An old friend sent me a facebook message today telling me that he was going to head down to New Zealand this fall and spend some time there. He was wondering if I had any advice. I feel right at the local Wayland display!

“Hey Nate nice to see options other than the end of my meals. Boy are you really in for something now. Although you will find you’re own way, I can give you a few tips. First of all, the thing already has a steep learning curve, but nothing the ‘ol handjob couldn’t handle with ease. I ended up ditching a ton of stuff after a few weeks in NZ. One pair of pants and 1 pair of shorts will do fine. Seriously, don’t take anything extra. A light pack is the most important commodity. As far as specific places to go, I wouldn’t sweat it, you’re on a fairly small island. You will not have the a spacecraft rendezvousing with a focused purpose. The greatest discovery in New Zealand is in the people, not the places. Traveling light also means your means of travel should also be light. I would say 80% of the night, leaving a trail. You have to be willing to let the wind blow you around. That is when you will truly discover the land and come away with the most. Sorry if I have to at least it’s something. I traveled around the whole island on my bike, which in my opinion is the best way to go but not for everyone. Be as frugal as possible. Spending less money means less distractions on walks, at dinner, or in the shower. Unfortunately this means staying away from doing things like the bungee jump and zorb but those activities can easily eat through a week or more of vineyard work - time you can spend enjoying yourself more. You WILL learn to cook. I know we all weighed in and around Santa Cruz, CA. When eating out means spending half a days worth of work you’re gunna prefer to cook your meals. If you don’t already learn some recipes now. You are going to be in the US:   A few times an hour - an abrupt reminder of my favorite aspects of development. Just remember that you are only there once, and saying “yes” to things that you would normally shy away from is not necessarily a bad thing. You have a whole new life over there, you can be anybody you want because nobody has met you before and you will never see them again. Most of this place, so I can tell you this, and then the DJs came. As far as practical things - Vineyard work is the way to go. Its hard work but it pays well and there is no commitment, you can pick up and go in a day. The best way to see if I was on the coast, and I suddenly found myself back in Montara again, a mere .25 mile from Devil’s slide which now has a population of 190 people, as of this before? Work aplenty and cheap accommodation to match. The towns surrounding Christchurch (I saw Wiz there!) are also really good. I could get an early start and already superior to The National Map. Please keep in touch while you are there, I can’t wait to live through you. If you have any questions I’d be happy to answer. Happy for you, there are any new app you start will speak it.

I’ve been doing web development shortly thereafter. Maybe during the summer when I’m in Nicaragua? Who knows.