My family has zeroed in on moving to new Zealand, you are an inspiration to us! Thank you for the videos it certainly is reassuring and exciting to see.
Another tip for restaurants: don't expect your server to bring the bill to your table unless you explicitly ask for it. Most restaurants in NZ expect you to go up to the counter to pay. Most NZers would be a bit offended if their server just brought the bill to the table. Also, don't expect to just hand your credit card to your server and have them take it away. That isn't a thing here. You should just go to the counter as you're leaving and pay through the eftpos terminal. Your card stays in your hand. That's how we do it.
i went to collect plates from a table where they asked for the printed bill and the guy had put his credit card on top of it and I just. stared at it for a moment before I realised he wanted me to put the transaction through. luckily he had paywave but its literally only happened once and you never see it at other places
An American guy snapped his fingers at me and pointed to his cup while he was with his friend's, I frowned and walked away. He tried to make a complaint and my boss goes "why didn't you bring him water?" I replied with "cause he snapped his finger's at me, he didn't ask mum." The guy shat bricks and my mum explained to him that we don't snap fingers in new Zealand. Another time an American lady wanted to complain cause the bill wasn't brought to her, she demanded to speak to the owner. She already was. My mum.
Hi I’m a kiwi and I just want to add that it has become polite to offer a drink to guests when they visit your home but it’s not always tea that they want. We don’t all drink tea, a lot of us like coffee too. So I recommend you have a few choices of types of drinks to offer not just tea.
Good tips.. I'm an Aussie living in NZ.. and loving it.. One important tip I should add is if you are driving through tight country roads and you have a whole lot of traffic behind you, try and pull over safely somewhere and let them all pass..
This is a good tip. Kiwi roads can get very bendy, and for city folk or foreigners, this can be daunting. While the locals will drive at full speed limit, because they know the roads so well, and its second nature to them. Don't try to keep up, or go faster, just let them pass, you don't need your trip cut short because you put your car in a ditch and end up in hospital. Take it easy.
as a New Zealander thats good advice, if you getting traffic behind you and you want to let them pass wait till you get to a stretch of road safe for passing then put your left indicator on and move left slightly, dont go off too far, normally people will this as a sign to pass and you dont have to slow down just stick to the speed limit
The thing that stood out to me, from UK, on my last trip in NZ, was how people are so open and friendly. People started conversations with me all the time. Rather like rural Ireland. Talking seemed a national pass time. It was wonderful and welcoming. Sincere and straightforward.
Someone once told me they found it weird that kiwis are always so invested in the weather. Everyone starts their conversation with it. I said no they're using that as an icebreaker to talk to you lol 😂
@@goobtube69 in my case they used my motorcycle and clothes as an opener. I made my 'once in a lifetime bike trip there 18 months ago. I've done 2 more since. 3' once in a lifetime' bike trips to NZ in 18 months. So far. I'm lucky and married a Kiwi years ago and I have the passport.
I found that what you describe about people being friendly is true in the South Island and many parts of the North island. But not in Auckland. I have lived in the UK (Kiwi on an OE) and I found British people more friendly than Aucklanders. So it must be your accent which attracts peoples attention. I found a Kiwi accent got locals talking in the UK. And the US when I was there. American women love Kiwi guys accents. As soon as you open your mouth you can't shake 'em off.
When invited to dinner and asked to "bring a plate" it doesn't mean the host or hostess is short of cutlery, it means it's a potluck dinner where everyone brings a different food item to stock a buffet table. Usually in a smaller community who brings what is pretty settled already, everyone has some speciality, so it's not a case of ten lasagnas and a bowl of bean salad... As a newcomer, try bringing something from back home, like pumpkin pie or smoked BBQ brisket as an american maybe.
Shared lunch/dinner. And we don't do shared community meals, it's normally friend and family gatherings. In new Zealand we don't stick our noses into out neighbors business, never be a nosey neighbor your get it chopped off. There's a very fine line between friendly and nosey. We ask how family are doing, if they do you a favor you do one back. My neighbor took me to my doctor when I dislocated my shoulder at work, in return I gave her gas money and ice cream. She did it again and this time I'm making her a cake. If you have been invited that means your considered a good enough mate, also you don't just have to do savoury foods, you can make something sweet to.
I invited a friend who has been in Wellington, NZ for a few months from Wales and I invited her to a potluck dinner she weirdly declined and replied by saying "OH NO!!! I DON'T DO POT"..lol so funny. So I had to explain saying "oh no we're not either if you want, bring something hot like a pot of casserole to share for dinner" We both laughed and that was 10 years ago and we're still close as friends till to this day.
I remember when I was a kid and had a shared lunch and someone said did u bring a plate I was like what no just chips and ran home to get a plate hahaha I was 5 years old
@@isabellagracee7 Silverware is usually reserved for dishes, containers, or cutlery made of or coated with silver, or made of a material resembling silver. Ordinary cutlery, usually made of stainless steel, is reserved for us serfs in the lower classes! lol Crockery is the term for earthenware or china plates, cups and bowls.
New Zealanders highly value family time hence why shops close at 5. Traditionally, dinner was at 7pm which gave ample time to prepare, talk about our day and destress
No Crowds: In the late 1970s my wife's sister and her fiance from New York came to New Zealand so they could marry with her family around her. My wife and I arrranged to stay a few days at a beach house with the two of them and it was a simply glorious time. My new brother-in-law went berserk. He wouldn't ocme inside except for meals and to go to bed. He was sooo excited. He kept saying "I"ve never been on a beach before where I couldn't see a single other person!!! No one!!! And no one charging me money to get down to the sea!!" He was giggling and dancing around like a mad thing.
Well I think that's adorable, I live here and I feel the same way when were away on holiday anywhere, I hope in future he gets to come back and relive that, much love from this Kiwi 💜
@@oramonika9758 Yes in some places the hotels for example own the beach in front of their hotel. They put out loungers and have waiters bringing drinks etc out onto the sand. But if oyu arent staying in the hotel you have to pay to cross their property. If I remember correctly, when I was a teenager, the NZ government passed a law ensuring that (i think) 20 metres back from the mean high water mark was public property, so no one can own the beach.
If you go hiking please tell someone where your going and when your due back. Weather is very changeable here and the bush can be hard to navigate in adverse conditions.
Indeed. Rivers are particularly unpredictable and dangerous, we don't use the term "flash floods" because those are essentially business as usual. Drowning used to be the main cause of death in the "back country".
A good phrase to practice (when inviting someone to your home in N.Z or Oz) is 'cuppatea ?'. Or just 'cuppa?'. It's a lot mixed into one word. A welcome to home, offer of friendship and an invite to sit and chat. It really is an important bed rock of a healthy functioning society, not just a hot drink.
A big no no in NZ when out in the countryside, there are few cars about and we don't have interstate highways. Don't stop your car in the middle of the road to take a photo. Park it on the side of the road where it can be seen and avoided. I have come round a corner and found a group of tourists milling around taking photos with their car parked in the middle blocking the road.
If you tried to do that in Southern California ( La is crazy sometimes man) you might get shot I would suggest one always pulls off to the side .(just good manners really)
And yes don't go over the speed limit but also don't drive slow try not go more than 5km/h under the speed limit. You will be fine if you are not going any faster than 5km/h over the speed limit.
I don't get why this is not the norm everywhere. In the US, able-bodied people, of All ages almost get enraged when you asked them to take their shoes off. As if no matter who they are to you they think they should be the one person where they should be exception to the rule and allowed to lazzily leave their shoes on with dog shaped germs all over them. It seems the older or less physically abled someone is the more likely they are willing to comply and will usually nicely ask for a bit of assistance always of which I am happy to helpn or do " all of the work" hence a nice padded bench on which us to sit and take your time, also with those disposable booties available for your protection from my germs, such that they wear for surgery or home remodeling. I'm sorry but my home is my temple and I do not want the outside germs or animal excrements. Never fails that one person will always say oh I keep the bottom of my shoes clean I don't really then okay so won't you just go ahead and look at the bottom of your shoes if they're so clean better get a meal off the bottom of your shoes what that's disgusting you would not do that? That's what I thought so don't bring them into my house and into my bathroom that I keep sanitize d and definitely do not bring any weird fur fleas lice vermin or bacteria to my $1400 pure bred maine coon baby... And in love with that please pretty pretty please wash your hands first especially before you start walking around touching everything after we've just gotten over a pandemic because people refuse to vwash hands
@@thepointlesstroll5702I dont think were being soft its just like using your manners. Its not like a hygenic thing where we are being germa-phobes but its kinda disrespctful to walk in with your shoes on and extremely disrespectful if theyre are dirty.
This is incorrect - yes, multi cultural society and there are shoes on and shoes off families. If you notice shoes by the door ask if that is where you should leave your shoes. Your host will then say that you don't have to take your shoes off - they want you to feel welcome in their home and don't expect this of you This is no great drama
OK so you get off the plane and feel the need for coffee - DO NOT walk up to the counter and say "I need a coffee" well maybe in an airport you might get away with it, but most places you will end up with a pissed off (annoyed) kiwi making your coffee. You come to the counter, You say "Hi - nice day" or "Hi - How's it going?" Then ASK (dont demand) your coffee "Can I have ...." is way preferable to "Can I get ..." Also you'll have no idea what to order (coffees have different names here) so dont be afraid to ask - we don't usually bite. Use the above everywhere in NZ and your trip will be a way more pleasant experience for all concerned
I saw an American post a video saying they had to totally change their ordering style to stop annoying Australians. Re-insert polite phrases into their speech. They also said this may be specific to the type of place in America they came from. Big city etc
@@juliblued Best Iced tea in the world in the south. Unlike the rest of the USA iced tea in the south is unsweetened. If you want sugar in your tea ask for Sweet Tea.
I'm a kiwi and this is all absolutely correct, I would also add that kiwis are generally super polite and friendly so it's important and appreciated to greet people in general including staff anywhere warmly with a hello and a smile.
Also remember that the price you see is the price you pay, for pretty much everything, as the taxes have to be included on the price tag. The exception would be concert tickets or tickets for any live show as there will be a booking fee added to it.
Yeah this was tough for My partner when he went to the states last year for the first time and he was alone and he didn’t understand why the things he bought was so much more when he paid for it so I had to explain to him haha I wasnt there he was panicking thinking they were ripping him off.
The cafe closing at 3pm is specific to small local cafes that make all their money selling coffee and lunch. Cafe bars and restaurant cafes are open all day long.
Yip. Chain restaurants are slave food. When travelling I prefer to experience where I'm travelling, the people, the local delicacies, chat to someone invested in the town or place I'm in. Stopping at a franchise to eat the same thing, as a number rather than a guest, in the same restaurant/takeaway, with young folks struggling on minimum wages is not adding to either my experience or the location I'm visiting. Eat local with locals, add value, savour rather than consume. That's travelling.
@@Kiwiamericans It used to not be that way. I remember a time when you seldom ate a meal that was not home cooked. I remember the home cooked food always tasted better than fast food. Now most women have no clue how to cook and the ingredients are sub-par in stores today.
If you are driving in New Zealand and need a toilet (a restroom), you will find them for public use (free) at the gas stations, also most if not all towns and cities also have public restrooms avaiable.
As a Kiwi living in Australia I find your advice balanced and entertaining, and should be absorbed by any visitor , either tourist or potential immigrant. Keep up the good work .
On the 'respecting Māori culture' point - obviously, we don't expect everyone visiting Aotearoa NZ to automatically KNOW what is culturually appropriate or culturally sensitive behaviour, we're just asking for visitors to not dismiss things out of hand because it's not what you're used to experiencing or it's a bit inconvenient. A couple biggies to know though, are: -Please look after the natural environment, and treat it with respect i.e. don't take naked selfies on top of mountain tops for social media shit. Without getting too into this, most mountains/rivers/lakes/other natural features are sacred to local iwi, and are off limits to visitors because they are effectively our ancestors. Most places are now signposted if they are tapu/taboo, but please try and check first if you can. -Please try not to be offended if your pronunciation of a te reo word is corrected by someone, especially if it is a place name. For the most part, people will not be trying to make you feel bad about mispronouncing a māori word. Rather, it's about showing the name the respect it deserves, as many Māori place names are named after ancestors. Honestly, more kiwi could stand to learn this and do better in this space. We love manuhiri (guests)! We're so stoked so many people want to come visit this amazing corner of the world! We just want people to treat it with the care it deserves :)
I'll probably be crucified in NZ. No offence for you guys, but _gods supposed to help us_ developing (that's why they send us down in the first place - we dig their stuff, _they owe us_ some respect and freedom to do the job right). I'm not gonna dance naked before the sacred monument (like, i'm not gonna irritate any saints on purpose), but i need to skinny dip in a beautiful river, on a hot day, to feel as natural, as the first born. So as the elders say, "If there's no bargain - _there's no point in having a bar."_
True true. It's a shame that I feel like some kiwis deliberately mispronounce a Maori named place..Why? I don't know..but if you were brought up or have lived here long enough, it's almost certain you know how to properly pronounce it. As for tourists, it's okay to misprounce, and as you say, don't get offended if you are corrected. You will definitely impress a local if you try or manage to pronounce it right..Just show a general level of respect as yo would expect back home. It's a fascinating and unique culture. Most Kiwis will show a lot of appreciation and positivity toward you if you show respect toward Maori culture.
I'm both Aussie and Kiwi (born in NZ with Aussie parents) and most of the things you said apply to Oz too, I just wish Aussies treated their Indigenous as well as NZ does. Both are great countries 🇳🇿🇦🇺👍🏼
As an Aussie I agree totally with you. I do love Australia, but our indigenous peoples need greater recognition and need to play a bigger role in decision making to preserve their culture and to be more active participants in caring for this land.
The maori arent the first people of new zealand. They simply killed them all off or a rare few inter married. The maori are simply the oldest claim who currently live there. Thats true of most places of the planet. The natives to australia are also like this aboriginal is an umbrella term many of the islanders are aboriginal to northern australia some maori were along the new zealand side at some point spread through islands as well idk whh people have this inage that only modern people travelled to colonise or that travel happened to establish first peoples and then everyone just stayed where they were for like thousands of years or more until the big royal families like spain france and britain decided to expand. Its not the case and its more ignorant to believe that than it is to not acknowledge "first peoples" and if you wish to acknowledge first people so so everywhere not just white/european modern nations i mean the japanese people for example everyone thinks their homogenus society thats been there forever. They arent even the first inhabitants of japan the ainu came before them and even russian area people were in japan and also intermarried with ainu. Like you think the like hundreds of different tribes of aboriginals in australia didnt war with eachother for land and resources and wipe eachother out? You think slaves and horrid things only happen to non whites? You do realise majority of all nations on earth used their own people ethnicity etc as slaves long before they enslaved others? That the term slave comes from slavic people that the term refugee comes from the hugonauts of france who were the first "refugees" like why this weird narrative that modern nations are evil and must apologise for their sins when the nations they beat fair and square in the game of survival did exactly the same thing is absurd. Like humans have been shitty to eachother since the dawn of time including making other groups of humans become extinct most of what makes us human and the instincts that have gotten us this far are the ones responsible for the territory war side of tribalism thats shaped not only who we are and is in our dna but shaped our societies. There are still such disputes i mean look at israel the jews were their first then then werent then they return and to do so they cast out majority of the people who took over after they were forced to leave i mean its not a new thing its certainly not some ancient thing that doesnt happen anymore either. This is as consistent as any other human endeavour or suffering. Unless you were present at the dawn of time and watched were we sprung out of the ocean or swung down from trees or first set foot then you dont really know who the true first humanoid to live there was. And frankly this claim to earth that were merely temporary stewards of while were alive is what brought us all this pain suffering war and nonsense. You belong to places they dont own them noone can own the sun its endless its far bigger than us and its stupid as hell to try control territories as we do with fences and imaginary lines and beaureaucratic bullshit when the land doesnt recognise anyone as its owner. It doesnt care whos on it. Its not gonna buck like a horse if the wrong person gets on it. Noone xhoose where ir when or whom their born too its not some sacred thing to be born to a land that your ancestors have lived on longer than someone elses. Honestly humans are fucking weird. Every animal has a safe area they try to manage so they can live and eat and not be killed so easily. Like if theres a flood or coastal erosion where towns get literally buried by landslide or volcanos or drop into the ocean are you gonna get pissed and try dig up your so called land and what swim down and live there? No you move were nomadic your house burns down you get a new house theres no food or water where you are you leave the only home we have is our bodies and if people cared even a quarter of what they did over the health of themselves as they did "their property" then earth would be a hell of a lot better off and so would we as a species. Not to mention this moronic need of drawing lines in the sand and saying im only responsible for this tiny patch of earth means that people feel no care or reaposibility or duty towards everywhere else outside it as if their land doesnt need the rest of the land to be good and healthy and clean and safe in order for theirs to be. But sure keep polluting until that bs reaches your so called land and by the time you cant escape your shitty decisions itll be too late to do anything and you wont have any land at all let alone one you apparently claim as yours or someone elses based on the accident of birth or the fact they lost a fight hundreds of years ago. Playing the victim means you arent a survivor. And while the so called victims cry foul the survivors are getting on with it learning adapting and making sure themselves and future generations have what they didnt.
Just a quick note to help Americans and Canadians understand the relationship between Australia and New Zealand immediately: Our relationship is akin to yours. If I was to call a Canadian an American, or an American a Canadian, or say they are the same country, etc etc, they would be rightly offended. Same goes here.
Yeah there isn't actually a rivalry here, we mostly laugh at eachother actually. If someone was to call me a Canadian I would wonder if I was being overly nice or if I used a lot of maple syrup. And if a Canadian was called an American they would probably wonder is they were being loud and over the top 😂
@@jubileeYAVEL You are right, having lived in Australia for over 18 years now I am back in NZ and my accent has changed, many people will say to me what part of Australia are you from I say with a smile oh I was actually born here, it costs nothing to be nice. I never realised how bad it was until a neighbour said something like your country, I laughed and said this is my country he couldn't understand why my hubby and I speak differently. We were born just one street away from one another but lived the same town until we married, then we started our adventure, after 45 years we have done pretty good. We all ask the question where are you from? Much better to ask than look like a fool for assuming.
Just like Malaysia and Singapore, India and Sri Lanka too. If you were to call a Malaysian a Singaporean, or a Singaporean a Malaysian, they'd get offended. And same goes to Indians and Ceylonese.
@@schlookie I love how every time a company tries to bring it in, New Zealanders immediately call them out for passing the onus for paying their employees onto customers. Especially after watching Americans online grappling with how to pay their servers now that the pandemic has caused restaurants to mostly switch to takeaways and delivery.
A few companies Ive worked for dont allow tipping. It stuffs up the count at the end of the shift. To much cash in the till means I as in me specifically has ripped off customers which could lead to complaints and time consuming refunds, to little and IM accused of giving away freebies or taking from the til and I have to make up for it.
Don't try and sue everyone over everything lol Don't J walk, but if there's no cars coming and you need to cross the road, then it's all good, no one cares really Generally always take a plate of food when invited to someones for a get together (party or large gathering) Always ask for help, if you're unsure of anything, which will be alot of things when you first arrive here And most of all, relax
I'm a kiwi and I love your videos. Another one of those hidden rules lots of Kiwis observe, is don't sit on a table, or any surface where food is ever prepared.
Yeah I had that one drilled into me as a kid. I was a bit of a delinquent as a kid and one time I sat on a table in my Te Reo class. The absolute earful I got has stuck with me for years.
6:12 additionally to not tipping you don’t have to add your tax on either it’s already added into the price, this is the same with all shopping, The tax is already included in the matter where you are in New Zealand you pay the sticker price.
My girlfriend is from NZ and I'm from Fresno California. We are planning on living half the year in the US and half the year there. I'm a bit nervous for her being in CA from what she tells me she's never experienced violence like we have here in the US. I was showing her something that happened live and she was in complete shock. She was like " it's like in the movies" I started laughing and thought she was joking. Well if they don't have crime like we do here then I just might want to live there permanently. I would hate to raise another child in a country that is filled with so much hate..
I think things are levelling out, and it all depends on where you live. I wouldn't be surprised if it was more likely to be caught up in gang or violent crime in NZ than the USA, which is a huge country.
It depends on where you are, but even people that are in the gangs are rather friendly and wont try to antagonize you unless you do something to them but as I said it depends where you live, living in the country side you would be in pure peaceful and in the city you would have many friendly faces to talk to
I'm a Kiwi. Good tips here. But I think I've found more coffee drinkers than tea drinkers here. On a hot day, it might be a cold drink, soda, etc. Nicely made video. I love NZ! 😍
Good points. As someone who grew up in NZ, I’ll just add a few more - (1) Always shut the gate after you walk through, (2) Check out the farm but ask the farmer first, (3) don’t sit on tables - tables are for glasses (cups), not a**es, (4) It’s “tomato sauce” or just “sauce”, not ketchup, (5) On a narrow road or driving through the country, it’s always polite to wave, especially if someone pulls over to let you pass, and (6) Don’t expect the restroom to be inside the main building - many older homes and restaurants/cafes still have separate toilets/toilet blocks.
Always leave gates how you find them. Public areas often cross private land, always leave gates how you find them. Stock mostly. Maitai river for instance is public but local farmers use their stock to graze. Good for everyone
@@manitsahu I posted a link for what I meant but it's gone now so reasons and stuff. Stock control. Google "pgg wrightson farm gate" Or "Gallagher farm gate"
Love this I'm a Kiwi and you definitely did get it right, I must say I had no idea about the open lat on a Thursday thing thing though, maybe I never noticed. I love your channel I think you insights are very well observed and I shall continue to watch
As a kiwi this is pretty much spot on 😂 it's more of a culture shock than most people would realize when people from overseas come here. Lot of aussie and UK people expect it to be the same (from the people I know) and Americans expect it to be like the UK (from what I've heard from people I've met) when in reality it's a whole new place.
Aussie here - I've been you your amazing country (the only other place in the world I would want to live) and yes, we found some things different, but mostly it was pretty comfortable for us. Would love to get back there sometime
I must be having a different kiwi experience than you here. I am always seeing people driving like nut cases every day on the way to the grind stone. Also I know of no one who actually drinks tea. That's a British thing not an actual Kiwi thing
Generally, dont wear shoes inside...bringing the outside in is yucky and disrespectful. Also the Warehouse is open till 8 lol so you can get lots of stuff there and some supermarkets are open 24 hours or till 10/11pm 😉 also when u get visitor's...offer them a 'Cuppa' - which is tea, coffee or milo and a bikkie 😁✌
Also conscious of messing up Petrol stations/local liquor stores and diaries with muddy boots, so don't be surprised if you see several pairs outside the entrance to a store while the customers are inside in their socks
Some of The Warehouse are open until midnight such as near the Auckland Airport, Wellington Airport and South Dunedin (unless Covid has changed things since I was last there).
@@katwatson1797 Everything is open for normal business hours . We do not have covid in the community and live a normal life thank God. We are lucky enough to be able to say, we never wore a mask in New Zealand and only had a short lock-down at the beginning of it all back in March 2020. Long may it last, better yet, may it last forever.
@@kimrici8542 We're on day one of a seven day lockdown at the moment (and I have to wear a mask to work), but South Australia has not had much covid comparatively. I miss New Zealand! Until 2020, I had been spending a month of each winter there.
As a kiwi, if you're visiting New Zealand my advice is; respect the local culture by making an effort to learn about the differences from US culture and being willing to do some things differently from how you would in the US. Show respect for Maori culture, by learning a bit about it and acknowledging it - even if you just learn to say "kia ora", you'll find it will invariably be appreciated. Remember that in New Zealand culture people respect humility, not bragging or "blowing your own trumpet" (though sadly, that's changed somewhat with the introduction of american hip hop culture). DON'T tip - the person you give the tip to might be grateful, but you can guarantee every other kiwi who sees you do it will take offence (although being kiwis, they probably won't show it) - if you got good service, then thank the person instead, and everyone will appreciate that. Respect the natural environment, by not littering (dropping trash) etc. And if you're out in the bush (forest / nature) DON'T crap on the ground or in the bushes !! - you might think that because you're in the middle of nowhere nobodies going to find it, but you can be almost guaranteed that someone will (hunters, dept of conservation staff etc) - go anywhere rural and ask anybody what they don't like about tourists, and nine times out of ten that's what they'll mention - if you have to go and there are no toilets around then dig a hole and bury it !!. If you do these things, it will make a huge difference to how people respond to you - being a small country, we kiwis generally really appreciate it when visitors make an effort to learn about and respect our culture.
@@MacTBucket Maori culture is part of NZ culture, it's been here far longer than the English language. If you want to get worked up about something as insignificant as a "kia ora", that's your choice to be miserable.
There are opportunities for late night shopping. But you will mostly be restricted to supermarkets, the warehouse, k-mart, miter10, Bunnings and many malls have late nights Thursday/Friday. With those options you should be able to get any last minute supply's.
Don’t tip? Isn’t that how they make their wages? I know In the states they get a lower pay and tipping is how they survive. If you don’t tip they may not make their bills for the week. It’s ridiculous that they get paid less than minimum wage than everyone else due to tipping (in the US). That’s just wrong.
Most Kiwis would accept a tip if offered but most do not expect tips. Employment contracts are based on agreed wages that don't include begging from customers to earn a liveable wage. They will not demand tips, and if they do could be fired for that because it is essentially extortion for doing the job for which they are already getting paid to do. The only place you tip is at strip clubs in New Zealand.
Hi As a New Zealander this is really close, Thankyou. But number one should be - DONT POOP IN THE WOODS. Unfortunately public conveniences can be few and far between, especially around our National Parks and visitors are too often tempted, to but DO NOT -POOP IN THE WOODS. We don't get get really angry very often, but we have limits.
People go hiking in our most beautiful mountains in our country & along the trails the communities have to literally pick up shitty toilet papers along the path. Its disgusting & rude.
Happens a lot less than everyone likes to make out. Have tramped extensively and never seen evidence. Not saying it doesn’t happen but social by its nature blows it up.
NZ sounds like a great place! And as an Italian who moved to the US, it looks like NZ has more in common with Europe than the US (which is good imo :D )
@@silmuffin86 LOL. I said nothing about your partner. I could not care less. But you prefer Europe to the USA. Good, don't come back. America's full up. 1.5 million illegals from Europe, did you know that?
@@scottslotterbeck3796 someone is a bit offended their good old Murica is not the perfect country LOL and you asked why I was there, the answer is "for my husband". I also have dual citizenship, not an illegal sorry :D I can even vote for Sanders or Warren and hope one day affordable healthcare, childcare and higher education, maternity leave, vacation days and all that will be a reality for everyone even in what is supposed to be the "best" country
As a Kiwi, I 100% agree with all of these!! I had a few laughs too. Great video. A few other tips: Never sit on tables. (Don't put your butt where people might put food.) If people are staring at you, it might be because you're the loudest in the room. Be mindful of your volume. Never EVER leave your litter on the ground anywhere. Find a bin or take it with you please. "Pie" is usually savoury here (meat, not apple/pumpkin etc). Mince & cheese is iconic. Always blow on the pie, it could be hot. ;-)
I am a Fijian NZ (born in NZ with Fijian parents) and my Dad works a lot in parks as he is a ranger, one of my tips is to always follow the rules because there will always be any ranger or workers there :)
Cafes and bakeries close mid afternoon. Most gas stations are offering coffee now. 24hrs. Only a few shops are open past 5 or 6pm, namely Kmart and The Warehouse department stores open until 9 or 10pm 7 days.
We are Australian’s who were posted with the Air Force we ived in NZ for a couple of years in the 90’s, we loved it ! We got teased about being Aussie’s until we picked up a kiwi accent ! Such a beautiful country.
Offering tea/coffee or a cold drink is a big one...I am a Kiwi who has moved to the USA and I was so shocked that when we went visiting, no one offered me a drink 😂 P.S. The tea in NZ is hot, most often with milk in it 😋
Offering a drink to a guest is something that's fading away with the new generations in America. 60 years ago everyone did it, 30 years ago most people did it, now not so much. Everyone is in such a rush these days that there isn't time to sit and drink and talk unless that's actually the plan. Also depending on the state you reside in, hot tea may be only something you have when you're ill. America is a melting pot of many dozens of cultures and each region is mixed differently. I'm not in any way trying to justify a lack of manners, it's just the reality of how things are.
i'm ngl i been to auckland levin and more places in nz and we just ask friends to visit for kai we don't normally offer tea mostly if they ask they can have it we don't offerf
I look forward to your videos every week! My husband and I want to move to NZ from the US so badly... it’s still a 5-10 year plan... but currently we are on opposite sides of the globe due to his job... and your videos are one of the few bright things about my days, I love to rewatch them too... seriously, you are a breath of fresh air! Keep posting please. So much love to you and your family.
Hi Cassandra, I hope things will work out for you and your husband one day soon so that you can join our team of 5M here in New Zealand. Best wishes and good luck until then!
Wow! Thank you all for the kindness and positivity, we are definitely keeping the dream alive and one day we will be there to be welcome so warmly. As a person from the US it’s hard to even fathom that... but I know it’s out there, true genuine love for our fellow humans! I cannot wait to be a kiwi!
As a Pom having travelled around New Zealand twice, each time for 6 months one tip that I would give is don't be loud and brash and try walkig around the bush or monopolise the kitchen at camp sites Happened to me at several campsites.
This. So many people crash, especially in corners. Sometimes when the speed limit is 100 it's ok to go a little bit faster. But if a corner is advising you go at 30, you better be getting down to 30 when you hit it. Another thing about corners is that the camber (angle) of the road isn't always made to keep you on it. Some corners like to try to fling you off, which is usually why one that doesn't look that sharp is suggesting a lower speed than you may think. If you go higher than that suggestion, you start to feel your car try to drift off the road and if you go a lot higher than it, you're gonna crash.
Yeah you definitely want to be down to speed before the corner. I've been in cars where the driver waits until right before and has too much faith in their brakes. Another thing I like to tell people is never be afraid to speak up if you are the passenger and have no control over the car. Your life is in the driver's hands. You may get laughed or scoffed at but in that situation, just don't care what they say. If they really care about you, they'll listen. That's why I rarely let people drive me. Their brain goes out the window and they give into speed culture
While you made a good point about New Zealand's biosecurity act unfortunately it's at least a hundred years too late as we have to deal with rodents, feral cats and dogs, Mustelids, Rabbits, Possums, Feral Pigs, Feral Goats, Feral Deer, Gorse, Privet, Old Man's Beard and many other noxious species:(.
I loved this video, but was a bit surprised about the emphasis on the lack of franchise restaurants! I think that's a great thing... to avoid the multitude of bland, unhealthy chain restaurants that predominate in the US! ~ Mandy
That statement would be true about Rarotonga but certainly not here. There are franchise restaurants everywhere especially in the main centres. Right up the road from me is a road which I have dubbed heart attack alley as it has all the major franchise on the road. BK, McDonalds, KFC, Subway, Wendys, Carl Jnr to name a few. Rarotonga however has not got a single one of these which is probably the same for all of the smaller islands
@@cherrytraveller5915 The comment in the video specifically mentioned that NZ DOES have plenty of American-style fast food outlets. I think the people who made the vid recognised that the category "restaurant" is not considered in most parts of NZ to include those. Some would go further and say that much of what is sold in them does not strictly qualify as "food" (personally, I think some burgers are fine)
The culture of restaurants, cups of tea, tradition, nature, sense of humour, visiting neighbours, family all seems very similar to Europe and some more rural areas of the UK ❤️
Funny, I was looking at this video and thinking (as a European) that the things she considers weird are normal to me... like, expecting chain food all over ... what? that's so weird ...
No tipping. As a hospo worker I would say that is incorrect. Tipping is never expected but if you think your server went the extra mile and gave you you more than just service , Feel free to tip. It is not expected but is appreciated.
@@Kiwiamericans definitely a person by person bases. But overall it's fair to say that the majority of Nzers find it weird and will be surprised by this.
Canadians here. My son and his kiwi partner live in NZ and we visited just before Covid - Jan. 2020. Loved it immensely. One thing we noticed in all our driving that you didn't mention - Public washrooms on the main streets. No need to find a gas station or a restaurant for that. All very clean too. You're right about the speeding. We got a ticket in the mail...😄
Tell that to Countdown supervisors who are earning $22 per hour or cafe managers who are paid just $24. Cut the bullshit New Zealand isn’t really a rich country as most people think.
@@protectchildrenatallcosts2652 dude. NZ has a minimum wage of $19/hour. I'm sorry but you can't argue that's not better than America's $7.50 (and something like $2/3 for waiters/waitresses).
Love it! Sweat as! Great! Nice! Ka pai! Good! I’m Maori living in Australia... I’m missing NZ so much and saw your vlog! I love that your embracing the culture...as a school teacher...I wish all the students would embrace their indigenous culture in every school here in Australia...It was lovely to hear you and your experiences...Thanks for that!
Yeah, as a Yank having moved here and been granted permanent residency it breaks my heart to meet fellow musicians who are Māori and don't speak their native language.
@@MeneerHerculePoirot It doesn't define us.. Thats just the a result of "Colonisation" Maori is not just about speaking yr language, Although the language will make you closer to the cultural ways... Maori is about Understanding that the history & assimilation processes of the Colonialists nearly succeeded..Any Maori that can't speak Maori these days is because of Choice!! As recent as 60 yrs ago most,.....but not all of our grandparents literally had the language beaten out of them at school..How do you suppose the following generations are supposed to Recover from that?? So essentially the saddest point out of all of this is " The Struggle for Autonomy ".. #MaoriManamotuhake Allday
Ah, my first trip to NZ was an official visit to the Canadian High Commission in Wellington. I had to take a cab to the HC and tried very insistently to give the driver a tip. I couldn’t understand why he was appalled and offended. He took the tip but said he would donate it. When I went up to the HC for the ceremony I remarked how strange he had responded. They laughed and sat me down to teach me pretty much what you’ve set out here in your video. I can hardly wait to return when I’m not on official business so I can really experience this wonderful nation.
If you're paying a taxi driver in cash, I suspect most wouldn't say no to rounding up to (say) the next dollar, to make life easier for the cabbie that'd otherwise be fetching small coins instead of getting to the next job (admittedly with the smallest coin a 10c in NZ it's less an issue than if they were fetching out pennies, say). Although you're always entitled to just pay what's on the meter. That scenario's also less relevant these days of course, given most are either pre-booked or paid via card/EFTPOS... certainly don't need to give the driver any extra in this case, and in any case not 20% or so on top like in the US. Heart in right place from the driver if he did donate it somewhere though!
I went to NZ this year with my wife, brother & wife - they are first generation Canadians from GB. So yes, they had a lot of good tea. Having said this, except for a café around Nugget Point (at the bottom of the south island), the coffee was excellent, far better than in Canada or the USA. Comparing Australia with New Zealand is as irritating as it is here in Canada to compare them to the USA. We were there for five weeks, drove all over the country, and had an absolutely great time, in a beautiful country with very friendly people
Pubs will be open from around 11:30 right through until the evening and in the major centres it's really common to find restaurants open for lunch and dinner service and these will generally roll through the mid afternoon. Also Auckland, at least, has a number of late night cafes. So it's generally not super difficult to get a bite to eat pretty much any time.
@@Kiwiamericans That is where it is handy by paying a small fee to belong to orgainisations such as the RSA/Cosmopolitan club or a social nationwide club because in most small towns they are open and they do have a restaurant where you can go for a meal when the rest of the town is closed and they do allow (well behaved) children to dine with them
If you live in a well established city it will be easier to find food but in a smaller township she is correct most places close earlier because the general traffic is gone by the afternoon. Local pubs are open and they do have to provide food it’s part of their hospitality license so you’ll find they do burgers and chips at the least
I remember in the 80s, when the pubs and alcohol shops used to be closed on Sunday and we only had One Channel on TV ... and on Sunday, there were no adverts.
You can always get a pie at the petrol station or 4Square! Kinda funny we have the opposite life, I bailed on NZ for America and I’m never going back. Pleasant video. Subbed!
I think with the offering tea thing, the easiest thing to do is have some coffee and milo on standby as well and just say. "Would you like a cuppa?" Then the guest will either say "No thanks" or will let you know what they want, or you just offer what's on your "menu".
kia ora wahine ma,,, thank you for this video, your knowledge of our ways is so awesome and thank you for your acknowledgment of us and Aussie. ohh and the cuppa tea's
I would say as an adjustment to the tea tip: not all kiwis are obsessed with tea. Haha I would say offer a drink more then offer tea. So say "do you want a drink? Tea, Coffee, water, beer?" 😅
@@chrislittle7285when I didn't drink milk, I used to keep a carton of UHT milk in the pantry in case I had visitors who asked for milk in their tea or coffee.
Having been an Aussie and becoming a Kiwi, I thought these would suck. But there were some things in this list that I never thought about before, and how different it must be for others flying here.
These don't apply everywhere. Auckland is more accommodating. Most malls stay open until 7-midnight depending on the area. There are plenty of restaurants/cafes that go from 7am-midnight. Shopping in the main areas of the city is also open early-late. This gets less accommodating as you travel south in NZ, so Wellington (where you live) probably applies to this rule.
Malls and shopping in Christchurch shut at 6pm most of the time. (Excluding chain stores like Briscoes, nz etc.) but malls do open later 1 or 2 nights a week.
Out of curiosity. What countries have regular shops and businesses that stay open into the night? Exclusing places that typically revolve around evening and night time events (restaurants, bars, etc.) I've never heard of a country that late night shopping is normal unless it's something like a once off, or christmas season.
Thats so wonderful your reviews and tips to other who might visit NZ from overseas...thats one thing that's makes our country so unique ..so glad your still exploring our beautiful country..AWESOME 😁
As a waiter in the past, tips, especially in fine dining restaurants, was always accepted gratefully. Not expected but definitely a nice thing to receive particularly when a waiter has worked hard to get it.
Exactly. It seems that only American's have this idea that you don't tip outside of the US🤦 Every country I have been to, I have always tipped the staff including the country I live in. It's ridiculous to say you are not to tip
@@ocodeskamcdbsm What? Americans are being told by FOREIGNERS not to tip. Why would an American tip and somehow believe you don't tip? This woman said not to. She not American.
@@rafaeltorre1643 what foreigners are telling you not to tip? This woman in this video, who says you don't tip, is American, so she isn't a foreigner telling you not to tip. You always tip in restaurants, Cafe's etc. If it's not accepted you will be told but until then, you tip. The staff might not, like America, have to depend on tip's in lieu of a proper salary, but you still tip
@@ocodeskamcdbsm In NZ the minimum wage is $21/hr. We pay our workers a living wage so tipping isn't necessary for their survival. Of course, anyone appreciates a tip, including the cashier at the grocery store, or the gal who collects your ticket at the movie theatre. The point is, in NZ tipping at a restaurant is more like tipping at a grocery store in the US. Nice but not expected. In high end restaurants tipping is becoming more common, but is still not the norm.
I was in New Zealand back in 2002 and one thing I do remember well is every corner has a speed limit as well. Best to obey these too as very often 5km over these limits and you might end up crashing off the road and the limit is right for how tight the corners are. I think it's mostly for your safety but if you crash then the police would have something to say or fine you for speeding on the corners.? Gas (fuel) sounds like guess in kiwi accent, I was caught out once wondering what the girls at the counter wanted me to guess. 'Huh'.. ?.. lol
The signs on corners are for trucks (18 wheelers / lorries) to travel safely, cars and utes etc can usually go 10-15 km faster). If you had an accident because taking corners too fast you are likely to be charged with dangerous or reckless driving rather than not sticking to a suggested corner speed.
If you ask for gas in NZ you will be presented with a cylinder containing propane. That is 'gas' to us. We normally refer to fuel as either petrol or diesel, depending on what engine is in your vehicle. As for speeding around corners, it's not a good idea. If there is a sign that says 25 km/h it's because that's what you should really do. They are a suggestion (not law) but usually you can take them 10 km/h faster with no bad result.
1:45 to add to the Speed Limit point. It's usually because our roads are so shoddy or windy, with blind corners or dips. You don't WANT to go any faster because you'll end up driving into a hill a tree or down a ditch into a field.
My husband is American and he found it funny hearing people say "sweet as" 😅 I never thought of it how he heard it... Is interesting the cultural differences between the US and NZ.
To french people: don’t expect dessert to be offered to you at the end of a meal at any given restaurant. Dessert is optional and you need to explicitly ask for it if you want one.
Living in New Zealand as a kiwi this is pretty accurate BUT 1 thing if your in New Zealand just enjoy your time! its a polite country and there is very rare crimes.
Kia ora and what a great description of our country. Just a couple of things which have changed. In major towns some supermarkets are open until 8pm. Great advice about the driving and the road rules because a lot of tourists have lost their lives in major car accidents and sadly for not understanding the road rules or ignoring speed limits. Most of all have loads of fun, enjoy the beauty of NZ and be safe 😃
From my experience of driving in New Zealand the speed limits are rather optimistic anyway. In the cities you will be stuck in traffic, and in the country the roads are so bendy and hilly with those single-track bridges, you're forced by to drive slowly by the road conditions.
@@twentyforty7607 Look I know people like to sit on tables or put their feet up on tables. You wanna sit on something that’s what a chair is for a table is for eating on. That’s how it is here in New Zealand mate you ask any New Zealander
True that. Being a whinger is perceived as being a very un-Kiwi thing to do. If you have an issue you address it with the person/institution you have the problem with, not everyone else. Getting told to "harden up" or "stop whining" isn't good 😂
If you are coming to New Zealand this training hub is for you ! www.kiwiamericans.com/new-zealand-training-hub
My family has zeroed in on moving to new Zealand, you are an inspiration to us! Thank you for the videos it certainly is reassuring and exciting to see.
@@blindingshadow3463 that is awesome! I am here to help!!!
i'm ngl u kinda got this wrong tbh
i've been in nz my whole life half tongan half maori and bro most stores close 7pm yo 8pm sometimes stores close 9
mcdonalds burger king supermarkets restraunts are morning things and night things like skytower restraunt
also stores have pies
Another tip for restaurants: don't expect your server to bring the bill to your table unless you explicitly ask for it. Most restaurants in NZ expect you to go up to the counter to pay. Most NZers would be a bit offended if their server just brought the bill to the table.
Also, don't expect to just hand your credit card to your server and have them take it away. That isn't a thing here. You should just go to the counter as you're leaving and pay through the eftpos terminal. Your card stays in your hand. That's how we do it.
i went to collect plates from a table where they asked for the printed bill and the guy had put his credit card on top of it and I just. stared at it for a moment before I realised he wanted me to put the transaction through. luckily he had paywave but its literally only happened once and you never see it at other places
About the bil, it's same in my country.
Kiki, very interesting and thank you for posting.
Yip never ever part with your card and always keep it in a safe place. Or else it is gone forever! 😐🥵
An American guy snapped his fingers at me and pointed to his cup while he was with his friend's, I frowned and walked away.
He tried to make a complaint and my boss goes "why didn't you bring him water?"
I replied with "cause he snapped his finger's at me, he didn't ask mum."
The guy shat bricks and my mum explained to him that we don't snap fingers in new Zealand.
Another time an American lady wanted to complain cause the bill wasn't brought to her, she demanded to speak to the owner.
She already was. My mum.
Hi I’m a kiwi and I just want to add that it has become polite to offer a drink to guests when they visit your home but it’s not always tea that they want. We don’t all drink tea, a lot of us like coffee too. So I recommend you have a few choices of types of drinks to offer not just tea.
Like MILO!!! 😆
Yea I'm a kiwi and barely ever seen people drink tea that would be weird if someone offered me tea 🤷♂️
Tea is old skool English New Zealand... Coffee is actually a weirder thing
True I am a kiwi and most people drink DB and lion red beer. Tea is for poms.
@@j-4017 whitebait fritters for me, yummy.
Good tips.. I'm an Aussie living in NZ.. and loving it.. One important tip I should add is if you are driving through tight country roads and you have a whole lot of traffic behind you, try and pull over safely somewhere and let them all pass..
1000% this, also the slow vehicle bays aren’t just for trucks.
This is a good tip. Kiwi roads can get very bendy, and for city folk or foreigners, this can be daunting. While the locals will drive at full speed limit, because they know the roads so well, and its second nature to them. Don't try to keep up, or go faster, just let them pass, you don't need your trip cut short because you put your car in a ditch and end up in hospital. Take it easy.
And do so before the cops pull you over...........
as a New Zealander thats good advice, if you getting traffic behind you and you want to let them pass wait till you get to a stretch of road safe for passing then put your left indicator on and move left slightly, dont go off too far, normally people will this as a sign to pass and you dont have to slow down just stick to the speed limit
Rule of thumb - if one person is tailgating you, they’re the problem. If everyone is tailgating you, you’re the problem.
The thing that stood out to me, from UK, on my last trip in NZ, was how people are so open and friendly. People started conversations with me all the time. Rather like rural Ireland. Talking seemed a national pass time. It was wonderful and welcoming. Sincere and straightforward.
Someone once told me they found it weird that kiwis are always so invested in the weather. Everyone starts their conversation with it. I said no they're using that as an icebreaker to talk to you lol 😂
@@goobtube69 in my case they used my motorcycle and clothes as an opener. I made my 'once in a lifetime bike trip there 18 months ago. I've done 2 more since. 3' once in a lifetime' bike trips to NZ in 18 months. So far. I'm lucky and married a Kiwi years ago and I have the passport.
I'll talk to anyone. Supermarket shopping takes me ages. Makes life more fun.
I found that what you describe about people being friendly is true in the South Island and many parts of the North island. But not in Auckland. I have lived in the UK (Kiwi on an OE) and I found British people more friendly than Aucklanders. So it must be your accent which attracts peoples attention. I found a Kiwi accent got locals talking in the UK. And the US when I was there. American women love Kiwi guys accents. As soon as you open your mouth you can't shake 'em off.
@@10_rds_Fire_For_Effect I'm working on my Kiwi accent and looking forward to a trip to USA now.
Don't litter🚮 or take it with you and only leave footprints in the sand if your visiting beaches, cheers
Great one - thanks for sharing!
Especially in Porirua coz those teenagers litter a lot
@@TianaMay2001 You obviously live there, say something or if you see it put it in there letterbox 😂
@@Megan7088-6 nah, i don't live there. I just went to Whitireia there. I live 30 mins up the road
As the saying goes "take only photos, leave only footprints".
Top tip: Don't mess up the onion dip 😂
Ah Yes Never Ever Double Dip lol
Where’s the chips bro 🤣
@@ceddyspaghetti7905 they are Ghost Chips
Or cheese rolls
No double tipping 😂
When invited to dinner and asked to "bring a plate" it doesn't mean the host or hostess is short of cutlery, it means it's a potluck dinner where everyone brings a different food item to stock a buffet table. Usually in a smaller community who brings what is pretty settled already, everyone has some speciality, so it's not a case of ten lasagnas and a bowl of bean salad... As a newcomer, try bringing something from back home, like pumpkin pie or smoked BBQ brisket as an american maybe.
Shared lunch/dinner.
And we don't do shared community meals, it's normally friend and family gatherings.
In new Zealand we don't stick our noses into out neighbors business, never be a nosey neighbor your get it chopped off.
There's a very fine line between friendly and nosey.
We ask how family are doing, if they do you a favor you do one back. My neighbor took me to my doctor when I dislocated my shoulder at work, in return I gave her gas money and ice cream.
She did it again and this time I'm making her a cake.
If you have been invited that means your considered a good enough mate, also you don't just have to do savoury foods, you can make something sweet to.
I invited a friend who has been in Wellington, NZ for a few months from Wales and I invited her to a potluck dinner she weirdly declined and replied by saying "OH NO!!! I DON'T DO POT"..lol so funny. So I had to explain saying "oh no we're not either if you want, bring something hot like a pot of casserole to share for dinner" We both laughed and that was 10 years ago and we're still close as friends till to this day.
Don't you mean 'short of crockery" Cutlery is knives, forks and spoons.
I remember when I was a kid and had a shared lunch and someone said did u bring a plate I was like what no just chips and ran home to get a plate hahaha I was 5 years old
@@isabellagracee7
Silverware is usually reserved for dishes, containers, or cutlery made of or coated with silver, or made of a material resembling silver. Ordinary cutlery, usually made of stainless steel, is reserved for us serfs in the lower classes! lol Crockery is the term for earthenware or china plates, cups and bowls.
New Zealanders highly value family time hence why shops close at 5. Traditionally, dinner was at 7pm which gave ample time to prepare, talk about our day and destress
the staff need to have a meal
No Crowds: In the late 1970s my wife's sister and her fiance from New York came to New Zealand so they could marry with her family around her. My wife and I arrranged to stay a few days at a beach house with the two of them and it was a simply glorious time. My new brother-in-law went berserk. He wouldn't ocme inside except for meals and to go to bed. He was sooo excited. He kept saying "I"ve never been on a beach before where I couldn't see a single other person!!! No one!!! And no one charging me money to get down to the sea!!" He was giggling and dancing around like a mad thing.
Did they have to restrain him on his flight home ? 😁
Well I think that's adorable, I live here and I feel the same way when were away on holiday anywhere, I hope in future he gets to come back and relive that, much love from this Kiwi 💜
They charge to go too the sea?
@@oramonika9758 In some countries, yes, they do charge you for beach access
@@oramonika9758 Yes in some places the hotels for example own the beach in front of their hotel. They put out loungers and have waiters bringing drinks etc out onto the sand. But if oyu arent staying in the hotel you have to pay to cross their property. If I remember correctly, when I was a teenager, the NZ government passed a law ensuring that (i think) 20 metres back from the mean high water mark was public property, so no one can own the beach.
An addition to Meg’s comment, especially in the bush and nature reserves ‘Take only photos, leave only footprints’
Yeah we have that but most dont care ://
@@hey7016 The most that don't care are useless and must be like that in there homes.
Happy TwoHundred Day. :)
That's not specific to NZ .
Dirtbag litterbugs aren't the way they are out of ignorance. They are just simply scum.
If you go hiking please tell someone where your going and when your due back. Weather is very changeable here and the bush can be hard to navigate in adverse conditions.
Yes definately!
Indeed. Rivers are particularly unpredictable and dangerous, we don't use the term "flash floods" because those are essentially business as usual. Drowning used to be the main cause of death in the "back country".
A good phrase to practice (when inviting someone to your home in N.Z or Oz) is 'cuppatea ?'. Or just 'cuppa?'. It's a lot mixed into one word. A welcome to home, offer of friendship and an invite to sit and chat. It really is an important bed rock of a healthy functioning society, not just a hot drink.
A big no no in NZ when out in the countryside, there are few cars about and we don't have interstate highways. Don't stop your car in the middle of the road to take a photo. Park it on the side of the road where it can be seen and avoided. I have come round a corner and found a group of tourists milling around taking photos with their car parked in the middle blocking the road.
Good point!!!!
And drive on the LEFT hand side of the road, not the right lol
Same in the US only we resort to road rage or foul growly looks like a hobbit glaring at Gandalf
If you tried to do that in Southern California ( La is crazy sometimes man) you might get shot I would suggest one always pulls off to the side .(just good manners really)
And yes don't go over the speed limit but also don't drive slow try not go more than 5km/h under the speed limit. You will be fine if you are not going any faster than 5km/h over the speed limit.
One more tip always take your shoes off when entering other people's houses unless they say leave your shoes on
This happens in my country. I wonder why this is not the same for others.
Don’t be so soft
I don't get why this is not the norm everywhere. In the US, able-bodied people, of All ages almost get enraged when you asked them to take their shoes off. As if no matter who they are to you they think they should be the one person where they should be exception to the rule and allowed to lazzily leave their shoes on with dog shaped germs all over them. It seems the older or less physically abled someone is the more likely they are willing to comply and will usually nicely ask for a bit of assistance always of which I am happy to helpn or do " all of the work" hence a nice padded bench on which us to sit and take your time, also with those disposable booties available for your protection from my germs, such that they wear for surgery or home remodeling. I'm sorry but my home is my temple and I do not want the outside germs or animal excrements. Never fails that one person will always say oh I keep the bottom of my shoes clean I don't really then okay so won't you just go ahead and look at the bottom of your shoes if they're so clean better get a meal off the bottom of your shoes what that's disgusting you would not do that? That's what I thought so don't bring them into my house and into my bathroom that I keep sanitize d and definitely do not bring any weird fur fleas lice vermin or bacteria to my $1400 pure bred maine coon baby... And in love with that please pretty pretty please wash your hands first especially before you start walking around touching everything after we've just gotten over a pandemic because people refuse to vwash hands
@@thepointlesstroll5702I dont think were being soft its just like using your manners. Its not like a hygenic thing where we are being germa-phobes but its kinda disrespctful to walk in with your shoes on and extremely disrespectful if theyre are dirty.
This is incorrect - yes, multi cultural society and there are shoes on and shoes off families. If you notice shoes by the door ask if that is where you should leave your shoes. Your host will then say that you don't have to take your shoes off - they want you to feel welcome in their home and don't expect this of you
This is no great drama
OK so you get off the plane and feel the need for coffee - DO NOT walk up to the counter and say "I need a coffee" well maybe in an airport you might get away with it, but most places you will end up with a pissed off (annoyed) kiwi making your coffee.
You come to the counter, You say "Hi - nice day" or "Hi - How's it going?" Then ASK (dont demand) your coffee "Can I have ...." is way preferable to "Can I get ..."
Also you'll have no idea what to order (coffees have different names here) so dont be afraid to ask - we don't usually bite.
Use the above everywhere in NZ and your trip will be a way more pleasant experience for all concerned
I saw an American post a video saying they had to totally change their ordering style to stop annoying Australians. Re-insert polite phrases into their speech. They also said this may be specific to the type of place in America they came from. Big city etc
Or "could i please have..." or "please may i get a.."
Same advice for the American South.
@@juliblued Best Iced tea in the world in the south. Unlike the rest of the USA iced tea in the south is unsweetened. If you want sugar in your tea ask for Sweet Tea.
It always pays to be curtious....
I'm a kiwi and this is all absolutely correct, I would also add that kiwis are generally super polite and friendly so it's important and appreciated to greet people in general including staff anywhere warmly with a hello and a smile.
Also remember that the price you see is the price you pay, for pretty much everything, as the taxes have to be included on the price tag. The exception would be concert tickets or tickets for any live show as there will be a booking fee added to it.
I love that about NZ!!
Yeah this was tough for
My partner when he went to the states last year for the first time and he was alone and he didn’t understand why the things he bought was so much more when he paid for it so I had to explain to him haha I wasnt there he was panicking thinking they were ripping him off.
The cafe closing at 3pm is specific to small local cafes that make all their money selling coffee and lunch. Cafe bars and restaurant cafes are open all day long.
And bakeries open super early to distribute their goods to local businesses and are open to early customers so generally close early.
So you say here this video says half truth ???.I also can't understand no restaurents open for diner.
@@samjewellery3336 Restaurants are open for dinner.
Gas stations have improved for coffee and food to go
By 5pm everything is closed? 😂😂 I can see why she says cafes are closed first basic really
Basically we look at chains as a lower quality or type of food.
Yep that is true. Americans don't see it that way always
Yip. Chain restaurants are slave food. When travelling I prefer to experience where I'm travelling, the people, the local delicacies, chat to someone invested in the town or place I'm in. Stopping at a franchise to eat the same thing, as a number rather than a guest, in the same restaurant/takeaway, with young folks struggling on minimum wages is not adding to either my experience or the location I'm visiting. Eat local with locals, add value, savour rather than consume. That's travelling.
We agree in some cases. It depends on the chain..fast food absolutely. Others, not so much.
@@Kiwiamericans It used to not be that way. I remember a time when you seldom ate a meal that was not home cooked. I remember the home cooked food always tasted better than fast food. Now most women have no clue how to cook and the ingredients are sub-par in stores today.
@@michaelairheart6921 Yeah, these days us blokes can cook better than the women 🤣 It's algood though, its better not to rely on others to feed you.
If you are driving in New Zealand and need a toilet (a restroom), you will find them for public use (free) at the gas stations, also most if not all towns and cities also have public restrooms avaiable.
It’s actually the law in NZ that if you offer seated dining you must offer a toilet.
Some will expect you to purchase something at the store in order to use the toilet
Petrol stations. Not "gas stations".
@@Rogerw1nz I know this - being a Kiwi. I was writing to Americans.
As a Kiwi living in Australia I find your advice balanced and entertaining, and should be absorbed by any visitor , either tourist or potential immigrant. Keep up the good work .
On the 'respecting Māori culture' point - obviously, we don't expect everyone visiting Aotearoa NZ to automatically KNOW what is culturually appropriate or culturally sensitive behaviour, we're just asking for visitors to not dismiss things out of hand because it's not what you're used to experiencing or it's a bit inconvenient.
A couple biggies to know though, are:
-Please look after the natural environment, and treat it with respect i.e. don't take naked selfies on top of mountain tops for social media shit. Without getting too into this, most mountains/rivers/lakes/other natural features are sacred to local iwi, and are off limits to visitors because they are effectively our ancestors. Most places are now signposted if they are tapu/taboo, but please try and check first if you can.
-Please try not to be offended if your pronunciation of a te reo word is corrected by someone, especially if it is a place name. For the most part, people will not be trying to make you feel bad about mispronouncing a māori word. Rather, it's about showing the name the respect it deserves, as many Māori place names are named after ancestors. Honestly, more kiwi could stand to learn this and do better in this space.
We love manuhiri (guests)! We're so stoked so many people want to come visit this amazing corner of the world! We just want people to treat it with the care it deserves :)
To sum up your comment in five words: "Be a decent human being."
Well said :)
Tautoko!
I'll probably be crucified in NZ. No offence for you guys, but _gods supposed to help us_ developing (that's why they send us down in the first place - we dig their stuff, _they owe us_ some respect and freedom to do the job right).
I'm not gonna dance naked before the sacred monument (like, i'm not gonna irritate any saints on purpose), but i need to skinny dip in a beautiful river, on a hot day, to feel as natural, as the first born. So as the elders say, "If there's no bargain - _there's no point in having a bar."_
True true. It's a shame that I feel like some kiwis deliberately mispronounce a Maori named place..Why? I don't know..but if you were brought up or have lived here long enough, it's almost certain you know how to properly pronounce it. As for tourists, it's okay to misprounce, and as you say, don't get offended if you are corrected. You will definitely impress a local if you try or manage to pronounce it right..Just show a general level of respect as yo would expect back home. It's a fascinating and unique culture. Most Kiwis will show a lot of appreciation and positivity toward you if you show respect toward Maori culture.
I'm both Aussie and Kiwi (born in NZ with Aussie parents) and most of the things you said apply to Oz too, I just wish Aussies treated their Indigenous as well as NZ does. Both are great countries 🇳🇿🇦🇺👍🏼
True!!!
As an Aussie I agree totally with you. I do love Australia, but our indigenous peoples need greater recognition and need to play a bigger role in decision making to preserve their culture and to be more active participants in caring for this land.
As an Aussie I can say most of the world where there are indigenous populations could learn this lesson.
The maori arent the first people of new zealand. They simply killed them all off or a rare few inter married. The maori are simply the oldest claim who currently live there.
Thats true of most places of the planet.
The natives to australia are also like this aboriginal is an umbrella term many of the islanders are aboriginal to northern australia some maori were along the new zealand side at some point spread through islands as well idk whh people have this inage that only modern people travelled to colonise or that travel happened to establish first peoples and then everyone just stayed where they were for like thousands of years or more until the big royal families like spain france and britain decided to expand. Its not the case and its more ignorant to believe that than it is to not acknowledge "first peoples" and if you wish to acknowledge first people so so everywhere not just white/european modern nations i mean the japanese people for example everyone thinks their homogenus society thats been there forever. They arent even the first inhabitants of japan the ainu came before them and even russian area people were in japan and also intermarried with ainu. Like you think the like hundreds of different tribes of aboriginals in australia didnt war with eachother for land and resources and wipe eachother out? You think slaves and horrid things only happen to non whites? You do realise majority of all nations on earth used their own people ethnicity etc as slaves long before they enslaved others? That the term slave comes from slavic people that the term refugee comes from the hugonauts of france who were the first "refugees" like why this weird narrative that modern nations are evil and must apologise for their sins when the nations they beat fair and square in the game of survival did exactly the same thing is absurd. Like humans have been shitty to eachother since the dawn of time including making other groups of humans become extinct most of what makes us human and the instincts that have gotten us this far are the ones responsible for the territory war side of tribalism thats shaped not only who we are and is in our dna but shaped our societies. There are still such disputes i mean look at israel the jews were their first then then werent then they return and to do so they cast out majority of the people who took over after they were forced to leave i mean its not a new thing its certainly not some ancient thing that doesnt happen anymore either. This is as consistent as any other human endeavour or suffering. Unless you were present at the dawn of time and watched were we sprung out of the ocean or swung down from trees or first set foot then you dont really know who the true first humanoid to live there was. And frankly this claim to earth that were merely temporary stewards of while were alive is what brought us all this pain suffering war and nonsense. You belong to places they dont own them noone can own the sun its endless its far bigger than us and its stupid as hell to try control territories as we do with fences and imaginary lines and beaureaucratic bullshit when the land doesnt recognise anyone as its owner. It doesnt care whos on it. Its not gonna buck like a horse if the wrong person gets on it. Noone xhoose where ir when or whom their born too its not some sacred thing to be born to a land that your ancestors have lived on longer than someone elses. Honestly humans are fucking weird. Every animal has a safe area they try to manage so they can live and eat and not be killed so easily. Like if theres a flood or coastal erosion where towns get literally buried by landslide or volcanos or drop into the ocean are you gonna get pissed and try dig up your so called land and what swim down and live there? No you move were nomadic your house burns down you get a new house theres no food or water where you are you leave the only home we have is our bodies and if people cared even a quarter of what they did over the health of themselves as they did "their property" then earth would be a hell of a lot better off and so would we as a species. Not to mention this moronic need of drawing lines in the sand and saying im only responsible for this tiny patch of earth means that people feel no care or reaposibility or duty towards everywhere else outside it as if their land doesnt need the rest of the land to be good and healthy and clean and safe in order for theirs to be. But sure keep polluting until that bs reaches your so called land and by the time you cant escape your shitty decisions itll be too late to do anything and you wont have any land at all let alone one you apparently claim as yours or someone elses based on the accident of birth or the fact they lost a fight hundreds of years ago. Playing the victim means you arent a survivor. And while the so called victims cry foul the survivors are getting on with it learning adapting and making sure themselves and future generations have what they didnt.
@@EmmaAppleBerry Your claim for pre- Maori settlement is not supported by evidence.
Just a quick note to help Americans and Canadians understand the relationship between Australia and New Zealand immediately: Our relationship is akin to yours.
If I was to call a Canadian an American, or an American a Canadian, or say they are the same country, etc etc, they would be rightly offended. Same goes here.
I wouldn’t be offended, I would politely correct them. No need to be offended…
Yeah there isn't actually a rivalry here, we mostly laugh at eachother actually. If someone was to call me a Canadian I would wonder if I was being overly nice or if I used a lot of maple syrup. And if a Canadian was called an American they would probably wonder is they were being loud and over the top 😂
@@jubileeYAVEL You are right, having lived in Australia for over 18 years now I am back in NZ and my accent has changed, many people will say to me what part of Australia are you from I say with a smile oh I was actually born here, it costs nothing to be nice. I never realised how bad it was until a neighbour said something like your country, I laughed and said this is my country he couldn't understand why my hubby and I speak differently. We were born just one street away from one another but lived the same town until we married, then we started our adventure, after 45 years we have done pretty good. We all ask the question where are you from? Much better to ask than look like a fool for assuming.
Just like Malaysia and Singapore, India and Sri Lanka too. If you were to call a Malaysian a Singaporean, or a Singaporean a Malaysian, they'd get offended. And same goes to Indians and Ceylonese.
I won't be offended, why would i? I'll just clarify anyone asking, it's that simple!
What's everyone else's " Dont Do"?
( 1 ) Tipping - Its not frowned upon but not necessary in NZ as our min wage is $20 p/h not $7.25 like in the USA.
I remember some cafe or restaurant in Wellington did try to introduce tipping. That business got eaten alive on social media and in the newspapers 🤣
Tipping makes me cringe, I’m so glad we don’t have the custom.
@@schlookie I love how every time a company tries to bring it in, New Zealanders immediately call them out for passing the onus for paying their employees onto customers. Especially after watching Americans online grappling with how to pay their servers now that the pandemic has caused restaurants to mostly switch to takeaways and delivery.
A few companies Ive worked for dont allow tipping. It stuffs up the count at the end of the shift. To much cash in the till means I as in me specifically has ripped off customers which could lead to complaints and time consuming refunds, to little and IM accused of giving away freebies or taking from the til and I have to make up for it.
@@jeringatai3156 valid point...company policy.
Don't try and sue everyone over everything lol
Don't J walk, but if there's no cars coming and you need to cross the road, then it's all good, no one cares really
Generally always take a plate of food when invited to someones for a get together (party or large gathering)
Always ask for help, if you're unsure of anything, which will be alot of things when you first arrive here
And most of all, relax
Great ones - I have thought a lot more as well. Will need to do a part 2.
Oh yeah, definitely always take something if you go to someone's house - even if they say don't bring anything. Also, don't sit on tables....
@@leannetarrant1552 Thats a really good tip...should be No 1...DONT SIT ON TABLES. Thats my pet peeve with visitors and (sometimes) locals.
Can't sue in new Zealand. ACC pays for hospital visits ect so your never going to lose money
@Heroniden government will pay for therapy etc aswell.
Tipping encourages business owners to not pay staff a living wage.
If you want to tip, keep it subtle.
"Tipping encourages business owners to not pay staff a living wage."
BOLLOCKS! You can tip if you want to and we have a guaranteed minimum wage here.
Also we have a minimum wage here lol.
Yup! I’m a big believer in this no tipping, for that same reason.
If I'm happy, I tip. Only if I feel like it
Just an excuse for a cheap ass kiwi
I'm a kiwi and I love your videos. Another one of those hidden rules lots of Kiwis observe, is don't sit on a table, or any surface where food is ever prepared.
its not a hidden rule it just means you were raised well.
@@daemonslime3287 It's a hidden rule for some people from other countries.
I would never sit on someone’s counter top or table esp where food & drink will be served…that’s just manners
That's the way I was raised being Maori. We also don't sit on other people's pillows or cushions
Yeah I had that one drilled into me as a kid. I was a bit of a delinquent as a kid and one time I sat on a table in my Te Reo class. The absolute earful I got has stuck with me for years.
I moved here when I was five, and the funniest part is that I didn't even realise many of these things seemed unusual to people out of New Zealand.
Thanks for watching!
@@kal7400 uhhhh-
6:12 additionally to not tipping you don’t have to add your tax on either it’s already added into the price, this is the same with all shopping, The tax is already included in the matter where you are in New Zealand you pay the sticker price.
I love this but what boggles my mind is how you don't put a price on real estate in NZ? NZ is very straightforward on prices except for real estate?
Service charge is included in my experience.
My girlfriend is from NZ and I'm from Fresno California. We are planning on living half the year in the US and half the year there. I'm a bit nervous for her being in CA from what she tells me she's never experienced violence like we have here in the US. I was showing her something that happened live and she was in complete shock. She was like " it's like in the movies" I started laughing and thought she was joking. Well if they don't have crime like we do here then I just might want to live there permanently. I would hate to raise another child in a country that is filled with so much hate..
so I guess thats what its gonna be ,,,, welcome to NZ bro
I think things are levelling out, and it all depends on where you live. I wouldn't be surprised if it was more likely to be caught up in gang or violent crime in NZ than the USA, which is a huge country.
I’m from Fresno too and if I had the chance to move to New Zealand I’d never look back. Do it
Jacob Hernandez Australia and NZ are both gun free countries except for farmers.
It depends on where you are, but even people that are in the gangs are rather friendly and wont try to antagonize you unless you do something to them but as I said it depends where you live, living in the country side you would be in pure peaceful and in the city you would have many friendly faces to talk to
I'm a Kiwi. Good tips here. But I think I've found more coffee drinkers than tea drinkers here. On a hot day, it might be a cold drink, soda, etc. Nicely made video. I love NZ! 😍
I think the lack of chain restaurants is fantastic. So much more variety when they are not franchises.
Good points. As someone who grew up in NZ, I’ll just add a few more - (1) Always shut the gate after you walk through, (2) Check out the farm but ask the farmer first, (3) don’t sit on tables - tables are for glasses (cups), not a**es, (4) It’s “tomato sauce” or just “sauce”, not ketchup, (5) On a narrow road or driving through the country, it’s always polite to wave, especially if someone pulls over to let you pass, and (6) Don’t expect the restroom to be inside the main building - many older homes and restaurants/cafes still have separate toilets/toilet blocks.
Absolutely 💯. Waving even becomes a habit at the pedestrian crossing too!
Incorrect on always shut the gate. The rule is leave it as you found it. If open, then open, if closed, then closed.
@@jimwithheld7217True. My sentence assumed it was shut already, so good pick up.
Always leave gates how you find them.
Public areas often cross private land, always leave gates how you find them. Stock mostly.
Maitai river for instance is public but local farmers use their stock to graze.
Good for everyone
Thanks for sharing!
I live on the banks of the mighty Maitai 💜
What do you mean by gates?
@@manitsahu I posted a link for what I meant but it's gone now so reasons and stuff.
Stock control.
Google "pgg wrightson farm gate"
Or "Gallagher farm gate"
100% agree, access to some of the best spots means having to go through farmland and leaving a gate open when it was closed is a huge no-no
Love this I'm a Kiwi and you definitely did get it right, I must say I had no idea about the open lat on a Thursday thing thing though, maybe I never noticed. I love your channel I think you insights are very well observed and I shall continue to watch
As a kiwi this is pretty much spot on 😂 it's more of a culture shock than most people would realize when people from overseas come here. Lot of aussie and UK people expect it to be the same (from the people I know) and Americans expect it to be like the UK (from what I've heard from people I've met) when in reality it's a whole new place.
Aussie here - I've been you your amazing country (the only other place in the world I would want to live) and yes, we found some things different, but mostly it was pretty comfortable for us. Would love to get back there sometime
I never thought that people would think new Zealand is like some other country 🤨☺️
ik its very different from other countries
I must be having a different kiwi experience than you here. I am always seeing people driving like nut cases every day on the way to the grind stone. Also I know of no one who actually drinks tea. That's a British thing not an actual Kiwi thing
as a kiwi in nzl all these tips apply to australia
Generally, dont wear shoes inside...bringing the outside in is yucky and disrespectful. Also the Warehouse is open till 8 lol so you can get lots of stuff there and some supermarkets are open 24 hours or till 10/11pm 😉 also when u get visitor's...offer them a 'Cuppa' - which is tea, coffee or milo and a bikkie 😁✌
...or a beer/wine 😁
Also conscious of messing up Petrol stations/local liquor stores and diaries with muddy boots, so don't be surprised if you see several pairs outside the entrance to a store while the customers are inside in their socks
Some of The Warehouse are open until midnight such as near the Auckland Airport, Wellington Airport and South Dunedin (unless Covid has changed things since I was last there).
@@katwatson1797 Everything is open for normal business hours . We do not have covid in the community and live a normal life thank God. We are lucky enough to be able to say, we never wore a mask in New Zealand and only had a short lock-down at the beginning of it all back in March 2020. Long may it last, better yet, may it last forever.
@@kimrici8542 We're on day one of a seven day lockdown at the moment (and I have to wear a mask to work), but South Australia has not had much covid comparatively. I miss New Zealand! Until 2020, I had been spending a month of each winter there.
As a kiwi, if you're visiting New Zealand my advice is; respect the local culture by making an effort to learn about the differences from US culture and being willing to do some things differently from how you would in the US. Show respect for Maori culture, by learning a bit about it and acknowledging it - even if you just learn to say "kia ora", you'll find it will invariably be appreciated. Remember that in New Zealand culture people respect humility, not bragging or "blowing your own trumpet" (though sadly, that's changed somewhat with the introduction of american hip hop culture). DON'T tip - the person you give the tip to might be grateful, but you can guarantee every other kiwi who sees you do it will take offence (although being kiwis, they probably won't show it) - if you got good service, then thank the person instead, and everyone will appreciate that. Respect the natural environment, by not littering (dropping trash) etc. And if you're out in the bush (forest / nature) DON'T crap on the ground or in the bushes !! - you might think that because you're in the middle of nowhere nobodies going to find it, but you can be almost guaranteed that someone will (hunters, dept of conservation staff etc) - go anywhere rural and ask anybody what they don't like about tourists, and nine times out of ten that's what they'll mention - if you have to go and there are no toilets around then dig a hole and bury it !!.
If you do these things, it will make a huge difference to how people respond to you - being a small country, we kiwis generally really appreciate it when visitors make an effort to learn about and respect our culture.
Totally agree!!! Thanks for sharing
Why do we need to say any thing but HELLO ,,Stop trying to make New Zealand in to somthing that it is not
@@MacTBucket But it is..
@@MacTBucket can say gdday instead.
@@MacTBucket Maori culture is part of NZ culture, it's been here far longer than the English language. If you want to get worked up about something as insignificant as a "kia ora", that's your choice to be miserable.
There are opportunities for late night shopping. But you will mostly be restricted to supermarkets, the warehouse, k-mart, miter10, Bunnings and many malls have late nights Thursday/Friday. With those options you should be able to get any last minute supply's.
Don't tip and don't expect people to respect you based on your volume or sense of entitlement.
So wrong, we love tips !
Don’t tip? Isn’t that how they make their wages? I know In the states they get a lower pay and tipping is how they survive. If you don’t tip they may not make their bills for the week. It’s ridiculous that they get paid less than minimum wage than everyone else due to tipping (in the US). That’s just wrong.
@@Contessa1114 That's not the case here. The minimum wage applies to all workers of all ages in all jobs. And it's about USD15.
Most Kiwis would accept a tip if offered but most do not expect tips. Employment contracts are based on agreed wages that don't include begging from customers to earn a liveable wage. They will not demand tips, and if they do could be fired for that because it is essentially extortion for doing the job for which they are already getting paid to do. The only place you tip is at strip clubs in New Zealand.
I always tipped in NZ & Australia if the service was above and beyond expectations. Nobody ever declined it...
Hi As a New Zealander this is really close, Thankyou. But number one should be - DONT POOP IN THE WOODS. Unfortunately public conveniences can be few and far between, especially around our National Parks and visitors are too often tempted, to but
DO NOT -POOP IN THE WOODS. We don't get get really angry very often, but we have limits.
There are a surprising number of toliets in near the entrance of walks in NZ
People go hiking in our most beautiful mountains in our country & along the trails the communities have to literally pick up shitty toilet papers along the path. Its disgusting & rude.
Happens a lot less than everyone likes to make out. Have tramped extensively and never seen evidence. Not saying it doesn’t happen but social by its nature blows it up.
Kiwis don't say woods
@@kiwibushblock2564 HAHA Unfortunately Americans think about something else when we talk about bush
NZ sounds like a great place! And as an Italian who moved to the US, it looks like NZ has more in common with Europe than the US (which is good imo :D )
Nice! Got Any questions?
Then why are you in the USA??!
@@scottslotterbeck3796 I'm not right now fyi, but my husband is American. Not that it's any of yout business ;)
@@silmuffin86 LOL. I said nothing about your partner. I could not care less. But you prefer Europe to the USA. Good, don't come back. America's full up. 1.5 million illegals from Europe, did you know that?
@@scottslotterbeck3796 someone is a bit offended their good old Murica is not the perfect country LOL and you asked why I was there, the answer is "for my husband". I also have dual citizenship, not an illegal sorry :D I can even vote for Sanders or Warren and hope one day affordable healthcare, childcare and higher education, maternity leave, vacation days and all that will be a reality for everyone even in what is supposed to be the "best" country
As a Kiwi, I 100% agree with all of these!! I had a few laughs too. Great video.
A few other tips:
Never sit on tables. (Don't put your butt where people might put food.)
If people are staring at you, it might be because you're the loudest in the room. Be mindful of your volume.
Never EVER leave your litter on the ground anywhere. Find a bin or take it with you please.
"Pie" is usually savoury here (meat, not apple/pumpkin etc). Mince & cheese is iconic. Always blow on the pie, it could be hot. ;-)
Here’s my tip, just blend in she’ll be right and a warm welcome to NZ.
I am a Fijian NZ (born in NZ with Fijian parents) and my Dad works a lot in parks as he is a ranger, one of my tips is to always follow the rules because there will always be any ranger or workers there :)
Cafes and bakeries close mid afternoon. Most gas stations are offering coffee now. 24hrs.
Only a few shops are open past 5 or 6pm, namely Kmart and The Warehouse department stores open until 9 or 10pm 7 days.
Great Video mate. From NZ, now abroad. You have hit the nail on the head. I hope you enjoy your new country.😀
Thanks! 😃
We are Australian’s who were posted with the Air Force we ived in NZ for a couple of years in the 90’s, we loved it ! We got teased about being Aussie’s until we picked up a kiwi accent ! Such a beautiful country.
Offering tea/coffee or a cold drink is a big one...I am a Kiwi who has moved to the USA and I was so shocked that when we went visiting, no one offered me a drink 😂
P.S. The tea in NZ is hot, most often with milk in it 😋
Yes exactly
Not everyone likes milk.
I only drink a select amount of tea which I prefer coffee or water.
Offering a drink to a guest is something that's fading away with the new generations in America. 60 years ago everyone did it, 30 years ago most people did it, now not so much. Everyone is in such a rush these days that there isn't time to sit and drink and talk unless that's actually the plan. Also depending on the state you reside in, hot tea may be only something you have when you're ill. America is a melting pot of many dozens of cultures and each region is mixed differently. I'm not in any way trying to justify a lack of manners, it's just the reality of how things are.
In NZ, some regions they don't offer coffee or tea, they offer you beer first
i'm ngl i been to auckland levin and more places in nz
and we just ask friends to visit for kai we don't normally offer tea mostly if they ask they can have it we don't offerf
I look forward to your videos every week! My husband and I want to move to NZ from the US so badly... it’s still a 5-10 year plan... but currently we are on opposite sides of the globe due to his job... and your videos are one of the few bright things about my days, I love to rewatch them too... seriously, you are a breath of fresh air! Keep posting please. So much love to you and your family.
Cassandra - that is a very sweet thing to say. Thanks so much for watching :)
Hi Cassandra, lovely to hear that you like our country :) I hope you get to come over and enjoy it with us eventually 🙂👍
Hi Cassandra - keep your dream alive, and when the day comes - we in NZ will welcome you with open arms. Take care.
Hi Cassandra, I hope things will work out for you and your husband one day soon so that you can join our team of 5M here in New Zealand. Best wishes and good luck until then!
Wow! Thank you all for the kindness and positivity, we are definitely keeping the dream alive and one day we will be there to be welcome so warmly. As a person from the US it’s hard to even fathom that... but I know it’s out there, true genuine love for our fellow humans! I cannot wait to be a kiwi!
As a Pom having travelled around New Zealand twice, each time for 6 months one tip that I would give is don't be loud and brash and try walkig around the bush or monopolise the kitchen at camp sites Happened to me at several campsites.
The '6pm opening rule' applies to Germany also, mostly. Many shops will be closed by 7pm or 8pm at the latest, as well as all day on Sunday.
Oh good to know! Thanks for watching!
@@KiwiamericansI remember in 1990 and earlier late shopping nights are only Thu and Fri nights!
Supermarkets are open 24/7 in Auckland
Also with the speed limit, the roads aren't very forgiving and are often narrow and windy when traveling
This. So many people crash, especially in corners. Sometimes when the speed limit is 100 it's ok to go a little bit faster. But if a corner is advising you go at 30, you better be getting down to 30 when you hit it.
Another thing about corners is that the camber (angle) of the road isn't always made to keep you on it. Some corners like to try to fling you off, which is usually why one that doesn't look that sharp is suggesting a lower speed than you may think. If you go higher than that suggestion, you start to feel your car try to drift off the road and if you go a lot higher than it, you're gonna crash.
Yeah you definitely want to be down to speed before the corner. I've been in cars where the driver waits until right before and has too much faith in their brakes.
Another thing I like to tell people is never be afraid to speak up if you are the passenger and have no control over the car. Your life is in the driver's hands. You may get laughed or scoffed at but in that situation, just don't care what they say. If they really care about you, they'll listen. That's why I rarely let people drive me. Their brain goes out the window and they give into speed culture
While you made a good point about New Zealand's biosecurity act unfortunately it's at least a hundred years too late as we have to deal with rodents, feral cats and dogs, Mustelids, Rabbits, Possums, Feral Pigs, Feral Goats, Feral Deer, Gorse, Privet, Old Man's Beard and many other noxious species:(.
Too true mate and they've made a big mess! Still helps slow passing on illnesses such as kauri die back tho and other plant diseases
@@charlottegurnell2628 Hello beautiful lady how are you doing today?
No such thing as feral dogs.
I'll come and shoot them for you. Just don't forget to put extra shrimp on the barbie.
@@lesp315 don't say that no one say shrimp and also it's an osie thing
I loved this video, but was a bit surprised about the emphasis on the lack of franchise restaurants! I think that's a great thing... to avoid the multitude of bland, unhealthy chain restaurants that predominate in the US! ~ Mandy
I see plenty of chains here.
That statement would be true about Rarotonga but certainly not here. There are franchise restaurants everywhere especially in the main centres. Right up the road from me is a road which I have dubbed heart attack alley as it has all the major franchise on the road. BK, McDonalds, KFC, Subway, Wendys, Carl Jnr to name a few. Rarotonga however has not got a single one of these which is probably the same for all of the smaller islands
@@cherrytraveller5915 The comment in the video specifically mentioned that NZ DOES have plenty of American-style fast food outlets. I think the people who made the vid recognised that the category "restaurant" is not considered in most parts of NZ to include those.
Some would go further and say that much of what is sold in them does not strictly qualify as "food" (personally, I think some burgers are fine)
The culture of restaurants, cups of tea, tradition, nature, sense of humour, visiting neighbours, family all seems very similar to Europe and some more rural areas of the UK ❤️
trust me the foods way better here in nz. especially the pies/meat pies.
Well majoirty of the population are of European decent
Much of NZ that isn't Maori and pacific island, comes from British colonists. So there is a hint of British customs here for sure.
Uk is in europe so😂
Funny, I was looking at this video and thinking (as a European) that the things she considers weird are normal to me... like, expecting chain food all over ... what? that's so weird ...
Also, 'no worries' or 'no problem' is a common response when someone is doing you a favor or service. It's the equivalent of 'you're welcome'.
In the USA we say 'screw you'! It's a form of endearment, lol
@@scottslotterbeck3796 Screw you Is a insult though isn’t it? (Fellow kiwi here sorry I don’t understand American)
@@littledolldisneypreschool2086 Right. It equates to F You.
No worries is more Australian.
No problem is New Zealand.
No tipping. As a hospo worker I would say that is incorrect. Tipping is never expected but if you think your server went the extra mile and gave you you more than just service , Feel free to tip. It is not expected but is appreciated.
Kerry - true - good clarification. I have some hospo workers saying they are uncomfortable with tippers and others that love it! Interesting...
@@Kiwiamericans definitely a person by person bases. But overall it's fair to say that the majority of Nzers find it weird and will be surprised by this.
Canadians here. My son and his kiwi partner live in NZ and we visited just before Covid - Jan. 2020. Loved it immensely. One thing we noticed in all our driving that you didn't mention - Public washrooms on the main streets. No need to find a gas station or a restaurant for that. All very clean too. You're right about the speeding. We got a ticket in the mail...😄
Good point about the public toliets!
I'm a Canadian-Kiwi too! NZ is a great place, Canada is lovely too.
You got done by the camera hence the reason you got the ticket in the mail. You get pulled over it is a different story.
tipping in America..couldn't stand the underpaid waiters and waitresses virtually grovelling for tips. Pay the a decent wage as we do in NZ
Agreed. The minimum wage/wage system in America is abysmally broken.
Yes, hated being annoyed by waiters who kept coming over and talking to us. I want to eat my food with my friends and family not with the waiter !
Tell that to Countdown supervisors who are earning $22 per hour or cafe managers who are paid just $24. Cut the bullshit New Zealand isn’t really a rich country as most people think.
@@protectchildrenatallcosts2652 dude. NZ has a minimum wage of $19/hour.
I'm sorry but you can't argue that's not better than America's $7.50 (and something like $2/3 for waiters/waitresses).
@@Kellethorn America's cost of living and exchange rate is completely different.
Love it! Sweat as! Great! Nice! Ka pai! Good! I’m Maori living in Australia...
I’m missing NZ so much and saw your vlog! I love that your embracing the culture...as a school teacher...I wish all the students would embrace their indigenous culture in every school here in Australia...It was lovely to hear you and your experiences...Thanks for that!
Hello beautiful Michelle
Yeah, as a Yank having moved here and been granted permanent residency it breaks my heart to meet fellow musicians who are Māori and don't speak their native language.
@@MeneerHerculePoirot It doesn't define us..
Thats just the a result of "Colonisation"
Maori is not just about speaking yr language, Although the language will make you closer to the cultural ways... Maori is about Understanding that the history & assimilation processes of the Colonialists nearly succeeded..Any Maori that can't speak Maori these days is because of Choice!!
As recent as 60 yrs ago most,.....but not all of our grandparents literally had the language beaten out of them at school..How do you suppose the following generations are supposed to Recover from that?? So essentially the saddest point out of all of this is " The Struggle for Autonomy "..
#MaoriManamotuhake Allday
SWEET AS!!!! NOT SWEAT AS..YUUUUCK
Cher bro
Ah, my first trip to NZ was an official visit to the Canadian High Commission in Wellington. I had to take a cab to the HC and tried very insistently to give the driver a tip. I couldn’t understand why he was appalled and offended. He took the tip but said he would donate it. When I went up to the HC for the ceremony I remarked how strange he had responded. They laughed and sat me down to teach me pretty much what you’ve set out here in your video. I can hardly wait to return when I’m not on official business so I can really experience this wonderful nation.
It's because most countries , such as Australia and New Zealand and Japan, pay their workers a decent living wage !
Tiping is an American thing. Generally most countries do not tip and find it rather weird.
Haha😂 Nz also use a lot of eftpos and pay tax on everything including GST so u don't need to tip. Theres a high tax rate in NZ
Dasal pilipinas
If you're paying a taxi driver in cash, I suspect most wouldn't say no to rounding up to (say) the next dollar, to make life easier for the cabbie that'd otherwise be fetching small coins instead of getting to the next job (admittedly with the smallest coin a 10c in NZ it's less an issue than if they were fetching out pennies, say). Although you're always entitled to just pay what's on the meter.
That scenario's also less relevant these days of course, given most are either pre-booked or paid via card/EFTPOS... certainly don't need to give the driver any extra in this case, and in any case not 20% or so on top like in the US. Heart in right place from the driver if he did donate it somewhere though!
I went to NZ this year with my wife, brother & wife - they are first generation Canadians from GB. So yes, they had a lot of good tea. Having said this, except for a café around Nugget Point (at the bottom of the south island), the coffee was excellent, far better than in Canada or the USA. Comparing Australia with New Zealand is as irritating as it is here in Canada to compare them to the USA. We were there for five weeks, drove all over the country, and had an absolutely great time, in a beautiful country with very friendly people
Pubs will be open from around 11:30 right through until the evening and in the major centres it's really common to find restaurants open for lunch and dinner service and these will generally roll through the mid afternoon. Also Auckland, at least, has a number of late night cafes. So it's generally not super difficult to get a bite to eat pretty much any time.
James - I agree in larger cities but not in the small towns around NZ and that is generally where you are stuck when travelling :)
@@Kiwiamericans That is where it is handy by paying a small fee to belong to orgainisations such as the RSA/Cosmopolitan club or a social nationwide club because in most small towns they are open and they do have a restaurant where you can go for a meal when the rest of the town is closed and they do allow (well behaved) children to dine with them
If you live in a well established city it will be easier to find food but in a smaller township she is correct most places close earlier because the general traffic is gone by the afternoon. Local pubs are open and they do have to provide food it’s part of their hospitality license so you’ll find they do burgers and chips at the least
I love your videos. Thank you for the tip of respecting Māori culture.
Thanks for watching!
U dnt
Seriously? You need to be told to respect other cultures?
@@cameronlithgow9783 Americans do.
@@spicex4k901 ha ha ha ha ha ha ha good one
Very good...i enjoyed that post. As an aside I can remember when N.Z was closed on the weekends.
In Chicago (The city that never sleeps) we couldn't find a place to eat after 10pm. except a 7/11 shop.
Really?
We didnt always have weekend shopping no, especially not Sunday.
I remember in the 80s, when the pubs and alcohol shops used to be closed on Sunday and we only had One Channel on TV ... and on Sunday, there were no adverts.
I went to Gisborne recently, and it's closed on the weekends.
Hay k mart closes at 12 mid night 7 days aweek and supermarkets are till about 11pm
Yes but in America… all the stores are open late
Don’t sit on food preparation areas. Keep your arse (and feet) off tables.
Yup", Tables for glasses", Not ya Asses! .Lol"😆. Hehe"..
Recently my wife’s friend was doing business (and interacting) with a NZ company and she called to ask , “are they saying sweet as or sweet ass”?
I know right! I was very offended when I first arrived in NZ after travelling for 20+ hours
Oh! I had no idea it sounded like that to non-kiwis, that’s hilarious! 😂 now I understand!
@@Kiwiamericans It might have been a compliment !
@@chrismclean980 haha true!! We will go with that
@@NZKiwi87 glad I could enlighten you 😂
This was a beautiful video and made me so homesick for NZ :) I loved this a lot
You can always get a pie at the petrol station or 4Square! Kinda funny we have the opposite life, I bailed on NZ for America and I’m never going back. Pleasant video. Subbed!
Nice... I would love to hear more! Where in the states are you? How long? How do you like it?
I think with the offering tea thing, the easiest thing to do is have some coffee and milo on standby as well and just say. "Would you like a cuppa?" Then the guest will either say "No thanks" or will let you know what they want, or you just offer what's on your "menu".
kia ora wahine ma,,, thank you for this video, your knowledge of our ways is so awesome and thank you for your acknowledgment of us and Aussie. ohh and the cuppa tea's
Thanks for watching
I would say as an adjustment to the tea tip: not all kiwis are obsessed with tea. Haha I would say offer a drink more then offer tea. So say "do you want a drink? Tea, Coffee, water, beer?" 😅
yeah i didnt get that one either. I think its more about generally being hospitable
Should have both tea and coffee on hand.
@@chrislittle7285when I didn't drink milk, I used to keep a carton of UHT milk in the pantry in case I had visitors who asked for milk in their tea or coffee.
Having been an Aussie and becoming a Kiwi, I thought these would suck. But there were some things in this list that I never thought about before, and how different it must be for others flying here.
These don't apply everywhere. Auckland is more accommodating. Most malls stay open until 7-midnight depending on the area. There are plenty of restaurants/cafes that go from 7am-midnight. Shopping in the main areas of the city is also open early-late. This gets less accommodating as you travel south in NZ, so Wellington (where you live) probably applies to this rule.
Malls and shopping in Christchurch shut at 6pm most of the time. (Excluding chain stores like Briscoes, nz etc.) but malls do open later 1 or 2 nights a week.
I love your videos, its makes us proud as kiwis to have you promote our country as well as you do thank you.
Love NZ. Miss NZ and it’s culture and the respect everyone has for each other’s culture
Out of curiosity. What countries have regular shops and businesses that stay open into the night? Exclusing places that typically revolve around evening and night time events (restaurants, bars, etc.)
I've never heard of a country that late night shopping is normal unless it's something like a once off, or christmas season.
That ending was hilarious...us kiwis never would given it a second thought saying “Sweet as” 😂🤣
Thanks for watching!
What does Sweet As even mean?
@@Zergcerebrates all good, good as gold, cheers, choice, brilliant, awesome, ok, i agree, don't agree, depends on the conversation 🤣
@@happylappy2704 omg......lol
😂😂😂😂😂
Thats so wonderful your reviews and tips to other who might visit NZ from overseas...thats one thing that's makes our country so unique ..so glad your still exploring our beautiful country..AWESOME 😁
As a waiter in the past, tips, especially in fine dining restaurants, was always accepted gratefully. Not expected but definitely a nice thing to receive particularly when a waiter has worked hard to get it.
Yes i agree
Exactly. It seems that only American's have this idea that you don't tip outside of the US🤦 Every country I have been to, I have always tipped the staff including the country I live in. It's ridiculous to say you are not to tip
@@ocodeskamcdbsm What? Americans are being told by FOREIGNERS not to tip. Why would an American tip and somehow believe you don't tip? This woman said not to. She not American.
@@rafaeltorre1643 what foreigners are telling you not to tip? This woman in this video, who says you don't tip, is American, so she isn't a foreigner telling you not to tip. You always tip in restaurants, Cafe's etc. If it's not accepted you will be told but until then, you tip. The staff might not, like America, have to depend on tip's in lieu of a proper salary, but you still tip
@@ocodeskamcdbsm In NZ the minimum wage is $21/hr. We pay our workers a living wage so tipping isn't necessary for their survival. Of course, anyone appreciates a tip, including the cashier at the grocery store, or the gal who collects your ticket at the movie theatre. The point is, in NZ tipping at a restaurant is more like tipping at a grocery store in the US. Nice but not expected. In high end restaurants tipping is becoming more common, but is still not the norm.
Kia ora e hoa, and love you with all these very true expressions of the to do’s and NOT to do’s in New Zealand. New subscribers here x
Welcome aboard!
I was in New Zealand back in 2002 and one thing I do remember well is every corner has a speed limit as well. Best to obey these too as very often 5km over these limits and you might end up crashing off the road and the limit is right for how tight the corners are. I think it's mostly for your safety but if you crash then the police would have something to say or fine you for speeding on the corners.?
Gas (fuel) sounds like guess in kiwi accent, I was caught out once wondering what the girls at the counter wanted me to guess. 'Huh'.. ?.. lol
Those yellow speed signs are recommendations only, and not law.
The signs on corners are for trucks (18 wheelers / lorries) to travel safely, cars and utes etc can usually go 10-15 km faster). If you had an accident because taking corners too fast you are likely to be charged with dangerous or reckless driving rather than not sticking to a suggested corner speed.
If you ask for gas in NZ you will be presented with a cylinder containing propane. That is 'gas' to us. We normally refer to fuel as either petrol or diesel, depending on what engine is in your vehicle.
As for speeding around corners, it's not a good idea. If there is a sign that says 25 km/h it's because that's what you should really do. They are a suggestion (not law) but usually you can take them 10 km/h faster with no bad result.
I live in NZ and dont know any tea drinkers - only coffee
Really enjoyed this. As a NZer, I think you've hit it on the head truly! Well done!
Thanks
1:45 to add to the Speed Limit point. It's usually because our roads are so shoddy or windy, with blind corners or dips. You don't WANT to go any faster because you'll end up driving into a hill a tree or down a ditch into a field.
Don’t forget tax is included in the price of items…the price is the price! Great video! ❤️ 🇳🇿
My husband is American and he found it funny hearing people say "sweet as" 😅 I never thought of it how he heard it... Is interesting the cultural differences between the US and NZ.
To french people: don’t expect dessert to be offered to you at the end of a meal at any given restaurant. Dessert is optional and you need to explicitly ask for it if you want one.
Living in New Zealand as a kiwi this is pretty accurate BUT 1 thing if your in New Zealand just enjoy your time! its a polite country and there is very rare crimes.
Kia ora and what a great description of our country. Just a couple of things which have changed. In major towns some supermarkets are open until 8pm. Great advice about the driving and the road rules because a lot of tourists have lost their lives in major car accidents and sadly for not understanding the road rules or ignoring speed limits. Most of all have loads of fun, enjoy the beauty of NZ and be safe 😃
Thanks for watching!
From my experience of driving in New Zealand the speed limits are rather optimistic anyway. In the cities you will be stuck in traffic, and in the country the roads are so bendy and hilly with those single-track bridges, you're forced by to drive slowly by the road conditions.
I hope you're still enjoying NZ, it's a great country although I now live in Australia!! You have a pretty good handle on things!!😀👍💯
is tipping expected for tour guides? Say, snorkel tours, boat trips, etc?
No - tips are not expected in any industry. They are happy to take one most of the time if you want to give it.
@@Kiwiamericans thanks! The US-tipping-guilt is real! lol
Another tip Don’t jump into our rivers without checking it out first.
And don’t sit on tables
Why check the water I thought New Zealand waters were safe?
@@twentyforty7607 There could be driftwood or tangled weeds at the bottom. I herd more people drown in our waters then car accidents.
@@ceddyspaghetti7905 What about sitting on tables why can’t people sit on tables we do.
@@twentyforty7607 Look I know people like to sit on tables or put their feet up on tables. You wanna sit on something that’s what a chair is for a table is for eating on. That’s how it is here in New Zealand mate you ask any New Zealander
Dont come here and complain...if ya dont like it...dont stay...
True that. Being a whinger is perceived as being a very un-Kiwi thing to do. If you have an issue you address it with the person/institution you have the problem with, not everyone else.
Getting told to "harden up" or "stop whining" isn't good 😂
So much love and appreciation your way for your pronunciation of our reo māori! Great vid 👍