Interesting question.
Mainly because larp is strong in metropolitan areas (Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Christchurch and maybe Dunedin), but the true beauty of New Zealand is typified in the rural areas.
And this is where I’d expect you would gain significant value from a work abroad scheme. In particular, the South Island offers spectacular panoramas whereas the North Island holds more localised attractions. Which is to compare a vista of alpine / glacial geographic beauty to the stunning vision of an ironsand west coach beach.
In terms of larping, Diatribe is Auckland & Hamilton heavy, largely because nzLARPS was initiated in Auckland. Hamilton is about 2 hours easy drive south of Auckland, so attaining a work abroad program near Auckland or Hamilton would mean you would have access to games that are discussed on this forum, plus others that are not currently on our radar but at held in these locations (such as One World By Night).
Given your stated interests, I suspect you may be interested in some of the following. Each has a forum on this site.
Quest Waikato (fantasy)
No Man’s Land (an embryonic fantasy)
Ravenholme (Gothic fantasy)
Pirates (fantastical pirate game)
If you like combat, then Skirmish would be worth checking out (I am a co-GM for this larp).
Given your January arrival, I expect my other fantasy larp, Multiverse, will be operational. I envisage running this along the same lines as Mordavia, albeit in Michael Moorcock setting. But I don’t promise to put in the same cyberhours as Ryan…he’s a posting machine !
Looking forward to meeting you.
