The glorious natural beauty, diverse landscapes, welcoming people, and Maori culture of New Zealand have always attracted tourists. Overall, New Zealand has a welcoming environment with friendly people, but it is vital to keep in mind that the country is home to many indigenous people with unique cultures. It's all about learning the dos and don’ts when visiting New Zealand, which will enable you to experience the local culture and have an unforgettable time at this glorious destination. 

Before travelling to a destination, you must get familiar with the local culture and try to be more open to the cultural norms of the region. This will surely make your experience in the country much more enjoyable. Therefore, as soon as you have started looking for a flight to New Zealand from the UK, you must also start learning about the cultural norms of the destination. You don’t have to stress out; we're here with some excellent cultural tips that will make your trip a lot easier and more memorable. 

If you are traveling to New Zealand, check out my New Zealand Travel Guide!

List of Dos in New Zealand 

Let’s start with a list of do’s in New Zealand that will make you feel more responsible and respectful to the local culture and people. 

• Greet with a Smile

This tip goes without saying. You can never go wrong with a greeting with a smile, no matter where you are in the world. New Zealand people, or Kiwis, are friendly and laid-back. You can reach out to them and greet them whenever you need any kind of help, or you are looking forward to interacting with the locals. You can greet the locals with a simple “Kia Ora” (hello in Maori). This will not only make you seem polite but also show that you are respectful towards their customs and culture. 

• Respect Maori Culture and Traditions

The Maori are the indigenous people of New Zealand. As they are a prominent part of the country, their culture is deeply embedded into the people and lifestyle of the country. It is the most dominant culture in the region. Make sure to be respectful towards Maori culture and customs. 

If you are curious, you can also attend a marae, a traditional Maori meeting ground, or witness a cultural performance with respect and an open mind. Always ask for permission before touching any carvings, and obtain permission before entering the sacred sites known as tapu areas. Also, if you happen to be part of a powhiri, a traditional Maori welcoming ceremony, please remain quiet and listen carefully. 

• Take Your Shoes Off Indoors

Like many other cultures, people in New Zealand also prefer that the outdoor shows should be removed at the door of the house. In New Zealand, it is customary to remove your shoes before entering homes and accommodations. It is a symbol of respect and makes sure that you follow it while you are in the country. 

• Be Environmentally Conscious

It is our duty to be environmentally conscious, regardless of our location in the world. New Zealand boasts a pristine environment and takes pride in it. This is the perfect place to practice your “Leave No Trace” ideology. Be mindful and avoid littering. Recycle wherever and whenever you can as you go. Moreover, ensure that you stay on the marked tracks while hiking. 

• Drive on the Left

This won’t be very difficult for you to do, as most people in the UK drive on the left already. Kiwis drive on the left side of the road. So, if you plan to rent a car while you're there and are confused about which side of the road to drive on, hopefully this has cleared up your confusion. Also, keep in mind that rural roads can be narrow and winding. Therefore, you must drive carefully and always yield to faster traffic or vehicles on one-lane bridges. 

• Be Punctual and Polite

Punctuality and politeness are the two virtues that are admired everywhere in the world. Kiwis are known for their punctuality. Therefore, if you commit to meeting or joining someone at a particular time, ensure that you are punctual. Being late might even be seen as disrespectful. So, whether you're meeting someone for coffee or joining a group tour, be on time. Also, be polite. Say “please” and “thank you”. It will automatically make you seem more polite and will build rapport quickly. 

• Try the Local Cuisine

New Zealand is known for many delicacies. You cannot visit the country without treating yourself to some local flavours and special dishes. Therefore, once you are in the country, make sure to try hangi (a Maori dish), meat pies, pavlovas, and fresh seafood. Also, the country is known for its Manuka honey and local wines. So, be sure to savour the local delicacies and flavours while you're in the country. 

Don’ts in New Zealand

Now that you have gone through some dos in New Zealand, here are some don’ts that you must also be aware of. 

• Don’t Confuse New Zealand with Australia

No doubt, New Zealand and Australia are geographically close, but they are two separate countries. Additionally, they have a friendly rivalry, and it is essential to recognise that Kiwis possess their own, distinct identity, as does their country. Therefore, you must not make any comparisons, even casually, and avoid confusing accents. This might come off as dismissive. Thus, be sure to avoid such comparisons and show respect for the identity of Kiwis. 

• Don’t be Overbearing or Loud

Modesty and understatement are deeply valued in New Zealand. Therefore, it is essential to avoid loud, flashy, and boastful behaviour. If you are overbearing or noisy, you may come across as rude or arrogant, so try to avoid this if you want to be respected by the Kiwis. 

• Don’t Skip Biodiversity Rules

As we have already mentioned, New Zealand takes pride in boasting a pristine environment. As the country has a unique flora and fauna, it also has strict biodiversity rules that every local and traveller must abide by. You must not bring any fresh food, outdoor gear, or plants with you without properly cleaning them. Additionally, if you have any doubts about your belongings, declare all items honestly upon arrival.

• Don’t Smoke or Vape Everywhere

Even though you can smoke and vape in the country, you cannot do it just anywhere. You will have to look for designated smoking areas if you smoke. Smoking is banned in nearly all indoor spaces, including restaurants and bars. Also,  it is prohibited in many parks, public spaces, and even near public buildings. 

• Don’t Underestimate the Weather

New Zealand’s weather can be unpredictable, so don’t underestimate it. Be cautious when exploring alpine or coastal areas. In New Zealand, you cannot plan any outdoor activity, such as hiking or a road trip, without checking the weather forecast first. Additionally, be sure to have your sunscreen, waterproof gear, and adequate layers with you at all times to combat the unpredictable weather while exploring New Zealand. 

• Don’t Trespass on Private Land

This goes without saying. You must not trespass on private land when travelling, no matter where you go. New Zealand has expansive landscapes that will make you feel like the whole country is wide open. But that is not true. Many of the scenic areas here are privately owned farms, and you cannot enter them even if you just want to take a picture. You can only enter them once you have taken the owner’s permission; otherwise, you must stick to the labelled public areas and trails. 

• Don’t Tip Excessively

Although it may sound bizarre, as it is a norm in the UK, tipping is not expected in New Zealand. You can only tip a small amount in high-end restaurants; otherwise, it is not the norm and is not encouraged. Even when you are tipping, ensure it is not an excessive amount, such as the amounts typically tipped in the UK or the USA. 

• Don’t Expect Everything to Be Open Late

Even though you might have seen big cities being open all night long while travelling, this is not the case with New Zealand cities. Most of the cities and towns here shut down early. Cafes tend to close at 4 or 5 pm, while the restaurants also shut down by 8 or 9 pm after serving dinner. You will only have dining and shopping options late at night in Auckland and Wellington. Other than that, you must be ready to eat earlier and shop during the day. 

Check out my Youtube video about 10 Things you Shouldn't do in New Zealand!

Final Word

Don't forget to check out my New Zealand Travel Guide if you are planning a trip to New Zealand and you want all the insider info!

New Zealand has a distinct culture and norms, and you can only respect them when you are aware of them. You might have seen the country as home to jaw-dropping scenery and adventures, but now it's time to gain insight into its unique culture. Keeping the dos and don’ts in mind when visiting New Zealand will not only enable you to have a memorable time but will also deepen your connection with the locals and the experiences here. So, it's time to book your flight to New Zealand if you haven’t already and start planning your trip. Some airlines that offer flights from the UK to New Zealand include Air New Zealand, Malaysia Airlines, Emirates, Lufthansa, and numerous others.