How I received a life-changing offer in New Zealand

Chapter 25: New beginnings, but in which direction?

This is Chapter 25 of Love at First Flight, my memoir about finding connection while travelling solo around the world.

Join me in New Zealand, where a choice between security and freedom could change my future. But first, I have to survive my most terrifying travel experience yet.

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"The koru spiral represents new beginnings," said the man, as he placed a carved bone pendant in my palm. Its smooth, circular shape coiled towards the centre.

"It symbolises a new phase in your life," he continued, looking me in the eyes.

The timing was perfect. I'd completed my epic solo round-the-world adventure, spent Christmas back home in the UK, and now I was in New Zealand for a temp job. First, I was exploring the North Island on a guided bus tour. We'd stopped at an artisan workshop where a craftsman made traditional Maori symbols.

Clutching the pendant tightly, I made a silent wish for a way I could stay in this country I'd fallen in love with.

I never imagined how quickly - and unexpectedly - the universe would answer.

Coming full circle

The funny thing about going home is how you can see who you used to be. It had taken me traversing the circumference of the earth to come back to myself.

Back in my childhood bedroom, everything was the same, except now I had a new relative - a baby nephew. We all celebrated his christening and enjoyed Christmas together. But I wasn't the same person who had left.

I observed everything more deeply now. Walking through the London Underground, exhaustion radiated from commuters as clearly as if they'd spoken aloud, their stories written on their faces. A year earlier, I was one of them - anxiously scrolling through my phone, dreading the day ahead.

My journey wasn’t over yet. Shortly after Christmas, I boarded a plane back to New Zealand, certain that this place held the key.

Falling deeper

London’s wintry weather was replaced by Auckland’s summer sun, warming the expansive skies I adored. Reuniting with friends from my hostel, we celebrated the New Year, watching fireworks glittering around the city’s Sky Tower.

I didn't stay long. On my bus tour of the North Island, we bathed in geothermal pools and entered caves where thousands of glowworms lit up the darkness like stars. A Maori elder told us about his tribe's history, and we were each given a hand-crafted pendant - in my case, the koru spiral.

On my way back to Auckland, I stopped in Wellington to meet friends for lunch at a sunny restaurant terrace.

"I'm so happy here," I told them through tears.

But my working visa would expire in just a few months. I needed a permanent job to stay in New Zealand.

I didn’t want to let go of New Zealand. This is me next to one of its native kauri trees during the North Island tour.

Dating again

Maybe my new beginning could include romance, too. I'd healed from my heartbreak and was ready for something more.

At a manifesting workshop in Bali, I'd listed the qualities I wanted in a partner - everything from 'emotionally intelligent' to 'loves adventure.' Now that I was staying in Auckland, it was time to see who the universe might send my way. I watched a friend meet someone amazing at a bar and fall head over heels within days.

Downloading the dating apps, I started swiping. Reality proved disappointing. There was the hot yoga date who still wanted to kiss me after seeing me red-faced and sweaty - but sadly, no spark. Then the guy who ordered a sharing platter and ate it all himself, offering 'sexual healing' for dessert instead. A firm ‘no thanks’ from me.

I was handling dates calmly now, trusting my reactions when someone didn't meet my standards. If the right person existed in New Zealand, they'd appear when the timing was right. For now, I'd rather be single than settle.

When wishes come true

Sitting at my desk, I stared at the blinking cursor. The email was simple: "Leaving drinks Friday 6pm downstairs..." But my fingers wouldn't finish it. Three weeks at my Auckland temp job had flown by. I loved the work and the people, but now it was time to move on.

"What if you didn't have to say goodbye?"

I looked up from my computer, startled. My boss, Hannah, stood beside my desk with a curious expression.

"Sorry?" I said.

"I'd like to offer you a permanent position," she said.

My mouth fell open. I stared at her, speechless. A permanent position? This was just what I needed to stay in New Zealand and make my home here. My mind spun with possibilities.

"Think about it," she said gently. "Let me know what you decide."

As she walked away, I sat staring at the half-finished email. Two completely different futures stretched out before me.

Seeking space

To give me space to think clearly, I booked a bus tour around the South Island. I promised Hannah I'd give her my answer soon.

On the flight to Wellington, the weight of the decision pressed down on me. This routine I'd enjoyed in Auckland could become permanent. But did I want to be locked into a contract? With limited vacation leave, there would be no time to travel.

The ferry from Wellington took me to the South Island, where I stopped overnight in Picton before travelling to Nelson to join the tour. But when I checked out of my accommodation, I discovered all buses to Nelson - a three-hour journey away - were fully booked.

My only option was something I never thought I'd do: hitchhike.

Don’t let my smile deceive you; I was petrified.

Trusting the unknown

Standing by the road with my thumb out, I smiled with gritted teeth as I waited for a stranger to pick me up, hoping they would be harmless.

A huge supermarket delivery truck pulled over and the driver beckoned me inside. He jumped down to help me with my bags as I climbed up to the cabin.

As we passed through the plump green fields and vineyards of the Marlborough region, the driver told me all about the world-class wines made there. My smile became a real one as I listened to all the local stories. This was so much better than the bus.

Dropping me off in Nelson, he handed me a sack of fresh green-lipped mussels. I stood on the roadside holding this gift from a stranger, marvelling at what I'd done, despite my nerves. And now I had a gourmet dinner, too.

A serendipitous meeting

Checking into the hostel in Nelson, I needed to find someone to share the mussels with - there were so many. Also, I'd never cooked mussels before.

I struck up a conversation with an older guy in the communal kitchen. It turned out he was a chef from Canada and was happy to help me prepare and eat the mussels. We cooked them with garlic and Marlborough sauvignon blanc, the delicious aromas attracting envious looks from the other guests.

As we shared the meal, I reflected on what an unexpected day it had been - the kindness of strangers and this impromptu feast. Was I ready to stop travelling and go back to full-time work? But on the other hand, was I prepared to give up this golden opportunity?

My delicious dinner of fresh mussels.

Awaiting my answer

The next morning, I waited for the tour bus outside the hostel. The sun warmed my skin and the fragrant flowers in someone's front garden perfumed the air.

Hannah had emailed me, politely requesting my answer by the end of the week. I hoped I’d know by then, but I didn't want it to distract me from this adventure around the South Island.

The universe had knocked me sideways with that job offer. Within weeks, it had granted the wish I’d made on the koru pendant I now wore around my neck. And as I stood there in the sunshine, I knew the universe wasn't finished with me yet.

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Next time it’s the final chapter of Love at First Flight - can you believe it! Thanks to every one of you who has read along so far. I appreciate your support so very much.