Friday 2nd June – 14:32pm. I’ve finally left Wanaka for the last time. After some emotional goodbyes i have flown up to Auckland and am currently waiting for my bus to Whangarai. 3 years of planning, dreaming, saving, working and travelling have lead to this weekend…

After my relaxing day off on Sunday, I had a reasonably early night and settled in for my last few days of work. Monday passed with little commotion, and before I knew it I was heading for my last rugby training session with the Upper Clutha Rams. The session itself typified most of the previous weeks, not a lot of fitness, some basic skills and some fun and games. I enjoyed it a lot, and was actually upset walking into the changing rooms at the end. After a brief chat and beer, I decided to duck out before most of the other guys left. I circled the changing rooms, shaking hands and hugging the guys and saying my thanks for the last couple of weeks. By the time I reached the car I was feeling upset, and found it difficult to hold a conversation with Keiron and Toby. I didn’t think the team would have such a big affect on me, but I will truly miss the team and cherish the time I spent in Wanaka. I walked into town, and rang Kayla as I really needed to talk to someone. She helped me take my mind off of the bad things, and stemmed the possible tears.

My last day at work flew by. It was a reasonably quiet day, but passed remarkably quickly considering the lack of customers. In a blink of an eye it was 15:00pm and I was finished. I always find it awkward having ‘goodbye’ chats with staff members (from UWLSU to Jack Wills it was always strange for me) and this time was no exception. I always feel like I should feel more upset or connected with the place, but I never do. I guess it’s easy for me to change my mindset and look towards the future, rather than worry about what I will miss. Either way I said my goodbyes, secured my holiday pay for the coming Monday and left. Keiran and I went into Wanaka and played pool a few times over the last few days, and I just relaxed as much as possible.

Once again it shocked/upset me how I could fit all of my worldly possessions into 2 bags when I packed up my belongings in anticipation for the flight. Nothing makes you feel smaller than realising the minute imprint you make on the world and your surroundings. I have me, a large backpack, a sports bag and a backpack, and that’s all I own.

Keiran dropped me off at the airport this morning just before boarding time, and within 3 hours I am sat in a coffee shop in Auckland typing this passage. It’s been a whirlwind in the south island but I have loved every minute of it. If I ever come back to New Zealand I will fly back to Queenstown in a heartbeat. It’s everything you imagine New Zealand to be. Mountains, farms, friendly people, fun – active tourist industry and a carefree life that can’t be beaten. I am truly in love with it. It’s been just under a year since I left London, and only two places have truly taken part of my heart; Honolulu and Wanaka, both for very different reasons. Oahu was incredible, and hot, and filled with differing experiences round every corner. The Island itself was gorgeous, carefree and felt homely. Wanaka was a whole new world. The rugby team were friendly and made me part of their home, the scenery cant be matched anywhere, and the general feel to the place was incredible. Everything that’s great with England is captured there, and everything that is awful has been filtered out. It’s a true paradise.

Tomorrow evening I will finally live out one of my dreams, and I cant wait. I remember nearly 3 years ago, saying to myself that I was stuck in a rut and I needed to go travelling sooner rather than later. I originally planned anything from Asia to Australia, but eventually settled on my rugby dream = move to New Zealand, play rugby for a local team, and watch the lions play. I have successfully lived and worked in New Zealand for 9 months, I have played and scored for a local premiers team and finally tomorrow I get to watch the lions play, it will truly be a dream come true. I CANT WAIT!…