These Quebecers left everything to go on an adventure in New Zealand

Go on an adventure to the other side of the world: it's a dream come true for two young Quebecers who left everything to travel the scenic roads of New Zealand in their van.

Melissa Raymond Gariepy and her partner Yannick Blouin are enjoying their new life as nomads. Last October, they traveled to New Zealand on the “trip of a lifetime” on a one-year working holiday visa.

In 2023, Mr. Blouin is having a 30s crisis, and admits he needed a change of scenery. Originally from Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, he worked in real estate on Montreal's south shore, while Ms. Raymond Gariepy, 29, was a project manager in the agricultural environment. They both studied at Laval University.

“We have wanted to go on a long-distance trip for a long time. We decided to do it before we had many responsibilities like the house and children timing “It was good,” Ms. Raymond Gariepy said.

Mountains and sea

The type of visa they obtain allows them to work while making new discoveries. When they arrived in the country, they worked for a few months at the legendary Cardrona Hotel, near Wanaka.

“We specifically chose New Zealand because it is on the other side of the world and close to Southeast Asia. It is also a place we would like to travel to with the low cost of plane tickets,” the young adventurer added.

The couple have always been drawn to the mountains and sea, and this came true in New Zealand. Every day, it's an all-you-can-eat buffet.

According to Mr. Blouin, the ability to work on site makes implementing such a project less expensive. During the interview with Newspaper, On Monday, they were in Rakaia for three days where they took care of two pet dogs in the absence of their owners, thanks to the House Sitters app, which also offers twinning possibilities in Quebec.

Hiking in Mount Aspiring National Park, New Zealand.

Photo courtesy of Melissa Raymond Gariepy

Changes in values

“We're very happy. We love animals, but it also gives us a place to stop, since we live down the road in our area.” Mini bus “And comfort is not always there,” Ms. Raymond Gariepy continued.

“Of course we feel free, that's great. We call it slow life, Everything is slower. Just going to shower is sometimes a project. […] “We have 20 liters of water, and when we run out of water, we have to find somewhere to fill the tank,” Mr. Blouin said.

Hiking enthusiasts never tire of the scenery New Zealand has to offer and the people they meet on the way. After a few months of living this bohemian life, their relationship with society changed somewhat.

Sunset at Glenorchy over Mount Judas.

Photo courtesy of Melissa Raymond Gariepy

“I come from the business world. Of course I was more materialistic. We attach importance to assets. I had already started to deconstruct this idea before I left on my trip. We love freedom, travel and meeting people. Human contact is much more important than materialism,” Mr. Blouin expressed. “These are no longer our values ​​now.”

To follow their journey:
https://www.instagram.com/my.newzealand?igsh=emFtY21vMGZkZ2oy
https://www.facebook.com/yannick.belouin

The Quebecers are traveling in this converted truck they bought when they arrived last fall.

Photo courtesy of Melissa Raymond Gariepy