About

Our History

Meet Wali: the Founder

"I used to be scared to talk to foreigners—not because I was shy, but simply because I wasn't used to it."

My journey into travel didn't start with a fearless leap; it started with a quiet realization. I would watch other students effortlessly become friends with people from different cultures and nationalities, heading off to amazing parties and sharing incredible experiences. I wanted to feel every bit of that, but I knew that to get that experience, I had to put myself out there and make it work for myself.

So, I started solo traveling. I pushed myself to step out, meet new people, and ask the questions I needed to truly understand who they were.

That decision changed everything. Along the way, I faced my fair share of rejections, but I also made phenomenal connections and lifelong friends. This journey gave me the confidence to go out and truly talk to the world. It took me across the globe—through the historic streets of Denmark, the UK, Luxembourg, and France, and across the vast landscapes of Australia and New Zealand.

The Unique New Zealand Problem

When I settled in New Zealand, I noticed a stark geographical and social divide. While backpacking through Europe often means jumping on an affordable, well-connected public transport, New Zealand is fundamentally different. This country is breathtaking, but it is highly car-dependent.

I remember heading out toward Port Jackson on the Coromandel Peninsula one summer, pulling over just to watch a brilliant sunset wash over the beach. It was a perfect, quintessential New Zealand moment—but it struck me that moments like this are heavily gatekept. For students, particularly international students, exploring this beautiful country solo is financially draining and logistically near-impossible without access to a personal vehicle.

I realized there was a deeper need for a dedicated traveling society here in New Zealand than in any other country I had visited.

From "I" to "We"

The seed of the idea started with me, but bringing it to life took a village. I began sharing this frustration with a couple of incredible people around me—friends, fellow travelers, and colleagues who immediately understood the vision. They had felt the same barriers and shared the same passion for this country.

Together, we rolled up our sleeves. The idea that was born in my own solo travels was executed through late-night planning sessions, shared resources, and the unwavering support of a team riding this journey with me. We pooled our skills, our shared experiences, and our drive to build something that mattered.

The Window Seat Society Today

That shared effort is exactly why we created The Window Seat Society: a community of international and local students from all around the world in Auckland.

Our mission is simple: to break down cultural barriers, bring travelers together, and provide an affordable platform for you to explore New Zealand like a local. We solve the transit and cost barriers so you can focus on what matters—making incredible contacts and lifelong friends during the trips.

Currently, our team offers curated day trips to help you escape the city and discover the stunning landscapes right in our backyard. But our vision is growing. We are actively working to expand our services to organize immersive overnight trips to various destinations across the North Island and beyond.

So, take a seat with us on The Window Seat Society, and let's explore beautiful New Zealand together.