British backpacker, 26, dies in car crash days after arriving in New Zealand for Lord Of The Rings tour, leaving family devastated

A British backpacker’s ‘dream trip’ to New Zealand has ended tragically after he died in a horror car crash just days after arriving.

Joseph Snode, 26, from Buckinghamshire, England, was killed instantly when the vehicle he was riding in as a passenger crashed on the Otira Highway in Jacksons, South Island, on January 28.

His devastated family have since revealed Joseph had accepted a lift to Christchurch with three other people, all of whom suffered minor injuries in the crash.

Mr Snode’s mother, Elaine, said there are no words that can express the “pain and despair” felt by his parents, sister, girlfriend and friends from around the world.

“Joseph had so many plans for his future and he literally lived his dream life before it was taken away from him,” she wrote GoFundMe.

The 26-year-old was living his ‘dream life’ before his travels were tragically cut short

‘He was so happy meeting new friends and taking pictures of his travels and the people he met. He even met his soulmate and she joined him on his travels.”

Mrs Snode described her son as ‘one in a billion’.

“Hearing from his friends is one thing that keeps us going. “Joseph was so full of life and love for life that we want it to remain that way despite 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 time in the Philippines to his Instagram on January 10, captioning the series “Filipino fun.”

Ms Snode, a Lord of The Rings fan, wasted no time visiting Hobbiton after landing in New Zealand in early January.

The avid traveler uploaded a series of photos from his time 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 alone walking the Abel Tasman Coast Track.

“We had no idea these magical days would be his last days in New Zealand,” his mother said.

Mr Snode graduated with a First Degree Honors before working as an events and venue manager at Buckingham University.

He worked at major festivals including Glastonbury 2023, where he saw Elton John perform while saving for the trip of a lifetime.

Donations from the online fundraiser will help 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 costs of the repatriation.

‘It seems like forever before we hear that he is being repatriated to us. But he is being cared for by wonderful people in New Zealand who have kept us informed of the process,” his mother added.

Joseph was killed instantly after the car he was driving crashed on a major highway in New Zealand

The family plans to hold a short funeral service once Joseph is repatriated, before a larger memorial service for his friends.

Many donors left messages of condolence.

‘As a 26-year-old, Joseph’s story touched me. From your shared photos, it appears that he had many wonderful memories and was cherished. I’m so sorry for your loss,” one person said.

‘As a Kiwi, I am always devastated when I hear of visitors experiencing such devastating events in this beautiful country. All the best, and thinking of you in this time of mourning,” another commented.

‘My partner in many crimes. I miss you endlessly,” a third shared.

Joseph’s mother said her son Joseph (pictured) was “one in a billion.”