range.

That one month was the one most enjoyable Ive had in a working experience and the three weeks which have handed since making my way back up north have left me with a contact of unhappiness however fond memorys.

Mat Walker,

From Worcestershire, UK

About Gore

by Mat Walker
18/02/2011 eight:fifty one:18 PMMat Walker heard cattle on motorbikes

Hi!
My name is Nis and I am travelling by way of New Zealand in a Van along with my sister since mid of December. At home in Germany we obtained a Working Holiday Visa in the internet and planned to do some harvest work right here in New Zealand. We started in Auckland, made our means down south and took the ferry to the South Island between Christmas and New Year.
When we arrived in Wanaka we began on the lookout for jobs because we had been running out of cash. The first job offer we got was on a Berry Farm near city, the place we picked raspberries for two days. But as a end result of it was only some hours a day and never daily we still applied for other harvest jobs in the Central Otago region. In the web I ship a Mail to the PickNZ workplace in Alexandra, a few hours later we obtained the phone name and with it a job on a cherry orchard in Lowburn close to Cromwell. We ought to start a few days later so we nonetheless hat time to discover the attractive region.
On Monday the 9.1. we arrived on the cherry farm in the morning and got launched to the sorting of cherries in the pack home. We needed to type the incoming cherries in three categories: All perfect cherries were export high quality, all cherries with little scratches or steam less had been home and all the remainder of rotten and squeezed cherries have been thrown into the rubbish bucket. It was plenty of rubbish due to the rain in the final days.
We had been payed by each bucket that we emptied. On our first days sorting we thought we could by no means get faster and we would not make any cash here at all. But after a quantity of days we may already double our number of buckets. It is wonderful how you can improve your expertise and pace in sorting simply by training, doing it many times.
For three days I did another job within the pack home. Because one of the bucket boys, who carry full unsorted and rubbish buckets was absent I did his job which was a very new experience. Instead of standing around and only moving my palms I needed to do really onerous work now. Although I liked this kind of challenge I went back to sorting after the three days largely because of extra money that I could earn with this.
My sister and I slept in our Van on the massive tenting floor on the farm where all the workers lived. It was a very good neighborhood and after we all received to know one another it was onerous to say goodbye and move in several directions after the season completed. After the final day we had a lunch together with a conventional Maori hangi. It was actually declicious. Now we’re within the Hawkes Bay area and on the lookout for work again. Probably we will pick apples quickly. We are wanting ahead to all the good people we are going to get to know here!

Whats a Hangi?

by Nis
17/02/ :17:46 PMNis Traditional Maori hangi

I truly have been engaged on a cherry farm in Cromwell for 3 weeks. Fortune Fruit was its name and it was indeed furtunate for me to get a job there.
I had utilized within the internet, more out of enjoyable and nothing else to do. Some hours later I obtained a cellphone call and I had the job. Great!
So the following weeks were spent sorting cherries into export quality, home and garbage. It micht sound kinda boring, nevertheless it wasnt really. You could take heed to music, talk to other individuals and eat as many cherries as you appreciated.
The atmosphere was nice as well! Nobody put strain on you, if not yourself, because you had been paid by contract and not hourly. People have been really pleasant to each other and did even heop the slower sorters to complete their last bucket befoer break, after they had accomplished theirs already.
Additionally when the working day was lengthy (usually it started at 8:30am and completed between three:00pm and 5:00pm), the supervisor gave some goodies to us to maintain up the motivation.
Like all the opposite staff I was staying at a campsite on the farm. I was sleeping in a van, but there was a really properly geared up kitchen and, after all, sanitaries. After some time it was nearly as if you were staying together with your huge household. You obtained to know the opposite workers really well and had plenty of fun together! Also there have been lots of issues to do with cherries – baking pies, pancakes, jam, fruit salad… and plenty of competitions in spitting cherry pits have been held ;). I am really gonna miss that time and all the nice people!
All in all it was a fantastic experience and despite the precise fact that it was onerous work, I loved each minute and would have beloved to stay longer!

Visit Fortune Fruit Website

Lake Dunstan Cromwell

Lake Dunstan Photos

by Martje Nehmiz
15/02/2011 9:23:10 PM

Martje Nehmiz Fortune Fruit and spitting cherry pits competitions

When I obtained to Whangamata, I had this meeting for a portray tattoo job. I ended up washiing dishes at Sands Café.
First of all, I discovered a great accomodation, Barbaras BBH backpackers, one minute from the beach and only 100 dollars a week. With that, and all the young people within the streets, I wanted to get a job there and nowhere else. So after I realised that my tattoo portray job wasnt going to get me any money, I printed some CVs and walked down the main avenue, stopping in every shop asking for a job. The problem was that, in the middle of summer season, most of the locations had all of the workers they needed. I was beginning to unfastened religion after I walked on this huge, good place with a summer colored name : Sands Café. I requested to talk to the manager, mentioned I was on the lookout for a job, and right here I was, hired to wash the dishes and assist around. I did my first days in a spot busy as hell, so busy that in the future a hurried colleague closed the door of the enormous freezer with out noticing that I was nonetheless incide… Got me a free half an hour break. Anyway, I was getting money, and, best of all, had free lunches on my breaks. I spent a month there, working with a pleasant, energetic staff, and I only left when all of the tourists went back house, returning Whangamata to its quiet rythm.
When I think about my work expertise in Whangamata, its as one of the best places in New Zealand to get a summer job. If you get there in early december youll discover a job for sure, and dont miss Barbaras BBH backpackers on Beverly Terrace, ideal to meet people, and a rock throw from the seaside !

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by Gaspard Buffet
12/02/2011 9:fifty three:20 PMGaspard Buffet When I obtained to Whangamata…

Our first full day in Gisborne was devoted to looking for work. It was a bit discouraging at first, as not one of the vineyards want workers, however we finally stopped in to a citrus orchard where a man referred to as Murray mentioned he had oranges to choose. The orchard surrounds his major enterprise, which is a timber haulage company. The citrus is hardly how he makes his dwelling, it seems extra like a bit of extra pocket money for him, however we’re sure glad he has it. He’s been really good to us. He’s allow us to camp in his orchard (complete with a sizzling shower, a sink to clean our dishes in, and internet) since then. We’ve spent the week selecting his organic tangelos.

I might romanticize it…

They’re the most wonderful fruits. A cross between mandarins and oranges, they’re the sweetest, juiciest items of citrus I’ve ever skilled. We’re allowed to assist ourselves to as many as we like, whilst working beneath the springtime sunshine. The orange blossoms are actually aromatic and smell wonderful. From our ladders we will see vineyards and farms stretching for miles, with mountains in the background. Every at times we come throughout a birds nest with fairly blue eggs or new child babies, and do our best to not disturb them. Tom’s been having enjoyable learning how to drive the tractor/forklift.

Or I may complain…

The sacks we fill get actually heavy, so we’re both getting again ache. The branches scrape your arms and legs except you’re carrying jeans and long sleeves, and then it gets too sizzling. The leaves and oranges that I thought have been coated in dirt are literally lined in shit. Literally. It’s the poo of tiny white bugs (an invasive species from Australia) that look far too small to go away much of something behind, however because there’s bazillions of them it begins to add up. They’re not the one bugs within the trees. I did properly to not fall off my ladder the first time a cockroach scurried across my arm. They’re harmless, unlike the occasional wasp with a nest, however they’re still not pleasant. In the middle of the afternoon the solar becomes unbearably hot. We’re still unsure how much cash we’re making. We get paid by the kilo, but we’re not sure how much, or what number of kilos we’ve picked, so we’re trusting Murray to pay us decently for an extended week of labor.

The actuality is someplace in between…

We’re happy to have work. We’ve began choosing each morning, taking a protracted break and swimming/surfing in the course of the warmth of the day, after which coming back to work when the evenings begin to cool down. Fortunately, we both have mums who have taught us to work actually hard, and I even have the added motivation of wanting to get again to Michigan for my finest friends’ wedding in August, and that’s sufficient to keep us grateful for the work. Having a spot to bathe and camp for free is a good bonus, and weve been making friends with some of Murrays different workers.

For pictures of us in the orchard, please visit

by Katie Mae
7/12/2010 7:57:55 PM

Katie Mae I might romanticize it…

I first heard of going to New Zealand for work, a couple of months earlier than my graduation (at a type of a fair, of what to do after graduation). I thought it sounded attention-grabbing, so me and my boyfriend decided to go to New Zealand for a year working after our commencement in Sweden. First we got here to Auckland and spent a few days there. Since we’re a part of I.E.P., they obtained us the working vacation visa they usually additionally helped us with getting an IRD number.

When we received bored with Auckland we decided to begin out traveling for some time first, till the fruit picking season would start. With Stray, we traveled down south and ended up in Wanaka. We liked it, and selected trying to find work right here. We heard that the vineyard work was quickly to begin, so while waiting for that we labored for accommodation at a place we discovered via WWOOF. We got the advice of going to the Job Agency, and so we did. After a couple of minutes talking, we got a job at a vineyard the next day. At the vineyard we received to peel of the sprouts from the steam for six hours and then doing another thing for two hours. Unfortunately, the job was only for that day. Apparently the interval of winery work was over, although we had heard that it was nearly to begin.

We applied for a bunch of jobs, but didn’t really get that much response. We tried strolling in to stores and coffee shops and such, simply handing out our resumes. Everyone just mentioned that “it’s quite right now, wait till December”. So we waited.
Now we are staying at x-base, working three hours a day for a ten mattress dorm. It’s all right, just doing simple cleansing. We tried doing the same factor in Auckland at Base, but that was just horrible. Four hours for a 25 greenback dorm. Four hectic hours of complaining bosses. Here it’s more relaxed and our bosses are great.

We also each managed to get a job at New World. Just unpacking stuff, for thirteen dollars an hour. At first, our schedule said ten hours a day, five days every week. We tried that, combined with the three hours at X-Base, for simply one day. Then realized that 13 hours a day was method an extreme quantity of. Since we wished to remain at X-Base, in addition to working at New World, they had been nice sufficient to chop our work days down to eight hours.

I am glad to have found these jobs. Everyone at both working locations are really nice and like it. Though it’s a bit onerous generally working 11 hours most days, it’s nonetheless value it, saving up some cash in order that we can do some extra traveling with out money issues.

by Clara Markus
7/12/2010 7:fifty six:41 PM

Clara Markus I thought it sounded attention-grabbing

Hi, my name is Anna, I´m from Germany and that is my story about my New Zealand journey 🙂
We started in August 2009 with planning. One of my huge hobbies is making photos and I assume that there is not any better country for excellent shots. I labored 3 years for a dentist and after that time ( I completed in June 2010) I wanted to do one thing particular, something nobody else can steal me after the 10 month I wished to take. My boyfriend was additionally prepared with college so we decided to travel collectively. For me it was and is great to have somebody to speak with, but there are individuals all the best way so you’ve at all times somebody to talk and to snicker.
We had to get a working vacation visum, the one downside was, that we did not have a creditcard and that is neccessary if you applie for that within the internet. For our luck we both stay close to frankfurt and there’s a great store called “Australia-shop”. We stuffed out a paper, payed eighty euro (ca a hundred and sixty nz $) and the man who labored there despatched it to the embassy in Berlin. After about 5 weeks we appeared in our postbox and – shock – there were our visas 🙂
We booked the whole journey (flight, accomodation for the first 4 nights, wwoofing membership and so forth.) at the Sprachcaffe in Frankfurt. Thats an organisation and so they helped us with every query we had ( hopefully also in the future, we’ll stay till June 2011…)
On August 30. we began our journey at Frankfurt Airport at 10 pm. I was very exited and adrenalin rushed by way of my veins. I suppose my boyfriend ( his name is Sebastian by the finest way 🙂 was in the same mood. Our parents took us to the gate and I was very pleased cause my three best friends have been also at my aspect, that was an excellent feeling and gave me some peace.Then my personal nightmare began. We started on the Frankfurt Airport and had a 6 hours flight to Dubai. Then we had to wait there for three hours (Starbucks saved my life) and after that we had an 18 hours flight to Sidney. I suppose i watched every film on this f****** aircraft cause I didnt discover any sleep. After another hour in sidney we had a 2 half of hour flight to auckland and I was unimaginable happy when i saw the 2 islands, that was most likely top-of-the-line moments in my life 🙂
Like I told we had the first 4 nights booked by the organisation in a hostel known as base. We have been in a room with 2 bunk beds and no windows so after that 4th evening we have been happy to leave… But we may do some important things like opening a checking account on the kiwi financial institution which was really easy and making an ird quantity. The most important factor for us was to buy a automotive. We went to Doro and Darren in Takanini. Its a German woman and a Kiwi mechanic and so they promote cars to backpackers with buy back possibility which is a superb deal. We are actually here since 6 weeks and we now have our Mitsubishi since 5 weeks and we like it. Its an absolutely secure automobile with none issues….
One week after we landed in Auckland we drove to Ahipara, thats near to Kaitaia, immediately on the ninety miles beach. There is a Backpacker known as Endless Summer Lodge and its a fully lovely place. Anna, one of the owners, is the daughter of a good friend of sebastians granddad, so she supplied us to work there and get an accomodation. We needed to make the beds, cleaning the kitchen, assist in the garden and so forth…In our free time we tried to surf, I assume it appeared very funny, however it made plenty of fun 🙂 It was a nice time and I am very glad about that. We additionally went to Cape Reinga, a very mystic place for the Maori and to the kauri forrest the place we visited Tane Mahuta, the largest kauri in new zealand (there are also kiwis within the evening…)
Actually we’re near at Wellington in Levin. We went yesterday to the Wellington Zoo and it was absolutely beautiful. There is a kiwi known as Tahi. It has just one leg trigger it stepped in a falle and lost its leg. But Tahi bounced round and looked realy pleased… There can be a house called The Nest were you’ll be able to watch some Doctors working unwell animals. I by no means noticed something like that and it was very very attention-grabbing for me.
So, really we’re at Levin at a Farm name blueberry art. We will begin tomorrow with wwoofing and i´m very excited nevertheless it seems to be a very nice place with some sheeps and alpakas, blueberrys and nuttrees. I love new zealand, its an excellent place to be and im joyful that there are 8 month left for me 🙂
if there are any questions please ask me 🙂
or comply with us on loggel.com
/lifelogs/Sebastian/Reisebericht–Anna-und-Sebastian-in-Neuseeland/ by Anna Jakob
3/11/ :fifty one:forty six AM

Anna Jakob My New Zealand journey 🙂

Well I am from Mexico, a small town referred to as Guanajuato many of the Revolutionary history relies on here, or started here, you can test it out on Wikipedia: /wiki/Guanajuato , nicely every little thing started in January 2009, I needed to go someplace to expertise one thing completely different from what my entire life was once, on an everyday basis simply learning and to be honest I’ve never worked in my life, nicely I did some works with some household and stuff but never all by myself, well I heard someplace that there was some work-visa for New Zealand and likewise for Australia, these where the locations the place I wanted to go at first, I was between those two locations, after two weeks of pondering I finally determined to go New Zealand, I did jumped online to /migrant/stream/work/ and I discovered that there the place just 200 locations yearly, and I determined to use the day the place they where going to be released, this present day was 21 March 2009, I quickly applied for the working holiday visa for Mexicans. After 3 or 4 days I received an e-mail saying that I wanted to ship my medical certificates and some other stuff to find a way to be chosen for the visa.
By this second 4 of my pals informed me that they where going to return along with me and we the place all planning to leave Mexico on the finish of the 12 months in November 2009. The months previous away and after the time I was all on my own, they where all retreated from the travelling, I wasn’t going to stop on this journey, so I decided to leave all my pals and my girlfriend back residence in Mexico in November of 2009.

I lastly arrived in Auckland New Zealand, after making some connections in the airport of Los Angeles, USA. I really didn’t wish to stay in Auckland because it was very massive, so I determined at first to take a nice sizzling shower, I obtained into X base Auckland central, and a slept my first evening in there, I awoke within the morning and I travelled to Wellington, no bus, no flight, just hitchhiking, it took me the entire day it wasn’t that simple to catch a journey as a outcome of it was raining that day, I really hated that day. I received into Wellington city, is really nice by the way should you get to come back to New Zealand you can’t simply go by, you want to get to know Wellington city, I decided that this city was going to be the place where I needed to remain. It was kind of hard for an individual that never labored in his life to discover a job, to be sincere I had to lie somewhat in my cv. After three weeks of in search of online, and on the streets in all places I got a job as a cleaner, I was cleaning places of work, gyms, and so forth. It was sort of a lonely job and also it was in the course of the nights but I earned good money for almost 3 months, I decided to go all the means down to the south island to the vineyards in Canterbury, I labored for four extra months after which I determined it was about time to relax and journey, I journey across the south island, Christchurch, Queenstown, Milford Sound, etc, many places, that took me two weeks in the south island, then I came back to the north island, travelling all hitchhiking and all by myself, finally in July 2010 i decided it was time to go back house, my girlfriend was waiting for me, and I actually missed her, it was actually tough for me to depart her again in Mexico, and whereas I was in New Zealand I wanted to talk to her almost everyday, not just because she needed to, it’s as a end result of I needed to, but we made it.. In my method back home I stopped for 20 days to journey and loosen up in Fiji islands, it was really nice and warm after being all year in a chilly place like New Zealand, it was a extremely good experience, it was lonely however I matured as a person and I realized many issues, when you haven’t determined to journey to New Zealand and you’re studying this, don’t miss the prospect you’ll not neglect, it’s a troublesome work and sometimes you’ll want to return and be house, sleeping tight and consuming superbly but you learn many things after a journey like this.. Good luck

by Daniel Diaz Tazzer
25/10/2010 2:51:fifty two AM

Daniel Diaz Tazzer Well I am from Mexico…

I had been planning my hole year since I was ten years old, and if I could have dropped out of Primary School then and travelled I definitely would have. Looking again now, these next eight years of school after which college flew by. Everyone around me began to choose Universities and programs they wished to check after summer time break, seeing this as the obvious next step in their lives. But not me, I knew I was free. I had been caught in the identical town and School since I was three years old and it was time to see the world.
The idea of travelling to New Zealand (NZ) had been stuck in my head since I was young, due to a family pal having moved there. She was working for the Department of Conservation (DOC) in Turangi, and her partner ran the Tongariro Natural History Society (TNHS) in the same building. All I knew was that both their jobs involved working within the outdoor, and that was me hooked. I utilized for a place with TNHS, and after being accepted set about applying for a working vacation visa.
A working holiday visa for NZ can last as long as 23 months, although you probably can really solely work for 12 of these months. I utilized online for mine via STA Travel, and acquired it within weeks. I also booked my flights and travel insurance coverage with them too. In current years I have used Flight Centre to e-book all my flights, as they completely search for the most affordable offers.
When choosing journey insurance, be positive to observe what you need it to cowl. NZ is filled with journey activities corresponding to sky diving, bungee leaping and white water rafting. Basic journey insurance covers grade three white water, so when you injure yourself on a grade five river you can not claim. Travel insurance coverage may be expensive, however is actually necessary.
After 4 months in Ethiopia with a good friend, I flew to NZ, arriving in Auckland airport at the finish of December. That first notion of being on your own is crazy, after eighteen years of being told what to do after which suddenly it’s all as much as you. Fight or flight. I remember feeling fairly pleased with myself once I found the Airbus that went direct to Auckland city centre, and stopped exterior the backpackers I had booked into. (It was actually the one mode of transport into the town apart from a taxi)!
If in doubt with something in an airport, just ask at airport data or tourist data as there are heaps of employees around to assist, and they are perfect at coping with folks new to travelling and airports.
On the bus my body began to crash from lack of sleep, as I tried to concentrate on the sights and sounds of Auckland. I had been flying for twenty one thing hours and had not slept a lot, but fortunately I didn’t have to attend long for my cease.
There is an abundance of backpackers, hotels and motels in Auckland, trying online shows all kinds of places to stay who cater for all your required wants. Popular chains around NZ include Base Backpackers and YHA, each offering low cost cards and nightly occasions for affordable costs. Last 12 months I had the pleasure of escorting my sister to NZ, and our flight arrived in Auckland at the ridiculous time of 12.30 at night time. I looked for a backpackers near the airport, and found the Skyway Lodge. I emailed them upfront, and they had been pleased to select us up even though it was late.
Upon checking in on the backpackers, I discovered that I had left my passport on the bus…”oh ****”, what an fool. I frantically phoned Airbus’s office and the airport police in a frantic try to search out it, but to no avail. It was New Year’s Eve and in all places was in celebration mode, so instead of freaking out I determined to only float and managed to befriend some kiwi women to go consuming with. I hung around in Auckland for a number of days after that trying to find my passport, but with limited places to look and the probability of it containing a model new photograph of a supposed me; I jumped on an Intercity bus to Turangi.
Turangi is the trout fishing capital of New Zealand, or so the sign claims, (suspiciously the town of Gore states the same). The Rough Guide to New Zealand says that it “is a small, flat and characterless place”, and I guess it may be to the untrained eye, however I love Turangi. I spent just over three months there tramping round its bush, conserving its wildlife and swimming in the glacial river. A particular should do is stroll the hour long round observe round lake Rotopounamu, at the base of Mount Pihanga . TNHS volunteers have made this piece of bush what it is right now by working onerous to eradicate international predators, and maintaining native bird numbers up.
I did ultimately get my passport back, and felt very guilty about making assumptions about it being stolen. Not each country is made from bandits! It happened days after arriving in Turangi and since I had not had any luck in those first few days, I had cancelled it and began making preparations to get an emergency one. (This can all simply be accomplished online or by telephone, do not panic)! Literally a couple of hours later, a PC Bradley from the Auckland airport police phoned TNHS (after phoning my dad and mom within the UK their 2am) and mentioned it had been handed in and what address to send it on to. It gave my parents quite a shock as I had not really advised them concerning the passport drama, and having the NZ police cellphone randomly in the course of the night time can’t have been very comforting. Oops lesson learnt, fortunately everybody saw the funny side.
For travellers I would say Turangi could be extra of a short stop off, than a spot to stay with it being solely half an hour away from Taupo. The Mustard Seed Cafe makes a great lunch stop, and the Liquorice Cafe (just exterior of Turangi on the Taupo side), does a tremendous iced coffee. For a bit extra journey, contact the Tongariro River rafting office.
Turangi is located in the Tongariro National Park, and from the town you possibly can carry on to National Park, Whakapapa and Mountains Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe (Mount Doom, Lord of the Rings). A should do for walkers is the Tongariro crossing, and for many who are additional keen, a jaunt up the scree that is Ngauruhoe is fun if just for the slide again down!
TNHS’s season ended at the beginning of April, and I found myself on an Intercity bus to Taihape in search of River Valley: I was to be their new bar lady.
River Valley is located a forty minute drive out of Taihape, which proves troublesome to get to when you arrive with no automobile. Luckily the day I arrived a member of staff was in town getting fuel as the staff assured me I would have been left there till something from city was required! The Kiwi Experience bus additionally stops there nightly.
River Valley is a giant lodge nestled at the bottom of a lush, green valley, with the mighty Rangitikei flowing via. It is a beautiful, serene place with a fantastic vibe: an ideal distinction of rest and journey.
White water rafting was a model new concept to me entirely; I had not seen a lot grade 5 white water earlier than then. The first time I mentally ready myself for rafting, we obtained midway up to a lookout level and discovered the river was too high for our trip to be adjured secure, and we had to abort. The second trip was higher as we truly received the rafts into the river, however the water degree was really low. I remember thinking rafting was not likely all that, even ‘boring’ might have crossed my mind. It was definitely third time lucky for me, and this trip utterly nullified my earlier ideas. The river had risen to a very substantial stage, and on the bottom of a somewhat ‘extreme’ rapid our raft was caught on a rock and another raft ploughed into and excessive of the bow. Literally a minute earlier than a pal had asked if I wanted to swap places, and the place that had doomed to be mine was now empty, and people have been in the water, cavorting downstream. I just sat there staring at the emptiness, vaguely listening to our information Darryn yelling back paddle. Now I am addicted!
River Valley has been within the press so much recently, for an incident that occurred a couple of years in the past. The guides are extremely educated, however it is an adventurous activity and there are clearly parts of risk that happen, particularly in Grade 5 white water. On a lighter observe the Rangitikei is an incredible river to expertise, and the gorge it winds by way of holds stunning New Zealand fauna and flora with the extra particular alternative of possibly recognizing a deer or pig. There aren’t many rafting corporations arranged in such a method that you simply finish on the lodge, and are in a position to jump straight into a hot bathe.
Everyone has their own unique memories of River Valley, mine were positively the folks. I met some wonderful pals from all around the world who I truly have gone on to work, reside, celebration and even fall in love with.
From the Rangitikei River I went to Mount Ruapehu, and slept on a friend’s floor for a quantity of months and attempted learning to snowboard. Ruapehu opens its doorways for the ski season round June/July, and remains open till early Spring providing many job alternatives. Many avid snow orientated travellers work in leases, operate the ski lifts, serve in its cafes and even educate folks to ski and board. Both the north and south islands have ski fields, and are at all times on the lookout for workers, and even every so often offering visas to those that maintain returning.
As summer time approached and the snow melted, I decided to observe some raft guides to the south island and the Rangitata River, which runs via Peel Forest. The village of Peel Forest is about a two hour drive from Christchurch, turning off at Ashburton or a twenty minute drive from Geraldine should you come up from the south. The highway in is flanked by farm land, area upon field of cattle, sheep deer and swede. The village is a consecutive line of homes often interrupted by a native tree, with the Musterer’s Bar and Cafe on the centre, which can additionally be the native retailer.
Driving additional on you reach the underside of Little Mount Peel, and the start of an array of lovely walks. A primary purpose for people visiting Peel Forest is for its DOC walking tracks, which vary in length and problem from a half hour stroll to find Peel Forests “Big Tree”, to a six hour hike up Little Mount Peel and back. Doc also owns a large campground near the river, which is open from late August to April.
Other outside actions in Peel Forest include horse trekking, and white water rafting. White water rafting on the Rangitata River is a really totally different experience from the mighty Rangitikei. The Rangitikei is low quantity and technical, where as the Rangitata is excessive volume grade 5. Meaning it would not matter what the river circulate, the Rangitata always has two grade 5 rapids. It also holds the longest grade 5 white water fast in New Zealand, which fits by the name of ‘the pinch’. Expect motion packed, and yes, you’ll get wet!
I left New Zealand initially of winter that year, and headed back home. Two years later and I am back once more, I missed the relaxed lifestyle, infinite rainforests and mountain ranges an extreme amount of. What began for me as a travelling journey has became a way of life; New Zealand will at all times hold a special place and a home for me.

by Sarah Kate Ferry
14/05/2010 eight:29:11 PM

Sarah Kate Ferry ~New Zealand has no bandits and the relaxed life-style is second to none~

Hi, my name is Jan Mencner and I am from the Czech Republic.We decided with my girlfriend Nela to explore New Zealand, becouse, according to us, it’s very wonderful nation with stunning nature and nice people…

We departed from the Czech republic in october 2009 and we made one month journey in Thailand. After arrival we had booked the Ponsonby Backpacker. We have used the shuffle bus from airport, which may take you door to door for one-time payment 25 dollars per particular person.

I was attempting to choose on my financial institution thorougly for couple of days and at last the ANZ financial institution received, becouse this financial institution has the biggest network of branches and cashmachines. You pay only 5 dollars monthly charge and that’s it! No additional fees! It is something unimaginable in the Czech republic! Great

Next step was to buy a automotive. We made an enormous journey (it was extra like Great Walk) round Auckland to get some good reliable automotive (not a lemon, like couple of our friends) – but every thing was so old with scary milage and for large money! Crazy! Finally we’ve been saved by carmarket in Elerslie. We have been looking for one thing good from early morning, but we had been disappointed until midday – in this moment we were approached by one car tout that he apparently has good van exactly for us.

This good automotive was Nissan Serena 2.0 petrol 4WD, however there wasn´t a bed – but we´ve been informed by seller it’s not a problem to do it – so we had to wait till next day…. We checked the automotive and we did the test drive – every little thing seemed to be alright so we paid a deposit. The vendor brought us our new Nissan subsequent day to a backpacker, already with bulit-in mattress inside.

Today, 6 months later, i’ve to say the car is still awesome – there weren´t any problems! So, nice technical condition, 1995, 3rd proprietor for 4.000 bucks! However we got a lesson – november is the worst month to purchase a automotive – becouse every little thing is so costly and solely few vehicles on sale!

After one week what we’ve spent in Ackland we scooped path to Hastings. We were expecting ubiquitous indicators: We want workers! – but we have been disenchanted. There was nothing! We were attempting to name everywhere and we’ve tried to seek out one thing on web as well… So, lastly we found a job on Mr. Apple´s orchard in Waipawa. We have been thinning apples – it was fairly good job, we´ve been residing in comapny´s camp in orchard (by the way in which, the camp is awesome!) and we received quite well paid… We´ve been satisfied anyway

Closely to x-mass thinning was terminated and we went to the north… We were questioning about that long time, becouse everyone wished to go to the south island – and we (we – it means me, Nela and our new fried Tomas from camp) went to the north paradoxically, as a result of it seemed to us could be crowded there on the south island…

We began to work in Kerikeri in the center of January and we´ve been thinning kiwifruits – i must recommend this, it is cool job You are within the shade all day beneath the kiwifruit bush – and – you don´t have to make use of the ladder!!

We returned to Waipawa in early March – there was beginning the apple choosing. We´ve been working for hourly wage first week and every little thing was fantastic. But subsequent couple of weeks had been crazy! We´ve been paid just for rely of bins we’ve accomplished, and there have been a days, when we have accomplished just one bin for forty bucks, becouse there have been no apples!! It was fourth choose of royal gala variety… And we said: „Stop!“ in the moment, once we had solely 100 dollars every on our payslips for every week of onerous work! By legislation the company is obliged to pay each employee the minimal wage, and no quantities of bins! Its very unhappy, however i can´t suggest this copany for the picking!

Almost all employees stop like we and went to a unique elements of this stunning country. And now, we are working in packhouse for hourly wage and we are satisfied

Some tips from me:

There is an issue to get the automotive insurance for backpackers. AA offers a advantageous merchandise just for residents and other corporations are related. But we found this: /default.aspx?pid=15

You can extend your working vacation visa for one more 3 months with no problem…

When you put your automobile to the service simply keep there with mechanic. It happend to us – we paid for wheel alignment and mechanics didn´t do that! We had to tell to boss it, he examined the car personally – he came upon is is true and after they fastened it!

We can also suggest to buy AC/DC transmitter, which you will be able to connect instead the automobile fighter – it is good to have a czech plug for laptop computer or cellphone charging.

by Nela Popiolkova
26/04/2010 6:38:32 AM

Nela Popiolkova New Zealand’s got low-cost banks!!

Hi everyone! I wish to share my Working Holiday experience in Kiwi Land as properly.
My name is Agnese and I’m from Latvia (in case you don’t know where it is – Europe, Baltic States, between Estonia and Lithuania, with stunning capital city called Riga; No, we aren’t part of Russia anymore and Yes, we do have our personal language – Latvian). The Working Holiday Scheme with New Zealand opened only in March, 2009, so – for us it’s a reasonably new thing, but I’m pleased to know that more and more Latvians are making use of for it and going for this lifetime journey.

I think getting a Working Holiday Visa (if your nation has such factor with NZ) is kind of the same – fairly easy. You just go to Immigration Service net page – and follow directions: fill the applying kind, try to persuade Immigration Service that you just haven’t done dangerous things in previous (in a meaning – testify you haven’t been in a jail or something), might need to go see a physician and get a Temporary Entry X-ray Certificate, wait for while till Visa is permitted (for me it took 2 weeks, as I truly have heard for others – only three days), avoid wasting money, get flight tickets and here you go – welcome to New Zealand. Easy – peasy, however it’s simply the beginning…

Then comes all the arrangements and typically complicated you-need-to-do-this-and-this relating to discovering a piece, place to live and truly beginning to work. If your monetary state of affairs allows, then I would suggest that you simply do some traveling first after which find a place to calm down for some time somewhat than doing the opposite method around. Sometimes you’ll have the ability to stuck in one place for a protracted time and afterwards really feel sorry that your precious time here on this nation starts to expire, however there may be still so much to see and do.

But when you start to look for a work there are two things that you want to do first – get bank account and IRD quantity. There are some ways how are you going to get these 2 things (it relies upon when you have already a sort of ‘permanent’ place to stay and a pair of international ID’s – passport, worldwide driver’s license or international ID card). I had solely my passport, so I went to BNZ, gave them address of my hostel the place I was staying at that second, deposit some cash, opened checking account and requested them handy out a statement of my current tackle. With this statement I went to nearest Inland Revenue Service, filled software form and after 2 weeks acquired my IRD number. If you want to comprehend it quicker, you’ll find a way to name them and ask for it on the telephone.

Regarding discovering a work…well there is not a super-duper/overall advice, sometimes it takes time, persistence and dedication and generally just a little bit of luck. So far I have labored in two places and the ways how I discovered them are fairly reverse. I was on South Island and went to Christchurch which is the biggest metropolis there, so it should be easy to discover a work there, right? But the thing is that there are actually thousands of different travelers that think the same way, lots of them are heading to Christchurch for that reason. And then there are college students, who look for summer season jobs as properly, so competition is sort of high. But it depends what sort of work you’re in search of and what sort of expertise you have already got. The main vacancies are in tourism and hospitality sector and usually they ask for skilled staff. I didn’t have any relevant experience, so it was onerous for me to search out anything. At the tip (after some 2 weeks) I discovered a piece as a housekeeper, however it was solely a part time job, so I didn’t save a lot of cash. But I nonetheless had a great time and don’t have any regrets. The second work was in orchard – cherry selecting. To get this work I didn’t do anything, well… except one telephone name. I was heading to Alexandra to look for a fruit picking work, I referred to as to e-book a bed at one of the hostels known as Marj’s place. The owner – Marj started to ask me out what I’m going to do in Alexandra. I defined that I wish to perform a little little bit of touring first after which discover a fruit picking work. And then she mentioned that by the point I get to Alexandra she’s going to find me work in some of orchards. And that’s the way it really was – after traveling around the bottom of South Island, I went to Alexandra and was in a position to start work the subsequent day. Thanks Marj. So, as you’ll find a way to see there are lots of eventualities about discovering a piece in New Zealand.

And there are many ways tips on how to search for a job – job companies, community info boards (usually in supermarkets), web, local newspapers, just walk in and ask (must warn that generally it could get very miserable to hear “No, thanks. We don’t need anyone at this moment� for the 57th time), but for the most effective results you must attempt all of them.

That’s my expertise up to now. Now I’m in Picton in search of a job again. Nice city, however not so much work opportunities, especially when the season is starting to end. But it’s going to be nice, at the end it all the time is. Somehow it actually works out. Good luck!

by Agnese Mukstina
16/03/2010 1:15:27 AM

Agnese Mukstina Tips from Latvia…yes not Russia 😉

My name is Jan and I want to let you know my story.
All it began in Czech Republic where I truly have lived since I was born.
I all the time wished to get to know country of the lord of the ring
or also nation where lives extra sheeps than individuals.:]

Even extra there was an advantage of having summer twice a 12 months.
So this all make my determination to go there.
My flight began in Vienna and I got here to Auckland after two days
When one night time I spend in luxurious hotel arranged by my Flight firm.
It was really luxury stage before come back to actuality

After that Ive obtained to the fact
Just like that I have been in overseas country with a really heavy backpack
and no booked accommodation for an evening.
What more… there was actually expensive bus to the Auckland downtown .
Later I have found out that for this value u might pay half approach to Hastings.
So question is why I actually have a feeling that that is type of taking half in with people
who dont have some other chance to get to town.

So anyway lets move on
After two weeks I bought car cause in the city
was almost no chance to get a job for me and solely chance to remain
with an money is going to do seasonal jobs.
Which was much more easier to search out with a car.

Lately I received call that if I have obtained car
I was going to get a job
And that was how I discovered my first job.
Thinning apples was my first expertise that
earning maney can be that simple as it was addressed in a lot traveling agencies
After that experience I had a many similiar jobs the place most necessary
was have two fast arms, sturdy shoulders and been in a place to do same
kind of shifting entire day.

Also I would like to say that sometimes it’s onerous to work for an constractors
How u should take these folks seriously when they are not paying u appropriately,
forgeting about hours,names and when u have labored.
Offen additionally happends that they dont need u for complete week even u are asking them.
And later youll get to know that they got here to your backpacker and requested
just for asian people.
Kind of discrimination?

Now I am staying in Hasting and guess what I do choosing apples job.
Like a most of people in this time.

So in the lengthy run if u are serious about going to New Zealand.
I would really helpful it.
It is beatifull nation with so much to indicate.
But just be certain that if u want to do backpacking and earn some money
during touring it might not be simple and sometimes u perhaps wouldnt
discover a job.

Good luck with discovering right job!!

by Jan Kucera
1/03/ :26:forty four PM

Jan Kucera First Job Thinning Apples…

Hi Everyone.
We have an interesting story for backpackers in New Zealand, looking for a job. We started traveling a few months earlier than we went to New Zealand. Weve had contact wtih the ambassy about a working permit. Its the simplest to use for a working visum when you are in New Zealand! You can do two things. The first is making use of online @ /migrant/stream/work/workingholiday/. Very straightforward, but what we discovered easier and is faster is the second choice. We went to the nearest immigration office, search for your nearest workplace at /Administration/SupportPages/contact.htm. You will need three issues: your pasport, a id-photo of yourself and a few money (about NZD) and you’ll wish to make a photocopy of your pasport because the immigration workplace will hold it for two working days. Youll should fill in an software type, one for the country of your residence and thats it! Two days later you probably can decide up your pasport and visa, or they’ll ship it to you in case you have an tackle.
Then we started in search of a job. But nowadays it is extremely exhausting to find a job! Students from uni have holidays so they may have all of the unskilled jobs. Because of the recession (Asia goes bad and they have a great influence on NZs export) all people wants a job, even when its a really simple one. We visited every recruitment company we discovered, we referred to as every hostel and hotel we could discover and we referred to as all the orchards and vineyards for fruit choosing or so, however they all have sufficient staff for this yr. We also met plenty of different travelers in Christchurch who’re trying and cant discover a job. We know two guys who went to Nelson, a fantastic place for fruit selecting normaly, but additionally they didnt found anything. An idae for if youre on the lookout for a job for 3 months or extra: go to SavvyDirect in Christchurch. Its a company about promoting cards and stuff for charities. You could have a coaching for two weeks and get payed after how a lot you promote. One of the fewest choices for short-term fulltime job, however with a minimal of 12 weeks. See /search?EJS_EMPL=5884 for vacancies.
We came especially to NZ as a result of its easy to find a job. We even learn that a lot of international locations get rid of the boundaries of visas to NZ as a outcome of NZ need extra folks for temporary seasonal jobs back in 2005. But the world changed since January 2009 when the resession started. We are still on the lookout for a job and cant discover anything but, and we tried a lot!
If youre in search of a job, its really easy to get a working vacation scheme (visa), but its somewhat bit tougher to find a job then you definitely would possibly suppose. The neatest thing: attempt to work for a number of hours in your hostel for free accomodation, so your cash wont exit that fast whereas looking. Good luck and greetz Jolke Bomhof

by Jolke Bomhof
10/02/ :47:29 PM

Jolke Bomhof Damn recession!

Me and my hubby came visiting to nz for a yr could we applied for the visa directly through nz immigration web site.

we got our ird and bank accounts through visa first. but ought to of done it when arrived as was soo easy to do and would of saved money.

we arrived in Christchurch and had already arranged to remain in a place referred to as urban rooms we ended up staying there for three months.

my hubby labored as a vacationer photographer at the Christchurch gondola and Antarctic centre.

we additionally worked in an area out of doors store together.

we also did lots of helpx work in b&bs and hostels which eventually led us to handle a big a hundred mattress hostel over on the west coast.

we found a lot of the jobs ourselves and most on the bbh website.

we liked it a lot we are again in three months time

check out blog at blog.mlcoffeybean.co.uk

liz

by Elizabeth Coffey
8/02/ :23:41 AM

Elizabeth Coffey Loving New Zealand..

I worked as a plane design engineer in Malaysia and in my job ended in Nov 09 as my project has end. I even have to discover a job that time when i heard concerning the working holiday alternative from my good friend. I suppose its a great likelihood for me to take a break of my hectic life and go go to some beautiful places in new zealand.

I got my visa after three days i applied and started to plan my first destination in new zealand. I needed to find a job first on-line in my country however i couldnt get one after searching for it in a single months time. Most of the employers prefer to decide on staff which might be already at new zealand by the time of utility. And so, i traveled to christchurch with no job and plan to take a couple of days to settle down and go to the attractive city. But then i began to worry as a end result of i couldn’t discover a job for 2 weeks in christchurch.

In order to discover a job, i journey to blenheim, where there have been tonnes of vineyards. But when i reached right here, solely discovered that there were many people right here like me, unemployed and cant discover a job else where. It took me a few week to discover a winery work under an agency referred to as Ace Viticulture. The job was hourly paid and it was exhausting work for me as i have not work under the solar before. My job is generally to secure the vine on the wires and get rid of any further branches. It was not a steady job as i went out of work in 2 weeks time. I was told that there have been no jobs obtainable for backpackers because the company decided to employ the indonesian staff for the next jobs.

Luckily i get to hitch another contractor called Contra after two days and started working in vineyard again for an additional week. But the work is way harder as its on contract rate. Most of the people right here can not even earn the minimum wage after 8 hours of hard work on leaf plucking. Some say it was in opposition to the regulation to let us earn lesser than we should. But i still had to do it no matter how exhausting it is because i wouldn’t have different choices on my hand. This work actually worn me of and so ive determined to find one other job, which is indoor, hourly paid and secure.

If you have an interest in working in winery and wanted to see the amazing panorama of my work place, you can see it all in the following link:

/album.php?aid=51866&id= &l=3030c78c4d

Just a few days again, i receive an email from a apple packhouse in Montueka, offering me a job. If everything went smooth, i might be working there end of Feb until Mid of May. Wish me good luck!!

Cheers

Melissa

by Melissa Tan
8/02/ :01:19 AM

Melissa Tan From aircrafts to vineyard work in New Zealand..

My story started in Czech republic in Prague. I was looking for some job in Prague during the summer time, however I wasn´t successful. One day i received an idea to seek out some job overseas. I determined to travel and earn cash in New Zealand. Why New Zealand? When I was young I actually have met some people from Czechoslovakia who emigrated to New Zealand throughout communism in our country and they told me that New Zealand is great nation for tramping. I realy love tramping and hiking and I even have heard that NZ has good opportunity to get seasonals jobs. This causes was leading me to alter my desires into reality. I began on the lookout for informations about New Zealand and how to journey, where and the way I can get visa and working permit. I have discovered all information on web. First step was to get visa. Student agency prepare visa for me and so they assist me to purchase fly ticket. I arrived to Auckland in the end of October. I have spent two day in Auckland to use for IRD number and arrange bank account. Then I moved to Taupo for in the future for small journey and then to Hastings. I was so fool, that I didn´t e-book accommodation in this town. I had an issue to seek out some, but lastly I received lodging, but just for one night. Second day I went to information centre and they helped me to search out accommodation in Napier, as a end result of all backpackers in Hastings have been full. I went to Hastings cos I actually have learn that there’s a huge probability to get job in apple orchard for tinning apples. This work often begins at November, but folks informed me, that this yr was sturdy winter and this work is going to start later. They advised me the same in Napier. I decided that traveling is healthier than waitting for job. After some day I actually have visited Mahia peninsula with two guys from Czech republic. I have met them in Naked bus. And then we went to nice stroll lake Waikaremoana. Very nice expertise was in Whakatane in work and revenue workplace. One lady assist us very a lot with in search of work. So we moved to Te Puke for picking kiwi flowers. We were working for contractor Al Kirimana for one week in kiwi fruit orchards. After this work we traveled to Taupo to find higher job like housekeeping. Contractor Al advised us, that he’ll send our money to our financial institution accounts on Wednesday, but reality is that he has by no means send me it. I truly have spent about 30 NZD to call him or textual content him, but his reaction always was: „sry I all the time 4got“. Now I´m making an attempt to unravel this problem with picknz and division of labor. In reality I won´t see my money anymore. Then I spent one week in Taupo. Door to door asking and interviews weren´t successful. The most fascinating expertise right here was small journey around lake Taupo and tour trough sheep farm with owner, but he have not had work for men (male). First of December I moved to Hastings once more and registred in picknz. After two hours I actually have obtained message with contact to Thornhill and my work in vineyards has bugun. Wire lifting – tacking and budrubbing. Between X-mas and New Year I was in Tongariro for Tongariro northern circuit nice walk. After New Year I didn’t have likelihood to get job and Thornhill gave opportunity to another guys. But French associates from vineyards discovered job for Peter – superior „kiwi“ farmer in kiwi orchard near to Clive. Kiwi fruit tinning. It was just for 5 days. Then I was working in plum orchards – picking for 2weeks. From 28 of January me and my friend don´t have work and trying one of the best to find it daily. It just isn’t straightforward now and apple season goes to start mid February.

by Michal Cigánek
5/02/2010 7:45:25 AMMichal Cigánek A Czech in New Zealand..