MOVING TO CHRISTCHURCH // New Zealand

[@dr007md]

Excited to see New Zealand through your eyes!!! Whoot! Whooooot!!!

[@RGC198]

Hi Mari, I have been to New Zealand five times, all trips were made in the 1970's. It was mainly to visit my mum's relatives, as my mum was originally born in Palmerston North. My base location to stay was at Wellington and I travelled to other areas from there. I have seen more of the North Island and only Picton and Christchurch in the South Island. On my first trip to New Zealand back in 1970, I travelled to Wellington, Masterton, Palmerston North, Wanganui, Auckland, Rotorua and Picton. It was a real adventure. All the very best. Robert.

[@jg228]

The number one place on my bucket list is Dublin, Ireland. I've been there before and I want to go back so bad! The food is delicious, the music is upbeat, the weather is comfortable, and everything seems to be within walking distance.

[@mari.johnson]

I want to go there as well!

[@veronicarobinson914]

I Live vicariously through you, Love your vlogs and know that you have more exciting vlogs to come, Look forward to them and seeing more of New Zealand

[@davidsmith956]

Hey Mari. Good to see you are settling. I look forward to viewing your new adventures. Enjoy your day.

[@jasonbourne6323]

It is awesome to have you here in New Zealand.

[@lianasamartino9206]

so excited to watch your new adventure!! I'll be in New Zealand at the very end of the year to work for 5 months as well!! woo

[@ElsIkaThijs]

New subscriber and excited to come along with you on your journey to New Zealand! I think that New Zealand is actually one of the top places that I want to go to. It just seems so pretty and so nice.

[@crunchy8886]

HELLO FROM NZ! Can't wait to see what you get up to! It's Spring here and getting warmer!

[@Elissa-Ellen]

Hi Mari! On my bucket list is Iceland and Italy! Thx for your great videos!!

[@BoStark]

By the time I have got to the grocery store and back Mari has traveled the globe five times. On my bucket list at the moment: - Whistler, Canada - Marrakesh, Morocco - Chile / Peru / Colombia / Argentina - Bali, Indonesia - Cambodia - Seoul, South Korea - Costa Rica - Cape Town, South Africa

[@vanessaortynsky4441]

How exciting! I moved to Christchurch a year ago from Canada. Looking forward to watching more of your videos! :)

[@versusjenjoy]

Israel is on my list. I feel like it would be such a life-changing trip; the place is full of historical remnants. Plus, my grandma has told me great stories of her travels there.

[@sig415]

I can't wait to hear more about NZ life! I want to travel by camper van throughout the South island for a few weeks in January.

[@gemini26fourever]

The #1 place on my bucket list right now is Copenhagen, Denmark & Cuba--couldn't pick just one! I am currently house/dog sitting; I've been able to do this quite a bit and its a nice way to make some money as a student. I am loving your vlogs and can't wait to see more of your adventures in NZ!

[@RGC198]

Hi Mari, another awesome video. Thanks for sharing. I travelled to Christchurch on a return trip for a day from Wellington by plane back in 1974. No tourist trams running there back then. It was my only visit there. I was actually staying with relatives in Wellington at the time. It was an interesting day. Take care. Robert.

[@MsErbaFresca]

On my list: Icleand, Reykjavik, Blue Lagoon and it's all thanks to you! :D Good luck in NZ!! Much love!

[@priscilandreza]

Hey Mari! You could make a video showing what you took the suitcase to NZ :)

[@mari.johnson]

I brought way too much stuff for that I think! haha. Two large backpacks and even shipped two boxes too :)

[@phatcurvypinay]

it is Prague and because of you, my husband and I are thinking about New Zealand.

[@ElizabethOnTheInternet]

So excited to see more travel videos! That farmers market looks so cool. I really want to travel to Southern Italy and Thailand. This weekend I went to a museum and enjoyed some beautiful fall leaves :) Thanks for posting!

[@mari.johnson]

Thanks for sharing, Elizabeth!! :)

[@erincutts5667]

Right now my bucketlist is filled with places in New Zealand. It was Australia, but we are living, studying and working there now. So, we will be travelling to New Zealand this month. Which is so exciting!! I can't wait! We will be there for a month and travelling through both the islands by camper van. I think it will be incredible and life changing. I really love your videos. They are so inspiring. I loved your video on the trek through Milford Sound. I hope to be doing that sometime, maybe while I'm there now. Anyway, you are awesome and thanks for the great content...so helpful and fun. ♡

[@mari.johnson]

Aw yay!! I'm excited for you to come to NZ! It really is amazing!

[@WackTheKeyboard]

Hello Mari! Really enjoyed all your videos of New Zealand from earlier this year, they were informative and fun! I'm setting off for Auckland in 2 weeks time and will be travelling and working around the country for a year.. Ahh! Best of luck with settling into Christchurch!

[@mari.johnson]

Very exciting! NZ is such a great country!

[@carinarey2876]

Iceland! I plan on doing my first solo backpacking trip next year and I'm most excited for Iceland. I want to get a camper van and travel along the ring road. Your videos have been helpful during this exciting planning phase!!

[@Clonyxl8]

Nice video Mari...The Comoro Islands are on my bucket list...absolutely impressive nature 😊😊😊😊

[@IndigoTraveller]

Great work Mari! Great to see you love NZ, I'm a Kiwi from Wanaka and spent some time living in Christchurch too :) I have been travelling for 2 years and started Vlogging almost 2 months ago in Southeast Asia. Tomorrow i am flying to India to Vlog there which is scary haha. A dream on my bucket list that I would love to visit is far eastern Siberia. I just think it is so wild, raw and unknown. Anyway enough about me, i have been watching your videos since you were in the Bangkok Tree Houses (they are super cool). I loved your S E Asia Vlogs and from there i have been following your sweet adventures! So keep up the good work, keep making videos and enjoy NZ! Take care, Nick.

[@mari.johnson]

Hey Nick! That's so awesome! I love Wanaka :) And how exciting that you're going to India!! Yes, scary, but it'll be worth it! All the best to you and let me know if/when you're back in NZ!

[@IndigoTraveller]

Thanks Mari! Sure will do. All the best to you in NZ :)

[@abou2426]

I'm so late on watching your vlogs!! But that's because I'm preparing my own NZ trip and leaving in a few days...! Can't wait to watch the other NZ vlogs! Have a good time there!

[@mari.johnson]

Woo! Exciting!!

[@yourfix4753]

Safe travels! Looking forward to New Zealand videos!!!

[@mari.johnson]

Thanks!

[@TheMmomo3]

Number one place to go visit on my bucket list is the Grand Canyon!

[@theluxuryminimalistraveler]

excited for more NZ vlogs!! Victoria park looks amazinggg

[@emseeey]

On top of my travel list is Iceland. Was there for a half day layover a few years ago and loved it, so I definitely want to go back. I'm leaving for Germany this week, am very excited and nervous at the same time since I'll be traveling alone. Looking forward to more of your videos.

[@KaptainKitten]

New Zealand is #1 on my bucket list right now, and I'll be there in Feburary!

[@xcluelessbeautyx]

I just read Cheryl Strayed's Wild and found myself thinking of you often. 😊 I'm thankful that you didn't go through the things she did while you were hiking though! Congrats on your move, how exciting! My bucket list includes Australia 🇦🇺 and Bora Bora!

[@mari.johnson]

I'm thankful I haven't experienced things like that either! She's an inspiration! Thank you! And I hope you get to Australia and Bora Bora soon!

[@misskirigirl]

Yay you came back!

[@thereddevelopmentco.1117]

I'm moving to Christchurch in Jan '17 so this video and others have been great!! 😀

[@AdventuresLikeThis]

We love your videos Mari! Hope you're having a great time in NZ :)

[@mari.johnson]

Aw thanks! :)

[@adavid2548]

I'm leaving for a work holiday in new Zealand beginning of November. this video made me so excited!

[@mari.johnson]

I'm excited for you to see everything here for the first time!

[@flippinflips8671]

Christchurch is amazing and Smash Palace is such a cool bar. Some of my best memories in Christchurch were at Smash palace! The coffee shop across the street C1 Espresso is cool too. There's a video store behind it. You should check out Sumner if you havent yet. Love keeping up with your adventures. I'm in Texas and getting ready to head for Thailand in a couple of weeks. Rock on Mari!

[@A-Oreal]

5 Months! Great long adventure . You're gonna have a blast ! Since you ask about sharing a bit of our backgrounds, Al is my name, I am from University Place, WA (30 miles South of Seattle), I work for The Veterans Affairs, I am currently in a process of buying a house, just like you I am mostly keeping it to myself (introvert), and as far as bucket list one thing I wanna do is visit all of the states and see its features. This is like writing an essay ☺☺

[@mari.johnson]

Nice to know more about you, Al! How exciting to be buying a house! And good luck visiting all of the states!! :)

[@santana898989]

My bucket list is Chiang Mai, Thailand. I'll be there in four weeks for the firs time. Keep moving forward Mari! Cheers.

[@MzPinayx3]

I'm moving to NZ in 2 weeks! a little scared but really excited lol. can't wait to learn more tips from your vids ❤

[@stormydays4977]

how you finding nz

[@reallifefantasy7540]

MzPinayx3 let me know when u move to New Zealand 😊 itl be cool to give u a run down on us lol

[@Phejsiataga]

MzPinayx3 ull love it hope u are injoying nz

[@debbie7991]

What is it like to live in CHCH? Is most of it destroyed by the earthquake? We are moving from the UK in July. My husband wants to go to CHCH and I want to move to the North Island (which we both know well). Thanks

[@abbehello]

I would love to travel everywhere honestly, all the states to south east asia, europe, etc! You inspire me to get out there! Thank you so much!! 🙂

[@mari.johnson]

Hey! Can you please send your address to [e-mail] :)

[@abbehello]

Mari Johnson Hi Mari! I'll be shooting you an email soon! Yay!!

[@hollibaum927]

YAY!! I'm so stoked for all your upcoming videos of NZ! You seem so happy and at home there, it radiates through the screen :) If there were one place I could go to right now it would probably be NZ or Switzerland. I'm glad someone out there is as awkward as I am haha. Have a wonderful day Mari!

[@mari.johnson]

Aw thanks Holli! I'm with ya on Switzerland, it looks so magical! Yay to being awkward! haha :)

[@steveshaw6096]

Welcome back, hope you get down to mount cook national park great hikes, if you make to the north island need to visit bay of islands and the sand dunes in summertime great beaches different in comparison to the South Island. "Happy Travels"

[@mari.johnson]

I just went to Mt. Cook this past weekend. It was gorgeous!! I definitely want to make it up there sometime!

[@mzzbee3212]

well I live here in new Zealand in taranaki I'm a stay at home mum and loooove watching your videos it's so crazy your back I you'll have an amazing time here xo

[@jeimymelina2254]

U are very brave for putting yourself out there. I cant wait for my daughter to be older so that i can travel the way you do. Bucket list would have to have Rome as numb 1 specifically paris😍and being introduced to New Zealand 🇳🇿 by u has made it numb 2 on my list, soooo gorgeous🤗 cant wait to see more💕

[@russellkeys]

Next place on my bucket list to Visit would be Japan or back to New York City! This weekend is a long weekend in Melbourne with the spring racing carnival! BBQ and catching up with friends.

[@Y2J]

I had no idea about those tubes at C1 espresso until I went there a few months ago

[@KIWISUPERMAN]

I moved to Brisbane Australia and watching your nz vids make me homesick

[@NICKBONESTEEL]

Hey Mari!! Reykjavik, Iceland is the next place on my bucket list!!😁🤘🏼 hope you have an amazing time in New Zealand🇳🇿 keep doing what you're doing!!

[@mari.johnson]

Ahh it's so amazing there!! I'm dying to go back!

[@okiesbrb]

Hi Mari. Im from nz but living in Brisbane Australia. My family ie the Reubens live in christchurch including my son whom I visit now and again. My bucket list is to retire and travel to usa as my sister lives in Joplin Missouri. Asia ie Bali etc and Rome and france and Dubai. love your videos. keep it up.

[@verag21]

Rome and Greece are top 2 on my bucket list for places to travel. I came across your channel researching New York because I'm surprising my daughter with a trip there for her HS graduation gift.

[@mari.johnson]

Those places are on my list too! Your daughter is lucky to have such an awesome mom! :)

[@simbo0ne]

Ah Christchurch... your video is making me homesick!

[@NaduahNijssen]

#1 on my bucketlist is Iceland! I think I would love it their!

[@grandaddennis]

Hi Mari, my number one on my bucket list is to camp at Yosemite for two weeks although not sure about the whole bear thing! A long way from rainy Yorkshire! Also my son has just bought his first house with his girlfriend and have been moving furniture all weekend! Great video as usual, looking forward to all your adventures!

[@mari.johnson]

That sounds great! Don't worry, you'll be fine about the bears, just don't leave any food out! Cheers and good luck to your son!

[@ric-taylor9343]

Just found your channel enjoying your reviews of new zealand so welcome to the land of the long white cloud remember smiles go miles catch ya ....

[@mari.johnson]

Thanks Ric!

[@rossied198]

Italy. Love your vlogs NZ seems like such a pretty lush place, looking forward to seeing more of it. You don't come across as awkward. Have fun!

[@baron6271]

Number 1 on my bucket list is Easter Island. Keep up the great work, Mari!!!! You've been an inspiration. I love archaeological sites.

[@mari.johnson]

Ooh yeah Easter Island would be so cool!! :)

[@patricia7149]

Hi Mari! I'm super excited for you! I :-) love the New Zealand accent. How long are you planning to stay there? Looking forward to your upcoming videos!

[@mari.johnson]

I'll be here until the end of March! :)

[@merriem24]

South Africa, south of France, Bali! Love your vlogs!

[@Herkunftsnachweis]

Seychelles..that's definitely a place i want to visit..enjoy your vaca in New Zealand and keep the great videos coming.. greetings from Philadelphia, Rafael

[@amandatk4277]

Yay! welcome to my hometown. Make sure you guys venture to Akaroa.

[@mari.johnson]

Aw thanks! Nick and I actually went there earlier this year. It was so beautiful and cute!

[@wanderback]

My 3 current bucket list places are Greece, Nepal, and New Orleans. Very random but yeah!

[@sleeperftw1]

I would say NZ, Australia and Korea. I'm so excited for you! What type of job do you think you'll get?

[@NathanaelleD]

Watching your video makes me so excited ! I decided to do a working holiday visa in new zealand ! (And then I'm definitely stopping by Japan which was always on top of my bucket list since forever)

[@mari.johnson]

Ooh yay!! I'm really excited for you!!

[@infocharles9489]

I found you Last Winter Before Traveling to Cambodia. I ended up Staying on Koh Rong Samloem at that Groovy Moonlight Resort. Favorite!

[@ShaneChristineLife]

Places on my bucket list is French Poly, Greece, Singapore and India!! And I'm actually going to India in December! Ahhh excited! -Christine

[@mari.johnson]

Ooh nice! India is definitely on my list! I'm excited for you!

[@ivanlim1935]

Morocco. I've been planning to go there since 2014 but I always have badluck. First, was ebola (no essential travels in that region) and second was I broke my ankle 2 days before my flight. So I'll try again in 2017. Besides that, I'm going to Hawaii in 2 weeks. Getting away from Canadian winter. =)

[@VDubs7er]

I'm hoping to tick of the main trip on my bucket list a 3 week self drive tour of New Zealand early nest year :-). I visited NZ when I was 10 now 23 years later I need to come back, lol.

[@shakeerab.6387]

I'm a new subscriber and I love your videos already. I've always wanted to travel to Ireland. I relate to you about being introverted and private, but it's great that you've gotten the courage to post videos online. I can't wait to see more of your adventures in NZ.🙂

[@mari.johnson]

Hi Shakeera! I've always wanted to go to Ireland too! Thanks for saying hi :)

[@alexshort681]

Haha it's so great to relate to your weather now!! Welcome to chch!!

[@mari.johnson]

Thanks Alex!!

[@brypie88]

Paris is on my bucket list. I've always wanted to go but recently I've been craving to see the Eiffel tower!

[@mattmartinez5331]

Yay! So excited for you new adventures and to get to continue watching :)

[@mattmartinez5331]

Haha. Isn't it weird/ awesome how you discover this new side of your personality making videos?! I'm such a introvert, but my channel is awaking a new side of weird personality, love it. I left the Bay Area, quit my job, and moving to HAWAII in December! Can't wait to finally live how I want and share on here. Safe travels! Looking forward to your content.

[@mari.johnson]

That's awesome! I love Hawaii!!

[@serahnkahukura8433]

Welcome back Mari :) Don't forget to make some time for more North Island adventures too okay? I'm loving your friend's fly fishing lapel pin btw.

[@mari.johnson]

Of course, there's so much more I want to see up there! :)

[@lallalass3187]

Hi Mari, watched your videos and really liked them. Loved your tips on traveling cheap - honest and practical advice - thanks for that video!!. The two places on top of my list are Iceland for trekking and Brazil (specifically the capital city of Brasilia to see all of Oscar Niemeyer's architecture) :).

[@coolcatcarolena4951]

I would totally move there, or Scotland or South Africa lol...super envious, but so happy for you!

[@candyyian8228]

Iceland for me. Shall be arriving NZ this Friday...yay! Can't wait 😉

[@popo0w]

Good luck in NZ Cala'Mari 😀

[@WanderNiki]

Haha I feel you, today is a rainy day in south of France too ... not used to that (sigh) and I'll miss part of the winter too as I'm headed to Australia with a WHV in January yayyy ! #1 place on my bucket list is Petra, Jordan ! Not planned yet but maybe on the way back to OZ, who knows ! xx

[@mari.johnson]

That's so exciting! And Petra would be awesome!

[@colebuckovich2788]

Awesome video, looking to study abroad in Christchurch for either one semester or two. I cannot decide! Any thoughts? Is 5 months enough?

[@manbeenasidhu9454]

Btw it's really cool that you've got 5 months to live in the New Zealand.. Yaay🎉

[@MelissaKrainson]

Hey Mari. The next trip I would like to go on would be to Spain! My friends and I will be doing some pumpkin carving and decorating today. Its so nice seeing you catch up with friends. Maybe one day you can do a video on how you keep in touch with your friends from around the world. Love the videos. :-)

[@mari.johnson]

Hi Melissa! That sounds so fun! Halloween over here is just not the same! All the best to you and also, what's your address? ;) You can send it to [e-mail]

[@pluta83]

Kyoto is on my bucket list for sure, oh yeah

[@babitababita642]

Kia ora! Mari, True, working seems a good idea to integrate into the community in any country

[@joyceburke8601]

Sounds like a wonderful adventure you are on! I live in Plymouth, Massachusetts, known as the "south shore" and as Monday will be Halloween, this weekend probably Friday the 28th we will be headed to the "north shore" to Salem! Super fun so close to Halloween for all things witchy! As for the bucket list mine is very long.... The Great Wall has always been pretty close to the top, Machu Picchu is also pretty close to the top.... But reality will probably be an extended trip to Italy and Ireland first... Can't wait to see more of your New Zealand adventures.... Happy travels... 🎃

[@mari.johnson]

Ooh Salem sounds so fun! Have the best time! The Great Wall is on my list too! :)

[@lyliestewart]

Hi Mari! I live in Christchurch and am over in Europe doing my OE. Before I got here I watched your travel vids which were awesome :) your clips of chch are making me homesick. I've only been away for 3weeks and have another month left. Might see ya around Chch when I get back. It is a great place to live and I will definitely appreciate it more once I get back! :)

[@mari.johnson]

So true! I always appreciate my home more after traveling. Enjoy the rest of your trip and maybe see you here!

[@thewanderingkiwi7485]

New York City is for sure on my bucket list! Welcome to NZ Mari! Hope you get to check out Taranaki (Rated today the 2nd best region in the world to visit for 2017 by Lonely Planet!)

[@mari.johnson]

Yeah I saw that! I'll have to go check it out. Cheers!

[@احمدمسرح]

haii are taranka good place to study and work? I will study cookery in wiit

[@sarawaltjen817]

It's a tie between Peru, Japan and Iceland....but let's face it, I love to travel so if it's on the map, it's on my bucket list for sure!

[@gordoneats]

Can't wait to see your adventures in New Zealand! Top place on my bucket list is South Korea. Trying right now to find a job so I can afford a trip there and other places.

[@kathleenb3768]

hi 😊 currently it would be Standing Rock Sioux reservation // North Dakota #NoDAPL

[@michyynicole7829]

so happy to see you in NZ you seem so happy lol. Germany or London is on my bucket list love you vlogs

[@nino714]

Visiting Italy for a multiple week vacation for sure. I want to eat cheese and drink wine in a cellar and wander across the countryside. There's so much I want to do there.

[@kylieeats1639]

Tea in a matchbox is cool!! And tubes! How???

[@nuradilla8]

no. one on my bucket list right now is Morroco :) have a good time in NZ!

[@natalieanneham]

Hey I came across you videos back in January before I went for my first solo backpacking trip to SE Asia. I was obviously a bit nervous and I loved watching you videos. Funny thing is I met a kiwi while travelling too, and after 6 months of backpacking I've decided to move to Christchurch to be with him! Anyways super random ! Hope you are doing well! Keep up the great videos :)

[@mari.johnson]

haha that's so funny and awesome! Maybe I'll see you around Christchurch sometime!!

[@kelvinlim1552]

Woah, maybe we can meet up in chc, I will be there on April next year. Take care and keep adventure

[@caducassau]

Hey Mari, fellow travel vlogger here, straight from Brazil, just arrived to NZ recently. Not sure if I will head to South Island anytime soon, but if you come to Auckland or Bay of Plenty, let me know! Would love to catch up :)

[@mari.johnson]

Awesome, will do! Let me know if you're ever in Christchurch!!

[@nicholasmaude6906]

I'm wondering if Mari has decided to make her move to NZ permanent?

[@hannas_studies]

#1 on by bucket list is the Grand Canyon :) Lots of love from Adelaide, I'm here for a holiday as well

[@malithiahdez7453]

Been loving watching your videos! I think the number one place I've been dying to go too (and perhaps a little weird, but I always wanted to do a mission trip there) is Cambodia~ And this weekend I hiked a trail called the Pinwheel Vista: Stairway to Heaven~ it was a moderate trail, and since this is probably gonna be the last of the good weather here in Jersey, took advantage. Safe travels and enjoy the adventure of finding work and all. I know it can be kind of frustrating, but you're adaptable and have great friends there. much love and can't to see and hear about your adventures! haha much love from Jersey

[@mari.johnson]

Can you please send me your address? [e-mail] :)

[@malithiahdez7453]

Mari Johnson yes! I'm so excited, sending you my info now! :)

[@ElleXY]

I'm a bit late to the game since the weekend is long gone, but I don't recall doing anything fun. Lol. I'm similar to you in that I'm not much of a talker in my daily life, but once I'm comfortable in a setting and find things in common with people, I ramble. PS your videos have kind of inspired me. I'm planning to move to Thailand and it could be as soon as next month. I won't be doing the backpacking thing, but I was offered a teaching job that seems legit, so I'd like to use the opportunity to work over there and acclimate myself with northern Thailand and I'm hoping to vlog about it!

[@mari.johnson]

That's so awesome!! Good luck with everything!! :)