Kiwi life: From Sweden to New Zealand's National Park, for a second time
Ebba and her new van, Rosie.
Swedish ski instructor Ebba Beattie returns to Mt Ruapehu five years after her first season on the mountain.
A lot has changed: she has a husband (who she met in National Park the first time round) and a new van called Rosie. But she finds Kiwis are still as friendly and welcoming as ever.
What's your name and where are you from?
My name is Ebba Beattie and I'm from Vasteras, Sweden.
What inspired your move, and how long have you been here?
I was in New Zealand five years ago for the ski season and loved it here. Since then I've been longing to come back but didn't make it until about a month ago.
The view from their street in National Park.
Read more:
* Kiwi Life: From Zell am See, Austria to New Zealand
* Kiwi life: From Amsterdam to Auckland
* Kiwi Life: From New York to Wellington
What do you do here?
I am a ski instructor at Whakapapa Skifield for the winter, but in summer I hope to be travelling around the North and South Islands with my husband and our van 'Rosie'.
What surprised you most when you first arrived?
How friendly people are. Swedes are quite reserved and Kiwis tend to be a lot friendlier and chattier than I'm used to. Which is lovely, of course.
What are the greatest advantages to living here?
I'd say the incredibly diverse nature and the possibility it allows to explore on skis, foot, bike or by car.
Ebba Beattie with her British husband Dave, five years after they first met in National Park.
Disadvantages?
The distance from home, I guess.
How expensive do you find it compared to back home?
Sweden and Scandinavia are probably more expensive, but salaries are also generally higher than here. I find fresh fruit and vegetables are more pricey than at home.
What do you do in your spare time?
Ebba says one of the best parts of living in New Zealand is the outdoor lifestyle. Here, she explores Fisher's Track in National Park.
Hike, ski, run or sightseeing... just exploring as much as I can really. And every once in a while me and my husband work on our travel blog The Beatties.
What are your favourite NZ foods?
Not typically Kiwi, but I love Little Island Coconut Creamery's coconut ice creams.
How do you get around?
In our 98 Mazda or by foot.
How do you find the shopping?
In National Park (where I live at the moment) and its surroundings the shopping is basically non-existant apart from outdoor gear, but that is fine by me as that is what I live in anyway.
Favourite after-dark activity?
Stargazing on a clear night, drinking wine or watching films.
What are the top three things you recommend for visitors?
Hike to waterfalls, drive in the countryside and take a dip in some natural hot pools.
Besides family and friends, what do you miss most about home?
Salty licorice.
How easy is it for you to go home?
If you enjoy sitting still for 30-plus hours, it's a piece of cake.
If you could change one thing about New Zealand, what would it be?
I'd move it closer to home as that is the only thing stopping me from staying long term.
If you know an expat who has made New Zealand their home, email travel@stuff.co.nz with Kiwi Life in the subject line.
- Stuff
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