The Big OE

Young New Zealanders have always had an incurable urge to travel and see the world. The ‘big OE’ has is part of New Zealand culture; the experience enriches our lives in innumerable ways, and most travellers remember their OE with rueful fondness.

The stories in this collection provide snapshots of young travellers adventures. These true stories are not just about visiting museums, holy places or the scenery, but are about cultural and environmental differences, adventure, daring, hardship, courage, determination, language, companionship, humour. Although the emphasis is on tales from the sixties and seventies, the feelings and fears from good and bad times will be recognised and enjoyed by travellers old and young.