10 things NOT to do in New Zealand 😬

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  • čas přidán 31. 05. 2024
  • If you are considering a move to New Zealand - start with my FREE masterclass that will answer 80% of your questions! www.kiwiamericans.com/opt-in-...
    - Don't do these 10 things when coming to New Zealand. New Zealand is an amazing place but you must respect the culture, the environment and learn the lingo! As Americans who have moved to New Zealand, sometimes we have learned this the hard way.
    There are still cultural differences, and things that can catch you out if you're not careful... 🙃
    In this video I break down ten things to be careful of when you're in NZ:
    0:00 - 10 things not to do in NZ
    0:36 - Don't compare to Aussie...
    0:58 - Offer tea
    1:20 - Keep to speed limit
    1:59 - Respect Maori culture
    2:41 - Don't bring dirty shoes
    3:19 - Stores closing early
    4:06 - Restaurants open from 5.30pm
    4:49 - Don't expect chain restaurants
    5:56 - No tipping
    6:23 - No crowds
    6:59 - One last thing...
    7:20 - Thanks for watching!
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Komentáře • 4K

  • @Kiwiamericans
    @Kiwiamericans  Před rokem +48

    If you are coming to New Zealand this training hub is for you ! www.kiwiamericans.com/new-zealand-training-hub

    • @blindingshadow3463
      @blindingshadow3463 Před rokem

      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.

    • @Kiwiamericans
      @Kiwiamericans  Před rokem +4

      @@blindingshadow3463 that is awesome! I am here to help!!!

    • @theonepiece8705
      @theonepiece8705 Před rokem +4

      i'm ngl u kinda got this wrong tbh

    • @theonepiece8705
      @theonepiece8705 Před rokem +3

      i've been in nz my whole life half tongan half maori and bro most stores close 7pm yo 8pm sometimes stores close 9

    • @theonepiece8705
      @theonepiece8705 Před rokem +3

      mcdonalds burger king supermarkets restraunts are morning things and night things like skytower restraunt
      also stores have pies

  • @bhanani5480
    @bhanani5480 Před 3 lety +1093

    Top tip: Don't mess up the onion dip 😂

  • @Kiki-cs8xv
    @Kiki-cs8xv Před 2 lety +778

    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.

    • @rowan9884
      @rowan9884 Před 2 lety +30

      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

    • @maryocecilyo3372
      @maryocecilyo3372 Před 2 lety +3

      About the bil, it's same in my country.

    • @andrewruddy962
      @andrewruddy962 Před 2 lety +4

      Kiki, very interesting and thank you for posting.

    • @christiangoodall2158
      @christiangoodall2158 Před 2 lety +17

      Yip never ever part with your card and always keep it in a safe place. Or else it is gone forever! 😐🥵

    • @alexandralite835
      @alexandralite835 Před 2 lety +44

      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.

  • @fjbutchbragg8129
    @fjbutchbragg8129 Před rokem +140

    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..

    • @mitch6651
      @mitch6651 Před 9 měsíci +13

      1000% this, also the slow vehicle bays aren’t just for trucks.

    • @scruffygaming627
      @scruffygaming627 Před 8 měsíci +8

      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.

    • @cherrytraveller5915
      @cherrytraveller5915 Před 8 měsíci +3

      And do so before the cops pull you over...........

    • @gazman50s
      @gazman50s Před 6 měsíci +5

      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

    • @YurideGroot
      @YurideGroot Před 6 měsíci +8

      Rule of thumb - if one person is tailgating you, they’re the problem. If everyone is tailgating you, you’re the problem.

  • @alexiareedy6506
    @alexiareedy6506 Před rokem +49

    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 :)

    • @heijxje
      @heijxje Před 4 měsíci +5

      To sum up your comment in five words: "Be a decent human being."

    • @toddkirkwood731
      @toddkirkwood731 Před 2 měsíci

      Well said :)

    • @CkoffyPi
      @CkoffyPi Před měsícem +1

      Tautoko!

  • @afpwebworks
    @afpwebworks Před 3 lety +511

    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.

    • @harrycurrie9664
      @harrycurrie9664 Před 3 lety +36

      Did they have to restrain him on his flight home ? 😁

    • @hellurmoto3163
      @hellurmoto3163 Před 3 lety +20

      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
      @oramonika9758 Před 3 lety +22

      They charge to go too the sea?

    • @mindtpi
      @mindtpi Před 3 lety +17

      @@oramonika9758 In some countries, yes, they do charge you for beach access

    • @afpwebworks
      @afpwebworks Před 3 lety +22

      @@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.

  • @meg7088
    @meg7088 Před 3 lety +248

    Don't litter🚮 or take it with you and only leave footprints in the sand if your visiting beaches, cheers

    • @Kiwiamericans
      @Kiwiamericans  Před 3 lety +11

      Great one - thanks for sharing!

    • @TianaMay2001
      @TianaMay2001 Před 3 lety +3

      Especially in Porirua coz those teenagers litter a lot

    • @meg7088
      @meg7088 Před 3 lety +1

      @@TianaMay2001 You obviously live there, say something or if you see it put it in there letterbox 😂

    • @TianaMay2001
      @TianaMay2001 Před 3 lety +1

      @@meg7088 nah, i don't live there. I just went to Whitireia there. I live 30 mins up the road

    • @Luubelaar
      @Luubelaar Před 3 lety +4

      As the saying goes "take only photos, leave only footprints".

  • @DrFingers
    @DrFingers Před 5 měsíci +32

    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.

    • @goobtube69
      @goobtube69 Před 4 měsíci +4

      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 😂

    • @DrFingers
      @DrFingers Před 4 měsíci +1

      @@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.

    • @fishfootface
      @fishfootface Před 3 měsíci

      I'll talk to anyone. Supermarket shopping takes me ages. Makes life more fun.

    • @10_rds_Fire_For_Effect
      @10_rds_Fire_For_Effect Před 25 dny

      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.

    • @DrFingers
      @DrFingers Před 25 dny

      @@10_rds_Fire_For_Effect I'm working on my Kiwi accent and looking forward to a trip to USA now.

  • @townsville69
    @townsville69 Před rokem +5

    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.

  • @valgrey7416
    @valgrey7416 Před 3 lety +566

    An addition to Meg’s comment, especially in the bush and nature reserves ‘Take only photos, leave only footprints’

    • @hey7016
      @hey7016 Před 2 lety +2

      Yeah we have that but most dont care ://

    • @meg7088
      @meg7088 Před 2 lety +2

      @@hey7016 The most that don't care are useless and must be like that in there homes.

    • @SiliconBong
      @SiliconBong Před 2 lety

      Happy TwoHundred Day. :)

    • @quixotiq
      @quixotiq Před 2 lety +5

      That's not specific to NZ .

    • @paulrevere2379
      @paulrevere2379 Před rokem

      Dirtbag litterbugs aren't the way they are out of ignorance. They are just simply scum.

  • @teinajayleef2215
    @teinajayleef2215 Před 2 lety +79

    One more tip always take your shoes off when entering other people's houses unless they say leave your shoes on

    • @ZubairAhmed-nb9kc
      @ZubairAhmed-nb9kc Před 11 měsíci +3

      This happens in my country. I wonder why this is not the same for others.

    • @thepointlesstroll5702
      @thepointlesstroll5702 Před 11 měsíci

      Don’t be so soft

    • @stephanieharper7349
      @stephanieharper7349 Před 4 měsíci

      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

    • @Castit._.
      @Castit._. Před 3 měsíci +4

      @@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.

  • @suzieq5174
    @suzieq5174 Před rokem +10

    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

  • @WillyFisher412
    @WillyFisher412 Před 6 měsíci +12

    As a kiwi, I clicked on this video expecting it to be a bunch of ridiculous things that don’t actually matter, but all of these were absolutely correct, I’m surprised Americans don’t do these things, the thing about peering and the indigenous culture really shocked me!

  • @ayladesilva424
    @ayladesilva424 Před 3 lety +1128

    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.

    • @neko-chan6803
      @neko-chan6803 Před 3 lety +97

      Like MILO!!! 😆

    • @Hughjanus720
      @Hughjanus720 Před 2 lety +54

      Yea I'm a kiwi and barely ever seen people drink tea that would be weird if someone offered me tea 🤷‍♂️

    • @tikitamehare4884
      @tikitamehare4884 Před 2 lety +32

      Tea is old skool English New Zealand... Coffee is actually a weirder thing

    • @kaynefryday1251
      @kaynefryday1251 Před 2 lety +23

      True I am a kiwi and most people drink DB and lion red beer. Tea is for poms.

    • @kaynefryday1251
      @kaynefryday1251 Před 2 lety +8

      @@j-4017 whitebait fritters for me, yummy.

  • @rhysfirth3506
    @rhysfirth3506 Před 2 lety +245

    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.

    • @alexandralite835
      @alexandralite835 Před 2 lety +12

      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.

    • @vainekaviri2110
      @vainekaviri2110 Před 2 lety +16

      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.

    • @TombstoneHeart
      @TombstoneHeart Před 2 lety +6

      Don't you mean 'short of crockery" Cutlery is knives, forks and spoons.

    • @JJBclassic
      @JJBclassic Před rokem +6

      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

    • @TombstoneHeart
      @TombstoneHeart Před rokem +4

      @@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.

  • @sarahdalmeida9160
    @sarahdalmeida9160 Před 6 měsíci +2

    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.

  • @martinemartin4779
    @martinemartin4779 Před rokem +84

    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.

    • @daemonslime3287
      @daemonslime3287 Před rokem +8

      its not a hidden rule it just means you were raised well.

    • @martinemartin4779
      @martinemartin4779 Před rokem +7

      @@daemonslime3287 It's a hidden rule for some people from other countries.

    • @jeanakatherine9369
      @jeanakatherine9369 Před rokem +3

      I would never sit on someone’s counter top or table esp where food & drink will be served…that’s just manners

    • @mellissaharrison5269
      @mellissaharrison5269 Před rokem +9

      That's the way I was raised being Maori. We also don't sit on other people's pillows or cushions

    • @nathans45
      @nathans45 Před rokem +3

      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.

  • @derekmills5394
    @derekmills5394 Před 3 lety +124

    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

    • @newbris
      @newbris Před 2 lety +8

      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

    • @louisbarningham
      @louisbarningham Před 2 lety +11

      Or "could i please have..." or "please may i get a.."

    • @juliblued
      @juliblued Před 2 lety +4

      Same advice for the American South.

    • @ronwrack6239
      @ronwrack6239 Před 2 lety

      @@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.

    • @sophiepatenaude8604
      @sophiepatenaude8604 Před 2 lety +4

      It always pays to be curtious....

  • @ahorsewithnoname643
    @ahorsewithnoname643 Před 3 lety +184

    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.

    • @Kiwiamericans
      @Kiwiamericans  Před 3 lety +10

      Good point!!!!

    • @jhrhiggi
      @jhrhiggi Před 2 lety +29

      And drive on the LEFT hand side of the road, not the right lol

    • @Epiha
      @Epiha Před 2 lety +6

      Same in the US only we resort to road rage or foul growly looks like a hobbit glaring at Gandalf

    • @kimb868
      @kimb868 Před 2 lety +3

      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)

    • @deathzone5893
      @deathzone5893 Před 2 lety +1

      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.

  • @francesoconnell868
    @francesoconnell868 Před rokem +8

    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.

  • @jacobhernandez4851
    @jacobhernandez4851 Před rokem +47

    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..

    • @jamescorry63
      @jamescorry63 Před rokem +6

      so I guess thats what its gonna be ,,,, welcome to NZ bro

    • @racketman2u
      @racketman2u Před rokem +1

      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.

    • @pwiciwachoosah589
      @pwiciwachoosah589 Před rokem +3

      I’m from Fresno too and if I had the chance to move to New Zealand I’d never look back. Do it

    • @1967hashem
      @1967hashem Před rokem +3

      Jacob Hernandez Australia and NZ are both gun free countries except for farmers.

    • @Deaglan753
      @Deaglan753 Před rokem

      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

  • @keegznz
    @keegznz Před 2 lety +51

    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.

    • @oneofthegoodonesok
      @oneofthegoodonesok Před 10 měsíci +1

      Absolutely 💯. Waving even becomes a habit at the pedestrian crossing too!

  • @ChristoKiwi
    @ChristoKiwi Před 2 lety +90

    Tipping encourages business owners to not pay staff a living wage.
    If you want to tip, keep it subtle.

    • @secondchance6603
      @secondchance6603 Před 2 lety +10

      "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.

    • @KartiniC
      @KartiniC Před 2 lety +4

      Also we have a minimum wage here lol.

    • @davidclaro152
      @davidclaro152 Před 2 lety +4

      Yup! I’m a big believer in this no tipping, for that same reason.

    • @cookdislander4372
      @cookdislander4372 Před rokem

      If I'm happy, I tip. Only if I feel like it

  • @jamesm4618
    @jamesm4618 Před rokem +27

    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.

    • @larrydanadavid2435
      @larrydanadavid2435 Před 10 měsíci +4

      I wouldn’t be offended, I would politely correct them. No need to be offended…

    • @jubileeYAVEL
      @jubileeYAVEL Před 10 měsíci +2

      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 😂

    • @caralinehowden2951
      @caralinehowden2951 Před 6 měsíci

      @@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.

    • @avrilyap6507
      @avrilyap6507 Před 6 měsíci +1

      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.

    • @WillyFisher412
      @WillyFisher412 Před 6 měsíci +2

      I wouldn’t be offended, but it might be a bit irritating if they did that all the time, which is what I interpreted the lady as meaning

  • @SarahlabyrinthLHC
    @SarahlabyrinthLHC Před rokem +8

    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.

    • @NatashasSkinSpa1
      @NatashasSkinSpa1 Před 3 měsíci

      It’s actually the law in NZ that if you offer seated dining you must offer a toilet.

    • @patrickwhiting4831
      @patrickwhiting4831 Před 4 dny

      Some will expect you to purchase something at the store in order to use the toilet

  • @Satya2btrue
    @Satya2btrue Před 3 lety +169

    Basically we look at chains as a lower quality or type of food.

    • @Kiwiamericans
      @Kiwiamericans  Před 3 lety +22

      Yep that is true. Americans don't see it that way always

    • @BobJones20001
      @BobJones20001 Před 2 lety +17

      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.

    • @juliblued
      @juliblued Před 2 lety +2

      We agree in some cases. It depends on the chain..fast food absolutely. Others, not so much.

    • @michaelairheart6921
      @michaelairheart6921 Před 2 lety +4

      @@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.

    • @calmeast7658
      @calmeast7658 Před 2 lety +2

      @@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.

  • @catherinekilgour2563
    @catherinekilgour2563 Před 3 lety +65

    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.

    • @Kiwiamericans
      @Kiwiamericans  Před 3 lety +8

      I love that about NZ!!

    • @Delcarme
      @Delcarme Před měsícem +1

      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.

  • @tobytanzer
    @tobytanzer Před rokem +8

    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...😄

    • @Kiwiamericans
      @Kiwiamericans  Před rokem

      Good point about the public toliets!

    • @Matteo-1
      @Matteo-1 Před rokem

      I'm a Canadian-Kiwi too! NZ is a great place, Canada is lovely too.

    • @cherrytraveller5915
      @cherrytraveller5915 Před 8 měsíci

      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.

  • @kieranproven4874
    @kieranproven4874 Před rokem +3

    Great Video mate. From NZ, now abroad. You have hit the nail on the head. I hope you enjoy your new country.😀

  • @bremCZ
    @bremCZ Před 3 lety +143

    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.

    • @jhrhiggi
      @jhrhiggi Před 2 lety +11

      And bakeries open super early to distribute their goods to local businesses and are open to early customers so generally close early.

    • @samjewellery3336
      @samjewellery3336 Před 2 lety +1

      So you say here this video says half truth ???.I also can't understand no restaurents open for diner.

    • @bremCZ
      @bremCZ Před 2 lety +4

      @@samjewellery3336 Restaurants are open for dinner.

    • @k9nick
      @k9nick Před 2 lety +6

      Gas stations have improved for coffee and food to go

    • @slayer5189
      @slayer5189 Před 2 lety +1

      By 5pm everything is closed? 😂😂 I can see why she says cafes are closed first basic really

  • @antst25
    @antst25 Před 3 lety +99

    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

    • @Kiwiamericans
      @Kiwiamericans  Před 3 lety +10

      Great ones - I have thought a lot more as well. Will need to do a part 2.

    • @leannetarrant1552
      @leannetarrant1552 Před 3 lety +12

      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....

    • @kellyheppleston7157
      @kellyheppleston7157 Před 3 lety +4

      @@leannetarrant1552 Thats a really good tip...should be No 1...DONT SIT ON TABLES. Thats my pet peeve with visitors and (sometimes) locals.

    • @mvb88
      @mvb88 Před 2 lety +5

      Can't sue in new Zealand. ACC pays for hospital visits ect so your never going to lose money

    • @mvb88
      @mvb88 Před 2 lety

      @Heroniden government will pay for therapy etc aswell.

  • @leonpaki
    @leonpaki Před 10 měsíci +3

    I love your videos, its makes us proud as kiwis to have you promote our country as well as you do thank you.

  • @emilyking1260
    @emilyking1260 Před rokem +3

    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

  • @brontewcat
    @brontewcat Před 2 lety +83

    I think the lack of chain restaurants is fantastic. So much more variety when they are not franchises.

  • @anemptyskye9376
    @anemptyskye9376 Před 2 lety +52

    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.

  • @bhaktiparmar4163
    @bhaktiparmar4163 Před rokem

    Informative content, thanks for sharing ☺️

  • @n___p_
    @n___p_ Před 10 měsíci +2

    This was a beautiful video and made me so homesick for NZ :) I loved this a lot

  • @ChristoKiwi
    @ChristoKiwi Před 2 lety +47

    Don't tip and don't expect people to respect you based on your volume or sense of entitlement.

    • @aking9999
      @aking9999 Před 2 lety

      So wrong, we love tips !

    • @PerfectlyImperfect1114
      @PerfectlyImperfect1114 Před 2 lety

      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.

    • @Gottenhimfella
      @Gottenhimfella Před 25 dny

      @@PerfectlyImperfect1114 That's not the case here. The minimum wage applies to all workers of all ages in all jobs. And it's about USD15.

  • @scionoforion
    @scionoforion Před 2 lety +21

    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.

    • @Kiwiamericans
      @Kiwiamericans  Před 2 lety

      Yes definately!

    • @Gottenhimfella
      @Gottenhimfella Před 25 dny

      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".

  • @natuvampire
    @natuvampire Před měsícem

    Very interesting, didn't know most of them! Sounds lovely and some of them seem to explain the happiness witnessed in locals there! Thank you

  • @uteausmunchen7235
    @uteausmunchen7235 Před 10 měsíci

    Wow, thanks a lot that was really helpful!

  • @mb68nz35
    @mb68nz35 Před 3 lety +145

    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.

    • @schlookie
      @schlookie Před 3 lety +62

      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 🤣

    • @NZKiwi87
      @NZKiwi87 Před 3 lety +58

      Tipping makes me cringe, I’m so glad we don’t have the custom.

    • @julierose7841
      @julierose7841 Před 3 lety +36

      @@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.

    • @jeringatai3156
      @jeringatai3156 Před 3 lety +12

      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.

    • @mb68nz35
      @mb68nz35 Před 3 lety +4

      @@jeringatai3156 valid point...company policy.

  • @johnallison4688
    @johnallison4688 Před 2 lety +63

    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 .

  • @Waitomo64
    @Waitomo64 Před 9 měsíci +1

    That carving on the stone looks like the one on Lake Taupo hidden out of the way when I was a kid and discovered it when we did this thing in Te Kuiti High School when we went to Turangi for a week at the end of the year and learnt to rock climb, camp, cross rivers... A whole heap of different things and we camped as 16 year old's near that carving... some of the best memories I have... Apart from Vietnam which I adore!!!! and Dublin right next to U2's studio and offices on the river...!! fabulous places I have been to... some... of them... I done a fair few..

  • @upsidedown9071
    @upsidedown9071 Před rokem +1

    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

  • @daveamies5031
    @daveamies5031 Před 3 lety +571

    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 🇳🇿🇦🇺👍🏼

    • @Kiwiamericans
      @Kiwiamericans  Před 3 lety +20

      True!!!

    • @JB-zs1oq
      @JB-zs1oq Před 3 lety +51

      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.

    • @glenchapman3899
      @glenchapman3899 Před 3 lety +22

      As an Aussie I can say most of the world where there are indigenous populations could learn this lesson.

    • @EmmaAppleBerry
      @EmmaAppleBerry Před 3 lety +31

      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.

    • @glenchapman3899
      @glenchapman3899 Před 3 lety +69

      @@EmmaAppleBerry Your claim for pre- Maori settlement is not supported by evidence.

  • @purpleiceprincess
    @purpleiceprincess Před 3 lety +35

    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 😁✌

    • @kimrici8542
      @kimrici8542 Před 3 lety +1

      ...or a beer/wine 😁

    • @chrisharkins6929
      @chrisharkins6929 Před 3 lety +4

      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

    • @katwatson1797
      @katwatson1797 Před 2 lety

      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).

    • @kimrici8542
      @kimrici8542 Před 2 lety +3

      @@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.

    • @katwatson1797
      @katwatson1797 Před 2 lety +1

      @@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.

  • @chikiwideleon5527
    @chikiwideleon5527 Před 2 lety +2

    Been here for 20+ years and wishing your videos had been around then! This content is gold! Going to watch every one! haha

  • @chrislittle7285
    @chrislittle7285 Před rokem +2

    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.

  • @bbillbill3919
    @bbillbill3919 Před 3 lety +76

    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.

    • @Kiwiamericans
      @Kiwiamericans  Před 3 lety +12

      There are a surprising number of toliets in near the entrance of walks in NZ

    • @kellonking-troy1082
      @kellonking-troy1082 Před 3 lety +7

      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.

    • @merhaba8
      @merhaba8 Před 3 lety +4

      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.

    • @kiwibushblock2564
      @kiwibushblock2564 Před 3 lety +10

      Kiwis don't say woods

    • @bbillbill3919
      @bbillbill3919 Před 3 lety +8

      @@kiwibushblock2564 HAHA Unfortunately Americans think about something else when we talk about bush

  • @triplestrokesurivor5862
    @triplestrokesurivor5862 Před 3 lety +35

    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

    • @Kiwiamericans
      @Kiwiamericans  Před 3 lety

      Thanks for sharing!

    • @NZKiwi87
      @NZKiwi87 Před 3 lety +5

      I live on the banks of the mighty Maitai 💜

    • @manitsahu
      @manitsahu Před 3 lety

      What do you mean by gates?

    • @triplestrokesurivor5862
      @triplestrokesurivor5862 Před 3 lety +1

      @@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"

    • @beeveearr
      @beeveearr Před 2 lety +1

      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

  • @RusticatedArt
    @RusticatedArt Před rokem +4

    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!!😀👍💯

  • @ningnong1343
    @ningnong1343 Před rokem +8

    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.

  • @alexandriahicks640
    @alexandriahicks640 Před 2 lety +115

    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.

    • @queenslanddiva
      @queenslanddiva Před 2 lety +9

      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

    • @starchildsol
      @starchildsol Před rokem +3

      I never thought that people would think new Zealand is like some other country 🤨☺️

    • @CosmicBeanz
      @CosmicBeanz Před 10 měsíci

      ik its very different from other countries

    • @cherrytraveller5915
      @cherrytraveller5915 Před 8 měsíci +1

      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

    • @MagpieR6
      @MagpieR6 Před 7 měsíci

      as a kiwi in nzl all these tips apply to australia

  • @kevinsamuel717
    @kevinsamuel717 Před 3 lety +22

    Here’s my tip, just blend in she’ll be right and a warm welcome to NZ.

  • @TuiCatNZ
    @TuiCatNZ Před rokem +2

    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.

  • @TeAMViBEz96
    @TeAMViBEz96 Před 2 lety +1

    This is on point.. gotta watch more of your vids now seeing this.. the tea 1 is 100 percent true sometimes you don't even offer they will be in there themselves or ask b4 entering the house

    • @Kiwiamericans
      @Kiwiamericans  Před 2 lety

      Ok thanks Cheyenne - that has been my experience but many disagree!

    • @annwitbrock9112
      @annwitbrock9112 Před 9 dny

      Yes, most people would not be surprised if a visitor asked if they should put the jug (kettle) on while the host is busy with something else. Although that familiarity would be more normal among people who know each other very well.
      The choice of hot beverage is coffee as often as tea, and a plain variety of both should be available, along with some milk or sugar if it is wanted. Beers are also often offered, especially when it is hot.

  • @kerrycampbell2255
    @kerrycampbell2255 Před 3 lety +18

    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
      @Kiwiamericans  Před 3 lety +5

      Kerry - true - good clarification. I have some hospo workers saying they are uncomfortable with tippers and others that love it! Interesting...

    • @koolkiwi7403
      @koolkiwi7403 Před 2 lety +5

      @@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.

  • @sibanought
    @sibanought Před 3 lety +128

    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.

    • @Kiwiamericans
      @Kiwiamericans  Před 3 lety +8

      Totally agree!!! Thanks for sharing

    • @MacTBucket
      @MacTBucket Před 2 lety +5

      Why do we need to say any thing but HELLO ,,Stop trying to make New Zealand in to somthing that it is not

    • @anthonydavies8318
      @anthonydavies8318 Před 2 lety +5

      @@MacTBucket But it is..

    • @waynedome5469
      @waynedome5469 Před 2 lety +2

      @@MacTBucket can say gdday instead.

    • @gkky-xx4mc
      @gkky-xx4mc Před 2 lety +20

      ​@@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.

  • @creativemoves4962
    @creativemoves4962 Před 2 měsíci

    Thanks a lot for these awesome tips .

  • @Hiswordandme
    @Hiswordandme Před 9 měsíci +2

    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.

  • @j23lo5
    @j23lo5 Před 3 lety +115

    I love your videos. Thank you for the tip of respecting Māori culture.

  • @koalabear3427
    @koalabear3427 Před 2 lety +179

    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 😋

    • @Kiwiamericans
      @Kiwiamericans  Před 2 lety +1

      Yes exactly

    • @alexandralite835
      @alexandralite835 Před 2 lety +1

      Not everyone likes milk.
      I only drink a select amount of tea which I prefer coffee or water.

    • @tjmatthews7474
      @tjmatthews7474 Před 2 lety +4

      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.

    • @BioluminescenceOfTheSpirit
      @BioluminescenceOfTheSpirit Před 2 lety +6

      In NZ, some regions they don't offer coffee or tea, they offer you beer first

    • @theonepiece8705
      @theonepiece8705 Před rokem

      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

  • @FrugalTravellers
    @FrugalTravellers Před rokem +10

    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

    • @cali-2-nz617
      @cali-2-nz617 Před rokem

      I see plenty of chains here.

    • @cherrytraveller5915
      @cherrytraveller5915 Před 8 měsíci

      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

    • @Gottenhimfella
      @Gottenhimfella Před 25 dny

      @@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)

  • @mikesantos9359
    @mikesantos9359 Před 7 měsíci

    Hearing this is great imagine i would not have known this, thanks is quite helping.

  • @takapuna4
    @takapuna4 Před 2 lety +18

    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.

  • @Norm679
    @Norm679 Před 2 lety +17

    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 :)

  • @m.a.travel_vlog
    @m.a.travel_vlog Před rokem

    Thank you for sharing this tips. 🙂

  • @laurihalderman6242
    @laurihalderman6242 Před rokem

    This video and some of the comments below are very helpful. I am traveling to NZ next year.

  • @olivermailata8178
    @olivermailata8178 Před 3 lety +7

    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 😁

  • @furpurse9543
    @furpurse9543 Před 2 lety +9

    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.

    • @Kiwiamericans
      @Kiwiamericans  Před 2 lety +2

      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?

    • @scottslotterbeck3796
      @scottslotterbeck3796 Před 2 lety

      Service charge is included in my experience.

  • @Eothan
    @Eothan Před rokem

    Awesome tips, these are only known by living here. Thank you!

  • @germaineboatwala-sidhva1079
    @germaineboatwala-sidhva1079 Před 3 měsíci +1

    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! 😍

  • @sophieratcliffe2398
    @sophieratcliffe2398 Před 3 lety +15

    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?" 😅

    • @Gooses_Pond
      @Gooses_Pond Před 2 lety +2

      yeah i didnt get that one either. I think its more about generally being hospitable

    • @chrislittle7285
      @chrislittle7285 Před rokem +2

      Should have both tea and coffee on hand.

  • @silmuffin86
    @silmuffin86 Před 2 lety +102

    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 )

    • @thebaconncreators2224
      @thebaconncreators2224 Před 2 lety

      Nice! Got Any questions?

    • @scottslotterbeck3796
      @scottslotterbeck3796 Před 2 lety +2

      Then why are you in the USA??!

    • @silmuffin86
      @silmuffin86 Před 2 lety +8

      @@scottslotterbeck3796 I'm not right now fyi, but my husband is American. Not that it's any of yout business ;)

    • @scottslotterbeck3796
      @scottslotterbeck3796 Před 2 lety +1

      @@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?

    • @silmuffin86
      @silmuffin86 Před 2 lety +17

      @@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

  • @charlie-obrien
    @charlie-obrien Před 2 měsíci

    Good tips and a wonderful video. In my travels in New Zealand, I have experienced all of these things. One tip I would add is to be sure to enjoy a traditional Sunday supper while there, usually consisting of lamb or beef and includes many native veg, especially NZ potatoes. Also a Maori feast if one can be found.
    Relating to the lack of crowds, I once was driving along highway and a handmade sign said simply "Beach this way"" with an arrow, which I followed past a sheep farm and then came upon a beautiful "black sand" beach. I spent the rest of the day there alone, watching the Pacific waves and it was one of the best experiences of my life.

  • @ChuckieMcHaggis
    @ChuckieMcHaggis Před rokem

    That last one is gold. Never thought about it, and now I'm going to think about it whenever I hear it.

  • @wassum100
    @wassum100 Před 3 lety +10

    Don’t sit on food preparation areas. Keep your arse (and feet) off tables.

    • @rebeccajfox4422
      @rebeccajfox4422 Před 3 lety

      Yup", Tables for glasses", Not ya Asses! .Lol"😆. Hehe"..

  • @jhart1127
    @jhart1127 Před 2 lety +31

    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 ❤️

    • @daemonslime3287
      @daemonslime3287 Před rokem +2

      trust me the foods way better here in nz. especially the pies/meat pies.

    • @Deaglan753
      @Deaglan753 Před rokem +3

      Well majoirty of the population are of European decent

    • @scruffygaming627
      @scruffygaming627 Před 8 měsíci +4

      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.

    • @nathanielpettersen2560
      @nathanielpettersen2560 Před 8 měsíci +1

      Uk is in europe so😂

    • @pigonthebasement7409
      @pigonthebasement7409 Před 4 měsíci

      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 ...

  • @robyncorson4002
    @robyncorson4002 Před rokem +1

    I love how most of these work as advice for Americans going to most other countries.

  • @Dawn_Aramoana63
    @Dawn_Aramoana63 Před 8 měsíci +1

    Kiaora I am a native (yes! native) and may I say your vidz are totally AWESOME!!! It's great to see how others perceive us no matter where you're from. And also helps others who wish to travel here for holidays or start new lives. Good or bad, just come for the experience 😊

  • @amywalsh4006
    @amywalsh4006 Před 2 lety +35

    Also with the speed limit, the roads aren't very forgiving and are often narrow and windy when traveling

    • @BBeeeeeee
      @BBeeeeeee Před 9 měsíci

      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.

    • @amywalsh4006
      @amywalsh4006 Před 9 měsíci +1

      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

  • @michellesteventon5007
    @michellesteventon5007 Před 3 lety +46

    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!

    • @mcdobalnjeph5042
      @mcdobalnjeph5042 Před 2 lety

      Hello beautiful Michelle

    • @MeneerHerculePoirot
      @MeneerHerculePoirot Před 2 lety +3

      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.

    • @whetuification8826
      @whetuification8826 Před 2 lety +1

      @@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

    • @judysimeon1708
      @judysimeon1708 Před 2 lety +1

      SWEET AS!!!! NOT SWEAT AS..YUUUUCK

    • @chrislittle7285
      @chrislittle7285 Před rokem

      Cher bro

  • @sneakerjunki3
    @sneakerjunki3 Před rokem

    I plan to watch the world cup in NZ and your videos are very helpful. Thank you!

  • @SteamboatWilley
    @SteamboatWilley Před rokem +9

    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.

  • @jamestiopira8384
    @jamestiopira8384 Před 3 lety +9

    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

  • @t3chn1n35
    @t3chn1n35 Před 3 lety +29

    That ending was hilarious...us kiwis never would given it a second thought saying “Sweet as” 😂🤣

    • @Kiwiamericans
      @Kiwiamericans  Před 3 lety

      Thanks for watching!

    • @Zergcerebrates
      @Zergcerebrates Před 3 lety +1

      What does Sweet As even mean?

    • @happylappy2704
      @happylappy2704 Před 3 lety +7

      @@Zergcerebrates all good, good as gold, cheers, choice, brilliant, awesome, ok, i agree, don't agree, depends on the conversation 🤣

    • @Zergcerebrates
      @Zergcerebrates Před 3 lety

      @@happylappy2704 omg......lol

    • @kuramatiaha1062
      @kuramatiaha1062 Před 3 lety

      😂😂😂😂😂

  • @caraleehamilton3468
    @caraleehamilton3468 Před rokem

    Brilliant video for visiting Nz ❤ thank u

  • @jimsheard5881
    @jimsheard5881 Před 8 měsíci +2

    Another tip, I'm from southern NZ & sadly this seems to be disappearing somewhat (our population has diluted somewhat from when I was a kid) but.. if you have visitors & you're going to eat or have a beer it's polite to offer and ask them join you, call it a southern hospitality thing, treating guests well is something all cultures should cherish. Further if I'm off to do something fun, boating, fishing, hiking etc.. & I get an unexpected visitor & have capacity, they could very well be welcome to join me. As to tipping just a side note, whilst it's widely advertised "do not tip in NZ" its not always a solid rule, in some situations it happens (I grew up here & very occasionally I tip, there's generally a reason & it's not expected but hey sometimes it might be appropriate). NZ has internationalized somewhat, while we are a very inclusive & accepting culture this has its flip sides.. I for one don't want us to dilute the base ethos of friendliess & inclusiveness I grew up with (I realize that it's happened in a lot of areas already, doesn't mean I like it), if we all try it will survive.. if we let it go its gone forever. Another side note from a remote born local (this is a major peeve probably NO NO number 1 & its not a popular subject BUT..).. often visitors travel by car, camp etc.. if you "gotta go" get well off the track (not 1m (usually its mid track right at the start OMG!!), I mean 50m plus). What is happening as a result of people not doing this is camping options even very remote ones are being closed. I was taught the following rules: Pick up "any" rubbish which includes stuff you find. If you need a toilet remotely thats OK.. BUT.. think about where (get well away from where someone will stumble onto it), & you should be burying it (at least try). Not near waterways either. Hey that aside, we welcome you.

  • @cassandragurule5385
    @cassandragurule5385 Před 3 lety +57

    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.

    • @Kiwiamericans
      @Kiwiamericans  Před 3 lety +4

      Cassandra - that is a very sweet thing to say. Thanks so much for watching :)

    • @NZKiwi87
      @NZKiwi87 Před 3 lety +7

      Hi Cassandra, lovely to hear that you like our country :) I hope you get to come over and enjoy it with us eventually 🙂👍

    • @jacintabyline
      @jacintabyline Před 3 lety +7

      Hi Cassandra - keep your dream alive, and when the day comes - we in NZ will welcome you with open arms. Take care.

    • @michaelheliotis5279
      @michaelheliotis5279 Před 3 lety +5

      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!

    • @cassandragurule5385
      @cassandragurule5385 Před 3 lety +8

      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!

  • @danielbooth5310
    @danielbooth5310 Před 2 lety +6

    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".

  • @leafii.
    @leafii. Před rokem +4

    Also a tip from a native kiwi living in Aussie, Dont drive on some roads that look like 4WD tracks or say private property. Majority of those roads are owned by Māoris like myself which lead to Maraes and places where my grandparents and ancestors grew up. It’s basically our land and unless you are with a family member, you cannot enter. And if your a visitor on a Marae you must always be welcomed in with a welcoming ceremony. Shoes off always in a Marae as well. For instance the Marae at The Treaty of Waitangi. Always take your shoes off and you must always be welcomed in.

  • @LYZASTABLE
    @LYZASTABLE Před rokem

    🇨🇦thanks for the information

  • @shitzhu16
    @shitzhu16 Před 3 lety +104

    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

    • @kelleren4840
      @kelleren4840 Před 3 lety +14

      Agreed. The minimum wage/wage system in America is abysmally broken.

    • @rna8arnold
      @rna8arnold Před 2 lety +4

      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 !

    • @protectchildrenatallcosts2652
      @protectchildrenatallcosts2652 Před 2 lety +4

      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.

    • @kelleren4840
      @kelleren4840 Před 2 lety +5

      @@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).

    • @WayToManyAssassins
      @WayToManyAssassins Před 2 lety +1

      @@kelleren4840 America's cost of living and exchange rate is completely different.

  • @nicholasmaude6906
    @nicholasmaude6906 Před 3 lety +82

    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:(.

    • @charlottegurnell2628
      @charlottegurnell2628 Před 3 lety +11

      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

    • @jamesmiller8332
      @jamesmiller8332 Před 2 lety

      @@charlottegurnell2628 Hello beautiful lady how are you doing today?

    • @Justiceforpets
      @Justiceforpets Před 2 lety +2

      No such thing as feral dogs.

    • @lesp315
      @lesp315 Před 2 lety +2

      I'll come and shoot them for you. Just don't forget to put extra shrimp on the barbie.

    • @wowyzowy1411
      @wowyzowy1411 Před 2 lety

      @@lesp315 don't say that no one say shrimp and also it's an osie thing

  • @rafiqrafiq4330
    @rafiqrafiq4330 Před měsícem

    thanks for your advice

  • @YurideGroot
    @YurideGroot Před 6 měsíci

    I’m not sure which town you’re in, but in most towns only half of the cafés close at 3pm (the ones that cater for the lunch crowd). There at usually late night cafés in most towns.
    Supermarkets typically close at 9pm, with a few open until 11pm.

  • @sanasingh3779
    @sanasingh3779 Před 3 lety +12

    Love NZ. Miss NZ and it’s culture and the respect everyone has for each other’s culture

  • @MJ-cp2le
    @MJ-cp2le Před 2 lety +3

    Having someone actually listing it out loud is next level. Been there for a while it’s so true lmao. Lots of things like the definition of limit just simply make sense. Even if the opening hours are inconvenient, it’s more friendly for employees and nature!

  • @shaunbrennan5882
    @shaunbrennan5882 Před rokem

    Before we bought a boat we used to rock fishing at Omodeo bay on the Coromandel peninsula. Great fishing btw. Been they're heaps of times and only ever saw people from a distance.