9 insights known only to New Zealand locals

Having been raised in New Zealand – or Aotearoa, its name in Māori – I've spent enough time away to appreciate how this destination can feel both comfortably familiar and intriguingly foreign to visitors.

The butter shines with a vibrant, beta-carotene yellow. Pies are packed with meat. Typically, you approach the counter to settle your bill. And remember, sitting on a table is a strict no-no, a cultural taboo inherited from Māori customs.

This varied land of bubbling mud pools, towering mountains, tropical beaches, lush rainforests, and welcoming locals will surely make you feel 'sweet-as' (which means great). Here are some important things to keep in mind before your trip to New Zealand.

1. While New Zealand’s climate is generally mild, it can also be quite unpredictable.

Located in the Pacific, New Zealand is a slender archipelago anchored in turbulent waters influenced by Antarctica. Its land spans from 34 to 47 degrees south—similar to the range from northern Morocco to southern France—with a climate often likened to that of Britain. What does this imply? Weather can change abruptly, so it's wise to prepare for all seasons; hats and sunscreen are essential. New Zealand's peak UV radiation can be 40% higher than in comparable North American latitudes due to its pristine air. A severe sunburn can occur within minutes, potentially spoiling your holiday for days. In summer, consider planning shaded activities like visiting galleries during peak sunlight hours.

2. Embrace a relaxed dress code

Casual attire is the norm in New Zealand, even in cities. Depending on the area, it’s not uncommon for attendees at weddings to wear jeans paired with their cleanest 'bush shirt' (a durable woolen shirt) and either gumboots (rubber boots) or jandals (flip-flops). This is completely typical.

One thing that can be surprising for visitors is New Zealanders’ love for going barefoot. Outside of major cities, you'll often spot Kiwis confidently walking over hot asphalt and shopping in supermarkets without shoes.

Feel free to bring along your casual attire.

3. What do you mean, there’s no bus?

Remarkably, New Zealand’s public transportation system was actually more effective in the mid-20th century. With many trams and railways dismantled to make way for roads, the country has become heavily reliant on cars.

With only 5.2 million people living on a land area comparable to Italy, car culture is hard to break. While cycling and public transport are gaining traction, outside of Auckland, you won't find the same density, quality, affordability, or reliability of public transport that you might be accustomed to. Many towns in New Zealand don’t even have Uber or similar rideshare services.

That said, the country is fairly well-equipped for tourists. For instance, there are frequent shuttle services to popular attractions like Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves—but it's wise to arrange your transport in advance.

4. Biculturalism is central to Aotearoa’s identity

In contrast to many colonized nations, the British Crown signed a foundational treaty, the Treaty of Waitangi, with the indigenous Māori in 1840. Māori have inhabited New Zealand since at least the 1300s. While the impacts of colonization on Māori remain a topic of discussion and protest, the outcome is that contemporary New Zealand is a distinctly bicultural society.

Te ao Māori (the Māori perspective) is a crucial element of daily interactions. This is clear to visitors, who can find numerous Māori-led tours, dining options, and experiences to deepen their understanding.

To show your respect, inquire about local iwi (tribe) customs. For example, it's important not to stand on the summit of maunga (mountains) like Ngāuruhoe (Mt Doom from the Lord of the Rings films) or Taranaki when hiking. Mountain tops are considered tapu (sacred) as they represent the heads of ancestors. While Sir Edmund Hillary famously remarked “we knocked the bastard off” after summiting Everest in 1953, modern travelers can take a different approach.

Many place names and road signs are also displayed in te reo Māori (the Māori language). Kiwis appreciate when visitors make an effort to pronounce words correctly (for instance, 'wh' is typically pronounced as 'f'). Utilizing an online pronunciation guide or podcast can help with some of the trickier sounds; try Everyday Māori as a starting point.

5. If you want to connect with locals, bring up our birds.

New Zealanders are passionate about their native birds and will instantly view you as a 'good sort' (a kind and friendly person) if you show interest.

But be ready for a deep dive. From tūī and kererū (wood pigeons) to pīwakawaka (fantails) and whio (blue ducks), everyone has their favorites. The conservation group Forest and Bird even hosts a highly competitive Bird of the Year contest, which gained international attention in 2023 when John Oliver, host of Last Week Tonight, campaigned for the pūteketeke (Australasian crested grebe).

We cherish our birds because we recognize their importance. Many are endangered, some critically so. Before human arrival around the 1300s, New Zealand was a bird paradise, but the introduction of rats, pigs, dogs, stoats, mice, cats, rabbits, weasels, and possums wreaked havoc, causing biodiversity to plummet. In the past millennium, 40 native species have gone extinct. (Fortunately, early settlers did not introduce the mongoose to control the rabbit population, as was once proposed in the 19th century.)

The country is currently in the initial decade of its Predator Free 2050 initiative, which aims to eliminate as many introduced mammals as possible by 2050. This ambitious plan has generated significant support as everyday Kiwis enthusiastically set rat traps in their backyards.

As a traveler, you’ll find numerous tourism operators engaged in similar efforts. You can discover more about these initiatives while ziplining through regenerating forests at Rotorua Canopy Tours or staying at Maruia River Retreat, which is transitioning to a fully electric resort powered by renewable energy. There are even opportunities for tourists to assist in checking traplines, like in Tongariro River Rafting's Blue Duck Experience.

Predator-free bird sanctuaries are plentiful, including the Zealandia sanctuary in Wellington, a vast and tranquil urban oasis where you might be fortunate enough to spot wild kiwi on a guided night tour.

6. ACC is fantastic – but it doesn’t replace travel insurance

One of New Zealand’s most compassionate features is its no-fault accident compensation scheme, ACC. If you fall and break your leg while skiing or get injured during a night out, it doesn’t matter whose fault it is or that you’re a tourist; if it’s an accident, your medical treatment is covered at no cost.

However, you will still need to secure your own travel insurance. There are numerous scenarios – such as travel delays or additional accommodation needs – that ACC won’t cover if you sustain an injury.

7. New Zealand is typically safe, but…

New Zealand is known for being a safe and friendly nation, yet crime does occur. For travelers, steering clear of downtown nightlife areas after midnight is a wise way to minimize risks. Tourist vans can attract thieves, especially when left unattended at freedom camping sites.

Many visitors have left New Zealand with an unfortunate memento: a newspaper article recounting how they lost everything in a burglary, tarnishing their dream vacation. If you find yourself in an emergency, dial 111 for immediate assistance.

8. Pies are savory, not sweet

Kiwis have a fondness for global cuisine, so you’ll find plenty of familiar dishes, particularly in larger cities. However, be sure to sample some classic New Zealand specialties. Beyond the fun of exploring supermarkets and trying every variety of Whittaker’s chocolate, roadside eateries, known as 'tearooms,' and cafés provide an array of traditional snacks.

One of the most satisfying and budget-friendly meals you can find is a savory pie, available almost everywhere. These golden, flaky pastries come filled with options like butter chicken, minced beef and cheese, or steak and mushrooms. Pro tip: The tastiest pies come from local bakeries. To find a winner, opt for pies packaged in plain white paper bags instead of branded plastic, and enjoy it straight from the bag.

If you venture south and see cheese rolls on the menu, don’t miss out! Often referred to as 'Southland sushi,' these delightful treats are made by spreading white bread with a blend of grated cheese, evaporated milk, onion, and seasonings like mustard or garlic, then rolled up, brushed with butter, and toasted to golden perfection.

'Slices' are a beloved treat as well, akin to what Americans call 'bars.' These are a hybrid between a tart and a cookie, featuring one or two toppings, baked or chilled in a square tin and cut into squares or rectangles. Popular varieties include peppermint, millionaire bars (caramel), tan squares (caramel shortcake), and the unbeatable ginger crunch.

Lolly cake is another beloved treat: a no-bake cookie made with coconut and malt, dotted with vibrant marshmallow-like fruit puffs.

9. Driving is quite distinct in New Zealand

In contrast to the wide, multi-lane highways found in other nations, many of New Zealand's primary roads are only dual carriageways or two-way divided highways. They tend to be curvy and elevated, with the additional challenges of construction and what Kiwis call 'slips' (landslides).

Before setting out, check NZTA for any possible road closures. Avoid planning an overly ambitious road-trip itinerary, like attempting to drive from Auckland to Cape Reinga in a single day with stops along the way. While Google Maps may estimate five-and-a-half hours, expect it to be slow and tiring. You won’t simply set the cruise control and relax while others zip by.

Stay alert, especially if this is your first time driving on the left side of the road. In single-file traffic, frustration can build up. Remember: Kiwi drivers often follow closely, pass aggressively, and may not be particularly fond of camper vans.

If you’re feeling anxious and see a long line of cars behind you, try to pull over regularly (where it’s safe) to let the impatient locals pass. They’ll usually show their appreciation with a friendly honk.