Australians and New Zealanders may be neighbours, with similarities from their accent to their attitude, but there are still plenty of differences that’ll make your holiday here feel like a journey to a different world. So, jump in your Hertz rental car, cruise around the country and immerse yourself in Kiwi culture along the way! Let’s get into it.
Kia Ora! Experiencing Māori Culture
One thing you’ll notice in New Zealand is the strong presence of Māori traditions, which influence everything from the language to the cultural norms. You’ve no doubt witnessed the All Blacks perform the haka, which is perhaps the world’s best known example of how Māori culture remains celebrated and integrated into New Zealand’s national identity. Look out for street signs and names in Māori language, and consider going on a guided tour for a deep dive into the fascinating history of the people who first called this country home.
Know Your Jandals From Your Sandals
Like Australians, New Zealanders are huge fans of sandals. But while Aussies may call them ‘thongs’ or sometimes ‘flip flops’, Kiwis prefer ‘Jandals’. This began back in the 1950s when Morris Yock, a New Zealand businessman manufactured rubber thongs inspired by traditional Japanese zōri sandals. This influence extended to the name, which is a combination of ‘Japanese’ and ‘Sandal’. While ‘Jandal’ is actually a brand name, Kiwis use it as a generic term for all thongs/flip flops. Keep yours on in all situations (except maybe a nice restaurant!), and be prepared for this unfamiliar name, should anybody mention it.
Driving is a Little Different (In a Good Way)
When you’re driving around the country, especially in rural areas, you’ll notice that there aren’t a lot of wide, endless highways. Instead, you’ll find yourself on windy, narrow roads, which may be a little slower but will reward you with spectacular scenery. Also, speed limits tend to be lower, so always keep an eye on the speed limit and the speedometer to make sure you’re not reverting to Aussie driving habits.
Rugby is a Way of Life
Aussies love footy of all codes, and in the northern states, rugby reigns supreme, but over in NZ they take that love to another level. You can expect to see it being played in the park or mentioned in every pub, so if you know a thing or two about the game, feel free to share it.
Kiwi Slang
Australians certainly have a unique list of slang words and phrases, and so do New Zealanders. While we may share some phrases like ‘Sweet as’, you may hear something completely unfamiliar during your travels. Here are some to get you started:
Choice: A way of describing something that’s really good.
Chur: A casual way of saying thanks.
Dairy: A milk bar or convenience store.
Tu meke/Too much: The Māori way of expressing gratitude for generosity.
Togs: Swimmers or bathers.
Chilly Bin: An Esky
Bach: A small holiday house or beach shack.
There Aren’t Any Snakes
Aussies are used to keeping their eyes on the ground, walking with a heavy foot and avoiding long grass. In New Zealand, however, there are no native species of snakes whatsoever. This is due to the country’s isolation and unique ecosystem, which has remained free of land-dwelling snakes for millions of years. The only time snakes might be found in New Zealand is if they wash ashore as sea snakes, but these rare visitors don’t establish permanent populations. So, you’ll be relieved to know that you can wander to your heart’s content without having to watch your step!
Ready to Embrace Kiwi Culture?
In the end, Australians and New Zealanders, like all people around the world, are more similar than different. Those little differences between us are all part of what makes travelling so special, so prepare yourself for a journey into a place where the landscape and the people aren’t always exactly like they are at home. With a Hertz rental car, you’ll be able to really embrace the intricacies of our neighbours as you cruise from one fascinating place to another. Ready to go? Book your car today and start dreaming of New Zealand/Aotearoa today!
