I can hardly believe that it’s been over a month since I stepped off the plane in Auckland. Well a month and a half now as I’m back in Europe for work and my poor blog took a backburner for a week. My bad. It’s been 30 days of ups and downs, highs and lows, everything you might expect from a big move abroad.
New Zealand has been everything I wished for and more. It’s almost hard for me to articulate my feelings and emotions so far on this adventure. That being said, it takes a lot for me to be at a loss for words. Born an overly verbose person who has trouble shutting up at the best of times, I’ve spent the past few weeks contemplating this big transition abroad and how best to share it with you all in the least wordy way possible.
Reflecting on my first month in New Zealand, if I had to sum up my experience in one sentence, it would be, “wow, that was a learning experience.”
Let me just tell you, I’ve learned a whole hell of a lot. From improving my kiwi slang vocabulary to acquiring some profound life lessons, the old adage “you’re never too old to learn something new” has never been more true than my first month down under.
Check out 20 things I’ve learned during my first 30 days in New Zealand
1. New Zealanders are the friendliest people in the world
Before I bought a one-way flight to Auckland, I had heard mysterious rumors of the friendliness of the kiwi people. And over the years when I was backpacking around the world, I often met people from New Zealand, and I was struck by how kind they were. That being said, I was not prepared for just how friendly and sweet EVERYONE is in New Zealand.
And I mean EVERYONE! Not even exaggerating.
From the shopkeepers to the bartenders to the average person walking down the street, if there is one thing you can always count on in New Zealand is just how lovely and friendly everyone is.
Moving abroad is scary. Moving abroad to a new country without knowing a single person is absolutely terrifying. However, picking a place with super friendly people has made all the difference.
If I don’t leave New Zealand in a year a completely changed person, I don’t even know myself.
2. What Kiwi really means
Kiwi is the name of people from New Zealand as well as New Zealand’s flightless bird. Kiwis as we know them in America are called kiwi fruit. This is an important difference, as I’m sure you can imagine, especially if kiwis are your favorite fruit.
3. Driving on the left is fun, until you get to a roundabout, then it’s terrifying
If I die in a road accident while living in New Zealand, there is a 80% chance that it happened in a roundabout. While in general I think there are a more logical way of directing traffic, it doesn’t make going through them in the wrong direction any less scary. I pretty much scream every time I go through one here, especially the ones with double lanes.
4. The more sheep than people rumor is not false
So the rumor that there are more sheep than people in New Zealand is not exactly false, as I quickly found out. After leaving sprawling urban Auckland, the complete lack of people took me by surprise. Driving down to Wellington, I would drive for ages and sometimes not see other cars.
Once you get outside of the cities in Wellington, you quickly realize that there are just not a lot of people about. New Zealand really is the end of the world. And yeah, there are a lot of sheep. Everywhere.
But now that spring is here, all the lambs have been born which means adorable, fluffy, baby sheep EVERYWHERE!
5. New Zealand is freaking expensive, but not as expensive as Australia
When I was packing for New Zealand, I made an executive decision to leave my hiking boots at home. I figured I since NZ is such an outdoorsy place, I could pick up a nice pair once I got here. My old ones needed to be tossed and I didn’t want to waste the luggage space.
What a stupid decision, my god!
I went to go buy hiking boots in Wellington, and the pair I wanted was 450 NZD – that’s roughly 375 USD which is roughly twice as much as back home.
Because everything is virtually imported to NZ, things are expensive. For example, I usually drop around $80 on my weekly groceries.
But then I went to Australia and realized NZ was cheap in comparison.
Looks like I’ll be hiking in my running sneakers!
6. NZ has the worst internet in the entire world
No, I am not exaggerating. I’ve had better internet in Africa. In Jordan. In rural Turkey.
When I first heard rumors of shoddy internet in NZ before moving there, I laughed it off. I thought those stories were not up to date or relevant any more. Boy, was I mistaken.
As I understand it from my tech friends, NZ is literally at the end of the under-the-ocean-magic-internet-cable. Literally, it’s the last stop for internet, which means it’s really bad, really slow, and really expensive. It’s also limited. LIMITED!! I didn’t even know limited internet was a thing!
Without a doubt this will be the hardest challenge I have to overcome this year.
7. There are a lot of foreigners in New Zealand
New Zealand is an amazing, empty place. I think one of my favorite things about this country is that it’s so remote with so few people. That being said, there are a surprising amount of foreigners to be found around the islands.
NZ has a very open working holiday scheme which means many people from around the world can come and easily get a visa to work and travel around the country. Also NZ is a popular travel destination. Pretty much everyone I’ve met has NZ on their travel bucket list.
This means there are lots of foreigners around town, which for me is both a positive and a negative. Negative because I want to go native and fit in with the locals which can be challenging, but also awesome because I get to make friends with people from all over the world.
8. But no Americans in NZ
That being said, there are NO AMERICANS IN NEW ZEALAND. Fellow countrymen, where are you?
This past month (ok, month and a half) I have flown to NZ from the US, and I have flown from NZ to Europe. From San Francisco, Auckland is a 12 hour direct flight. From Wellington to London, it took me approximately 40 hours of travel time and 4 flights.
How many Brits have I met so far on my journey? Dozens. Germans? A million. How many Americans? One.
What the hell?
Expect a lengthly post about this phenomenon shortly.
9. Rent is per week not per month
Completely random but for those curious-minded folks, apartments are listed with rent prices per week not per month. It’s a confusing but interesting phenomenon which somehow makes the extremely high cost of living more palatable.
And speaking of apartments, they are called flats like in the UK and the deposit is called a bond. Speaking English is hard.
10. Getting the bill in the restaurant
The first time I went out for a meal at a sit-down restaurant in New Zealand, I was surprised by several things. Firstly, the food is phenomenal. Seriously, there are some damn good restaurants to be found in this part of the world. And don’e even get me started on brunch.
However, at the end of the meal I was confused. When were they going to bring the bill? We sat and waited and waited and waited before getting the attention of someone to bring the check. Quickly they explained that you pay at the register and not at the table. Soon I figured out this was standard around NZ.
Can anyone explain this to me?
Instead of having the waiters bring you the check, it’s standard for you to get up when you’re finished and head to the register to pay directly.
This is not universal but I’ve definitely encountered it way more here than anywhere else in the world.
11. Likewise, you usually have to go up and grab a jug of water and cups
Same goes for water. Most of the time they don’t bring water to you, even if you ask. They have sinks or jugs set up for you to grab it yourself.
I haven’t decided how I feel about this yet. It’s an internal struggle between my inherent laziness and my urge to be in control of everything. First world problems.
12. The brunch culture will blow your mind
Hi my name’s Liz, and I am addicted to brunches.
Heavy pancakes. Crispy French toast. Fluffy poached eggs smothered in decadent Hollandaise sauce. Swoon.
One of my favorite things about home was brunching with friends on the weekends. One of the things I hated most about Spain was the total dearth of brunch spots to be found. Lucky for me, NZ is the best of both worlds and has an amazing brunch scene. Everywhere.
13. NZ has the best coffee in the UNIVERSE
In addition to a great foodie scene, there is a thriving cafe culture which means awesome coffee all the time.
I have not had a disappointing cup of joe since I arrived which says a lot considering I’m the world’s biggest coffee addict.
And just like there are new words for everything in NZ, I’ve learned a lot of new coffee vocabulary too. For example, when I get a nonfat or skinny latte, here they call it a trim latte. Makes me feel so classy.
Same goes for a flat white, a type of espresso coffee in New Zealand. A new favorite.
14. Wellington is actually the coolest little capital in the world
I talked before about how much hype Wellington was getting and how it initially put me off living there. But then I arrived and fell head over heels in love with this city.
Proudly named the 2011 Lonely Planet “Coolest little capital in the world,” the buzz around town actually lives up to expectations. In short, Wellington rocks, and I am so so SO happy I decided to make it my home.
15. Everyone in Wellington knows someone who works for WETA or the Hobbit
Sometimes I have to remind myself that not everyone is as big of a nerd as me, and they don’t realize that part of Wellington’s fame comes from the fact that it’s home to WETA, the design studio behind the Lord of the Rings.
Now with the Hobbit franchise in full swing, WETA employs tons and tons of people, which means when I go out at night, there is a good chance I’ll meet someone somehow associated with the project. That is, if they ever leave the studios.
I think you can imagine my reactions when this happens.
16. Finding Peter Jackson has been harder than I thought
One month into my time in Wellington and I have yet to find and shake hands with the most famous son of New Zealand (apart from Sir Edmund Hillary), the man, the myth, the legend – Peter Jackson.
Of course I count this as a giant failure. Luckily I still have 1o months to go.
Anyone can make an intro for me?
17. Windy Wellington lives up to its name
Wellington is nicknamed “Windy Welly” and let me just say, a more accurate epithet never existed.
I’ve been to some windy places over the years, but nothing could have prepared for Wellington. Most days it’s just average level of winds that will mess up your hair and might blow your skirt up. However, in just a month I’ve witnessed some wind storms where I thought the world was ending.
I’m talking wind that will blow your clothes clean off. One week we had 140 km/h winds for three days. I couldn’t leave the house. Those are the moments where you realize you’re living at the end of the world.
18. Earthquakes
My first week living in Wellington we had an earthquake. I had gone out for a wine tasting that evening, so it’s safe to say I was pretty sloshed by the time I rolled home a few hours later. Climbing into bed, I was closing my eyes when the room started to shake. My hopes that it was just a big gust of the famous wind were dashed when my roommate popped his head in to check on me.
I’m from Virginia. We don’t get earthquakes. I don’t know how to react.
I know there are more and more bigger earthquakes happening in New Zealand, and let me just preface this by saying I am SO not ready for a big one.
In fact, they are so prevalent, many Kiwis I’ve met have an earthquake app on their phone that let’s them know about them. Can I just stick with Candy Crush?
19. No drunken behavior
I learned real fast my first month in NZ that I had to bring my passport out with me to the bars to show ID. I haven’t had to show ID to go out drinking since living in the US, let alone bring my passport.
NZ is also pretty vigilant about drunken behavior. They don’t let belligerent people in bars and will kick you out without a second thought.
One of my last nights in Wellington I was out at a bar with friends and while we were waiting for drinks, a group of young drunk guys were getting rowdy on the dancefloor. Suddenly, I saw one of the bouncers head over to kick him out. Causing a scene, eventually the guy picked him up and carried the dude out on his shoulders. The kid was so waster he was high-fiving and cheering everyone on his way out. Hilarious.
20. The wildlife is slightly different from what I’m used to back home in Virginia
21. Shit happens and you can’t plan for everything
So basically I’ve had the worst luck in the entire world my first month in New Zealand. I legally cannot write the specifics so far, but let me just say there’s a reason I’ve not been online as much as I meant to. My first month was a struggle, but I’ve been trying to make the best of it.
Something bad happened which I’m trying to deal with that’s costing me a lot of money.
If anything, it’s been a good lesson on trying to look on the bright side and be positive. Fingers crossed it will all work out for the best.
22. No matter where you are in NZ, you are approximately 15 minutes from somewhere spectacularly beautiful
New Zealand is ridiculously beautiful. No matter where you are in the entire country, you are likely a stone’s throw away from a place that will make your jaw drop open in awe.
This is probably my favorite thing about NZ. I need beautiful landscapes and lush natural spots to feel comfortable and at peace. Lucky for me, New Zealand has that in strides.
23. I already love New Zealand to pieces and I never want to leave
Only a month in and I can already see myself settling in NZ permanently. It already feels like home to me.
My whole life I feel like I’ve been searching for that special place where I can settle down. Maybe it’ll be New Zealand.
Have you ever been to New Zealand? Is it on your bucket list? Ever transitioned abroad before? What’s something you learned in your new country?
About the author
I spent about 5 weeks traveling around the north island earlier this year (I’m from the US) and absolutely fell in love with it there. NZ was so amazing and i would love to go back! I totally can connect to the things that you wrote about and i wish more of my friends here in the US could relate! NZ is by far the most beautiful place i have ever been and i cannot wait to go back! Thank you for this article!!
Thanks Marisa as a kiwi I can tell you that I have been reading a lot of negative comments from us peeps. Reading your positive experience has made me happy. I’ve been to the USA and people treated me well. Well in San Francisco, los Angeles was a different story as I got abused a lot. However, I hope you return back one day. If you do please email me
Thanks for this article, many of those questions have crossed my mind, I wouldn’t say I’m the talkative type. I did a short New Zealand traveling trip and I enjoyed that time…. but it also made me ask myself if I was ready to go for a long time, and it’s easy to make excuses to postpone it. I will definitely check ur blog ;)…
[…] why the hell am I telling you this? Because after I read her post about the 23 things she learned the first month in New Zealand I was inspired. After reading a few more posts I was even more so. Of course I’m not […]
Trying to compare and decide between Santa Barbara, CA and Wellington, NZ. My husband and I are semi-retire professionals age in our early 50s with no children. Anyone familiar with both locations?
Yes, I’m a native Californian, now living in NZ since 2012. There is NO comparison between the two. Wellington is lovely, but the weather in NZ is extremely volatile compared to California, Wellington is both cold and *extremely* windy, and expensive. My honest opinion after living in NZ for three years, is that if I could do the move over again, I simply wouldn’t (I say this as a Californian, not an American). The country is truly beautiful, but it is very cold and rainy in comparison (generally speaking — average summer temps in Wellington are about the same as average winter temps in SB!). Of all the things I underestimated the most (and there were many!), was how much I would miss the fantastic California weather. Most consumer goods are inferior in quality, but significantly more expensive than what we’re used to in the US. If you are young, with little to no possessions of value, no big deal, but if you are well-established (I was 40 when I moved here), you will likely be very underwhelmed and disappointed with what money buys you in terms of quality and value. The other issue is that NZ houses are *shockingly* bad for a country that KNOWS its climate is cold, damp, and humid (year-round). Every year I have to literally scrub the mold from the house walls at least twice a year (more if it has been especially wet and rainy); they do not have central heating here, so your warmth will be relegated to “heat pumps” which are little more than large sized space heaters attached to one wall in order to heat that one room (usually the communal living room). However, the above is not necessarily true if you are lucky enough to find accommodations in a relatively new build … they still won’t have central heat, but they’re more likely to have dual pane windows, and be more insulated, and weather tight. By NZ standards I live upper middle class, as I did in the US, but the standard of living — in some areas — is grossly inadequate when comparing the standards of living from place to place. It is likely that in the next few years my husband and I will immigrate to Australia (Sydney area), as it greatly fulfills our need for culture and arts, in addition to having a much warmer climate. We also found that as a bi-cultural couple (American and a Kiwi), we fit in much more anonymously in Australia, where in NZ it seems to be constant source of either curiosity, suspicion, or wariness. People are friendly, but it feels superficial, and, honestly–often awkward. Kiwis aren’t very emotionally warm or open (or especially talkative), but ARE courteous, and helpful. Your neighbors and social friends will be quite helpful if you’re in need, but you’ll find yourself wondering just what you really know about them, personality wise. I would do a lot of homework before you decide where to resettle, you need to ask yourself what specifically you are looking for. I can tell you that NZ in all areas (compared to California), is like a glorified farm town (even Welly and Auckland, though not as much as the rest of greater NZ). Culture and Arts are here, but are more centered around gardening, and kiwi history/icons, sheep/wool history, the outdoors, and its most famous citizens. Maori culture is heavily integrated into mainstream culture here, which I LOVE, but can be a sore spot, if you believe what the media reports. Generally for “big” cultural things, you’ll need to fly to Auckland–nearly all premier concerts and art events are held (only) there. We are going to Paul Simon/Sting later this month, and The Eagles in March — both concerts in Auckland only. Went to Cirque du Soleil this past winter, again had to fly into Auckland… Also, forget the foodie culture that California (and the US is famous for), it just doesn’t exist. No fresh bread warm in the bag at 5pm in the supermarket, no sandwich and soup bars with fresh ingredients to grab a quick lunch or dinner… On the go food here is pretty much meat pies–heavy, calorie laden meat pies. I would suggest a one year trial, if you *really* want to live here–meaning, put your things in storage in the US, rent out your home (do NOT sell), and come for a year (if you can procure a Visa for it). You will know after one year whether the cultural and climate differences are something you can handle for whatever period you live in NZ. Best of luck!
sierrasnw,
You definitely nailed it hit it right on! That’s a good point you highlighted. If you were born and raised here there’s no country to compare it with. NZ is the best country for laid back and wants to relax but not for those who were born to raise against the clock, bottle-neck traffics and busy friendly neighbours. Believe me, I helped my neighbour once when I saw her back door window smashed. Not expecting anything in return, a friendship maybe or a smile, but I got nothing.
Lived in US and Canada, housing, food and clothing are far more affordable..
There were days that I’m blue due to year long silence and isolation.
Overall, just happy and thankful that I’m alive.
We can’t compare apples with kiwis.(the fruit ,ok)
NZ is the country where the word kiwi is shared by three stuff, bird, fruit and a person.
Not sure why people come to NZ and then complain about things like the weather…even us kiwis (with our ‘slow internet’) know to RESEARCH those sorts of things before we jump in? It really bugs me that people moan about Wellington being windy and cold when you could have figured that out for yourself if you have bothered to check on line.
Also – I don’t know of ANYBODY who has mould growing on their walls…absolutely nobody. If your house is cold, put on a bloody jumper or turn a heater on and stop bitching about it. Its such a weird northern hemisphere thing to expect to be able to walk around your house in the dead of winter wearing a bikini.
Last thing – kiwis are super proud of our country and hate people talking smack about it 🙂 because it really is the greatest little country in the world.
Hi Maria, I like your attitude. I’m South African, my husband and I and our two
teenage sons are planning to immigrate to NZ early next year. I think you are a very straight forward person I would love to hear more about your country.
I’ve so far heard only good things and I’m very excited but now that I’ve read everybody’s comments and bad experiences I’m a bit concern. All we want is a better life than what we are currently experiencing in our own country.
We’ve gone through so much already and are not afraid to start from the bottom to build a new life. So I would love to hear from you. My husband wants to apply for a job first before we move abroad. We will be visiting an agency when we ready. What I’ve heard that this can be a very expensive exercise.
It will help us a lot if you can give us a few tips and advise.
I will await your re-ply.
– Diane
There are a great lot of South Africans in NZ. Good luck with your move 🙂
Glorified farm towns is harsh, Auckland is slowly becoming a thriving metropolis.
Also Auckland and Wellington both have fantastic produce and food- we have some of the highest quality meat and vegetables in the world, not to mention diary. Where are you basing that information from.
In Auckland Sushi, fresh fish products, all types of fantastic food is cheap and healthy 10-15 NZD.
Sierra made a great call. A one year trial before you make it permanent. I highly recommend NOT selling your home as buying back in to SoCal with the market in an upswing could be very costly if you decide to return. We lived in the Auckland area (Devonport actually) for two years as I was a US Navy liaison and we were ready to leave at the end of the tour. We had owned our first home in San Diego since the mid eighties and were always happy to return even though it had been rented and needed two months of work to get it back to our standard.