A British backpacker’s “dream trip” to New Zealand ended tragically after he died in a horror car crash just days after arriving.
Joseph Snode, 26, from Buckinghamshire in England, died instantly when the vehicle he was a passenger in crashed on the Otira Highway in Jacksons, South Island, on January 28.
His devastated family have since revealed that Joseph had agreed to be taken to Christchurch with three other people, all of whom suffered minor injuries in the crash.
Snode’s mother, Elaine, said no words can express the “pain and despair” felt by his parents, his sister, his girlfriend and his friends around the world.
“Joseph had so many plans for his future and was literally living the life of his dreams before it was taken away from him,” she wrote in GoFundMe.
Joseph Snode, 26, died instantly when the vehicle he was traveling in crashed on the Otira Highway in Jacksons, New Zealand’s South Island.
The 26-year-old had been living his “dream life” before his travels were tragically cut short.
“He was very happy, meeting new friends and taking photographs of his travels and the people he had met. He even met his soulmate and she accompanied him on his travels.
Mrs Snode described her son as “one in a billion”.
‘Listening to your friends is something that keeps us going. “Joseph was so full of life and love for life that we want that to continue through everything he knew,” she said.
Joseph saved for four years before embarking on his dream trip; visiting Japan, the Philippines, Taiwan, South Korea, China and Hong Kong.
The avid traveler uploaded a series of photos from his stay in the Philippines to his Instagram on January 10, captioning the series “Filipino fun.”
A Lord of the Rings fan, Ms Snode wasted no time visiting Hobbiton after she landed in New Zealand in early January.
The enthusiastic traveler uploaded a series of photographs from his stay in the Philippines (pictured)
Joseph had saved for four years before embarking on his dream trip; visiting Japan, the Philippines, Taiwan, South Korea, China and Hong Kong
He then spent a few days walking alone along the Abel Tasman Coastal Path.
“We had no idea these magical days would be his last days in New Zealand,” his mother said.
Mr Snode graduated with first class honors before working as director of events and venues at the University of Buckingham.
He worked big festivals, including Glastonbury 2023, where he saw Elton John perform while saving for the trip of a lifetime.
Online fundraising donations to cover funeral and memorial costs, which has raised more than £8,000 (AUD$15,450) in four days.
Mr Snode’s travel insurance had covered the repatriation costs.
“It seems like it’s taking forever to find out that he is being repatriated to us. But he is being cared for by wonderful people in New Zealand who have kept us up to date with the process,” his mother added.
Joseph died instantly after the car he was traveling in crashed on a major New Zealand road.
The family plans to hold a brief funeral once Joseph is repatriated before a larger memorial service attended by his friends.
Many donors left messages of condolence.
‘When I was 26, Joseph’s story moved me. The photos he shared show that he had very good memories and that he was appreciated. I’m so sorry for your loss,’ one said.
‘As a New Zealander, I am always devastated when I hear that visitors have suffered such devastating events in this beautiful country. All the best and thinking of you in this time of grief,” another commented.
‘My partner in many crimes. I miss you infinitely,” shared a third.
Joseph’s mother said her son Joseph (pictured) had been ‘one in a billion’