Ben Mihka from Auckland submitted this video as part of his pitch for an internship with the Discovery Channel - and has made the shortlist of 25 from 50,000 applicants
Budding Kiwi travellers have made it from more than 10,000 applicants to be considered for the Discovery Channel internship, which offers the chance to travel the world for free.
On the shortlist of 25, whittled down from more than 10,000 applicants, are New Zealanders Ben Mikha, Katie Bell, Lana Young,Thomas Cameron, Georgina McKenzie, Sam Deuchrass, Talman Madsen, Corban Tupou, Aimee Upson, Morgahna Godwin, Ethan Grigg, Lilian Pang and Natalie Crowther.
Ben Mikha said he had visited 30 countries. Photo / Supplied
Mikha told the Herald he applied for the internship on a whim after seeing it pop up online, adding that he loves travelling.
"I'm just passionate about travel and using my creativity to tell stories," he said.
"Basically it'll be putting my creative skills to good use."
Mikha said it is a "pretty amazing opportunity".
Maraetai Beach, Auckland. Picture / Ben Mikha
"I like to share the beauty of the world with people, especially those that don't get to travel.
"It's just the whole experience, meeting new people, seeing what's out there, new ways of life and bringing back what you see while also being grateful for the things we have back here in New Zealand."
Mikha said he has visited nearly 30 countries, and he has a top three.
"India would be up there for me, just because it was the biggest culture shock I experienced; it was a completely different way of life.
"Hawaii would be another one of my favourites, because it has the perfect balance between civilisation and island life.
Marakopa Falls, Waikato Picture / Ben Mikha
"Third place, I would have to say New Zealand. I love the country and I'm completely in awe of the national beauty that surrounds us all the time."
Mikha said he is most looking forward to visiting Iceland and New York City if he wins the internship.
Eifel Tower, Paris, France. Picture / Ben Mikha
The winner receives a 39-day global internship holiday, beginning in Sydney, Australia, and taking in Singapore, Malaysia, England, Scotland, Iceland, the United States and Italy. The Discovery intern will stay up to eight days in each location and will also visit some of Discovery's overseas headquarters.
To Sua Trench, Samoa. Picture / Ben Mikha
The total value of the internship prize is A$30,000 ($32,000), including economy flights from their nearest capital city to Sydney and between the other destinations on their internship journey.
Stays in two- to four-star accommodation at each location and basic travel insurance is also included, as is a daily spending allowance of $100 and a smart device worth up to $1000 and $500 of data.
The competition is open to Australian and New Zealand residents.
