Kia ora (hello in Te Reo Maori), I'm Dani, a 26 year old from New Zealand. I've just left London after my 2 year visa finished and I'm taking advantage of having no job to travel Europe for one more summer.
I'd also love to meet up with other travellers so if you're in the vicinity or have any ideas on what to see then please send me a message, cheers!
I keep my "plans" very loose, they're pretty non existent and usually made a day or two in advance, occasionally in the spur of the moment in the train or bus terminal. I've found when I make a rough plan, they tend to change anyway and I think I thrive without organisation so it works for me.
I'm interested in learning about the traditions, culture, history and general ways of life of others so I can share and compare my own experiences in being a Maori woman from NZ.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I've seen the regular tourist hotspots so I'm taking my time to see the smaller places mostly on whims and without much knowledge or time in advance.
I figured that to get the authentic experience I am craving, couch surfing is the way to go so I'd love to see your town with a locals perspective.

Interests

I'm an absolute rookie when it comes to photos, I'm talking "photos taken on my phone and edited on instagram" kind of rookie, it would be great to learn more but it's just a hobby for me. This is currently on hold as I don't have a phone but it still very much interests me.

I love food, all different types and I want to try as much as the world has to offer. The strangest dish I've had was probably zebra steak, slightly chewy but tasty. Traditional cuisine and speciality dishes are so fascinating to me, I love hearing the origins of how/why they were created and I'd love to try a proper version.

I'm not very fit but I enjoy going on scenic walks, especially when they lead to a great view of the town or a sunset.

• photography
• festivals
• animal welfare
• beer
• board games
• live music
• camping
• swimming
• films
• adventure
• ocean
• exploring
• local food
• new experiences
• traditions
• card games
• sunsets
• local culture
• beautiful views
• solo travelling

Music, Movies, and Books

Films: Snatch, Whiplash, Back To The Future, Hunt For The Wilderpeople

Books: Yes Please by Amy Poehler

Music: Lorde, 90s & 00s hip hop & RnB,

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I attended church in Samoa and I don't believe in God but it was such a beautiful experience, my mother's father was Samoan and because he passed when she was a child she has never really identified with her Samoan side. The choir they had was incredible and even though their songs and sermons were all in Samoan you could feel the connection. It left my mother and her sisters in tears.

Teach, Learn, Share

I want to learn as much of your city and culture as possible. The traditions, the history, the way of life and everything you love about it. I would also love to share my Maori culture with you, I am so proud to be from New Zealand.

What I Can Share with Hosts

My sarcastic sense of humor, my sincerest gratitude, my sense of wonder & amazement, and anything you want to know about New Zealand.

Countries I’ve Visited

Albania, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Macedonia, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Samoa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United States, Vatican City State

Countries I’ve Lived In

England, New Zealand