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?
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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!
I’m from the UK. People here cross anywhere they want to and that’s accepted. Once a pedestrian is in the road they have right of way.
I’m interested in moving to NZ this year or next. The only thing that concerns me is the danger from volcanoes and earthquakes. Some websites make it sound like the country is on fire and shaking and exploding. But, obviously people still live there. How realistic are these claims? We like the UK, but don’t like the direction it’s heading.
New Zealand does tend to have a lot of earthquakes, but to be honest, they are usually so small that you barely notice them. There *have* been two very destructive earthquakes in the past 10 years (one in Christchurch in 2011 that killed people, and one just last year near Kaikoura that caused lots of damage), but maybe you’d just settle somewhere else in the country. 😉
Great post Amanda!
I’m a Kiwi and just assumed everyone had pedestrian crossings – that’s so interesting that the US does not! I’m traveling to the States next year and am very excited to experience both the cities and natural wonders you guys have! 🙂
I’m a bit worried I will forget to tip though! I read that waitresses and others need them because their hourly rate is low and that is how they make their money, is that correct? Here we just get paid a flat hourly rate and everyone gets the same. Also I find it strange that you leave your money on the tables!
I’m looking forward to experience these differences, even though our two countries have a similar western culture.
I am also excited to see the animals in America because like you said above, we don’t have many. I adore snakes and spiders so its ironic that I grew up in one of the few places that don’t have any/many.
Glad you enjoyed your time in NZ!
-Katie 🙂
I hope you have an amazing trip, Katie! And yes, it’s true that in the US servers do not make minimum wage and rely on tips for their income. I was a server quite a few years ago, and was only paid $2.85 per hour (when the normal minimum wage in my state was $8 an hour). That’s why it’s expected for people to tip in the US!
Hi Katy, my family is thinking about moving to NZ. We live in NY but trying to find somewhere nicer to raise our kids. How are the education systems there? Especially special education. Also the job market for persons with an Accounting degree (Bachelors)?
The US has pedestrian crossings, they are pretty standard. I live in LA and am looking out my window at one now.
Amanda, thanks so much for creating this brilliant blog! Your posts have been exceedingly helpful in planning my upcoming New Zealand trip. Keep up the great work!
So glad to hear it, Molly!
New Zealand is the greatest country in the world for sure. The people are generally friendly and will open their homes to complete strangers. Their hospitality is second to none. So many things and places to see and do.
As mentioned, no poisonous snakes, and also no bears, no tigers, lions, alligators, cougars, (well a few 2 legged ones maybe), panthers, crocodiles, dingos, or pretty much anything that could quite happily kill you or eat you. The climate is temperate allowing for great outdoor activity experiences such as hiking and camping. Great snow in certain parts of the country allowing for skiing and snowboarding. Beautiful lakes and rivers allowing for any and all water sports.
Generally tips are not included in the bill, (although sometimes a service charge may be), but there is often a tip jar on the counter and is much appreciated by all the staff if you leave a small donation.
Culture abounds in New Zealand, especially in Auckland and Wellington. Fantastic food, restaurants and cafes are everywhere to be found. Amazing hills and farmlands, not to mention the beautiful nature and scenery found the length of the country.
A few other fun facts…some famous New Zealand inventions include the tranquilizer gun, the electric fence, the jet-boat, ski-planes (those used for landing on snow covered mountains), referee’s whistle, zorbing (google it), the jet-pack, No.8 fencing wire, blokart (blow-kart), jogging (in the manner as used for athletes to increase stamina – google Arthur Lydiad), flying (in a plane – yep, they did it before the Wright brothers, google Richard Pearse), the disposable syringe, eggbeater and the spiral hairpin are also all kiwi inventions.
As someone has mentioned above, New Zealand was the first country to allow women to vote, they were also the first to split the atom, created the world’s first state pension system, first to set foot on Antarctica, first to break the 4 minute mile in running, first to win the rugby world cup, first to win the rugby world cup twice consecutively, first and only country to win the rugby world cup 3 times, first to introduce free milk to all school students (though this has long ago ended) and the first ever solo flight from England to NZ (Jean Batten).
Some other famous Kiwi’s (other than the ones mentioned by others above), include….Gina Bellman, Martin Henderson, Cliff Curtis, Keith Urban, Zoe Bell, Rachel Hunter, Jane Campion, Jean Batten, Sir Russell Coutts (won the America’s cup yacht race 5 times), Jonah Lomu (professional rugby’s first superstar) and Lorde.
Not bad for a country of less than 5 million people in the middle of nowhere.
Hello,
Thank you for sharing. Could you say a little more about the job market there, in relation to people with Bachelors in Accountancy. It would be very much appreciated.
hi Amanda, I am planning to move in to New Zealand. can you tell me are you still living in NZ? I am moving with my two kids 3 and 2years old and they are used to a Singapore Climate. like 28 to 33 degrees how about the weather in Auckland and entire NZ?. does the weather cause many Flu and cold for Kids. Also regarding the spiders, do they visit home more often? or only when I go outside I need to be aware of them so that i dont get biten by them?
Hi Antony! No, I’m afraid I haven’t lived in NZ since 2008, and I don’t have any kids so I’m probably the wrong person to try to answer your questions! The weather on the North Island is the warmest in New Zealand, but it will still be colder than what you’re used to. And there aren’t many spiders in NZ – you have to worry about them more in Australia!
Hi Antony.
The climate in NZ is cooler than Singapore and generally less humid. Auckland weather is famous for its variation (Split Enz wrote a song about it called “Four Seasons in One Day”. It can be sunny in the morning, rain before lunch, sunny again in the afternoon and then rain again for dinner. Temperatures can fluctuate as well. But the weather is quite fair in Auckland and I don’t think your children will have any problems adapting as necessary, especially given their young ages.
Spiders, there are really only two spiders that are poisonous in NZ one is the Katipo and the other is the Australian Flat Huntsman spider (thanks Australia). But you almost never see these spiders, to find one in your home or even in the wild almost never happens. You should also know that in the past 200 years of recorded history, there have never been any recorded deaths from either of these spiders in NZ, so I think you are very safe.
I am sure you and your kids will love NZ!
Living in middle Tennesse, we are covered up with some pretty bad animals: rabid mammals, brown recluse spiders…as well as black widows, ticks, chiggers (aka, redbugs), wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, and bumble bees, rattle snakes, copper heads, water moccasins, and fleas and of course mosquitos. So, these things I say to all of you…who want to visit: the country side can be…ah, challenging, but the people, food, music, and landscape is without reproach. We welcome you all, and…I think I would do fine in New Zealand. ..looking forward to visiting.
Another famous kiwi – Keith Urban was born and raised in the northland (then moved to OZ around 17)
NZ has essentially 4 distinct social groups – Auckland, the Northland, north island south of Auckland, and the South Island. Obviously things are different for living in the city or out in rural area but for the most part there are 4 differing groups and Auckland is the most non-NZ place in the whole nation. It has sooooo many immigrants, temp workers, and then also its the go-to place for those who dont like the NZ lifestyle but cant manage to leave NZ. For cities Wellington, Hastiings, Hamilton, Christchurch, are all very NZ. I didnt mention any moari named cities because i wouldnt get the spellings even close. lol
Another thing many people dont know – the ocean is not very warm and when it is, it isnt for very much of the year. People also dont realize this about San Diego and LA either although the warm water season is longer in SoCal than NZ. Oh people do swim and surf but the water is a far cry from Florida, Hawaii, or Thailand. You simply have to get yourself a wetsuit to fully enjoy NZ beaches. 🙂
I’ve heard lots of New Zealanders describe the country as divided into two parts: Auckland, and then the rest of NZ. Haha.
Whitetail spiders while not deadly can make you quite ill and a bite can leave permanent scarring.
In everyday life in northland NZ I would see at least one a week,they are and Australian import.
Loved this and am going to save it to send to wwoofers when they email me. I am currently corresponding with a young girl from America and you’ve answered quite a few of her Q’s and then some ..
Oh and my experience of the US of A? Fantastic place to visit, so DAMN big but I felt right at home .. people were friendly, interested in meeting a Kiwi and I would go there again anytime I could .. except for the tipping that sucked *grin*
Great blog 🙂
Thanks, Joan! And yes, please do feel free to share this with your wwoofers! 🙂
(Ignorant Kiwi who didn’t know these things were particularly unique or special)
Terrified of visiting the States in fear of being sued for sneezing sideways, or getting shot for looking sideways 😉
My perspective of the US of A is simply that it is HUGE and there is massive potential for debauchery and mayhem to be had should you so desire it.
Strangely, coming from a country of great natural beauty, I would be most interested in exploring the natural wonders and getting away from civilization rather than immersing in the metropolitan culture – I’d be eaten alive for my utter naivety and gullibility, I imagine!
Don’t worry, there are plenty of friendly people in the US, too – especially if you avoid the huge cities! We have plenty of natural beauty here too. 🙂
Hi there, I really love NZ and I also belive I lived there in my past life aswell, it’s a beautiful country and all as I love to move there someday, but looking up the crime statistics is putting me off NZ a little, is it really that bad over there, are the wages poorer than Australia and Canada, I’ve loved to go to New Zealand as it reminds me of England a lot in ways, I’d feel at home there if I had the chance I’d move tomorrow, is it safe for raising kids, do they like English people aswell
Well I’m from the US, so NZ crime statistics are nothing compared to what I’m used to! Haha. I’ve always felt safe traveling in New Zealand – it’s a pretty laid-back place, and I feel like the smaller cities especially would be great for raising kids.
Cool thanks haha, as I’m from the UK I’d feel right at home in NZ as it is an island country surrounded by ocean and isolated from everywhere else, New Zealand like the UK is compacted and is always near the sea in most places compared to most of inland Canada, Australia or even most of the US, I have a indirect friend who has moved over to NZ from the UK just recently, just wondering how life is there ive being liking NZ for 4 years now and it’s also the most furthest place away from Europe, NZ is also antipodal (directly opposite) to Spain, I used to watch The Lion Man (a man who rescues lions and keeps them at his zoo in Kamo near Whangarei), The Filth Files (a cleaning team program based in Auckland and Wellington where they show you around the streets, shops, cafes and places etc reality kiwi life) and also the BBCs Wanted Down Under (where Brit families decide to stay here in the UK or make the move to AUS or NZ), Kiwi music has dominated the charts such like Lorde, Kimbra, Ruby Frost, Kids of 88, Ladyhawke, Daniel Bedingfield (but Natasha Bedingfield is born in England to kiwi parents), others from years ago are brothers Phil and Pauly Fuemana (rip) from OMC, Alannah Currie from The Thompson Twins, brothers Tim and Neil Finn from both Crowded House and Split Enz, and also you might recognise Flight of the Conchords and actors Russell Crowe and Alan Dale and comedian Rhys Darby to name a few and even Yogi Bear and Lord of the Rings is filmed in NZ too, btw if your from Ohio I also have friends from Pittsburgh PA aswell who just like me want to travel the world too,
I love New Zealand with a passion. I have crawled / slithered into many caves in the Kaweka ranges in Hawkes Bay, North Island which were home to many wetas hanging on the roof and certainly never been bothered by them. They are a species the average tourist would never come across.
This is a fantastic laid back country of opportunities where, as my father used to say ” In NZ you can be a big fish in a small pond whereas in larger countries you go unnoticed.”
Kiwis still leave their handbags in their local supermarket trolleys while they wander off to look at goodies. Seldom is anything stolen. ( I don’t recommend this as there will sure to be one bad apple in the box).
New Zealand is indeed a very special country! One of my favorites, for sure, for so many reasons. 🙂
Hi Amanda, but what about the earthquakes? Are they common?
They ARE actually pretty common, but they are usually so small that you don’t really feel them!
1969 on the way to Antarctica with the United States Navy. we laid over at Christchurch New Zealand. thought this was the original Garden of Eden,because no snake or other poisonous animals,nothing but huge floral plants. The Kiwi people were so kind to us this was and probably is greatest memories I had and my youth
What a great memory, Barry! Kiwis are still very friendly people. 🙂
I like this list. Was born in NZ and lived there nearly 30 years before emigrating. I would also have mentioned the Marlborough Sounds as incredibly beautiful, though having lived close to Fjordland, cannot disagree with your list and comments.
I think you will find the katipo spider is more common than you imply too.
And another fact (sorta) about wildlife and insects… the NZ weta is native, with only cave weta’s existing on a few nearby islands. But, nowhere else. And why is this relevant? Well, in my opinion they are the ugliest thing on this planet, even uglier than my ex-wife 🙂 The weta is not merely grotesque, but can inflict injuries from its barbs on the rear legs, plus its bite which can be poisonous, not from injecting poison but due to the timbers it eats. forming a poison when mixed with its saliva. Snakes do not bother me, but I will run screaming from a weta. Well, almost.
Finally, we were taught in school that in geography there are 7 fundamental terrain types, such as mountain ranges, deserts, fjords, etc. Do not recall them all. However, NZ is the only country that has all 7. Am led to believe this is true, and you may consider mentioning it (if you can find evidence supporting the claim).
A great list.
Cool fact about the terrains! I will definitely have to look into that one some more.
Hey, no snakes and few spiders is a plus, but…. Have you ever heard of “scrub typhus”? Hello, headache, fever, groin lymph nodes measured in “golf ball” units. Quizzical looks from North American physicians define this disease that is transmitted by mites in the soil. Undiagnosed, trouble. Diagnosed, weeks of Doxycycline, and eventual recovery. Lived it, diagnosed it, treated it, recovered from it, and now just here to let the unsuspecting NZ visitor know that it is what is generally known as a rickettsial disease like Rocky Mountain spotted fever only for Oceania and Eastern Asia. By the way, immigrating in 7 weeks to Whangarei…what can I say? I love lymph nodes that are big enough to wear a pork pie.
Yikes, that doesn’t sound fun! But good to hear that it didn’t put you off NZ. 🙂