New Zealand is an amazing country there is no question about that. It is the land of (rain) clouds and smiles. I’ll be the first to admit, that before moving to New Zealand from the UK, I didn’t know a whole lot about it. I had heard that that it was breathtakingly beautiful, that the people are friendly, there are lots of birds and lots of Lord of the Rings! This is all true, but there is a lot more to life in New Zealand than that.
No one could prepare me for what it is like to live New Zealand, but there are a few uniquely NZ things that stand out for me. So here goes:
My 16 random facts about life in New Zealand:
1. There are earthquakes everyday!
Yes, this is number one, because this is something you will find out with a vigorous shake! New Zealand has tiny little earthquakes every day and you probably wont feel many of them. But sometimes there is a large one and they are quite unnerving.It is the most indescribable thing to witness and an eerie feeling, not like anything else. Earthquakes have caused sad and catastrophic damage to places like Christchurch, but they are also a part of life here. Many work places have special earthquake preparation kits and you will end up talking about earthquakes a lot. A crazy but all too real fact of life in New Zealand.
2. You can’t get served with an overseas driving license
This one is very, very annoying but you can only use your Passport, a New Zealand Driving Licence or an 18+ Card to be served alcohol in here. You have to take your passport out with you to avoid annoyance. Or get one of the 18+ cards.
3. There are many micro-climates
I never thought of New Zealand as being a hot place and it definitely isn’t most of the time. However, there are pockets of the country, like Napier and Northland that get mild to warm weather all year round. Proximity doesn’t really mean anything either. It can be torrential wind and rain in Wellington and you can drive for 30 mins over to the Wiararapa for glorious sunshine. This is really perplexing, and sometimes frustrating as a Wellingtonian but it means you can usually find somewhere with some sun whatever the time of year.
4. There is no Aldi or Ikea
Maybe this is a bit of a curve ball, but these two shops seem to be taking over the world. Not here in NZ! New Zealand is very much a place that is focused on things produced in New Zealand as well as businesses based here. This is a good thing as it promotes buying locally but it does also mean things can be more expensive.
The same goes for IKEA, this hasn’t reached New Zealand yet. This is a little frustrating when setting up a new home as you cant go and grab the things you need cheaply. But I believe this is better for businesses in NZ and I’m sure has a positive effect on waste and things that are thrown out. Go second hand instead, its way more fun and sustainable and there is lots available in NZ.
5. Food costs a lot
Carrying on from post number 4, is post number 5, the food and produce here in NZ is expensive. You will usually pay quite a bit more for your weekly shop than you would in Europe or in Australia. No one is quite sure why, but this is the way it has always been in NZ. Distance from large markets as well as the small population probably play a part. Meat is the most expensive as with cheese and vegetables costing more than average too. Its a good idea to look out for what is seasonal and try to buy New Zealand grown, in order to keep the costs low as well as contributing to sustainable food production.
6. The beer is great
Who knew New Zealand was such a craft beer mecca! One of the great things about life in New Zealand is the many many micro breweries in the country and every area has a favorite. Here in Wellington there is an awesome brewery called the Garage Project which has every changing and creative new brews. Sprig and Fern is another favorite. Its great finding out what the favorite beer is in which ever area you are in in New Zealand. Check this guide to NZ beers for more info!
7. Its bloody windy!
The wind here in Wellington is on another level. This town blows! To be fair, Welly is known as the windy city, but I have been told it is not even the windiest place in New Zealand. Expect to be blown all over the place and don’t bother doing your hair. The upside of all this, however, is that on that rare clear day, where the air is still and the wind drops, its like magic. The place transforms and comes alive. Its worth enduring the wind just for this!
8. Most things have Maori Names
Towns, roads, back country huts almost every land mark has a Maori name. This is great for getting to know the language and learning a bit more about the culture. The downside of all these Maori names for a non New Zealander is that it can be quite difficult to pronounce. This dilemma has left me looking like a bit of a fool a few times. They are also hard to remember so you will probably be saying things like , “that place, you know, the one that begins with a W” with lots of blank expressions. Be better than me, and do a little research into Maori pronunciation first!
9. You pretty much need a car
I wouldn’t suggest living in New Zealand without a car. Don’t get me wrong, it is possible, especially in the cities and urban areas and you can easily fly and bus between them. The beauty of New Zealand though, is the off the beaten track places. The roads that you follow, not quite knowing where you are going. The weekends spent camping near the ocean and the spur of the moment trips into the mountains. Sadly, non of this can be achieved without a car.
10. Fuel is pricey
Annoying point number 10. Fuel costs a bomb. It does depend on where you are, being slightly cheaper in urban areas and costing more in the remote places. Expect to pay just under $2 per litre. Just something you should know about what its like to live in New Zealand.
11. You can hire all your ski gear
This is pretty great, if you are going to the mountains to ski, you can hire everything. Not only the boots and skis/board, but also the coats, jackets, helmets, gloves, the lot. This is perfect for if you are only going a couple of times, or are travelling and don’t want to fork out for a load of new gear, or you cant fit it in your luggage.
12. People LOVE rugby!
This probably should be number one on the list. Rugby is the national sport and people here are totally obsessed! The All Blacks are the national team and they are like gods here. Everyone loves Rugby. Full stop.
Check out my post about my first rugby match in NZ by clicking HERE.
13. You have to go up and pay and you don’t have to tip
This is just a handy bit of information so you don’t find yourself sitting waiting to pay for hours and hours in cafe. At pretty much every restaurant, you need to go up to the counter when you are ready to pay. I’m not entirely sure why they do this, but it actually makes things easier and you can get out of the door pretty quickly when you want to!
Tip! You don’t need to tip. Of course you can if you want to and no one will give it back, but its not compulsory and no one will chase you out the door if you don’t.
14. The wildlife is amazing
Did you know there are no native land mammals in New Zealand? No, I didn’t either! Despite this, there is a wonderful world of wildlife here. New Zealand is the land of birds, with many unusual native species to be found, including the elusive Kiwi.
A native lizard named the Tuatara is a special site in the forests here, as well as the weird prehistoric bug, the Weta. Whales and dolphins can seen easily from the coast at different times within the year. There was even a killer whale in the Wellington harbor this summer. There are also deer, hedgehogs and possums in the bush but these are all introduced and New Zealand has a popular hunting industry.
15. It is the land of the Pinot Noir
If you are a wine lover then you probably already know that New Zealand is a great place to be. Best known for its Sauvingon Blanc, there are pockets of beautiful wineries to be found all over the country. And, if you are a Pinot Noir lover in particular then you may be pleased to hear the New Zealand is great for this wine too. Don’t ask me about soil conditions or climate that make it this way, just know there is some world class PN here in NZ!
16. Kiwi’s have weird names for stuff
Flip Flops = Jandles
A Kettle = A Jug
Crisps = Chippies
Hiking = Tramping
I’ll say no more!
So those are my 16 random things to know before visiting New Zealand or before moving to New Zealand. I hope they help to give you a better insight into the amazing country. Don’t be put off by the earthquakes or the fuel prices!!
Got any more random facts about New Zealand? comment below!
Peace
Josie x