February 6 - March 13, 2014 - Rotorua, New Zealand
Working Holiday Visa Fee:
Free!
I had to fill out an online form and get a chest x-ray to check for TB. That cost me about $75 and another $15 to mail the paperwork to NZ from KY. I now have a visa that allows me to travel and work in NZ for an entire year.
Exchange Rate: 1USD = 1.2NZD
A lot has happened since I have landed in NZ. I got the job! After 2 full days of interviewing and a pre-employment medical exam (drug, vision, and hearing test) I was officially offered the position of Reliability Engineer. I will be working for a company that is contracted by a large pulp and paper mill to do all the maintenance. Ill have a lot of learning to do but it will keep me on my toes and Im really excited. My first day will be March 17.
And I also bought a cute little car. I think it will be perfect for my commute and for road trips. Considering gas here is almost $6.63USD/gallon, I needed something super fuel efficient.
In the meantime I have done lots and lots and lots of exploring in Rotorua. Rotorua is a popular tourist destination on the North Island because of its geothermal features and all the hot pools that go along with it. And because of all the tourism other things have come along making the city even more fun. The city is also known for its exceptional mountain biking. Just a few weeks ago there was massive MTB competition. The Redwoods is a park with hours and hours of beautiful hiking trails. I have now walked all but the 34km trek, but we are planning on doing that one soon.
The city also has The Luge, a downhill go-kart track, Zorbing, white-water rafting complete with 21ft waterfall drop, its an hour from nice ocean beaches and an hour from Hobbiton. There is a plethora of free hot pools and rivers to soak in. And its even situated on the shores of Lake Rotorua. I'd say the only downside is the sulphur smell, but after a few days you get used to that.
I have ventured out and tried most of these activities! And I know its only been 6 weeks but I really LOVE it here and Im stoked to get another 10 months to explore.
Note to friends: I have found a sweet house in which I will rent a room. There is an extra bedroom so feel free to come visit anytime!
I have spent the last 6 weeks at a hostel called Crash Palace. This place has been amazing! The staff is excellent and the hostel and events they have are epic. If you are coming through Rotoruayou definitely need to check them out!
Here are some pictures from the awesomeness I have done while here:
Lake Rotorua:
Redwoods Hike:
Wai-o-tapu, Thermal Wonderland:
The Blue Lake:
Cliff Jumping and Hitchhiking:
Lakeland Queen Cruise:
Kerosene Creek:
Waimangu, Volcanic Valley:
Hobbiton:
Working Holiday Visa Fee:
Free!
I had to fill out an online form and get a chest x-ray to check for TB. That cost me about $75 and another $15 to mail the paperwork to NZ from KY. I now have a visa that allows me to travel and work in NZ for an entire year.
Exchange Rate: 1USD = 1.2NZD
A lot has happened since I have landed in NZ. I got the job! After 2 full days of interviewing and a pre-employment medical exam (drug, vision, and hearing test) I was officially offered the position of Reliability Engineer. I will be working for a company that is contracted by a large pulp and paper mill to do all the maintenance. Ill have a lot of learning to do but it will keep me on my toes and Im really excited. My first day will be March 17.
And I also bought a cute little car. I think it will be perfect for my commute and for road trips. Considering gas here is almost $6.63USD/gallon, I needed something super fuel efficient.
In the meantime I have done lots and lots and lots of exploring in Rotorua. Rotorua is a popular tourist destination on the North Island because of its geothermal features and all the hot pools that go along with it. And because of all the tourism other things have come along making the city even more fun. The city is also known for its exceptional mountain biking. Just a few weeks ago there was massive MTB competition. The Redwoods is a park with hours and hours of beautiful hiking trails. I have now walked all but the 34km trek, but we are planning on doing that one soon.
The city also has The Luge, a downhill go-kart track, Zorbing, white-water rafting complete with 21ft waterfall drop, its an hour from nice ocean beaches and an hour from Hobbiton. There is a plethora of free hot pools and rivers to soak in. And its even situated on the shores of Lake Rotorua. I'd say the only downside is the sulphur smell, but after a few days you get used to that.
I have ventured out and tried most of these activities! And I know its only been 6 weeks but I really LOVE it here and Im stoked to get another 10 months to explore.
Note to friends: I have found a sweet house in which I will rent a room. There is an extra bedroom so feel free to come visit anytime!
I have spent the last 6 weeks at a hostel called Crash Palace. This place has been amazing! The staff is excellent and the hostel and events they have are epic. If you are coming through Rotoruayou definitely need to check them out!
Here are some pictures from the awesomeness I have done while here:
Lake Rotorua:
Redwoods Hike:
The Luge:
Charity Mud Tour:
Rainbow Mountain Trek:
My new 2005 Nissan Note:
