He got into trouble as a teen and faced an uncertain future when he finished high school, but after an epic 18-month trip circumnavigating New Zealand on foot Brando Yelavich hopes his life-changing journey will inspire others.
The 21-year-old, know as Wildboy, completed his 8000km trek around the country's rugged coastline in August, and has since been offered a book deal, television series and speaking engagements.
"I didn't really know where my life was headed and what direction I was going in and now I do," he said.
"I have had heaps of opportunities arrive from this which is pretty cool. I didn't think I would get this many opportunities.
"I thought there would be some things that came from it otherwise I wouldn't have done the whole thing but the opportunities that I have had now feel bigger than I could have thought [of] before."