British backpacker, 26, dies in crash during 'dream trip' to New Zealand during Lord of the Rings tour after accepting lift
A British backpacker who spent four years saving for his 'dream holiday' in New Zealand has tragically died just days after his trip.
Joseph Snode, 26, was killed in a single-vehicle crash on the Otira Highway in Jacksons, Westland, on January 28.
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The backpacker, from Buckinghamshire, loved the Lord of the Rings franchise.
Hobbiton – a key location used for Lord of the Rings movie trilogy and the film trilogy The Hobbit – was one of the first stops on his major tour.
Joseph is said to have died instantly when the vehicle he was riding in as a passenger crashed on the South Island Highway.
His devastated family later revealed he had accepted a lift to Christchurch along with three other people, all of whom suffered minor injuries in the crash.
Joseph's mother Elaine said there were no words that could express “the pain and despair” felt by his family and friends around the world.
She wrote in one GoFundMe made to increase money for his funeral and memorial: “Joseph had so many plans for him future and he was literally living his dream life before it was taken away from him.”
After graduating from university with a first class degree, Joseph worked for four years as an events and venue manager at Buckingham University and at festivals such as Glastonburywith which he saves money to one day travel around the world with his backpack.
He came to visit during his dream trip Japanthe Philippines, Taiwan, South KoreaChina and Hong Kong.
Mrs Snode explained that her son was particularly excited about his visit to New Zealand after going to Japan with friends last September.
She said: “He was so happy, meeting new friends and taking pictures of his travels and the people he had met.
“He even met his soulmate and she joined him on his travels.”
Joseph landed in New Zealand in early January.
It was a place that was special to both him and his family as they were all Lord of the Rings fans, Ms Snode said.
She continued: “He had a wonderful few days with a friend he had met previously on his travels and who invited him to stay.
“He then visited Hobbiton and other LOTR locations and spent a few days walking alone along the Abel Tasman Coast Track.
'We had no idea that these magical days would be his last days in New Zealand.
“He was given a lift in a car to Christchurch which crashed, killing him instantly, the other occupants had minor injuries.”
Joseph, described by his mother as “one in a billion,” is survived by his loving parents, his sister, his girlfriend and many friends.
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