The Journey North

So after finally feeling completely settled in Wanaka with some great friends, a lovely home and a job, I am once again heading off to a new location. Why would I leave when I finally have everything I’ve been working for over the past few weeks? It turns out I was successful in my application for a rental attendant job at Mt Ruapehu, another of New Zealand’s ski locations. Only this one happens to be on the north island.

Still, with the opportunity to be fully immersed in winter season life, with a free season pass, free rentals and a job in the industry, it is too good an opportunity to pass up!

And so begins my exit plan from the beautiful Wanaka. Only a few days into my bakery job I had to hand in my one week notice and after enjoying my own private room for less than two weeks I have notified my housemates that I will be leaving.

It became a week for goodbyes as Cece, my longest running travel buddy and friend since leaving England, left Wanaka to begin her next New Zealand adventure. It’s been a great couple of months, working on the farm together, walking the Queen Charlotte Track, travelling down through the south island and enjoying our life and friends in Wanaka. Although I was really sad to see her go, used to her just being around, it was time for her next adventure, working as a weekend hostel manager for the next two months. I am also satisfied with the thought I will see her again some day.

Soon it was time for my own exit from town. It was more rushed and unexpected than imagined as I had to leave a day early due to a snowstorm heading our way. Adele was my saviour, driving me to Queenstown that evening so I could be sure to reach the airport the following morning. It was quite emotional saying goodbye to the good friends I made, I had the strange feeling I was once again leaving home.

Not having left Wanaka (excepting excursions for walks) in a month and a half, I felt a strange sense of culture shock as we drove into the bright lights and bustle of Queenstown. Having become accustomed to the more rural life I was happy in the knowledge I was on the way to another, even more remote, location.

The dramatic state of transit continued the next day when plane after plane was cancelled due to bad weather. I headed to the airport regardless, just hoping mine was one of the few to leave that day and it was! I was soon safely in Auckland and the next morning began the final leg of my journey to Mt Ruapehu.