Surfing, skating and a friendly welcome

Andy Weyhrich hopes to come for another year. Photo / Doug Sherring

The Herald on Sunday is asking tourists over summer about the highlights and lowlights of their trips to New Zealand - and whether they think they'll be back.

Name: Andy Weyhrich, 27.

Occupation: Chef.

Home country: Chicago, United States.

Length of stay: I've been here for three months and I'm staying until September.

Parts of New Zealand visiting: I've been to Queenstown, Christchurch and Auckland. I need to earn some more money before I do more travelling. I'd really like to get to Wellington and to get up north to learn to surf. Ultimately, I'd like to get a van and drive from the top of New Zealand to the bottom.

Is this your first visit to New Zealand? Yes. I have always wanted to come. A friend came six months ago and had nothing bad to say about it - it was as simple as that.

Will you come again? Yes, I'd like to come for another year.

What have you enjoyed most about your visit? I've found New Zealanders to be extremely welcoming. Also, skateboarding is way more accepted over here. In Chicago, you get chucked off your board and yelled at.

What have you disliked? It's a lot more expensive than home, especially food. I eat a lot of cans of soup, which cost a lot.

What's your impression of Kiwis? You're quite open and easy to talk to.

What is New Zealand best known for? Bungy jumping, mountains, skiing, Maori culture and surfing.

What have you done in New Zealand that you've never experienced before? Jet boating in Queenstown.

Are you aware of a major sporting event happening here this year? If so, who do you think will win? The Rugby World Cup - I really want to stick around for it. I'd like to see New Zealand win.

What would you like to take home with you from New Zealand?
Some of the slang, like "sweet as" and "eh". It's fun and I like it a lot.

What would you like to bring to New Zealand from home? Taco Bell. It's cheap Mexican food but it's delicious.