For the average 18-year-old, moving 11,000 kilometres across the world for a gap year to a completely different country may seem daunting. Alone. No family. No friends. Just me.
Watching my sister travel around the UK and Europe from afar during her gap year in 2011 made living abroad look like a dream of a lifetime. Little did I know that it would give me the extra push I needed to take on my own adventure after high school.
That’s when I found myself in a brand-new place to call home – no other than the unique City of Christchurch, surrounded by beautiful people and friends that I now call Whānau. Of
course, 2019 did not always turn out to be rainbows and butterflies. The year also came with waves of homesickness, long working hours, and the odd moments when you have no choice but to be an adult. Kia Ora, I’m Bradley, and laundry is still not my thing.
The aim of my story is not to scare anybody away from the unknown, but in fact give you that extra push to do the same if you’re currently sitting on the fence about deciding what the next chapter is. With that in mind, a motto I have always lived by and promised to stay true to during this exciting once in a lifetime opportunity was to:
“Always Expect the Unexpected”
So, the key to experiencing a successful gap year? Say yes to everything. Join in on that weekend water park excursion with the boarding students, accept that day-trip invitation to see the snow 6 hours away and book that flight to an exotic island with people you only met 2 months ago. Because I did! I always thought to myself that I was already making the decision to step outside of my comfort zone – why not
stretch it further and create a year filled with memories worth remembering? Don’t believe me? Here are a few highlights and memories from my gap year that I will cherish forever.
Looking back at my placement in 2019, it was a real privilege to work at such a unique and historic school. Amongst the Hogwarts‑like grounds, I found myself right at home in the theatre, surrounded by an incredible team in the drama department. I was never the sporty type… but getting the chance to immerse myself in the arts program turned out to be the perfect fit for me. From late night Lord of the Flies rehearsals to tramping trips to Temple Basin, the bonds formed became treasured moments that still echo with laughter and warmth. I am super lucky to have created a loving support system and even luckier to still be in contact with all these amazing people today!
If you’re thinking about places to travel to in New Zealand, Christchurch is not to be missed! I was fortunate enough to live right in the heart of the city, characterised by its rich heritage, charming architecture and buzzing nightlife – not to mention the breathtaking scenery surrounding the hub, only a bus ride away! Whether it’s a drive down to Sumner Beach, a hike up the Rapaki Track or exploring the small harbour town of Lyttleton, Christchurch offers a diverse range of things to keep you busy with your friends.
Be sure to see as much as you can, though! It may not feel like a huge country, but even after living there for a year, I didn’t get to see much of the North Island except for Auckland. I may be a tiny bit biased and say that the South Island is a lot more interesting but that’s only because my closest mates and I took a jam-packed road trip during the school holidays. Pro tip: pack warmly, winter in NZ is no joke – it’s
freezing!
My Top 5 South Island Travel Destinations
- Queenstown
- Milford Sound
- Abel Tasman National Park
- Dunedin
- Lake Pukaki
The travel bug bit me at the young age of 15 years old when I took my first trip overseas to the United States. Ever since then, I made a promise to myself to see as much of the world as possible! Knowing me, I could not travel that far from home and not explore even more cultures and different ways of living. So, during this time, I saved up and got the opportunity to witness the magnificent islands of Upolu and
Savai’i in Samoa, as well as the bustling cities of Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne in Australia. Two completely different experiences, but both just as enriching as the other.
Six years have passed since the phase of my life that I hold near and dear to my heart. As cheesy as it sounds, it feels like it was just yesterday since I adopted the lifestyle of a part-time Kiwi. The memories and nostalgia attached to these pictures made me miss being a gap assistant. So much so that I have decided to do it again, but this time in Gold Coast, Australia! Yes, even at 24 years old, having gained a
degree and maybe just a few more wrinkles, I’ve realised that you’re never too old to chase your dreams. If something is calling you – a place, a plan, a path – all you need is that extra push.
