New Zealand 3 Month Impressions & Tips from a Canadian
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- čas přidán 13. 06. 2023
- Welcome to another impressions video! Thank you so much for watching. I made this video as a follow up to my first impressions video from a few months ago. My partner and I have been in New Zealand for almost 4 months now and I have some better formed opinions about living here. I hope you enjoy!
#newzealand #livinginnewzealand #nzimmigration #movingabroad #movingtonewzealand #firstimpressions #canadian
Stock footage from www.pexels.com/
What I liked the most is that you are apt to using simple vocabulary in your vlog making it easy and enjoyable. Excellent public speaking
Thanks so much! ☺
Tapping on the brakes isnt a friendly signal in NZ - its an angry signal.
Instead you should wait for a straight piece of road, indicate left and slow down so the persons behind you has more space to pass before the next corner. We have a rule to drive by... If one person is behind you, they are the problem. If many are behind you, you are the problem.
I think in north america, every intersection is a pedestrian crossing. Here its only actual marked pedestrian crossings where the pedestrian has the right of way. Islands exist so pedestrians can cross in two sections but without the zebra stripes, cars wont stop.
Your supermarket example is a good way to demonstrate how kiwis care about each other - part of the culture is to be aware of your surroundings and what other people are doing so you are not in their way. If you have stalled in an aisle, you would know other shoppers may be in a hurry and want to get something behind you so you would move out of the way rather than them asking you to move. Rather than saying sorry, kiwi's try to prevent the situation for someone to say sorry in the first place.
Thank you for the tips and perspective!
The amount of views you get and the amount of view you should get doesn’t match at all, just look at the quality of your videos, love it
Thank you so much!! Your kind words mean a lot to me and are a big motivator to keep creating ❤️❤️
Greetings and small talk is a thing in Australia, a hospitality staff here. At the moment I have 4 Canadian workmates.
Nice! I like a bit of chit chat in shops 🙂
Love this and how fair you are in opinion and messaging in general perspective between Canada 🍁 and Aotearoa, New Zealand. Great insight and love the examples given also to illustrate what you mean getting across your observations.
Take care and look forward to more insight from your travels through the Canadian traveller's perspective!
Respect
Thank you so much for the kind words! I'm so glad you enjoyed this video ❤️❤️
Thanks for this video and This will help my visit to NZ sometime in the near future.
Thank you for watching, I'm glad it could help with your future trip planning 😊
Great insights and honest experiences. I've lived here for many years..and it's amazing that many of your observations were true back then, so not alot of growth particularly on personal space and customer service. However, it is a beautiful, safe, expensive place. :)
Nice video and yes there are a few things to consider before making move and you are spot on on those . Our daughter have been living in NZ for about 21 years now , we go every year to visit and stay usually two or three months during the Christmas season , we love it there hopefully now that we are retired can get the parent visa and maybe move over . Thanks for the video and keep on it .
Thank you so much!! It is a gorgeous country and there's so much to see here. That's so lovely that you get to visit often and for good chunks of time!
Nice review. A kiwi, have lived in both countries and found Canadians friendlier, but that was a while ago. I was taught to say 'Excuse me/sorry,' etc, but manners haven't been an imperative here for decades. For sure, our drivers can be or seem very aggressive. The worst are territorial rural people who understand their roads well and have little patience for the cautious. The personal space experience surprised me, haven't seen that; but, so far as supermarket intrusiveness goes, I wonder if people on their way home from work may be unprepared to wait for someone to make a decision in a busy supermarket? Our hospitality workers can be lacking in service skills. I have a close relative who won't greet me when I go into the pub she manages unless I go up to her and belt out, 'Gidday!' Some younger people can seem very uncomfortable with eye contact, which can make them seem disconnected with a hospitality or retail service situation. Points to poor training and lack of oversight. And, yes, the North Island has so many 'hidden' gorgeous areas, you could drive around for years and not see them all. And, sadly, summers can forget to turn up, at least here on the western side of the North Island. Cheers!
Thank you so much for your insights! It's been a bit of an adjustment for us but we're getting used to all the unique things about living here!
In relation to catching city buses in New Zealand. Bus 🚌 stops are signposted along each route. The busier stops will have bench seats and the real busy ones will have enclosures. However, if you are standing at a bus stop. Don't expect the bus will stop for you. The bus driver might think you are out for a walk and just leaning up against the stop for a rest. You have to signal the driver to stop by standing on the curb, raising your left ✋ hand palm vertical. As the bus gets closer a little side to side shake of the hand should be enough to get the drivers attention. When the driver sees you, they will indicate with their signal lights, you are then to immediately stand way back from the curb so the bus can stop at stop without hitting you.
We have had the opposite experience spending 6 weeks last year in Vancouver coming from NZ. Agree with most of your observations, particularly that Canadian drivers are more courteous - especially to pedestrians which we really appreciated with the kids with the snow and ice on the roads. We also found that the level of friendliness we encountered in retail was higher on average. On the weather we really have had an off the charts bad year for the amount of rain in the North Island, its normally nowhere near as unsettled!
Glad to hear you had a nice visit to Canada! Vancouver is one of my favourite cities of all time.
We are hoping for a better summer in NZ this year!
I’ve lived in Whangarei, Auckland, Taupo, Mount Maunganui, Kapiti Coast and Christchurch and each is so vastly different in all areas of things…your mentioned topics of recycling, customer service, driving, personal space are different in each. I’ve also done my good share on international travel and lived overseas for few years…so I completely understand the very valid great points you make. I can also appreciate that even though you point these things out, that it doesn’t detract from your joy and wonder of your adventure through our country. There is always unfamiliarity with things that don’t work the same as our own countries. I believe both yours and your partners videos are an incredible wealth of information for any people wishing to visit Aotearoa and I am so thankful for you sharing this. Much love and keep safe on those roads ❤
Wow you have certainly lived in and experienced many places! The more time we spend in NZ, the more we like it. It definitely has its own uniqueness that I haven't seen anywhere else. Thanks for the lovely comment!
It's most boring place on the planet.. Chinese millionaires and tax slaves live in this country
@@aheat3036 it's been pointed out to me that Canadians are big on personal space and expect others to keep a bigger distance than most so must be a cultural difference!
Nga mihi girl. Well said. True story. Keeping it real, simple and accurate is fair. I'm praying we get a summer this year! Mānawatia a Matariki 2023.
Thank you so much! We are going to Arrowtown to celebrate Matariki and are very excited to participate in the celebration!! 😀
Hi from small town NZ. I live in Canterbury near Christchurch and you are right about crazy driving. I see it every day on my way to work. I think generally most people drive well and are courteous on the roads but there are always those others. On the subject about recycling , we have 3 bins at home. Recycling is collected fortnightly, the rubbish bin and compost bin both collected weekly. Most small towns have a rubbish and recycle bins along the main road. I think they are also in the cities. Maybe we just need more of them.
I worked in customer service for years. Greeting and talking to people was just part of the job and I enjoyed it. Nowadays a lot of places you go the customer service is hit and miss. Some great and some terrible. We all have bad days but It does annoy me when people make no effort to be nice. or polite.
Hope you're enjoying your travels around the South Island. 🙂
Thank you so much for watching and for the comments! I'm glad you agree with some of my points ☺️
I live in hibiscus coast in Auckland and we have a normal bin a recycle bin. We are also getting a food scraps bin soon.
That's great to hear! The main homes attached to our Airbnbs all had their own recycling bins but none provided in the Airbnb itself which I found strange.
I can't speak to the friendliness angle, as I've never been to New Zealand, and as a Canadian, think the infamous stereotype of Canadian friendliness is exaggerated. One thing I have heard vis-à-vis Canada and New Zealand is that we're both quite reserved compared to our larger, more extroverted neighbours (Australia & US).
I totally agree with both NZ and Canada being more reserved. We definitely have a LOT of rude people in Canada but I don't think those people travel extensively. The Americans I've met while travelling over the years have been very friendly and lovely. When visiting the US, I've seen lots of rudeness but it's not directed towards white people - so much racism there. A lot of the Australians that come to Canada (particularly Banff and Canmore) come off as rude in my experience. Everyone has their own opinion though.
With the possible exception of the Aucklanders, I think that Kiwis are simply laid back. Friendliness is a derivative from that.
I think the ‘Jaffa’s are very different to South Islanders anyway! (I’m being sarcastic)
@@brittanymorgan09 I'm not sure which part of the U.S. you visited, but in my case, I saw a lot of racism directed at white people. Mainly from these "woke" type of activists and Black Hebrew Israelite groups. Although most Canadians I met were a lot friendlier and less racist.
@@Casey2262 I've been to various cities in; Florida, New York, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Washington DC, New Jersey, West Virginia, South Carolina and a few different cities in southern California. I can't say I've ever seen or experienced racism towards white people in the US.
Hi yes you’re in Burnham, Christchurch and North Canterbury towns have 2 bins ( one of each rubbish, recycling ) and a lot of households have a bin in or near their garden for compost.
Hi I have an addendum info in fact we do have a 3rd bin in Canterbury for compost (it’s a optional extra).
Good to know! I'm glad to hear compost is a thing. It's just hard to find recycling and compost in public spaces or in Airbnbs.
Hi Brittany. I totally agree with your customer service comments. My wife is from Oz and over the past 40+ years we’ve visited her family over there every couple of years or so. I tended to find that good customer service seemed to alternate every couple of years as to which country I felt was better. However in the past 10 years, customer service levels here have hit rock-bottom in my opinion. Actually I pretty much agree with all your observations. Good on you for your honesty. All the best and a belated welcome.
Thanks very much for the comments and for watching 🙂
That's interesting. I wonder if it has anything to do with the increase of north Americans moving there and driving up the real estate prices, or just all the rude crazy Karens that came out during the pandemic, or some combination thereof, which would be fair. I know people are pretty burned out in my own country. Is the customer service rude across the board? Or to foreigners especially (have you noticed?)
In relation to crossing the street in New Zealand. You can walk across any suburban streets and roads. However, you can't cross city motorways or expressways. Vehicles have the right of way on all roads. Which means you must wait for a break in traffic before you try and cross the street. If you don't do that and you are hit by a car or truck. It is seen as a suicide attempt and not as a hit and run vehicular homicide incident. 😊
There are dedicated cross walks or pedestrian crossings or zebra crossings, even proper push button traffic light signals on most CBD intersections. These indicate the best places to cross the street. I would still advise you to look both ways to make sure the way is clear or cars are stopping.
I do feel like that's a North Island thing about space and crowding without apologising. I'm very not used to that in my own home, but I experienced that in Montreal. I love your attitude and try to live by that too - there will always be things worse than home, but there will also always be things better too, so it balances out. I'm planning on moving to Quebec in 3 years to be with my fiance (then husband) and I will try to embrace its positives. All the best on your journey ❤️
Yeah you might be right! That's very exciting about your move, Quebec is absolutely beautiful!!
South Island country life, Generation after Generation been farmers. North Island city life clubs & entertainment
North Island vs South Island: It is true that the South Island has more spectacular scenery, mainly because it's bigger & has got the Southern Alps as backdrop. So if you have limited time, of course you'd spend more time in the South Island, even though the North Island also has spectacular scenery. Best option is if you can spend more time in New Zealand to properly explore its many possibilities.
Driving: we are better than we used to be, but yeah, still not great. The windy roads means there are fewer opportunities to overtake, and some drivers are impatient & get aggressive. Sadly the chill reputation of Kiwis doesn't show up in our driving...
Recycling: it varies by municipality, where I am in West Auckland, each household gets given bins for landfill rubbish / paper, cardboard, glass, plastic recycling / and recently foodscraps, for separate collection. But we are still not as clean green as we aspire to be.
Crossing streets: Pedestrian/zebra crossings or traffic light controlled intersections are best, but even then you need to make eye contact with approaching drivers at pedestrian crossings to make sure they will stop (as they should). But I also jay-walk, but when I do, I don't expect drivers to stop for me. They won't...
Personal space: weird, but I don't experience strangers getting up close when talking to me.
Thanks for your insights! We were surprised by how many locals we met on the north Island that haven't ventured to the south island! You really do need substantial time to see this country properly.
For recycling/compost - we did notice households have at least a recycling bin alongside trash in Auckland (and here in Chch too) just not our Airbnbs. Recycling is so hard to find in public spaces (parks, malls, outside around towns, etc). Though I have found them more frequently on the South Island.
There are composting operations in NZ. The food scrap compost process needs to be carefully controlled and monitored. The vegetation/ garden waste compost process is more straight forward. (example NZ facilities - North Island - Envirowaste Compost - Hampton Downs, Ecogas- Reporoa, South island - Living Earth/ Metro Compost - Bromley, Christchurch) Recycling reuse of plastics - Future Post - making fence posts from soft plastic waste, The NZ made road cones - one maker can have 11 to 16 percent recycled material in a new road cone and they were aiming to lift that percentage. Saveboard (Hamilton, NZ) makes a building board material from used tetrapacks and coffee cups etc. Old Houses NZ - quite often old houses can be owned by slum lords who aim to collect as many rental properties as possible, maintenance can be a low priority. NZ generally has higher mortgage interest rates and property maintenance is often something that is reduced/ neglected if there is a financial squeeze. Fraudulent House painters have also been common at times in NZ ripping off elderly or other trusting people or painters who don't do adequate surface preparation etc.
Thank you for the info! Now that we've been here for about 8 months, we've seen many more recycling/compost facilities but it's still quite hard to find them in public spaces - individual homes it's easy.
Like your comments on driving.
Remember a lot of those behind you out in the country are locals who know the roads very well .
If you pull over and let me past I will always give a toot to say thanks. When it is my turn to be the slow car I will pull over as soon as a suitable situation arises.
One thing worth doing is if you are following a truck and do not intend to pass keep left so he can see you are not trying to pass in his mirror.
Oh that's a great tip, thank you! I've gotten in the habit of pulling over to let people pass and appreciate the beeps 🙂
Waiheke Island, Kawau Island, Great Barrier Island, Rangitoto, all in Auckland. Awhitu.
We visited Canada again this year (would be my country of choice if i had to leave NZ) and found food was more expensive in Canada, however the petrol was cheap, even more so in Alberta. I've lived all over NZ and prefer the south island. In general, the further south you go the friendlier it gets, with exceptions of course. Drivers are getting worse here though.
Very interesting! I still find food much more expensive here. My partner and I are spending about $200 more per month and we try to buy everything on sale. The price of groceries in Canada has probably increased since we moved though. Yes fuel is pretty much always cheaper in Alberta as they have less tax than all other provinces. It's a nice perk to living in Calgary.
We also say "oppe" instead of excuse me here in Minnesota. Accent is very close to Canadian as well. We say "about" "aboot" too.
Love it!! I think we would fit in well in Minnesota haha.
Hi Brittany , Thanks for your honest review . As a person who came and settled here from South Asia, thought about sharing my 2 cents about the facts you mentioned as well. I agree with customer service standards and I think it might be related to tips and commissions as tips are not common here in hospitality and some retail businesses are not paying any commissions . However, its a stand out factor when there is better customer service and I always go back there. Driving and crossing are not a problem for me as I came from sub continent and its crazier there anyway 😅. I found most people are friendly here but I don't know about Europe or US yet as I am yet to travel there. Haven't had much problem with personal space yet. We have both general rubbish and recycle bins at home and most places. I love South Island and living in Nelson at the moment . Travelled most of South Island and some of North Island as well. Will be traveling to Canada in future as some of my relatives are living there . Hope you enjoy NZ more . Thanks 🙂.
Thank you for the comment and thoughts! We moved to Nelson about a month ago and really love the area. If you have any local recommendations for food or activities, I'd love to know!
@@brittanymorgan09 I would definitely recommend the Thursday evening market at Isle park Stoke . It has a lot of variety of food to try. For activities wise, I would like to recommend the whispering falls hiking and kayaking at Kaiteriteri as well . I really enjoyed both .
@@MrGimmy1234 wonderful, thank you!!! We'll definitely be checking out the night market and I'll add the waterfall hike to my list!
You should definitely visit New Plymouth in the North Island. Hidden gem!
Thanks for the suggestion! If we get a chance to do more exploring on the north Island I'll add it to the list!
Good review, visit annually, not from Canada, found buildings run down in most areas especially in the small suburbs, beautiful nature, weather is very unpredictable , very cold wet winters with lots of moss&mold, must say I found drivers very good with allowing pedestrians to cross at pedestrian crossings, found that Auckland is not as clean and well kept since Covid. Do like the fact you are honest,
Cheers, thank you 👍
I’d say on the people getting in your space at the supermarket, we are usually aware of others needing to get something around you and move for them, then apologise 😅
The other way around it seems haha
Just remember we have not seen this kind off weather here in over a hundred years. Usually we get a cr8p year every 3/4.
On the subject of recycling, New Zealand has a small and remote population, so I don't think the necessity and infrastructure have quite been there to really push it. We are trying to catch up, but we are still lagging behind the northern hemisphere. In the area of conservation though, New Zealand is a world leader. So we are getting some things right!
Absolutely! I've actually just seen my first public compost bin today in Christchurch 👍👍
We do have recyle,compose and rubbish bin weekly in New Zealand
I've just seen my first public compost bin in Chch actually, very exciting. Not so easy to find recycling and compost in public spaces though, I wasn't talking about individual homes in this video.
@@brittanymorgan09 sorry my bad
Kia Ora ! Just come across your video I'm a kiwi living in Aus from Wellington yes Wellington has this captivating feeling especially if you've grown up there ! Doesn't matter NZ in general is beautiful
I've just come back from NZ with my Aussie wife and son
Just had a nice little holiday as I have not been back since covid hit
Well just like to recommend if you go back to the north island check out the Coromandel Peninsula and stay at a place called the Island experience an accommodation that will blow you away as it did us even though I was born in NZ I hadn't been to a lot places in NZ and I feel like a tourist when I go to places Ive never been in NZ..and just like to say back in the days when I was in highschool in Wellington we had an economics teacher Mr Palmer who used always say you should go to Canada it's beautiful..he was Canadian !
All the best on your stay in Aotearoa NZ 👍😀
Thank you!! We camped in Coromandel once but I'd love to return and explore more!! I'm hoping we will return to the North Island for awhile before we head back to Canada.
We'll be planning an Australia trip hopefully soon as well! Seems like we should visit while we are in NZ since it's so close.
@@brittanymorgan09 Oh ok maybe you will go to places in the north island you haven't been to that's cool
Yes you should visit Aus if you get the chance it has it's own unique character and beautiful landscapes and yes the people are generally friendly just like Canadians and Kiwis with the occasional Muppet you may come across but that's life
You will find some things probably a lot cheaper than in NZ and pay is probably a bit better in general the cost of living is reasonable although we still complain.. Good luck on the rest of your travels 👍
New zealand heaps cheaper I live in Sydney, especially homes " luxury car, luxury boats 🚢. New Zealand better for middle class & upper class
@@coopsnz1 yes that's seems to be the case as one Aussie that told me that she moved to NZ and as long as you have a good job that gives you a good income and you have a descent amount of savings you.will be fine ... otherwise things maybe a bit of struggle..she loves it good on her 👍
The comments on personal space and crossing the street are so on point! Haha. Waiting for a cross walk and then suddenly there is 20 people basically standing on top of you 😂😂
I'm so glad you agree!! I thought I was going crazy with the personal space thing haha.
I have become more aware of personal space since the onset of the pandemic.
A few months ago I had to resort to having words with a guy that was way too close behind me while I was paying. Some people just have either a lack of awareness or just plain lack of manners.
I haven't struck unfriendly customer service though.
Enjoyed the video and excellent advice regarding the windy roads.
@@Moamanly I've had to ask a few people to step back in airports mainly, it's been better in the shops since we've been on the south island (less people helps I guess!). Thank you so much for watching, I'm glad you enjoyed the video 😄
Auckland has the most consistent weather you can find.....it is raining or it is about to rain, or it has just stopped raining. I can pick a Canadian when you say "about" it is surprisingly very Scottish.
@@peterferan4389 it is a pretty rainy place! So similar to Vancouver in Canada. I didn't know the Canadian "about" came off as Scottish, interesting!
the service industry comment is odd, I live in Lake Taupo and every store you walk into people greet you, I walked into Briscoes this afternoon and two ladies said good afternoon all the way from the tills... just nice. Had a real friendly chat about how cold it is with he lady working the coffee cart this morning... I don't know, I find shops and cafes in general are pretty friendly....
You make us sound like the ghetto with the run down broken windows comment lol you won't get that so much in bigger towns and cities, but poor small towns you will, towns shut down and buildings get abandoned, just like all around the world.
The North Island beautiful, I don't know why people don't think it's beautiful, again I live in Taupo and it reminds me of Vancouver all the time, just drove around the lake today and it is stunning.
Enjoy NZ! it is what it is here, we all want to get out, are all constantly on the verge of moving to OZ, but will defend it to anyone who slags it off 🤣
I'm thinking the airbnbs can't be bothered with recycling bins, all houses have them. Composting bins you won't find so much, a lot of houses have insikerators which takes care of the veggie/fruit off cuts.
I've never had the people in my personal space thing....odd?
We all have different experiences. Not everyone in the service industry is unfriendly. I've just found a large percentage throughout our travels are standoff-ish. I'm sure it's different if you're a local and have a kiwi accent.
I don't think anyone doesn't think the North Island is beautiful. It just doesn't get showcased on CZcams much or talked about outside of the beaches. Most people tend to focus on the South Island. Almost every local we met on the North Island said South Island was way better and more beautiful.
I found the most run down buildings are in and around Auckland. Lots of businesses and homes that looked completely condemned. We haven't seen that as much outside of super small towns and the bigger cities (so mid sized towns seem to be more tidy).
The personal space thing has been much better on the South Island!
Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts 🙂
Awesome video 😍😍😍. I've noted your tips for our upcoming visit to Auckland in mid November for a week on our way to Sydney. Quick question.. What were the most beautiful spots and trails you've been to on the north Island? Do you think it's worth it to spend a day in Auckland or spend two days in the Coromandel Peninsula?
Sounds like an amazing trip!! We did a really awesome trail walk on Waiheke Island in Auckland and Mount Eden is a must do (especially for sunset). Given the choice, I'd rather spend a couple days in the Coromandel (kayaking, hiking, swimming, maybe a boat cruise). Depends on what you like. Auckland has a lot of amazing restaurants and it can be fun to peruse the shops downtown if you're more into that. Another thing to note about Coromandel is that the roads are very narrow and winding so the drive can be stressful.
I read a study somewhere once about “personal space bubbles” and it would seem Canadians have the biggest expectation of personal space. Maybe it’s because of our population density? I mean if you spread out everyone equally we would each have about a km squared. I digress. Personal space is a huge issue for me too when travelling.
Very interesting!! I didn't realize that was such a Canadian thing 🤔
Nearly got run over while trying to cross the road when I first got here 😂Guess you’ve got to learn the hard way sometimes. The biggest observation I’ve come up with about kiwis since living here for almost four years (oh and being in a relationship with one😆) is that they’re very chill but almost too much at times, I think they could use to get excited a bit more about things, randomly and not using alcohol as the courage they need to break out of their shell. They worry about being the tall poppy too much I think.
I've heard the the tall poppy syndrome thing from so many people here! I didn't know what it was, had to Google it. It's so sad to think so many people here are afraid to stand out and be themselves. It's something I wasn't expecting or prepared for.
@@brittanymorgan09 I wasn’t either! Saw a discussion about it on the news actually a week or so ago, they we’re asking if Kiwis could use to break out of their shell a bit, dance more, celebrate sports wins instead of always being so stoic, etc. Apparently they worry about looking as if they’re gloating. It’s great that they’re so humble but could definitely use to show more emotion!
@@carlystevenson950 absolutely!! I was watching a Dane and Stacey video recently (not sure if you watch them) and they talked about how cool it would be if you could see happiness on other people and how contagious it is to see someone openly enjoying something and I thought that's so true!
everything you said is fair even i see that sort of thing
Hi Britt. great talks from you as always , i think you covered some important topics regarding life in nz .
i have been to canada few times and talking about friendliness canada is better compared to other countries, i personally see canada as a country is good to live in if you can make it or if you can start a business / franchise that will help you alot instead of working for other man , people greet each other always but there are also alot of scams and fraud one should be very careful, food there is my fav part especially poutine😅, to be honest canada is the best if you have plans for your life .
in nz car ateering wheel is on the right side 😅 how does it feel ? if you can make a video about it would be nice .
Thanks
Thank you so much! Thank you for sharing your thoughts too. I do still prefer living in Canada to NZ, I think quality of life is better overall but Canada doesn't have a good work/life balance.
I was really worried about driving on the left side of the road and right side of the car. I got used to it after the first few drives and now it feels completely normal. I find it weird to drive on the other side now and it will be an adjustment to switch back! 😅
i think for work /life balance in canada one should have his own business such a small business franchise so that he/she can control or adjust life/work balance and be free
@@ahmadalqiwani4467 I completely agree! Being a business owner is a lot of work, especially in the beginning but it's so worth it 👍
as Bob Marley said once :
beginnings are usually scary
and endings are usually sad
but it is in between that makes
things worth it .
so one should work hard no
matter what to achieve his freedom in life be his/her own
Boss , so business is the way
for that . G Luck
Kudos on an excellent three months, plus the most informative videos!
As you mentioned, being shuttered in for two years,
no incoming touri$t revenue.
Some, may be a bit grumpy, jealous at/with a Canadian couple on a stay-vacay, so always have
{situational awareness}!
Plus, the extreme weather
New Zealanders, like us Canucks, are extremely resilient!
So, be ever careful, stick with your goals, and enjoy your New Zealand 🇳🇿 experience!
Thank you! It's been a bigger learning curve than expected. I'm hoping the pandemic has not caused an increase in xenophobia but it's possible some people here look at any tourist in an envious light.
@brittanymorgan09
Thank you, {resourceful?} was what I was thinking, as I'm sure you're well aware of, stay safe!
It's in the NZ Road Code that slower vehicles should pull over and allow faster vehicles to pass. If someone is on your tail, it's for this reason. In my experience, they are in some ute. These guys are always in a hurry!
For sure! I like when they give you an appreciation beep when you let them pass haha!
Slower than the speed limit, yes. But I rarely see anyone do that, a lot of people driving 5 or 10% below the limit like it is ok to drive at that speed forever where people cannot pass.
It's funny you mentioned the utes. I just got back from two weeks on the North Island and noticed that a good portion of the aggressive/extrremely fast drivers were in Ford Rangers.
Yeah the cook straight ferry alone is 3.5 hrs. You'd be seriously pushing it to go from Cape roeanga to bluff in 3 days
Oh man that would be a crazy attempt haha. You'd have no time to stop and see anything!
Awesome video, from the moment I would have heard you "About" or "Sorry" I would have known you were Canadian lol that being said have you found that most Kiwi's aren't fond of American's? I'm from the Caribbean but I currently live in the US and I'm a bit curious to how Kiwi's would react to both Americans and people from the Caribbean too if you noticed those interactions as well.
I do find most Kiwis dislike Americans (more so the tourists than expats). Kiwis sometimes mention that they dislike Americans as much as Australians which isn't a good sign. I think if you come here and are respectful and polite it doesn't matter where you're from! Certain countries' tourists have a reputation for being rude I guess.
@@brittanymorgan09 Lol I don't blame them TBH and yeah that's pretty much what I figured, I feel like I always get along with Kiwi's and Canadians whenever we meet, I feel like most of us are more common sense based and friendly towards everyone.
The south island is better than the North island. when it comes to mountains and beautiful scenery😊
I see! I'm on the fence honestly, they're so different! I think I might prefer the landscapes on the north Island. We have the rocky mountains in our backyard in Calgary so it's more familiar on the south island for us.
Great video (I’m a bit tardy to the party!) as a kiwi now living overseas (UK for 22 years now) I totally agree with all your points, there’s a lot that sugar coated, in particular comparing Aucklanders to the rest of NZ - very different mentality up there and I’d love to know if you found South Islanders friendlier than folks from the North? Hope you’re still enjoying Aoteatoa?
Thanks so much! I think overall people have been friendlier on the south island though we did meet a lot of extremely friendly New Zealanders in Auckland. Especially at the brewery I worked at, so many incredibly kind folks. As for strangers, south island has been better!
@jasonpayneuk I'm curious what made you move to the UK and stay??
@@brittanymorgan09 I thought I’d only be here for a few years at first but met who is now my wife and the rest is history! I won’t rule out moving back to NZ but for now the UK is home 😌
@@jasonpayneuk that's so lovely! ☺️
Smaller towns and local suburban cafes and other food industry can be friendly, the ones that aren't more than likely have a bad employer and poor work conditions and wages.
I thought Kiwis were bad drivers ,having pretty much grown up in Auckland and Rotorua, until I moved to Perth,they are impatient and bat shit crazy during rush hour,accidents every day on the freeways.
Oh man 🤣 scary stuff! People don't realize driving a vehicle is so damn dangerous.
Most NZers don’t manage to go everywhere- and we look at tourists trying to and wonder how that could be relaxing at all! I’d just go a small number of places and not try to rush everything.
That's our plan with spending 1-2 years here!! There's SO much to see, I really don't understand how people come here for 1-2 weeks and see anything lol.
Good vlog👍🏻
Kiw!s are impatient, their driving is shocking and they are not experienced from what Ive noticed.
As a pedestrian, kiw! drivers will deliberately try and run you down.
Thank you 😊 yes the drivers are scary!! Car centric country for sure.
I love the way you twisted your mouth 😂😂
Yeah, speeding on open roads in NZ is definitely a thing. Most times I assume that they're locals. They know the roads, so they'll be alright.
I drive like a granny so I'm always letting people pass me hahahaha
If you want to tell the heavy-footed person behind you to pass, don't tap the breaks, just indicate left on a straight or before somewhere you can see that you can turn off, and then slow down whilst going onto the shoulder of the road.
Everyone does this.
That break tapping thing would freak me out if I was behind you 😂
Haha yeah, I've heard that about tapping the brakes so I don't do that anymore though it was more of a very light tap (not brake checking) when someone wouldn't get the hint to overtake. After nearly 6 months here, I am now the person passing people on the roads haha🤣
@@brittanymorgan09 gahahaha
Regarding the friendliness and customer service. Kiwis working in cafes and restaurants don't get tips! I've been living in Canada (I'm kiwi) and noticed the customer service is better, but I guess staff here are also tip driven?!
Definitely a possibility! The customer service has improved a lot here since we moved to the south island. Maybe we just had bad luck with people our first few months!
Most front line customer service people on the tourist route are likely from overseas..
We live here so we're not typically on the "tourist route". I have found customer service workers friendlier on the south island though.
answer to ur trash questions: so i happen to stumble onto this vid, so our recycling used to get shipped to china to be refined etc, however a while back china decreased the amount of contaminants allowed in the recycling for them to accept it and our government decided not to reach that level of contaminants so they decided to just throw it in land fills therefore recycling bins aren't super common here as recycling and rubbish go to the same place anyways, like recycling bins are collected and then dumbed at the land fills anyway
also about friendliness, id defiantly depends where you are in the country, bigger more populated areas are always less friendly in my experience
That's unfortunate 😕 I know where I'm from (Calgary) does something similar where a large portion of our recycling goes right to landfill.
True, although I've found Wellington to be the friendliest place in all NZ so far!
My cousin moved to Canada a decade ago and meet a venezeulian chick . She flew to new Zealand and.loved my uncle & aunty dairy farms , they own three in the south Island
That's fantastic! There are so many cows here, it's crazy!
Brilliant video. As a Kiwi, this is accurate. Regarding saying excuse me/sorry down aisles etc., many people including myself say this a lot, even all of our Aussie mates say this, so i dunno what's happened to that culture but it does seem to be dying really quickly. Perhaps introverted millenials that don't wanna talk? I'm a millennial so I can understand this a bit. I dunno.
I've found it's more the older generations that don't saying anything actually! Millennials or younger will say excuse me or more commonly "sorry".
Don't change your natural disposition, most kiwis are cool and like that, some just get suspicious of happy courteous Ameriadians.
Thank you! I'm always a bit nervous to share these honest thoughts but it's okay to not love everything in a new country.
I understand the "out and about" stereotypes now
Haha yep! That's how we say those words 😂
@@brittanymorgan09 not on how you say it but more on how often you say it 😅
This is the way. 🤣
You've made a good assessment of us Brittany. The two meter rule was the greatest thing it should be permanent law! Stand two meters away from me you damn filthy Apes!!!
There are many areas in the North Island that only the most diligent foreign explorers could know about. Free, not promoted anywhere walks every bit as great as the "Great Walks" and untold quaint little settlements you won't see on every travellers Instagram.
Also... drink spieghts, have no mates!
I love finding the "secret" local walks. Such gems!
It's a wild and crazy place....the crazy Brits went there.. 😅
Your generalising that Australia is more aligned with the USA, and NZ is more aligned with Canada, as a commonwealth country I feel we are ALL more in sync with Canada, NZ and Australia have an inseperable bond, we are both in the southern pacific and neighbours, we share everything, and can even vote in each others countries, and we have the ANZAC tradition, Look it up if you don't know what it is, I honestly feel we are both more inclined to sway towards canadian values than US, especially when it comes to gun laws, I have a sister who is a nurse in Aotearoa, and we travel between the two countries all the time, I feel there is such a greater bond between UK, NZ, Aus and Canada, im not giving grief to the US, they are amazing, but our values seem more similar, and Aussie love New Zealand
Thank you for sharing! We haven't been to Australia yet but look forward to visiting.
Except for very limited exceptions (were permanently living here and enrolled to vote before 1984) Kiwi's can't vote in Australian elections, though it seems Aussies can vote in NZ. Some states, however, do allow non citizens to vote in local government elections, regardless of which country they come from. I do tend to agree with Brittany about the different sensibilities in each country, though, in that Canadians and Kiwis seem more "similar" overall. Talking to Canadians in Aus and in other countries, they do have a far more "king and Commonwealth" perspective than any Aussies I've ever met. I'm not sure where Kiwis fit in that spectrum, though.
@@aheat3036 The Canada-US dynamic is very much like the Aus-NZ dynamic, though, including a lot of the public debate and perceptions, and how the various countries perceive themselves. In that way, there are a lot of similarities between the Canada and New Zealand. Distance and demographics have made NZ a lot more different from Aus than most of Canada is from the US (apart from Quebec). The UK is the only "old world" (ancient) and former empire society in the group so, language aside, shares a lot more with countries like the Netherlands or France.
I think the customer service staff in New Zealand are not always that professional. I think it comes from the She'll Be Right attitude. There's an expectation that you muddle through.
Interesting! We've had a few people at grocery stores be super chatty and friendly so maybe it's more of a person by person basis.
Yes ….I have found that people do not say hello, which is a bit unprofessional….glad you bought this up. I am in Auckland and despite being chatty when I walk into shops, I get crickets ???
I have been living in New Zealand for 23 years. Some of your reviews are hard to understand, and I don't know where you've seen and heard them, but there are a lot of things I don't agree with many .
One of them, I've rarely seen cars pass pedestrians while living here. Even if it is not a crosswalk, driving vehicles stop before pedestrians.
Conversely, there are more pedestrians on the side that does not follow. 😅
That's alright that you don't agree, you've been in NZ a long time and we are fresh here so our perspectives are completely different. I'm just sharing mine. 🙂 Maybe where you live in NZ is different. We've been travelling all over the north and south islands for the past 5 months so we've been to many towns and cities.
I've never seen a car stop for pedestrians outside of a zebra stripe crosswalk and I don't stop for pedestrians here either.
Yeah roads are for cars and trucks. Legally they have the right if way. So when you cross the road it's up to you to cross safely, not the car or truck. Act accordingly
It's different in Canada, pedestrians usually have the right of way! That's why I put it in this video, so North Americans know to change their behaviour 🙂
@@brittanymorgan09 good on ya. That's also partly why I made the comment. Ive been to the us. I know some rules are different. I along with most kiwis want our visitors and new immigrants to enjoy what we have and stay safe
@@johanmeischke9189 absolutely!! The more people mention it, the safer travellers will be 🙂
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I always find it ironic in these sought of videos how the comment section is filled with kiwi's when youd think the people who would be watching would be from other countries...yet here i am.
I never expected so many kiwi's to watch these videos! It's awesome! Definitely changes how I make future videos when I see that kind of engagement.
You buy stuff here so you're paying tax therefore you partly own the roads. Remember that
Are you use twiter
I don't! I have instagram but it's recently stopped working for me, it won't let me upload at all 😞
Run down homes are unfortunately people being poor and or lazy.. in my opinion.. lived here my whole life (30 years). I do think the rental market does make people not take care of the homes they live in, and there becomes a point in worse communities or streets where it doesn’t make sense to do it up if you aren’t selling it. Same goes for small shopping areas (takeaways/ bakerys etc..)
Interesting take on things. I suppose NZ isn't as appearance obsessed as north America which is kind of nice now that I think about it. I do like the look of a wild lawn though it looks "messy".
Totally agree. However, having just been to the Quebec province, I actually noticed dilapidated buildings *more* than at home. Maybe it just depends on where you are - and Canada's a big place, so I feel you'd have an unfair disadvantage!
@@brittanymorgan09 agreed, I personally like a well maintained street. Messy only goes well you’re building with nature, and it’s not nature taking over man made.
@@heathfindsvideos that's a great point! You're right, it just looks strange when it's not intentionally being wild.
Oh, New Zealand's weather, like their changing immigration rules and politicians' promises, is a shining example of unwavering predictability.
Brittany !!! Hi i'm Scottie from Gisborne !! (east coast of the north island above Napier ) , i feel the same thing even as a kiwi in NZ supermarkets etc about personal space , . !!!!!! , But for SURE you have to be the bigger person with a spine you could say and just say something , like ( or though it seems rude / but you need to make a impact) and say "Look pal get the FUCK out of my personal space you rude sack of shit" , 9 times out of 10 you will get a apology for sure , as its un expected that any one says any thing , BUT sometimes something does need to be said , as i think the respect has been for gotten from our late grandparents etc like it used to be (as I'm properly the same age ish age you ) .... ANYWAY all the best mate ! , ... HOLLA out if your ever on the east coast of the north island again
Thank you!! People need to back up haha. Would love to visit Gisborne if we get back on the north Island for more adventures 😀
Beautiful face
No way in the world they are the same, I lived in both, friendly? Far from the truth, the reception a received when I came to NZ is amazing, just made me fall in love even more with this country and they are super humble, can't same about Canadian , sry
Sorry to hear you had a bad experience in Canada. Unfortunately, there are mean people in every country, including NZ. It's all about who you meet along your travels that determines your perspective. Same with me, I've just had some bad luck with people here.
Toronto is rundown with bedbugs and rooches also old houses bad quality of life in Toronto
Yeah, I'd never live in Toronto lol. Yuck.
Theres some sad customer service people for sure. I ask these grumps if they enjoy their job, they generally say yeah, but its plainly not the people part of the job... So yeah, this kiwi agrees with you.
Sometimes I think it might be generational. Gen Z doesn't seem too keen to be open/friendly to customers.
Now go to auckland
We've already spent 3 months in Auckland and didn't like it too much. We made the best of it though!
Those retail response people are not acceptable. Sorry about that.
Такое ощущение, что очень похоже на русский менталитет
You're right, KIwi customer service really needs to improve. Obviously it's not every store but it is far too common to get rude shop assistants.
Unfortunately, politeness in NZ has really declined over the years - much like table manners (which are virtually non-existent) and the standard of speech (New Zealand English is just about the worst in the world). However, I don't want to be all negative, there are still plenty of courteous and good people to make you feel welcome.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! Every country will have its rude people unfortunately. I think overall NZ is very friendly though 🙂
Re: the poor condition of housing / buildings - New Zealand is rapidly becoming a third world country. Government investment in infrastructure is second now to paying literally thousands of new beaurocrats to push unpopular ideology down our throats, while most people now struggle to afford the basics. So, having the money to maintain or even improve property is unrealistic now. Sad, but true.
That is sad to hear 😞
I'm from Australia I was shocked to see homes in such way in NZ. It reminded me of country Australia back in the 70s no offence. I was expecting better condition standards for 2020 when I visit NZ. You need better infrastructure. Things looking a bit old
I really hope that you visited the hunua Falls that's because of the amount of crime that is happening in new Zealand 🇳🇿 just tell them your a all black supporter they'll welcome you with open arms people don't respect other peoples properties
Oh no we didn't have enough time to see Hunua Falls 😞 I just googled it and it looks amazing! I'm hoping we can go back to the North Island next year and do some more exploring though!
Higher education, while a thing now in NZ, never used to be when it definitely was overseas and so you meet a lot of people with low class attitude, isolation from alternative cultures and mindsets and may be the effect of inbreeding also, you should have checked if they had webbed feet. As a NZer having lived decades in AU I can say that NZ is a bit of a downer type of country, the attitude you can get from others, how they treat you or your individuality. I would prefer the Australian personal experience here in NZ but we just don't have it.
As for roads, we have "Drivers Roads" not boring straight safe things, God save Mt Messenger and the Awakino Gorge.
Thank you for sharing your perspective, interesting thoughts!
That accent 😅
Let's face it NZ....is a rougher and wider place....more primitive...
Retail customer care here are all miserable because we are paid peanuts and treated like shit by our employers, then we have to spend all our wage to pay rent and feed ourselves haha
That's the same in North America too except people are typically friendlier (I worked in customer service for over 10 years). It's been a lot better on the south island though and it seems it's mainly gen z who are the miserable ones.
@@brittanymorgan09 I think that's a fair statement, Gen Z are definitely not happy at the moment!
New zealand cheaper than Australia to live , with labor introducing methane excise dairy more expensive tho
New zealand got heaps of mountain roads, why 2000 km takes 29 hrs
Yeah so many windy roads, they can be fun to drive around if you have time to spare.
It's funny to hear about the personal space issue. I found that when pretty women place themselves withing a foot of me it's their way of saying hey guy, speak to me, I find you attractive.
You're cute, so many men will place themselves withing range.even when you're with a guy. That's how it is in 2023.
I do find it off putting when males do it to me. It comes across as a domination game and I don't allow that any day of the week. Cheers.