Member's testimonial: Anna

Why did you choose New Zealand?

Anna: First, I wanted to go to Australia for six months but I changed my plans when I saw the pictures and heard stories of a friend of mine. New Zealand has more advantages: it is one of the farthest countries from Germany and its nature is amazing and diverse. You find everything, from high mountains to beautiful beaches. It is like many different countries in one. And the best thing is it is not full of poisonous animals like in Australia.

Why did you choose to get the help of Working Holiday Starter?

Anna: This friend also recommended you. We, my friend Katharina and I, had a look at your website and chose to book you for our trip. We liked the price and the things which are included in the starter package. But I like the most that we were in touch with Robin from the beginning. We skyped many times and he could answer all our questions.

What was your first impression when you contacted Working Holiday Starter?

Anna: My first impression of Working Holiday Starter was really good. I mentioned before that Robin was really nice. He supported us and helped us to organise our trip, for example, he helped us with more complicated things like the paperwork to be done.

You also took a 12-month bus pass with one of our company partners, was it fun?

Anna: Yes, we took a Hop On Hop Off bus pass. We bought it already in Germany because our friend and Robin recommended it. It is really good. You get to know many interesting and nice people. I really like that you can hop on and off whenever you like. I think we hopped off in every city and did not stay long on one bus. It is perfect when you travel alone. If you travel with a friend like us, a car can be better because you can choose more freely where you want to go, but it depends on you. You cannot go wrong with Hop On Hop Off.

How would you describe Working Holiday Starter's services?

Anna: I would recommend it to every backpacker or person who wants to stay longer in New Zealand. Working Holiday Starter helps you with the important things, like IRD-number, bank account, etc. But it is not only this; we could contact them and ask every question during our entire trip. We never felt alone with our problems.

What was the best thing that Working Holiday Starter did for you?

Anna: The best thing of Working Holiday Starter is that we could keep in touch with Robin. When we, for example, needed help to book a ferry or bus, he did it for us. Moreover he said that we can send him a text when we go hiking and when we did not contact him after three days he would send someone to look after us. I really like this, because I know other organisations do not help you at all.

What is the best activity that you did in New Zealand?

Anna: It is hard to say which activity was the best. I experienced so many amazing things. But I can count two my favorites: the dolphin swimming in Kaikoura and the Ice Explorer in Franz Josef.

What advice would you give to someone that is about to go in New Zealand on a working holiday visa?

Anna: My advice would be to be spontaneous. We planned the whole trip at home and we changed it lot. In the end, we did not do anything like we planned. Take your time and do everything you like to do. Do not squeeze in to many things you want to do and see. New Zealand is not so big and you will have enough time. All in all, enjoy this beautiful county with its diverse nature, the nice people, and interesting culture.

What was your biggest challenge?

Anna: The biggest challenge for me was to spend the whole time, 24 hours a day, with my friend. You never spend so much time with a person. We are quite different. I was afraid that we start to annoy each other. We had our difficulties and also some discussions, but at the end I'm happy that I did it with her. I felt never alone and I had someone the whole time I could talk to. But if you are planning to travel alone, you do not need to be afraid as a backpacker you will never be alone.

What advice would you give to someone that is about to go to New Zealand with a working holiday visa?

Anna: My advice would be to be spontaneous. We planned the whole trip at home and we changed it lot. In the end, we did not do anything like we planned. Take your time and do everything you like to do. Do not squeeze in to many things you want to do and see. New Zealand is not so big and you will have enough time. All in all, enjoy this beautiful county with its diverse nature, the nice people, and interesting culture.

What have you taken away from this experience in New Zealand?

Anna: I took many things away from this experience. I improved my English a lot. At the beginning, I was really shy and did not speak much but at the end I could talk to everyone. I became more self-confident and independent. Moreover, I got to know myself better and my boundaries.

But the best thing of traveling is getting to know so many interesting and nice people. I got so many friends all over the world. One time maybe I will visit them all.

What has been your favourite spot in NZ?

Anna: This is hard to say; New Zealand’s landscapes are too different. I have more than one favourite spot. On the one hand, I like Wanaka and Queenstown because of the beautiful mountains and lakes. But one the other hand, Coromandel, with its white sand beaches, is amazing. I think it is not the spot itself which is awesome. It depends more on the people you meet to make a place special. For example, I had a great time in Nelson and Picton. Nelson and Picton are nice spots but not one of the special ones. But I got to know amazing people and I had a great time there.

Would you recommend Working Holiday Starter to your friends?

Anna: Yes, for sure!

Anna travelled through New Zealand with Katharina.