Culture & Lifestyle

  • Kiwi Culture – Friendly, informal and people value fairness (“Kiwi egalitarianism”).

  • Māori Culture – Te Reo Māori (language) and tikanga (customs) are central to NZ identity—common greetings include Kia ora (“hello”). Refer to A guide to pronunciation - Te Rangaihi Reo Māori

  • Work-Life Balance – Outdoor lifestyle is highly valued; sports, beaches and hiking (tramping) are popular.

  • Joining local groups (sports, church and volunteering) helps you settle faster.

Cost of Living 

Here are some helpful tools to calculate the cost of living in NZ:

Please note: Don't budget too conservatively. The cost of living is relatively high in NZ. 

Weather & Nature

  • Climate – Can change quickly. Layers and raincoats are useful. Be careful of too much exposure to the sun without proper sun protection. Refer SunSmart — Be SunSmart | Me Haumaru Rā

  • Natural Hazards – Earthquakes (especially in Wellington & South Island).

  • Biosecurity – NZ protects its environment. Don’t bring fresh food, plants, or seeds through customs.

Daily Life

  • Phones & Internet – many options exist. Internet can be slower in rural areas. Check out: 

  • Groceries – Main supermarket chains are Pak’nSave, Woolworths and New World. Farmers’ markets are popular too.

  • Payments – EFTPOS (debit card) is widely used. Cash is rare.

  • Op shops - Shops run by charities or religious organisations that sell used clothing, sporting equipment, household items etc. These items are donated by the community and then sold to raise funds for the various charities. It is common for Kiwis to shop at an op shop. This may be a good option to furnish your new home especially when money is tight as a newcomer or you are still waiting for your stuff to arrive from your home country. Christchurch | Op Shop Directory NZ

Power and Utilities

NZ offers a wide range of power and utilities (including electricity, gas, water, internet/telecoms etc.). Here are a few of the key ones: 

  • Mercury Energy (offers gas, broadband and mobile) 
  • Contact Energy / Manawa Energy (generation & retail) 
  • Genesis Energy
  • Meridian Energy
  • Nova Energy
  • Powershop 
  • Electric Kiwi 
  • Flick Electric

     

Refer - Home for comparing utility providers 

Fun and Entertainment 

  • Arts, Culture and Urban Experiences:

    • Auckland’s Sky Tower & Viaduct Harbour – Enjoy 360° views, fine dining, and nightlife around the harbour. If you’re adventurous, try the SkyJump or SkyWalk.

    • Wellington’s Te Papa Museum & Cuba Street – Te Papa is New Zealand’s national museum with interactive exhibitions. Afterward, explore Cuba Street for quirky cafés, live music, and street performers.

    • Christchurch’s Riverside Market & Arts Scene – A buzzing food hub plus street art trails and the restored Isaac Theatre Royal for live performances.

    • Rotorua Māori Cultural Experiences – Traditional haka performances, hāngi feasts, and storytelling at places like Tamaki Māori Village or Te Puia.

  • Outdoor & Adventure:

    • Queenstown Adventure Capital – Bungy jumping, jet boating, skydiving, or just soaking up the lively nightlife and lakefront dining.

    • Hobbiton Movie Set (Matamata) – A must for fans of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit with guided tours through the Shire.

    • Waitomo Glowworm Caves – A surreal underground boat ride lit by thousands of glowworms. For thrill-seekers, black-water rafting is an option.

    • Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers – Take a scenic helicopter flight or guided glacier walk for an unforgettable adventure.

  • Unique Natural Wonders: 
    • Milford Sound (Fiordland) – Often called the “8th Wonder of the World.” Take a cruise or kayak beneath dramatic peaks and waterfalls.

    • Hot Springs & Geothermal Pools – Relax in natural hot pools such as Polynesian Spa (Rotorua) or Tekapo Springs under the stars.

Some interesting facts about New Zealand 

  • Geography & Nature: New Zealand has no native land mammals except for two bat species - all the sheep, cattle, and other mammals were introduced by humans. The country is also one of the last places on Earth to be settled by humans, with Māori arriving around 1300 CE. You're never more than 128 kilometers from the ocean anywhere in the country, which explains why the weather can change so dramatically and quickly.

  • Cultural Quirks: "Yeah, nah" and "nah, yeah" are legitimate responses with opposite meanings. "Yeah, nah" means no, while "nah, yeah" means yes. It takes newcomers a while to master this linguistic art form.

    New Zealanders rarely wear shoes in many situations where other cultures would - including in some shops, offices, and even restaurants. Don't be surprised to see barefoot people everywhere, especially in summer.

  • Economic & Social: New Zealand was the first country in the world to give women the right to vote (1893), and it consistently ranks as one of the least corrupt countries globally.

    Tipping isn't expected or common - good service is considered part of the job, and servers are paid proper wages rather than relying on tips.

  • Food & Drink: The coffee culture is incredibly sophisticated. Even small towns often have excellent coffee, and asking for a "flat white" (which originated here) is the norm rather than a cappuccino.

    L&P (Lemon & Paeroa) is a soft drink that locals are genuinely passionate about - it's "world famous in New Zealand" as the slogan says.

  • Work Culture: The work-life balance is taken seriously. Many offices close early on Fridays, and taking your full annual leave is encouraged, not frowned upon.

    "She'll be right" is a national philosophy meaning everything will work out fine - it reflects a generally laid-back approach to problem-solving that can be both refreshing and occasionally frustrating for newcomers used to more urgent cultures.

    These insights should help you navigate the cultural landscape and understand why New Zealanders do things the way they do!

Refer Kiwi Slang | Absolute Aotearoa

Practical Tips and Advice

  • Be patient in New Zealand. Some processes and services may seem slow but will still happen. Follow up from time to time and stay courteous and respectful. You can get a lot done here with the right attitude. 
  • Use any budget and cost of living tools that are available to you. Always budget a bit more on the ''high side''. The cost of living is high in New Zealand. You may be surprised when you get here so be prepared.  
  • Always compare prices for utilities and other service providers. There are a number of price comparison websites. Use these. Also remember to switch between service providers from time to time as you will more than likely get a better deal when you move. Switching service providers is quite common here.