You are reading an honest New Zealand travel blog.
Lucky for you, I like to keep it real and tell you how it is.
Whether you are in the throes of moving to New Zealand or are about to visit this beautiful country, then you are on the right page.
In other posts, I cover the cost to live in New Zealand, and what it is like to raise kids in New Zealand – so if you are thinking of making the move to New Zealand and emigrating down under you might want to check those posts out.
But for now, to keep you on the straight and narrow I have 20 perfectly honest (maybe a bit too honest) truths to share with you about New Zealand.
All of them were positive (some of them were a bit munted), and yes, That is a real New Zealand slang word.
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A New Zealand travel blog. Are you ready to know some truths?
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Living in New Zealand
We (my family and I) have been living in New Zealand home has taken a bit of getting used to.
Like anywhere else in the world, the land of the long white cloud is by no means a perfect country, and, as you would expect, living in New Zealand has its pros and cons, (one of those cons being that spending Christmas in New Zealand means you can’t see the telly screen unless you close the curtains).
But.
Telly aside, there are far more positives than negatives. New Zealand food is one of them!
Aotearoa
Māori, the indigenous people of New Zealand, came to Aotearoa (which is the original Māori name for NZ meaning ‘land of the long white cloud’) more than 1000 years ago from their mythical Polynesian homeland of Hawaiki.
The Māori history, language and traditions are both beautiful and fascinating and are central to New Zealand’s identity.
Māori Culture
Māori culture plays a role in daily life in New Zealand and the Māori language, known as Te reo Māori, shortened to te Reo (meaning, ‘the language’) is taught in New Zealand schools and names many of New Zealand’s major cities and landmarks.
To learn more about the Māori culture, check out this post.
New Zealand is one of the world’s most unique travel destinations and is a country that, no matter what time of year you visit, you will return home feeling one step closer to having discovered perfection.
Or, at the very least, you might meet a hobbit.
Want to know what New Zealand is really like?
Know this…
A New Zealand Travel Blog: 20 Things That May Surprise You
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1: Know That Right From The Start, New Zealand is Different
Know that: New Zealand is the best place on earth.
Every corner you turn, there is something that will take your breath away, from bubbling hot waterfalls (see the video I made further down the post) at the side of the road to hillsides that look like bars of Toblerone.
Know that: In New Zealand the sun moves across the sky in the opposite direction to the Northen Hemisphere.
Although the sun still rises in the East, it goes from right to left and not left to right.
Along with having Christmas on the beach, it takes some getting used to.
Plus, the moon is upside down.
The sun moves in the opposite direction to the Northern Hemisphere. It takes some getting used to.
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New Zealanders LOVE dogs. Now that’s something I bet you didn’t know!
17 Underrated travel destinations that are simply divine
Couchsurfing. Will I be murdered and other FAQ
If you are going to visit New Zealand, then you had better brush up on your Kiwi slang.
There are lots of them but here’s just one example:
Eh? Eh is a word that you will hear all of the time in New Zealand. It’s their way of affirming that what they have just said to be true.
For example “That woman in the house on the hill has started a travel blog, ay?”
“I think it’s going to rain, ay?” Get the picture?
Good.
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6: New Zealand is Probably The Most Modest Country on Earth.
And so are New Zealand’s people. The only other country where I have witnessed the same modesty is in Japan.
When I tell any New Zealander that we emigrated to NZ from the Uk they say ‘why would do want to do that?’
I want to shake them and ask, ‘why wouldn’t I want to leave the Uk to come and live in a country that I can only describe as paradise?’
But they just don’t see it, and that’s both beautiful and sad.
You don’t need “stuff’ to be happy. You just need a view like this…
You won’t have a clue what ANY farmer is talking about in New Zealand but it’s always about cows. Just nod your head and smile.
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And then there’s the washing…
9: Know that Some People in New Zealand Don’t Believe in Tumble Driers.
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Not when there’s a perfectly good rotary washing line sitting in the garden thank you very much.
f you tell a kiwi that you tumble dry your clothes you might as well say I just killed my Mother.
Being warm in your own house is one of the things that you will (probably) miss if you move to New Zealand.
11: Know that New Zealand is Safe – BUT
New Zealand ranks second place (after Finland) for being the safest country in the world and this feels evident the moment you step off the plane.
However, nowhere is perfect, so please take care in the busier cities of New Zealand, such as Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington.
If you need to see a doctor while in New Zealand, this is very easy to do, and the health practitioners are friendly and professional.
As a tourist to New Zealand, you will be charged for these services; approx NZ $80 for a doctors consultation.
Make sure that you have the best New Zealand travel insurance there is. We have travelled all over the world, and the only insurance policy I would recommend using is this one.
In the past twelve months, we have made three claims with them, and every time, they have come up trumps. They really are brilliant.
Where else in the world can you spend the day bathing in hot pools in the forest?
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14: Know that there are sandflies
If I could have one gripe about New Zealand it would be about the sandflies.
These nasty little black ‘dots’ are about as big as a grain of sand but have the bite of an annoyed tiger.
The good news is that they are easily repelled and don’t carry any nasty disease (just a very itchy reminder!)
Don’t mess about. This stuff is the best insect repellent on the market and the only one I would recommend for New Zealand bugs.
Rub it in (especially around your ankles) and you will never be bothered by sandflies again.
Here’s That Little Video I Promised You Of The Free Hot Pools In Taupo, New Zealand
For Pinterest!⇓
A Few More Know This About New Zealand
The ever-present Mt Taranaki flanked by New Zealand hills. Is it any wonder the locals call this region Taradise?
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Next, you could read…
What you will miss if you move to New Zealand (especially if you’re from the US…)
For Pinterest! ⇓
Related Posts That You Will Enjoy
Moving to New Zealand. 5 Hoops you will have to jump through first
The cost to live in New Zealand – the truth about wages, food costs and housing
Living in New Zealand. The Pro’s and Con’s & what it’s really like (PODCAST)
Emigrating to New Zealand. Will you really be living the dream?
New Zealand slang. 40 words that will see you all goods
Christmas in New Zealand. What it’s REALLY like (PODCAST)
Some Final Thoughts For This New Zealand Travel Blog
New Zealand is Now Home
New Zealand is my home and this is what inspired me to write a travel blog on this beautiful country. If you make it down this way, be sure to look me up, and I’ll answer any questions that I can help you with.
Every thing you say is true.. apart from absent family this place is unbeatable!
It is!
I found this blog very surprising, as there was no mention of Maori, as the most important part of New Zealand past and present.
You are totally right Lynne. Thank you for pointing this out. I updated the post today 🙂
After 25 years touring NZ, foreign dollars are out amazing how nice kiwis are. Go incognito & there is a different atmosphere. Most SI Maori are friendly, helpful & non intimidating. NI Maori similar but some indigenous people are rude, aggressive & racially intimidating of your colour than your origin. When you arrive in Aotearoa there are many beautiful landscapes & nice weather; but, some indigenous people are dangerous & threateningly behaved.
Parts of the Maori culture that they don’t like published is the cannibalism, or killing of newborn unwanted children.
One of the most aggressive Maori places we have experienced is the East Coast, Gisborne area, a movie not to see “Once was Warriors” real modern look at Maori living.
The entitled Eastland cuzzy bros that are intimidated by your appearance is the one not to acknowledge or greet but rather look down & carry on. Be aware of wearing the wrong colours in some East Coast towns. Best to avoid red & blue gang colours or looking at someone for too long.
Visiting tourist sites are reasonably safe with large groups. A family in a motorhome touring have both eyes open & stay alert of your environment & those around you. Most opportunist work in groups with several scouts. No different to other countries. When you’re in a remote location and appearing lost you can become prey to opportunists that are watching you. However there are some real gems in Tūranganui-a-kiwa.
There have been missing people, cold cases and homicides in most areas in NZ. Moteuka in the late 90’s known as Murdeuka for the number of deaths.
Suicide rate in NZ is one of the highest globally. Mental poverty is real despite the socialist culture & public healthcare. Mental health is huge barrier for some Kiwis, some often refer to themselves as a small nation, poor cousin, guinea pig or test nation, little island country. Black being the country’s national colour encourages minority inequality, less than average self-belief, low self-esteem, hate, jealousy, greed, hiding in dark places, restricting light and knowledge. The recent change in focus to the silver fern to a give silver lining.
All countries have their not so good human history & natural wonders. Complacency is NZ biggest killer. She’ll be right. No worries, Aye Bro, Sweet, Chur with the accompanying head nod. Harden up, your not wrong.
Hi Carol.
When I read this comment I seriously thought about not publishing it. If I were to read this I wouldn’t come a mile within the country and the last thing I would want is to make people fearful of visiting New Zealand. But then I remembered that everyone has the right to express their opinion and the points that you make are both valid and interesting.
I’d like to have a quick conversation with you. (I wish we could do it in real life!) please let me know what you think.
I have family in Gisborne and I have visited many, many times. Sometimes for months on end. I have never, not once, felt intimidated or threatened by anyone there, including Māori. If anything, I have always felt that if I were lost or needed help then it is probably Māori that I would approach. Maybe that’s just me…I don’t know.
My family have lived in Gizzy there for twelve years. They have never had anything stolen, they never lock their front door, they have never been attacked or hurt or been treated differently. Both my nieces walk to school, get the bus to clubs and love living in Gizzy. I am certainly not saying that this is the norm and perhaps they have been lucky but never, not once have they ever complained about feeling unsafe, unwelcome or frightened to wear the wrong colour jersey.
I must also disagree with your point about getting lost and feeling as though eyes are preying on you. We have camped all over New Zealand, mostly at the side of the road in our camper and have also done a good deal of freedom camping in both the North and South Island. Of course, you must be diligent and aware, exactly as you point out, like anywhere in the world, but to say that opportunists are watching you? Sorry, but never have I ever felt like that, nor have I ever heard anyone else raise these concerns.
If this is your experience then I am sorry.
I agree with your points about suicide and mental poverty. Thank you for pointing those things out. It is important for people to realise that New Zealand is not the land of milk and honey and is by no means perfect, but speaking as a NZ citiizen who has lived here for 12 years (and has travelled the world extensively) I would like to say that I find this country to be one of the friendliest, safest, and most welcoming. And I don’t have US dollars.
Once again Carol, thank you for your comment. Hearing something about NZ that isn’t spoken about is super useful and sparks great conversations. Liz 🙂
Yes Maoris were cannibals,don’t like forigners,or whit nzers,the Mori Oris were the originals,want everything their own way,NZ trying to copy Australia,ardern asking England what to do about what’s going on in NZ,who follow Australia,not good,too many bent cops,judges,work and income,NZ lawyer looking into what’s going there,kids out of school for social workers,bent lawyers,nobody needs to be qualified these days.if your from another country coming to live in NZ,don’t have a family, either young or young adults,they will take them off you,to get funding for mental health,put on phycotropic drugs,put into pedafilers homes,sent to other countries,try to adopt,which is illegal, phones taken off them, illegal,think they can do as they like, happening all over the world,they up taking up arms,the cops,because of the up roar of more people finding out about it,and can do alot about it,sending over bent cops from the UK,done the research,been to the UK,it all stops when I come back,no one will help them now,all on,they are scared stiff at all the evidence,been in touch with a lawyer who has helped nzers out of the country,people out of Ireland,yes they know what’s going on here,ardern knows,America,stops now.
And the fact that 90-mile beach isn’t 90-miles long 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing this post! It made me giggle in a few parts! & made me look forward to my upcoming year in New Zealand even more! My partner and I head to NZ in June for a working holiday visa! We are currently in Australia and I can’t wait to see how it compares! (It probably doesn’t because they seem worlds apart!) I’ll have to work on my weather complaints though, I am a sucker for complaining about it! Too hot or too cold you’ll hear it from me first, I’ll work on it – must be the Brit in me! But you’re right we don’t need to give anyone anymore reasons to call us British whiney! I can’t wait to visit this beautiful country and explore all that is has to offer!
Alicia
Thanks, Alicia, glad you enjoyed it! You will LOVE NZ, and to be able to stay for a year? How fabulous! If you need any further advice or just a friend while you are here please don’t hesitate to message me, I mean it – please, yell out if you need anything X
Loved reading this so much! Went to the north last year for a month with my boyfriend and we’re still in love with these unforgettable nature, people, memories, pictures. Can’t wait to go back!
It certainly is a gorgeous place Nancy, I’m so glad you loved it as much as me! Look me up when you get back here 🙂
My husband and I are considering moving to new Zealand, especially after Trump took power here in the U.S. We are extremely liberal by U.S. standards, though it sounds like we might be moderates in New Zealand (social democrats). How hard would it be for a lab tech and former lawyer aged 55 and 60 to get in?
Hi Kelly, I’m not sure about the entry requirements now, it was ten years ago when we emigrated here. Best thing to do is check the NZ website. I do know that to apply for a skilled migrants visa you have to be under 56, but then there is the option of coming to NZ as a business owner. if you have a business in which you could employ people then it’s quite straight forward I beieve. Don’t quote me on that though, like I said, it has been a while. We were lucky, Brian is a plumber/electrician bith of which are on the skilled shortage list in NZ. Pur back up plan was to buy a cafe in NZ and do it that way. Where there is a will there is a way!
Let me know how you get on!
I am coming to NZ in June for a month. (Yes I know it’s winter there.) Hopefully staying in a Bach at pukehina beach. So excited I can barely wait. Any hints? Coming from the eastern US.
Lucky you! i actually prefer being at the beach in the winter, the sea is always beautiful and you will still get plenty of sunny days. Tips?? Hmm. The only thing I would say is just let New Zealand work her magic on you. At first you may think “what’s all the fuss about?” and then as the days pass and everyone is friendly and nothing is a hassle you will understand why we love it so much. I just made a podcast on the cost of living in New Zealand – you may want to take a listen!
How fabulous! And actually, I prefer to be on the beach in the winter, you will get stacks of sunny days and will have it to yourself. Tips? Hmm. Just let NZ work her magic on you. At first, you may think “what’s all the fuss about?” and then when you’ve been here a couple of days you will understand why we love it so much!
I just did a podcast on the cost of living in New Zealand that you might find interesting!
https://itsadrama.com/how-expensive-is-it-to-live-in-new-zealand-podcast-006/
Have a great time!
Hej, thanks alot for this blog! The company I work for will open a store in Auckland in a few years and I’m considering to go there. Reading your blog it’s indeed as perfect as I always hoped it to be!
Can you tell something about the costs to actually get there? I don’t have alot of savings and I live in a very cheap apartment in Holland right now so that won’t give me enough to buy something in NZ. Is renting easy?
Enjoy your time in NZ!
Hi Eline, renting (or buying) in Auckland is very expensive. Maybe look at flat sharing for the first year or so? The costs to get to NZ vary. If you are talking about flights then to come in the offseason would be cheaper. Avoid Dec, Jan and Feb as they are the most expensive times for flights and accommodation. Renting is very easy in NZ (make sure you have good references though). Good luck!
Haaaa! I laughed so much as I read this, I lived in NZ for ten years (I have citizenship) but left for work reasons. Your blog is filling me with nostalgia – it’s great to hear that you are so in love with the country I consider home. Best wishes to you and the fam.
Thank you Kate! Perhaps when you return we can meet for a chur bro wine?!
Thanks a lot Liz this was really helpful. I plan to visit NZ for about a month.
Am kinda very nervous cos it’s my first international trip but your write up was soothing enough.
Maybe I should “ey” you when I get to NZ lol
That will certainly make you feel like a local!! Don’t be nervous Flora, you won’t find a more helpful and friendly bunch than the kiwis – and if you need any help please don’t hesitate to reach out to me (you can privately email me or else send me a message on FB or Instagram) 🙂
I’ve just been to my sister who lives in New Plymouth for a month. I’m so crazily madly in love with NZ but just too old to retire there. Your blog is absolutely spot on, and it’s just as you say, (even the dreaded sand flies). PS I live in South Africa….poor me.
Oh Noelene! you should have popped in for a cup of tea! I love in New Plymouth too!
Thank you for taking the time to comment. Yes, I have friends in SA and they are saying things aren’t good right now…I am so sorry. I have never been to your country but I have a family in Cape Town and it is on my list of places to visit next 🙂 X
Thanks Liz Deacle, I like you are article. Useful good information sharing you.
The rotary clothes line. I laughed so hard, because it’s true. The first thing I did when I bought a house in Canada was install a clothes line in the backyard! My mother still refuses to use her tumble drier unless it’s literally raining for days.
New Zealand isn’t perfect, but it’s pretty cool, eh. Glad the ‘naki is treating you well.
Thank you so much Allison! Lovely to hear from you :))