Finalists found in campaign to promote NZ through travel

The winner of Christchurch travel company Entirely Kiwi's 'trip of a lifetime' will travel the length of New Zealand blogging about their experiences. Photo / NZ Herald

Ten candidates from six countries are vying to win an all-expenses-paid three-month trip around New Zealand.

In June, Christchurch travel company Entirely Kiwi launched a campaign offering the "trip of a lifetime" to someone willing to promote New Zealand to the rest of the world.

The competition is similar to the 'best job in the world' campaign run by Tourism Queensland earlier this year, but does not have a wage attached.

Instead, the successful candidate will be provided with free accommodation, transport, a daily food allowance and some spending money as they tour the country and blog about their experiences.

More than 300 people sent in video blogs outlining why they would be right for the role and the 10 finalists were decided yesterday.

Each of them now has a week to start blogging in a bid to convince the company they are the right person for the job.

"None of [the finalists] were advised prior to yesterday they would be required to blog," said Entirely Kiwi director Vanessa Forsyth.

"They were all signed up with no followers and no page setup - they have literally had to start from scratch.

"We wanted specifically to see what their capabilities were in creating interest in themselves and their experiences."

While entries were received from people all over the world, the finalists are from just six countries: Australia, Canada, Germany, South Africa, New Zealand and the USA.

The three candidates with the most people following their blogs at midday on September 8 will be considered for the role and Entirely Kiwi will ultimately decide the winner.

Forsyth says the final decision will be based on a combination of the candidate's video entry as well as their ability to create a following for their blog and how well they are likely to fit in with the company.

* To view the 10 finalists' video entries and their blogs, click here.