Although New Zealand is a small country, its diverse landscapes and stunning natural beauty have long attracted tourists. But in addition to jaw-dropping scenery, you also get a laid-back lifestyle and the type of community spirit that will make you want to stay in the country for as long as you can. And the best way to spend time in this exceptional destination is by living like a local in New Zealand. When you start immersing yourself in local experiences and making friends with the people, you will have the chance to experience the country in a way that you might not have experienced before. 

There is no denying that exploring New Zealand like a local will elevate your holiday experience. It gives you a chance to live like and interact with the local people. There is no better way to gain insight into a country's culture and lifestyle than by being a part of it. So, if you are looking for a flight to Wellington from the UK, you should start learning about how to live like a local in the country. 

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

Tips to Experience New Zealand Like a Local

Let’s tell you about some helpful tips that will help you to live like a local in New Zealand during your holiday. 

• Start Your Day the Kiwi Way

Kiwis don’t compromise on their morning coffee. They love to start their day with a strong coffee and a delicious breakfast. If you're a coffee lover, you must try the popular flat whites, which are similar to lattes but have a stronger coffee flavour. 

Additionally, if you want to enjoy coffee like the locals, be sure to skip the big chains and visit a local cafe. The local cafe is the perfect place to enjoy a freshly brewed coffee and engage in friendly banter with the barista, starting your day on a positive note. 

• Master the Kiwi Slang

You can't miss out on the local slang if you're looking to interact with the locals and have a good time. It is the perfect way to blend in with the locals. Here are some standard Kiwi slang terms that you must know about. 

1. “Sweet as” – Everything’s good.
2. “Chur” – Thanks.
3. “Togs” – Swimsuit.
4. “Heaps” – A lot. (“That’s heaps good!”)

Who doesn’t appreciate when you are trying to make an effort to break the ice and initiate a friendly conversation? The use of such local slang will surely enable you to make many Kiwi friends. 

• Be Respectful 

You will only be respected if you respect others. When visiting New Zealand, it is essential to appreciate the land and its people. Kiwis deeply respect their Maori indigenous culture and the environment. Therefore, you must be open and respectful to the local customs. Additionally, it is best to practice the principle of “leaving no trace” while exploring this incredible destination. 

From hiking and exploring nature to exploring small towns and cities, keep in mind that you have to take care of the environment and put in maximum effort as a traveller. Always clean up after yourself and be extra mindful while exploring the protected areas. 

Moreover, learn some basic local greetings to initiate conversation with the locals and show your respect. Here are some greetings that you must know. 

1. Kia ora – Hello / Thank you
2. Haere mai – Welcome
3. Aroha – Love / Compassion

You will also come across many Maori marae (communal places) and tapu (sacred sites) during your time in New Zealand. Although you can visit them, you must be very mindful and respectful. Get permission before you enter these sites, and before taking any photographs. 

• Get Outdoors

Kiwis love the outdoors. They never miss out on a chance to spend time in the glorious landscapes and natural beauty. Therefore, you must be prepared to spend most of your time outdoors, regardless of the weather conditions. You might be stunned to see locals jogging while it's drizzling or paddleboarding even before breakfast. But this is how the locals here are. 

It is because the Kiwis prefer spending time outdoors that you will always find a park, trail, or beach, wherever you go, whether in a big city or a small town. If you want to make some new friends and connect more with nature, you can join a local for a weekend tramp (hike) or sign up for a community beach cleanup. 

• Shop at Weekend Markets and Eat Local

Can any experience be more local than shopping at the weekend markets and eating local? To truly feel like a local in New Zealand, you'll need to skip the touristy restaurants. Most towns in the country have a weekend market where you can find local produce, artisan cheese, and homemade goodies. These farmers’ markets are the perfect way to taste some fresh produce and local goodies that will surely become a vibrant part of your culinary experiences in the country. 

While you are in the country, you cannot miss out on local dishes like a hangi (a traditional Maori dish cooked in the ground), fresh green-lipped mussels, kumara fries, and of course, fish and chips. These are the local delicacies that Kiwis love and are a must-try. Locals in the country also grow their herbs and vegetables. Therefore, the food here is usually seasonal and sustainable. 

• Be Casual and Friendly 

New Zealand is renowned for its laid-back atmosphere and welcoming culture. The culture here is famously relaxed. Therefore, you must also try to be casual and friendly. You don’t have to worry about rigid formalities while interacting with the locals. You can address everyone on a first-name basis, no matter where you are, in a rural shop or a big city pub. The dress code is casual, too. You can roam around casually dressed, even in the big cities. 

Another thing you should know about Kiwis is that they are known for their understated sense of humour. If you hear someone say, “Yeah, not bad”, this means that it is perfect. 

• Travel Like a Local

You might not know this yet, but there is limited good public transport outside of big cities in New Zealand. It is minimal. Kiwis often rely on campervans or cars. So, if you want to travel around freely, consider renting a car. This will help you explore off-the-beaten-path attractions without any inconvenience. 

Other options you might consider include rideshare apps and intercity buses, like InterCity. It is a more budget-friendly option than renting a car. Locals also prefer carpooling, which is not only convenient but also environmentally friendly.

• Get Involved in the Community

Is there a better way to explore the country like a local than by getting involved in various community activities and events? You can volunteer,  join local sports clubs, or attend multiple community events. This is an excellent way to meet new people. To participate in such activities, you will need to be vigilant and look out for them. You can join the local Facebook groups or read posters in the cafes. 

If you are staying in New Zealand for an extended period, you will have numerous other opportunities to be part of the community. You can join a local yoga class, go to a rugby match, or attend a pub quiz night. New Zealand has an iconic rugby team named the All Blacks. It is practically the duty of every Kiwi to support it religiously, and many locals gather for the rugby matches whenever possible. 

• Embrace the “No Worries” Mindset

As we have already mentioned, New Zealand has a laid-back environment. Kiwis are also very friendly and have a no-worries mindset. Their easy-going and stress-free attitude will enable you to make countless friends during your time in the country. You will often hear people say “no worries” and “He/She will be alright.” These people tend to focus more on solving problems rather than dwelling on them. 

There is no denying that this is a contagious mindset, and you will likely feel as though it is growing on you as well. You will be able to shrug off little problems and look for solutions. Whether your ferry ride is delayed or it starts raining while you have some outdoor plans, you will shrug it off, and this is the only type of attitude that will make you feel like a local in New Zealand. This stress-free attitude will help you blend in and will also enhance your holiday experience. 

Check out my Youtube video about planning a New Zealand road trip!

Summing Up

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!

If you want to experience New Zealand as a local, you will have to embrace simplicity, friendliness, and stress-free behaviour. This is the only way to blend in with the locals and experience their way of life. Your time in the country should be all about slowing down and praising nature, even while you are indulging in adventurous retreats. Get ready to spend most of your time outdoors during your holiday in New Zealand, but before that, book your flight if you haven’t already. You can search for flights from the UK to New Zealand through Air New Zealand, British Airways, Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Lufthansa, and numerous other airlines.