I've been to New Zealand multiple times now, and yet I'm still constantly learning new things about it. Even though the country may not be as “exotic” as other destinations around the world, it still has characteristics and quirks that many people may not be aware of.
Sure, you probably know that Kiwis (AKA New Zealanders) drive on the left, love rugby, and have a lot of beautiful scenery to look at. But do you also know they were the first to give women the right to vote, or that the country only has one native mammal? I didn't.
So, allow me to shed some light on some things you may not know about New Zealand.
First, here's a cool video from New Zealand:
15 Fun Facts About New Zealand
1. There are no snakes
Much like Hawaii, New Zealand is an island grouping devoid of native snakes. It also has no deadly spiders, killer jellyfish, or other creepy crawlies that are likely to kill you. Australia is home to all of those.
(Edit: New Zealand does have a couple venomous spiders – only one of which is native – but it's very rare to see or be bitten by one.)
2. New Zealand has only one native mammal
Before settlers began arriving, the country had only one mammal – a bat the size of your thumb. Most of the country's native fauna come in the form of birds, and many of the native bird species in New Zealand are flightless (like the kiwi, takahe, weka, and kakapo) because there were, historically, no large land predators to endanger them.
When Europeans arrived, however, they brought with them invasive species like possums, stoats and rabbits that threatened a lot of the native birds (which is why many of them are now endangered).
3. Very high sheep-to-human ratio
There are roughly a little over 4 million people in New Zealand, and about 30 million sheep. You'll find sheep farms all over the country, including huge sheep stations (where they farm thousands of sheep) on the South Island.
Because of the large number of sheep, you can find lamb and mutton on just about any menu in New Zealand – including the one at Subway.
The number of sheep in New Zealand has actually dropped, though. Dairy farming is on the rise (in fact, New Zealand is the world’s largest exporter of dairy products!), and New Zealand also farms deer for meat (NZ venison is delicious!).
4. New Zealand was home to Sir Edmund Hillary
Yes, the first man to summit Mount Everest was a Kiwi. Quite fitting, isn't it, considering New Zealand's claim of being the “adventure capital of the world”? Hillary is even on the NZ $5 bill.
Other famous people from New Zealand include actors Russell Crowe, Sam Neil and Anna Paquin, and director Peter Jackson.
5. A country of firsts
My favorite “first” from New Zealand is the fact that the country was the first to give women the right to vote in 1893. Kate Sheppard, the country's most famous suffragette, is now on the NZ $10 bank note.
Another fun “first”? The town of Gisborne on New Zealand's east coast is said to be the first city to see sunrise each day!
6. New Zealand has 3 official languages
While English is the predominant language spoken in New Zealand, Maori is also an official language, in honor of the native people that originally inhabited the islands.
When looking at the numbers, only about 3 percent of the population actually speaks Maori, but the two languages can be found everywhere. Most place names in New Zealand have both a Maori and an English name, with many of them going by just the Maori name. (The Maori name for New Zealand, by the way, is Aotearoa, which means “the land of the long white cloud.”)
And, as of 2006, NZ Sign Language is the country's third official language. Way to go, NZ, being one of the first countries to do this.
7. There's a range of climates
Want mountains? Beaches? Volcanoes? Rainforests? You'll find all of it (and more) in New Zealand. The country is amazing for the fact that you can drive for 4 or 5 hours and experience so many different landscapes and climates.
There are deserts near snow-covered volcanoes, and glaciers that descend down through temperate rainforests. Crossing from one side of the Southern Alps to the other can mean the difference between 2 meters and 8 meters of rainfall per year.
8. Never far from the coast
Even though New Zealand has a ton of different climates, the country is shaped so that nobody living in the country is ever more than 120 kilometers from the coast.
Granted, that coast (which stretches for more than 9,300 miles!) changes drastically depending on where you are in the country. But you'll never be far from it.
9. Kiwis, kiwis, and kiwis
The word “kiwi” refers to three different things in New Zealand. First, there's the nocturnal flightless bird with the long beak that's one of NZ's most famous native species. The people of New Zealand have also been nicknamed “Kiwis.” And then there's the kiwi fruit, which, yes, you'll find all over New Zealand, even though technically the fruit came from China!
10. Bungee jumping was born here
Even though some Vanuatu tribes have been jumping off high structures with vines tied around their ankles for decades, bungee jumping in its current form began in New Zealand in the 1980s. AJ Hackett designed the elastic bungee cord, and began bungee operations off the Kawarau Bridge in Queenstown, New Zealand.
RELATED: Completing the Bungee Jumping Trifecta in Queenstown
11. The government is unicameral
New Zealand is run as a form of parliamentary democracy, and is part of the British Commonwealth, meaning it is technically still tied to the Queen in England.
Unlike the British government which has two governing houses, however, New Zealand only has one – the House of Representatives. They have a Prime Minister, and also have a truly representative form of government, with all of the country's active political parties being represented in Parliament.
12. Milford Sound is No. 1
Milford Sound – the stunning fjord located in Fiordland National Park on New Zealand's South Island, is renowned the world over for being a must-see spot.
In 2008, Milford Sound was judged the world's top travel destination in an international TripAdvisor survey, and Rudyard Kipling even once called it the eighth wonder of the world. (Though I can personally argue that Doubtful Sound is just as amazing, if not better.)
This is one New Zealand cruise worth taking.
RELATED: New Zealand Fjord Smackdown: Milford Sound vs. Doubtful Sound
13. No tipping necessary
Going out for dinner in New Zealand? No need to leave a big tip like you would in the USA. Either it's not expected, or it will be automatically tacked on to your bill as a service charge. This goes for taxi drivers, too, although none of them will turn down a couple extra dollars if you offer them in thanks.
And speaking of eating out… it's different from what you're probably used to in the US. Servers won't check on you 17 times, and they usually won't deliver a bill to you at your table. You have to go up to the register to pay, and some smaller cafes won't even keep track of what you ordered; they just trust you to tell them what you ate.
14. Forget the change
New Zealand phased out its 1-cent and 5-cent coins a few yeas ago, which means most prices either end in a 0, or are rounded up. But, this doesn't necessarily cut down on coins in your wallet, since NZ has $1 and $2 coins instead of paper bills.
15. A great place to go for the apocalypse
This is kind of a joke I have with some New Zealand friends, but it really would make a great place to hide out during the apocalypse. NZ is a nuclear-free zone. Nearly 30% of the country is protected as national parks. And Kiwis really are some of the nicest, most laid-back people you'll ever meet.
Essential New Zealand info
- Looking for packing suggestions for New Zealand? Head over to my New Zealand packing list to see all my favorite travel gear!
- Pick up a New Zealand travel guide before you go (or how about a Lord of the Rings guidebook?).
- Don't leave home without a good travel insurance plan – because you never know what might happen! I recommend World Nomads for affordable basic travel insurance.
For further reading, check out these top NZ posts:
- New Zealand Smackdown: North Island vs. South Island
- The Ultimate New Zealand Bucket List
- New Zealand Road Trip: The Perfect Itinerary if You Only Have 2 Weeks
- Lupin-Spotting in New Zealand
- Visiting Hobbiton (Yes, This Place is Real!)
Want to get to know NZ better? Watch these movies:
Have you been to New Zealand? Did any of these New Zealand fun facts surprise you?
Pin it for later:
Amanda Williams is the award-winning blogger behind A Dangerous Business Travel Blog. She has traveled to more than 60 countries on 6 continents from her home base in Ohio, specializing in experiential and thoughtful travel through the US, Europe, and rest of the world. Amanda only shares tips based on her personal experiences and places she's actually traveled!
It was co0l, im here in n.z as a oversea student and i really love this country and their people too,they r very helpfull towords to every one and thats pretty nice 🙂
Yes, I agree that it’s very nice!
Great write-up! There are so many similarities between NZ and Ireland (e.g. no tipping, no snakes, population, landscape) – thinking of moving to NZ from Ireland, where I’ve been studying social work (originally from Chicago). From what I’ve heard, the Wellington area has a bit more culture than Auckland, but unfortunately most of the jobs are in Auckland! Anyhow, thanks for sharing this.
Yes, I can definitely see the similarities between NZ and Ireland!
(And my pick would definitely be Wellington if you could find a job there!)
Hi – Found this very interesting! Great to learn things about different countries. New Zealand has my type of weather and NO snakes – Would be difficult not to tip when you come from a tipping culture! Have friends and family who have settled there – very happy. As a South African, the Kiwis and Aussies are rugby arch rivals!
Ah yes, huge rugby rivalry there!
NZ is great. And, the tipping thing is slowly starting to become a part of the Down Under culture, too!
I am originally from Brazil, but have lived in New Zealand for 23 years. I am in the travel industry so I do travel quite a bit. Love to travel, but the best part is to get back home to New Zealand. The air is fresher, crispier and lighter. A truly gorgeous and blessed little country.
May God continue to bless it.
It certainly is a special place!
Hi Katia, I am from Curitiba, and planning to visit new Zealand , back pack style! Any tips?
Cheers! João
Hey John! New Zealand is an awesome place to back pack in! Very safe and tourist-friendly. My biggest tips would be to bring more money than you think you need (because things are quite pricey here!), and to never underestimate how quickly the weather can change – be sure to pack some layers!
i lived in new zealand for two years. the best place i’ve ever been. the people, the atmosphere, everything just fall into the right places.
I completely agree!
Hi I have just come across this page. Great info, as for the pictures, just beautiful is this Land. My daughter and family will be leaving very soon, to start a new life in New Zealand. They are heading for Wellington. The three of them are looking forward to this new adventure. I wish them well and hope to visit in 2014
Awesome! Wellington is my favorite city in NZ. I hope they enjoy it!
Very interesting!
And a famous actress born in New Zealand is Lucy Lawless, the woman who played Xena Warrior Princess. One day I wish I could visit NZ, thanks for information!
Oh yes, we can’t forget about Xena!
how dare you put up that you dont have to tip????? you may be riight but all the jobs you would tip for in other countrys ARE VERY LOW INCOME JOBS and these people give exceptional service for often minimum wage. thanks for wrecking one of the few bonuses that waitstaff in NZ have! how inconsiderate of you!!!!!
I ALWAYS tip when I travel. But New Zealand DOES NOT have the same tipping culture as the U.S. – you even said it yourself when you wrote “you may be right.”
Yes, you are right. Even up until my last trip 4-5 years ago, tipping was STILL not formally done. That said, I always tip for good service.
Plus NZ’ers can be embarrassed when overseas – esoecially in the US. Being from a non-tipping country, they simply do not realise it is expected to the point of being socially mandatory in some countries. These people are not mean, they simply do not understand.
You are absolutely right – tipping is NOT required or expected in NZ and it is NOT automatically included in your bill. This; I do a good job so I should get more – is nonsense as every employee is expected to perform at their best or they will soon have no job at all. As is the case in any vocation in NZ. They are paid appropriately for that job. Any disgruntled staff have process they can access to address that through their employer or union. I’m a Kiwi born & bred and fellow Kiwis never tip at home, it is an oddity only seen when visitors are here. It has never been a part of NZ culture, it is not expected so you do not need to feel as though you should. Often an offer of a tip is gratefully but politely declined. What you can expect though is excellent, friendly service (always) fabulous food and a great time. No strings attached.
As far as wildlife you have to watch out for – when in the South Island keep an eye on the Kea. (NZ alpine parrot) harmless but smart as tacks and will pinch, eat or destroy anything that isn’t tied down. 🙂
I know I’m replying like two years late to this, but thank you for explaining this properly so people understand. As someone from NZ, just the idea of tipping makes me uncomfortable. Personally (and this may be a kiwi thing) I don’t like to be waited on. I prefer to just sit down and eat my meal without someone constantly checking if I’m okay. And having to sit around after my meal and wait for the bill is just inconvenient. We definitely do hospitality a far more common sense and comfortable way.
I live in NZ all my life and i have never tipped or been tipped. U might see in a
pub there is a tipping jar. I dont even think i wanna go to other countries coz of the tipping. I have no idea how it works :/
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New Zealand has one brand of poisonous spider – The Katipo. It is similar to the australia red back and american black widow . The katipo has a long red stripe down its back and its bites have been fatal (athough the last known death was reported in about 1845) an anti-venom is avliable in all hospitals. However the katipo is very sporadicly found and your fortunate enough to find one theyre normally found on the sea-shore under driftwood or on sand-dunes.
I didn’t know that! So New Zealand DOES in fact have at least one creepy crawly that can kill you!
We have the white tail spider as well. We are pretty lucky we don’t have poisonous things.
Very useful info. thanks. off to NZ in 3 weeks for a 5 week tour
Sue.
You are welcome! have fun in NZ!
haha wow. this was really great, thanks for posting. I’m moving to New Zealand from Norway with my wife in just three days time now. Good to know about the tipping, as it is different in every country i visit, and quite serious for some people apparently if you do it wrong. ha ha.
Well hopefully this was a nice and fun intro to NZ for you! Good luck with the move!
I love reading such great testimonials about the country I live in.
Thank you 🙂
My pleasure. 🙂
Very cool!! Thank you so much for posting this 🙂 It was really interesting.
Ive lived in New Zealand forth past two and a half years, a year studying in Dunedin on the Aouth Island and then a year and a half on 90mile beach in the far north, so i know all of these, now. But I’ll tell ya, as for #9 if it weren’t for pedestrian crossings youd never get across the street! Cars definitely don’t stop any other time! Especially in Dunedin. I’ve seen some chronic road rage, and the city isn’t even all that busy 😉
NZ is a great country, I’ve definitely fallen in love
Haha, well then maybe it’s even more impressive that the pedestrian crossings work so well!
And I’m with you on falling in love with NZ — I’ve been to a lot of places, but nowhere that I love quite as much as New Zealand.
Well, drivers did stop for me to cross the street, in Auckland at least, Devonport