Howdy, I'm Elliott,

I grew up in Auckland, New Zealand before I moved to the South Island for university where I grew into myself and immersed myself in the great outdoors.

I have just finished up working as a Snowboard instructor in Myoko-Kogen, Japan and have purchased a bike that I intend to ride down the country all the way to Kyushu!

I am on my first big trip outside my home country of New Zealand and am excited to share that experience with others.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I am on Couchsurfing in the hopes of connecting with likeminded individuals during my travels. I am also very excited to have the chance to stay with locals to get their unique insight into the place they call home.

I am hoping through these experience I am able to make global friends, who in time I will be able to share a bit of my home with.

Interests

• arts
• running
• anime
• video games
• board games
• reading
• hiking
• surfing
• snowboarding
• rock climbing
• history
• philosophy
• volunteering
• biking

Music, Movies, and Books

My favorite song of all time is Talking Heads' "This Must Be the Place"

My favorite band is a local band from my home city of Auckland "Daffodils". Feel free to ask about local kiwi music!

As I have a degree in Philosophy, I especially love to read books with philosophical themes. For example Milan Kundera's "The Unbearable Lightness of Being". My favourite author would likely be Haruki Murakami

My top three films (although it always is changing) are: Dazed and Confused, Godzilla Minus One and Django Unchained. I adore watching movies and could go on and on about them so instead here is my Letterboxd profile: https://letterboxd.com/etthorpe/

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I was an active volunteer with an adaptive snow sports school back home in Queenstown, New Zealand. This gave me the opportunity to assist disabled individuals in participating in skiing and snowboarding.

This has been an amazing experience for me as it has allowed me to see first hand how participation in snow sports can help build confidence in less-abled individuals. It is also a wholesome experience lending a hand to help people who need a little extra help be able to have fun and laugh on the snow with their friends and families.

You can see a photo of me helping out on my profile!

Teach, Learn, Share

I would appreciate the chance to practise and improve my basic Japanese that I have picked up working for a Japanese ski school.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I'd love to share stories and information about my home country of New Zealand which I have traveled extensively. I am also keen to share the knowledge I have gained in pursuing my various interests.

I appreciate the chance to give back and help with any jobs that hosts need assistance with.

Most importantly I am hoping to share quality time with my host!!

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Japan, Nepal

Countries I’ve Lived In

Japan, New Zealand