11 Things To Know Before You Go To New Zealand

The True Meaning of Kiwi

In most parts of the world, Kiwi is a fruit. In New Zealand, Kiwi is the name of people from New Zealand as well as New Zealand’s flightless bird.

You Drive On The Left Side

The drivers side in New Zealand is on the left side. If you’re coming from the U.S., this will be a change of pace for sure.

New Zealand has Bad Internet

Compared to countries of the same size, New Zealand is surely lacking in internet speed, plan accordingly.

Rent is Per Week not Per Month

Depending on your budget and how much luggage you have, this could be pretty great for you as you can bounce from “flat” to “flat” if you’d like.

Dining Out

When dining out in NZ, the bill is not brought to the table instead you pay at the register.

Get Your Own Water

Waiters don’t bring you water when eating out, it’s up to you to grab a cup and get some water.

Earthquakes

It is not out of the norm for Kiwi’s to experience many small quakes throughout the year. Don’t be alarmed, normally your life isn’t in danger.

Drunkenness Is A No No

New Zealand is big on drunken behavior. Don’t expect to dance drunkenly throughout the night in NZ bars, you’ll get the boot ASAP.

Nature is Just 15 Minutes Away

Since New Zealand is in such a remote place, you are surrounded by mother nature in all directions. You can literally head in one direction and run into some type of beautiful landscape.

Sandflies

These little buggers can cause quite the annoyance if not dealt with properly. Make sure you bring top of the line repellent with you before hopping on the plane.

Coffee

Coffee in NZ is as good as it gets. There is amazing coffee in just about every cafe, restaurant, hotel and gas station you road by. Drink up!