New Zealand. Land of the long White Cloud
Lame or Lush? The Truth About New Zealand Food
New Zealand food. Not exactly the most talked about cuisine in the world.
Why? Is it because the kiwis are ashamed of their national nosh or are they hiding something from the rest of the world?
When we made our move to New Zealand from the UK twelve years ago, I wasn’t expecting much in the way of food. Maybe a few lamb chops and a packet of butter. A glass of milk at a push.
How wrong I was…
Is New Zealand NEGLECTING These 7 (Essential) Life Skills?
New Zealand is often referred to as being, ‘like England was fifty years ago.’ At first, I wasn’t sure what this statement meant but after living in New Zealand and witnessing the life skills and the values that New Zealand people work hard to retain, the expression became a whole lot clearer.
Living in New Zealand With Food Allergies
Yesterday I was asked by a member of our private community, ‘Is the food in New Zealand better?’
While this is a huge topic (and those who know me will have probably guessed my answer), I said it would depend on where you are comparing it to. Compared to the UK, yes, I think that the food in New Zealand is better. It tastes more ‘real’.
Don’t ask me to define real because I can’t. Sorry. Let’s just say it hits a different spot on the taste buds.
After talking to this community member for a while I discovered her reason for asking the above question. She had severe food allergies and was trying to gauge what life in New Zealand would look like.
In this week’s show, I talk to Jenn Morris. Jenn is from the Youtube channel, A Thousand Words. She emigrated to New Zealand over a decade ago and she has various food intolerances and allergies that she lives with.
HOW Much?? Emigrating To New Zealand With Dogs
Can you imagine coming to New Zealand with dogs? I can’t. Bringing two kids was stressful enough. But you are about to meet a family who has done both! and in this episode, they share how moving to New Zealand without their fur babies was never an option.
Regardless of the stress and the cost.
Are New Zealand People (REALLY) That Kind?
It’s all over the news. The team of five million are unbeatable. You don’t have to look far to find someone singing the praises of the New Zealanders. But are the New Zealand people as kind as the world is led to believe? And if they are so friendly what makes them so?
Or is all this kindness stuff a big fat cover-up to keep the MIQ staff in a job?
Let’s go for a walk and find out.
WEIRD Facts About New Zealand (That Don’t Involve Sheep).
You don’t have to look far to find some New Zealand facts. We all know about the sheep population and the fact that Rotorua smells of eggs, but what about the other stuff? What about the WEIRD New Zealand facts?
The stuff you only find when you dig your gumboots in a little deeper?
Fitting into New Zealand. (As told by a real kiwi bloke).
If you are moving to New Zealand there are things you’ll want to know. Like how to fit in and get along. And who better to answer that question than a true, born and bred New Zealander.
Today we are thrilled to be chatting with Gordy. A real kiwi bloke.
Why is New Zealand SO Expensive? (Or is it?…)
Why is New Zealand so expensive? Is everything in New Zealand expensive? Why do things cost so much in New Zealand?
These are questions that we hear a lot from people overseas.
So in this week’s show, we thought we’d share seven things that we found to be far cheaper in New Zealand than in the UK.
Now then. I bet you weren’t expecting that were you…?
Swapping America For New Zealand
If you are considering moving to New Zealand from the US then you will love this week’s show. Two weeks ago, our guests found themselves leaving America for good to start a new life down under.
And it wasn’t easy for them. Moving away from family, selling your home and giving away possessions all comes with a big emotional price tag.
You Know You’re in New Zealand When…
When we first moved to New Zealand the following typical ways that we are about to share were alien to us.
Now, these habits are (mainly) the norm!
If you are moving to New Zealand and want to be ahead of the game, you will LOVE this show! 7 common New Zealand habits that will have you questioning the way the rest of the world does things!
What IS The New Zealand Cringe Culture?
We have been living in New Zealand for twelve years, and today, we discovered something about the country, about the New Zealand culture that we never knew existed.
The cringe culture.
You and me both…we’d never heard of it either.
In this week’s podcast, we explored WHAT the new Zealand cultural cringe is, WHY does it happen, & share something crucial with all of the arts lovers out there who are thinking of moving to New Zealand.
Scary Things in New Zealand That DETER Visitors
Scary things in New Zealand. Do they exist?
You are probably reading this post because you are or at some point in your life have considered moving to New Zealand.
And who could blame you? Clean, green, and with hobbits roaming the countryside in search of gold rings. New Zealand is indeed, a very attractive place to raise a family.
But what about the downsides?
What about the scary things in New Zealand? Matters that keep you awake at night worrying yourself senseless?
Auckland? Who’d Want To Live THERE?
According to The Economist Intelligence Unit’s 2021 Global Liveability Index, living in Auckland, New Zealand is now the number one chosen place to live in the world.
And why not? The sun, the sails, the diversity.
But wait.
Before we all hunt for our passports and leave granny, Kansas and the wind behind, let’s look at a few cold facts…
Opportunity in New Zealand. Does it Exist?
Opportunity in New Zealand. Is there any?
I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve been asked this question. I have to say it is usually from people who are moving to New Zealand from the USA, people who say, ‘we’d love to move to New Zealand but we’ve heard that there aren’t many opportunities there.’
Hmmm.
Time for us to make a podcast episode and share all of the opportunities that we (my family of four) have had since moving to New Zealand twelve years ago.
Really?? 7 Weird Things About New Zealand
If you are thinking of moving to New Zealand you’ll want to learn everything you can about the country before you arrive. You’ll definitely want to be told about any unusual things that might be waiting for you.
Because no one likes weird surprises.
Where’s Best to Live? New Zealand Or Canada?
New Zealand or Canada? Which is the best country to live in?
New Zealand and Canada are amongst the top destinations that people choose to emigrate to.
In this podcast and video, we talk about why we (a wife, husband and two small kids) chose to move to New Zealand over Canada and whether we regretted any of the decisions that we made.
Where to Live in NZ. North Island or South?
If you are moving to New Zealand then the first thing you will consider is which island to live on. North or South?
We get asked this a lot from families who are moving to New Zealand and have no clue as to which island offers most.
So we thought we’d help out. Give you our honest thoughts (and experiences) on what we have experienced on both sides of the water.
Mild or Wild? What Are New Zealand Kids (Really) Like
What are New Zealand kids like?
This is a question that we get asked this a lot from families who are moving to New Zealand with kids.
So we thought we’d spill the beans.
The Watties ones, not the Heinz. And give you an insight into kiwi parents & how the kids in New Zealand are raised differently than in the UK.
Emigrating To New Zealand From America. The Realities in 2021
Are you thinking of emigrating to New Zealand from America?
Then you’re going to love what we have to share.
In this New Zealand podcast episode, I talk to Katie and David, an American couple who recently made moving to New Zealand a reality.
Katie is a nurse from California and David worked for the LAPD. They had dreamed of living in New Zealand for a while and now that dream is their reality.
But it wasn’t all plain sailing…
Is New Zealand Backward? Let’s Find Out The Truth…
Is New Zealand behind the times?
In this podcast, Brian and I talk about a topic that so many people (people who have usually never even been here) like to say.
That is that New Zealand is behind the times. A bit backwards. Slow to catch on.
“Ohhh… it’s like the UK in the 1950’s”. There are air raid shelters and everything…
Life in New Zealand vs The UK. Part 2
This is Part two of the interview with Jenn, a New Zealander who spent lockdown in England with her British partner.
If you didn’t catch part 1: Life in New Zealand vs life in the UK then go and listen to that now. it’s a cracker!
Life in NZ vs The UK. A Kiwi Who’s Tried Both
This week’s podcast is a little bit different. We have a real New Zealand guest.
Jen is one of those New Zealand people that you are going to fall in love with.
Just as her British boyfriend did.
Moving To New Zealand. 5 Rookie Mistakes To Avoid Making
We moved to New Zealand with kids (age 8 and 5) from the UK twelve years ago.
To say that we were wet behind the ears is an understatement. Rather we were sodding drenched.
We emigrated to New Zealand from the UK and within the first year of being in the country, we had made more mistakes than we had in our entire lives combined.
Americans in New Zealand. Will They (Ever) Feel At Home?
How do Americans in New Zealand settle? Will New Zealand feel familiar in any ways?
If you are moving to New Zealand from America and wondering what your new life will be like then you will love what we are about to share.
Living in New Zealand (As an Expat)
In this podcast episode (which also has a video to watch should you so wish!), we explored 3 (very similar) things that New Zealand and America share a love for!
My family and I have been living in New Zealand twelve years ago from the UK and it was the BEST thing we ever did.
Of course, as with any country, there are pros and cons of living in New Zealand here, but in general, the New Zealand food is divine and the scenery is to die for and the kiwi people are super welcoming.
If you are from the US and are asking Is New Zealand for me then hopefully this video podcast will help you feel right at home!
5 Things You Will Never See in New Zealand.
If you are moving to New Zealand you will be itching to find out everything there is to know about the country.
From the New Zealand slang to what the new Zealand people are like.
In this week’s New Zealand podcast, we explore 5 things (well actually, it’s more like 4 and a half) that you just won’t find in New Zealand.
And no. Number 1 isn’t decent bacon because I’ve told you before. You can.
The Truth About What New Zealand People Are (Really) Like
Wondering about New Zealand culture? Well. My family and I have been living in New Zealand for almost twelve years.
And in that time we have got to know many New Zealanders. (Or if we are going to use New Zealand slang, Kiwis).
So in this week’s New Zealand podcast, we thought it would be interesting to talk about New Zealand culture; most importantly the things that New Zealand people are known for. Tell you our opinion on whether we think those labels are right.
New Zealand School System Vs The US. Who Wins?
The education system in New Zealand receives an unfair amount of flack.
When we were planning on moving to New Zealand twelve years ago, the school system was one of the things that people always brought up.
“Ohhh… you know schools aren’t that good over there don’t you?” said the people who had never crossed the Atlantic in their lives. “And apparently, you can’t get decent bacon”.
You know my thoughts on this. Tosh. That’s what.
I’ve had plenty of decent bacon butties in New Zealand.
7 Things That Scared Us Most About Moving To New Zealand
Moving to New Zealand is a BIG scary decision and no matter how much stuff you research on the internet, your fears will never be totally soothed.
Not until you arrive on kiwi soil, learn a bit of New Zealand slang and start getting on with your life.
In this week’s podcast episode Brian and I discuss what we worried about most about leaving the UK to live in New Zealand (& reveal whether those fears were justified).
7 Ludicrous Misconceptions About New Zealand
Luckily, one of the best things about New Zealand is the fact that the people have a bloody good sense of humour.
Which is just as well.
Because some of these common misconceptions about what life is like in New Zealand are quite frankly hilarious.
Read The Post & Then Listen To Our Podcast Episode: 7 Ludicrous Misconceptions About New Zealand
Food in New Zealand. Gourmet or Gross?
The food in New Zealand is not very well documented, is it?
When we made our move to New Zealand from the UK over a decade ago, I was expecting to get here and be faced with a plate full of lamb chops and maybe a kiwi fruit for dessert.
But the reality couldn’t have been further from the truth.
✔︎ Get instant access to my FREE Moving to and Living in New Zealand Guide HERE!, a 5 Day Video Series!
Read The Post & Then Listen To Our Podcast Episode: New Zealand Food.
Moving to New Zealand From The US. What’s it (Really) Like?
In all the time that I’ve been writing this blog I have never had so many emails from people (mostly from the US) asking me how they can make their dream of moving to New Zealand become a reality.
✔︎ Get instant access to my FREE Moving to and Living in New Zealand Guide HERE!, a 5 Day Video Series!
My family and I have been living in New Zealand for eleven years. We emigrated to New Zealand from the UK eleven years ago and it was the best thing we ever did.
But the posts and podcasts that I share with you here, things such as what you will miss when you move to New Zealand and life in New Zealand with kids, are given from the point of view of a Brit.
And that’s not much use to the Americans in the audience.
So what did I do? I hunted down a real-life American who had emigrated to New Zealand, that’s what I did.
Living in New Zealand With Kids. 3 Undisclosed Benefits
If you are thinking about making a new life in New Zealand and you have a family (with little kids) then I’m going to take a wild guess and say that you are a teeny bit, massively a lot, downright scared.
Or at the very least apprehensive.
You lay awake in bed, probably at 3 am, worrying about what your future life in New Zealand will look like once you move to the other side of the world with your family.
Ask yourself if you really will be living the dream in New Zealand or whether you’re making a big mistake and will be attacked by tigers and lions and kiwis who live in down under land.
Glamping in New Zealand (Yay Or Nay?)
In the ten years that we have spent living in New Zealand, my family and I have never been glamping.
Not once.
Let’s face it. It’s not the sort of thing you want to do with two kids, is it?
But. With the kids now old enough to make their own beans on toast, Brian and I decided that it was time to check out what this New Zealand glamping craze was all about.
Get us a little bit of hippy outdoorsy fun.
And while we were there – glamping in New Zealand – we made a podcast episode for you. And wrote a post.
After all, what else would a husband and wife do when they find themselves alone without their kids for the first time in nineteen years??
What You’ll Miss When You Move To New Zealand
I wish I’d read a post like this when we were looking to move to New Zealand ten years ago.
At least then I would have been prepared. I could have packed a hot water bottle and a sun hat and some hankies.
But I didn’t.
Instead, I got to the other side of the world and blubbed for six months about how my family never returned my calls and that the bathroom in the house that we were renting was cold and smelly and damp.
Raising Your Kids In New Zealand
Last week I received this email.
“Hi. I am thinking of moving to New Zealand with my family but I am concerned that as we are moving from the UK, my eldest son (who is 12) will be bored. Could you give me any advice?”
I have two kids, a boy age 18 (note to oneself, must stop calling him a kid) and a daughter who is 15.
We have been living in New Zealand for almost eleven years. We emigrated from the UK for a better way of life.
And yes.
We found it.
Building a Tiny House in New Zealand. How, Why & What About The Toilet?
What is a tiny house and why would a twenty-six-year-old girl want to invest all of her savings and live in one in New Zealand?
Because she can and they’re cool.
That’s why.
Could you live in a tiny house?
In this week’s podcast, Sonny and I get to chat with Laura.
Visiting New Zealand From America. Tell Us The Truth. What Did Ya Think?
It’s easy for me to bang on about how wonderful New Zealand is – my family and I have been living here for the last ten years and although the country has its pros and cons, I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. I adore living in New Zealand and will always bore anyone who will listen.
So yes. I probably am a bit biased.
So we thought we’d give you a treat…
How To Move To New Zealand (& What To Expect)
This week’s podcast episode is brought to you by Liz and her husband, Brian. In thirty short minutes, we try our best to cram a year’s experience of New Zealand living into a helpful guide of how to move to New Zealand (and what you can expect when you get here)should you be thinking of starting a new life in New Zealand.
New Zealand Living. Are You Ready For A Few Home Truths?
won't sugar coat it. The first year of our New Zealand living experience was hard. This post may contain affiliate links. They cost you nothing but we make a small commission. If you would like me to explain it further, please visit our...
Sandflies or Gales. When IS The Best Time To Visit New Zealand?
ith the way things are in the world (at the moment) if you asked most people when was the best time to visit New Zealand they would say right now. As I write this in November 2021, the borders to New Zealand remain closed. But. Although things are...
Moving to New Zealand. The How’s, The Why’s & The Hoops.
This week’s podcast on moving to New Zealand is hosted by me, (Liz ) and my husband Brian.
We moved to New Zealand from the UK with our two kids in 2009 and have now been living in New Zealand as a family (our kids are now 18 and 15) for more than ten years.
Our reasons for leaving the UK to start a new life in New Zealand were personal and rather jumbled. It was a kind of ‘let’s give it a go’ decision and one which neither of us has ever regretted.
Not ever.
A New Zealand Christmas. Weird or Wonderful? PODCAST # 009
This week’s show comes after a long winter hibernation which included (for Liz at least) mainly cream, potatoes, belly pork and wine.
But. It is spring in New Zealand now and we are back and raring to go!
Proper New Zealand Slang. Choice Bro.
t might be a good idea to familiarize yourself with some of the more common New Zealand slang words before making a trip down under. After all, you don't want to appear gormless. Especially not if you are seeing New Zealand with your kids. Not...
Living in New Zealand. The Pros & Cons
If you have ever thought about leaving your home country and emigrating, I bet New Zealand was on the short list. Since 2010, New Zealand has seen, amongst other nationalities, 10,000 Americans and 42,000 British get off the plane in Auckland or Wellington and prepare to spend their future living in New Zealand.
What Does It Cost To Live in New Zealand. Will I be Flush or Broke?
When you think about New Zealand, a few things come to mind. The Hobbit, sheep, nature, green and last but not least; cost. Money. Expense. But much does it really cost to live in New Zealand? What are the most expensive items? The cheapest? How much money will you need if you plan to visit or live in this gorgeous country?
How Expensive is it To Live in New Zealand PODCAST #006
We have decided to do a series of life in New Zealand and so this weeks podcast covered the basics of how expensive is New Zealand to live?We have been living in New Zealand for ten years. We emigrated from the UK where we lived in the very posh (and bloody expensive) city of Bath. If you are posh you have to say ‘Barrth’.
Living In New Zealand. 20 Useful Tips To Stop You Looking Like A Muppet
I have been living in New Zealand with my family for the past ten years, and only now am I finally learning how things work. The lingo, the customs, the fact that you don’t moan about the weather.
20 New Zealand Travel Tips (That May Surprise You). Ey.
You are reading an honest New Zealand travel blog. I have been living in New Zealand for ten years and I like to keep it real and tell you how it is. Here are 20 travel tips that you will need to know before setting off fro your adventure!
Emigrating to New Zealand. 10 Things To Know About Living The Dream.
n August this year, we will have been living in New Zealand for 10 years. I can't quite believe it. It seems just yesterday that we made the decision to emigrate to New Zealand with our kids from the UK. Our grounds for leaving were many,...
Taranaki, New Zealand. What IS It About That Place?
peak to any traveller, and New Zealand will always be on their list of top places to visit in the world. For some - like us, they may even end up emigrating to this wonderful piece of paradise. And where better to settle in New Zealand with kids...