*** Please read my profile including the My Home section before sending me a request! ***

I am originally from Austria, and came to New Zealand about 11 years ago to gain some overseas experience after finishing my training. I initially inteded to only stay for one year, but as it happens, I liked it, so I'm still here!
I love the friendliness of the people in New Zealand, the diversity of cultures and landscapes, and the working conditions are a lot more relaxed than in Europe.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I love the whole idea of couchsurfing - not so much as a way to find cheap accomodation, but to get to know the locals and make new friends.
I'd like to meet nice people from around the world who will share their stories with me! If you are not willing to interact with me, then you should stay at a backpackers.
I started participating in Couchsurfing in January '15, and so far have hosted quite a few people. I have also surfed a few couches in New Zealand, which was great fun.

Interests

Outdoors (tramping, horse riding, biking, rowing);
Food - cooking it, and - more importantly - eating it!
Books
Gardening

• books
• dining
• cooking
• chocolate
• coffee
• gardening
• movies
• outdoor activities
• cycling
• camping
• travel
• mountain biking
• horse riding
• meeting new people
• maps
• sharing stories
• tramping

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: Pop / Rock, Alternative, but also Classical
Movies: Oh, there are so many!
Books: mostly fiction; my two favourite books ever are The Never Ending Story and To Kill a Mocking Bird. I finally got myself a Kindle, which means I can carry a lot more books around with me - although I still prefer to read a paper book if I can.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Swimming with the dolphins in Kaikoura
Watching the sun rise over Angkor Wat
Seeing a kiwi on the Heaphy Track
Going on treks with my own horses

Teach, Learn, Share

Teach: I can teach you how to remove a foreign body from a child's nose or a fish hook from various body parts, and other little useful tricks; German.
Learn: anything! I strongly believe that I can learn something from everyone.
Share: I'll happily share my meals with you if you wish - although they will not necessarily be vegetarian / vegan / gluten free! Knowledge - ask away, I might be able to answer some questions you might have!

What I Can Share with Hosts

I’m a reasonable cook, and I can tell you about the countries I have visited.

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Belgium, Cambodia, Cook Islands, Czech Republic, England, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, Singapore, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, United States, Vanuatu, Wales

Countries I’ve Lived In

Austria, New Zealand, Scotland