Gap Year Diaries

In this episode, Emily and Rachel read back over their blog account of finally leaving Queenstown after three weeks of mountainous thrills, and heading north to the charming city of Christchurch. During their first day, they try to remember how to behave as civilised adults in preparation for staying with a family friend, and are welcomed into their first homely environment in many months of backpacking. 

In this episode, Emily and Rachel take a nostalgic look back at their last day in beautiful Queenstown, NZ, a day they spent soaking in the unequalled lakeside views, watching a street entertainer set fire to his own hair, and enjoying concurrent hot dates by the light of the stars.

In this week's episode, we hear of more Winterfest fun in ever-plummeting temperatures, featuring a high-octane drag race, Pink Floyd tribute band and a new NZ friend with an interesting proposition.

In this episode, Rachel and Emily journey back by rereading their blog entries to some more Queenstown memories, this time involving a pair of Australian snowboarders, a whole baked salmon, the 'car of death' and some drunken hairstyling. 

In this episode, Emily and Rachel read back over their blog entries from more Queenstown adventures, including a startlingly creative mini golf course, a desperate search for hostel accommodation, and Rachel being struck down by a mysterious illness. 

Mentioned in the podcast: Emily's round up of the world's best mini golf courses https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/best-mini-golf-courses-around-the-globe

In this episode, Emily and Rachel read back over their blog entry from the day they spent in NZ's Queenstown recovering from their hangovers, being plunged further into financial turmoil on an otherwise tranquil hike, and waving off their good friend Claire after a month of travelling friendship.

In this very special episode, Rachel and Emily look back at the day of Rachel's 19th birthday, celebrated in Queenstown NZ. 

Among other things we hear, in great detail, about Rachel undertaking the town's infamous Canyon Swing, the mad dash for balloons, and a chaotic night out which results in the unfortunate decimation of Rach's birthday cake. We are also treated to a very special excerpt from Rachel's creative writing degree, which includes a staggering revelation for Emily after 14 years.

In this episode, Rachel and Emily remember the unfortunate day they spent exploring New Zealand's glorious Milford Sound, featuring a highly theatrical bus driver, close encounters with local wildlife, and the most inefficient checking of a weather forecast known to mankind. 

In this episode, Rachel and Emily re-read the blog entry from their time spent at renowned NZ attraction Puzzling World. Among other things, we hear of the pair experiencing anti-gravity whilst horrendously hungover and getting hopelessly lost in a maze, as well as their first ever glimpse of Queenstown and Rachel entering a 'hori-bungee' cocktail contest. 

In this episode, Emily and Rachel read back over the blog entry documenting their lengthy journey through stunning scenery to NZ's lakeside town of Wanaka. 

Among other things, we hear of greenscreen style landscapes, chaotic hostel check ins, monopolising the time of passing strangers to take multiple group photos and Emily's attempt to create romantic memories that only ended in numb extremities.