#2

 

August 13th, 2024

Wānaka

Ben

 

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As I drove towards Ben’s house, I couldn’t help but marvel once again at the stunning beauty of the Wānaka surroundings. I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the chance to explore these places, which I might never have seen otherwise.

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When I stepped into the home of Ben and his partner, Claire, I was struck by the charm and warmth of their space. The living room, bathing in sunlight, was inviting and cozy, with a sleeping dog adding to the homely atmosphere. I complimented them on their excellent taste in interior design. As we settled in with a drink -tea obviously as I am in the house of a Brit- we remarked on the serene stillness of the landscape.

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Ben and Claire are originally from Bristol, the UK. Ben first visited this breathtaking island in 2001 when he was 24, accompanied by three close friends. In 2011, Ben and Claire embarked on a cycling adventure around the North and South Islands. It was during this journey that they fell in love with the country, a twinkle in Ben’s eye revealing his fondness for those days. Although they planned to spend only a few days in Wānaka, they ended up staying for two weeks – a delightful extension of their plans.

 

In 2013, Ben and Claire made the bold decision to move to New Zealand. They initially settled in Auckland for work, where they lived for five years. In that period, they frequently visited Wānaka, especially for skiing, and eventually realized in 2018 that they wanted to make Wānaka their permanent home. And so they did.

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I asked Ben why Wānaka was their choice: “Wānaka is the mecca of having fun,” Ben said with enthusiasm. “It’s perfect for water sports, mountain biking, climbing… if you love the outdoors, it’s a fantastic place to live.” He also appreciates how accessible these activities are; for instance, mountain biking and climbing are just minutes from his door.

 

Ben also values the simplicity of Wānaka compared to Auckland: “There’s just one or two stores for shoes, only one Mitre 10 – everything is straightforward and easy”. 

 

He enjoys the remoteness of Wānaka, which initially could make him slightly anxious but has since become a cherished aspect of life here: returning to Wānaka after a trip feels like returning to a secret hideaway, a refuge from the chaos of the world.

 

Ben and Claire quickly felt at home in Wānaka. He noted that most people here come from elsewhere, so everyone is welcoming and empathetic to newcomers. “Everybody knows what it’s like to be the new guy,” he said with a smile.

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In a small town like Wānaka, it’s common to bump into people regularly, and it fosters a sense of familiarity. The downside? “You can’t be a dickhead,” Ben chuckled, and I laughed in agreement. “The people keep you in check.”

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As an independent UX designer working from home, Ben initially found it challenging to connect with the local community. To bridge that gap, he joined the local fire brigade. This involvement helped him meet people and provided a meaningful role in the community. The trust and camaraderie built through the fire brigade have led to strong connections and friendships, such as Hemi, my project manager with whom I am working on this photography project. 

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Beyond his fire brigade duties, Ben and Claire enjoy sailing, windsurfing, and skiing with local communities.

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When I asked Ben if Wānaka was his forever home, he smiled and said, “Yes… for now.” 

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