5 Things You Didn’t Know About New Zealand
New Zealand is one of the most alluring places I have ever been.
It creates an essence of belonging to the Earth when you see explosions of mother-nature-induced artwork everywhere you turn.
Landing in Queenstown, New Zealand; January 2019
Still, there are some things that I didn’t know about New Zealand that both my dad and I wouldn’t have known before going or without the help of some of my Kiwi friends.
What Do I Need To Know Before Traveling to New Zealand?
New Zealand, while geographically close to Australia, is completely different than Australia – as it’s more about hiking and adventures as opposed to Australia’s cities and beaches.
The table below will breakdown more differences between Australia and New Zealand:
| Category | 🇦🇺 Australia | 🇳🇿 New Zealand |
|---|---|---|
| Currency | Australian Dollar (AUD) | New Zealand Dollar (NZD) |
| Border Control | Moderately strict; fruit and animal restrictions apply | Very strict — expect extra scrutiny on food, hiking gear, and even outdoor shoes |
| Vibe | Known for its iconic beaches, modern cities, and laid-back lifestyle | More rugged and nature-focused, with an emphasis on hiking, adventure, and landscapes |
| Population Size | Over 26 million people | Around 5 million people |
Here are five things to know before traveling to New Zealand:
1. New Zealand Calls Themselves the Purest Land on Earth… for a reason.
My dad and I flew into Queenstown from Melbourne. When we landed, the seat belt light didn’t turn off right away – and we all wondered what the holdup could be (especially given our flight wasn’t that full).
They announced on the loudspeaker that we had to momentarily wait to exit the plane because they thought a fly had snuck on board before departure.
With a boatload of confusion, I thought to myself,
“Uh… okay…”
A couple of minutes later, my dad and I heard the loudspeaker once more,
“Ah yeah, so we see that the fly did make his way on board with us from Melbourne… we’ll make the call and it’ll be about ten minutes.”
I turned to my dad,
“Are they… are they seriously call exterminators to –”
“I guess so!”
How Strict is New Zealand Border Control?
New Zealand is so strict with its border control, that they won’t even let a fly from a neighboring country breathe in their air. Other things you need to be careful upon arrival with are dirty shoes, produce, and even paintings.
Take it from me when I say their airport security and customs in New Zealand upon arrival is tight… it’s almost as invasive as Tel Aviv’s Airport in Israel.
2. The Highways Can Be One Lane Roads
If you’re planning a Kiwi road trip, be prepared that the roads can be single lanes in the majority of rural areas – especially on the South Island.
Driving the South Island in New Zealand; January 2019
3. Kiwi’s Like their Sarcasm
Any Kiwi (the proper term for “New Zealanders”) I have met has shown me their ways of implementing irony into their humor, and if you go to New Zealand – you’ll soon pick up on it too.
4. Adventure is New Zealand’s Middle Name
Want to go Bungee Jumping? Paragliding? Take a ride on a speedboat?
Kiwis are fans of having “heart in your throat” moments – there is an opportunity for a wild (potentially frightening!) experience at every corner.
People paragliding in Queenstown, New Zealand; January 2019
This is one of the many great things about New Zealand. It makes you feel alive.
5. You Can’t and Will Never be able to Prepare Yourself for What You’ll See…
Before you go to New Zealand, everyone will be articulating to you the unbelievable scenery that you’re about to see – but no matter how many stories you listen to or pictures you google beforehand… you will never be ready for how quickly its beauty going to blow your mind.
Queenstown, New Zealand; January 2019
Lake Pukaki in New Zealand; January 2019
Queenstown, New Zealand; January 2019
Queenstown, New Zealand; January 2019
If you’re looking for more things to do in New Zealand, click here.
Last updated: June 3, 2025