Working Holiday in New Zealand: A Post-90s Generation's Deep Cultural Exploration and Work Experience at an Alpaca Farm-Life's Canvas

Origin

Have you ever wondered what it's like to work on an alpaca farm in New Zealand? In the summer of 2023, I embarked on this unforgettable journey.

I remember standing at Auckland Airport, gazing at the starry sky, my heart filled with anticipation and nervousness. As someone born in the 90s who had never left Asia, New Zealand seemed like a distant dream. But now, that dream was about to become reality.

Choosing New Zealand as my working holiday destination wasn't coincidental. The country not only boasts breathtaking natural scenery but also has one of the world's most comprehensive working holiday visa systems. According to New Zealand Immigration data, over 70,000 young people came here through working holiday visas in 2022, with Chinese youth accounting for about 15%.

Preparation

The process of applying for a working holiday visa wasn't particularly easy or difficult. First, you need to meet the basic requirements: age between 18-30, sufficient travel funds (at least NZD 4,200), and basic English communication skills.

I spent two whole months preparing application materials. My biggest headache was English speaking, so I practiced at least 2 hours daily using language learning apps. Looking back, this preparation phase greatly helped my future work and life.

After getting the visa approved, the next step was finding work. Through New Zealand's largest job website, I connected with an alpaca farm near Queenstown. Honestly, I had no idea then that this job would bring me such rich experiences.

Life

On my first day at the farm, I was stunned by the scenery. Alpacas grazed leisurely on vast grasslands, with the Southern Alps stretching in the distance, their snow-capped peaks contrasting against the azure sky - a sight that could captivate anyone.

My main duties included caring for alpacas, managing the farm, and receiving visitors. I woke up at 5 AM daily to greet the sunrise with the alpacas. Did you know alpacas have unique personalities? There was one called "Little Prince" who particularly liked rubbing against me and would make strange humming sounds whenever he saw me.

The work wasn't easy, but it was rewarding. Besides earning about 750 NZD (approximately 3000 RMB) weekly, more importantly, I met friends from around the world. My roommate Lisa from Germany taught me many European cooking methods, and Yuki from Japan - we often explored ways to incorporate Asian cuisine into the farm staff meals.

Gains

During my six months working here, I truly experienced what "slow living" means. New Zealanders' life pace is completely different from Chinese big cities - they emphasize work-life balance more. Every Friday afternoon, the farm owner would organize BBQ parties where everyone gathered around the bonfire sharing stories from the week.

This experience also gave me new perspectives on career planning. I discovered I actually enjoy outdoor work and am good with animals. After returning to China, I developed the idea of opening an urban pet farm, hoping to bring this New Zealand lifestyle back home.

What touched me most was the locals' kindness. Once when I caught a cold, the farm owner's mother personally drove me to the doctor and made a large pot of ginger tea for me. Such friendship made a foreign land feel like home.

Advice

If you're also interested in a New Zealand working holiday, here are some suggestions to share:

First, English is really important. Although New Zealanders are generally tolerant of foreign accents, basic communication skills are essential. I recommend achieving at least IELTS 5.5 before departure.

Second, plan your finances well. Although work provides income, initial living costs are high. From my experience, monthly living expenses (including accommodation) in cities like Auckland are about 2000 NZD.

Finally, maintaining an open and inclusive mindset is crucial. Cultural differences are inevitable, but that's what makes working holidays valuable. I've seen many people return home early because they couldn't adapt to the local lifestyle, which is truly a shame.

Conclusion

Looking back now, those days in New Zealand feel like a beautiful dream. In quiet nights, I still think about the South Island's starry sky, the adorable alpacas, and friends from around the world.

Have you ever thought about temporarily setting aside your current life to start a new adventure in a foreign country? Maybe a working holiday is a good choice. After all, life rarely offers opportunities to experience a completely different lifestyle so thoroughly.