NZWH 2013/2014 Summery

Been back from NZ for almost a year..
After being away for 9mths, it's time to come back to face reality..
I think this trip is a very good experience..
I've seen lots, feel lots, realized lots, thought lots and learned lots too..
Other than that, I've met lots of friends too..
A fruitful trip I'll never regret..

I heard about this program from a Malaysian friend..
It sounds interesting and I could experience something different from being in Singapore..
At the same time, I also wanted to test myself..
If I could survive without having parents around..
Sometimes, I felt that we've been living too comfortably under our parent's care and protection that the younger generation nowadays are kinda weak, without survivor skills..

Initially, I thought I wouldn't stay there for long..
Probably a month or two, finished spending the money I had and I would be back..uselessly..
In the end, I even extended my visa for 3 more months..Hahaha.. -.-'
(By right, Max stay was 6 mth.. for Singaporean)
Returned Gloriously..Never throw face.. :)
I should say..Must thank god for guiding and taking care of me..
N it proved that I have survivor skills.. I'm a survivor!.. Hahahaha...

I was very determined to go for this trip but wasn't sure how to go about applying, the processes, where to go when I've arrived and how to get there..
I also needed some advices like when is the best time to go etc...
was advised that I could check with STA travel(a travel agency)..
Googled and found their webpage..
and finally brought out my courage to visit one of their branch to enquire..

Although I found out that most of the people who went did all the arrangements and paperwork on their own..
by doing so, could save lots of money..
But back then..I'm a novice, I knew nuts..so...
They assisted me for applying of the NZWH visa, purchasing of air ticket, travel insurance, buses to the 1st hostel and accommodation for the 1st week..
Other than that, I'm very much on my own..
I remembered emailing them regarding changing of my return flight date but received no reply..
Fortunately, in the end, I managed to get in contact with the airline side and settled it on my own..
If you just need assistance for a head start, they could be of help..
Anything after that..don't expect too much uhh.. :x

I guess this program has been popular in other countries..
I heard that every year people are fighting for the space to go as there's a quota for every country..
Probably not alot of people knows about this program in our country, it's not full that I have a chance to go.. :)
Actually I applied halfheartedly and tot if I didn't get the space, I'll just admit fate N give up..
Coz there's some criteria for the visa..I probably doesn't fit one of it..I tot I might not be able to go..
Lots of mixed feeling thou..
Angels and Devils are always fighting around me..


Before going, I've tried to look for information regarding attractions, transportation and accommodations..
but did not managed to get much useful ones..
They don't have subway/buses that runs regularly that connects between city to town..
They do have 2 bus company that runs between city/town..but need to book in advance and at certain date/timing only..
As I have not been there before, lots of road name I've not heard before..
I've set out with lots of unknown, no directions, no plans..
Totally take a step, watch a step..

I only get most of the information/answer/recommendation as I move ard..
It's all from the people I've met..
There's no fix route, Plans just keep changing..
Ever made a perfect plan, but forced to change due to weather conditions..
Life there is very much different from living in Asia..
Living in Asia is seriously more tense and competitive..
Culture difference..

Anyway, Most important things for a start!..
Basic things, must get it done!..(can be done at airport)
get a local sim card!..for internet and communication..cheaper too..
apply for BBH/YHA member card!..for discount on selected hostel..
I only applied BBH..they got quite a few of properties in every town..just choose wisely..
if quality does matters to u..YHA would suits u better..but location wise varies..

If you R planning to get a job later on..
U'll needa set up a Local Bank Account.. ANZ/BNZ(more commonly used)
IRD account..(like income tax..can claim tax return at the end of trip)
can't remember..I think I applied it at a post office..submit a fee and a few documents..they'll give u a receipt..

I had lots of my 1st time there..
1st time washing my own clothes..
1st time doing my own meals planning, marketing, cooking, washing..
learned a few new dishes from people I've met..
came out with lots of money saving skill, lazy people technique..
do my own financial planning, trip planning..
1st time going to the top of hill..
1st time packing my own lunch box..
Loved the Hot pool, Mud pool, Hot water Beach..
Tried Bungee and Skydiving..woohoo..
1st time going to snow mountain..
1st time hitch hiking..
1st time seeing sooo many cows and sheeps..
1st time seeing penguin, seal, milky way..
1st time experiencing wind storm, mini earthquake..

Okay..
All words..
Hopefully, would update with some pictures soon.. :P