10 Things They Don’t Tell You About Moving To New Zealand

[@itscurlsbaby]

Please keep educating me in the comments, it's amazing to hear about your experiences! I am so proud to live in this country and I'm so happy to be learning more. If you have any recommendations on where I should explore and what I should make another video on, I would be absolutely delighted to hear. Thank you so much I will try my best to reply to everyone! Curls

[@bendavis6530]

Maybe 5 things you’ve stopped doing since moving to New Zealand? Or started? general lifestyle changes would be cool to hear. Or maybe your experience with the cost of living/rent difference here!

[@NZKiwi87]

If you’re a green smoker, I’d be interested to hear of any differences you’ve noticed in the cannabis 🍃 😉👍

[@w4rhammr498]

Fish n Chips in Welly are king

[@tomknight3243]

You forgot 2 very important things 1 if you don't support the ALL BLACKS Rugby Team you are consider a non KIWI/NEW ZEALANDER and 2 is that KIWI'S/NEW ZEALANDERS are considered Alcoholics from the amount of Alcohol they drink every week

[@jo2534]

I just subbed. Chur

[@vanessaouyang1220]

One of the things that I love about New Zealand, is that most of the shops have awnings/eaves. You can walk an entire length of street shops In the pouring rain and not need an umbrella.

[@jean-lucbuczinski143]

That's funny ! I miss umbrella's 🤣

[@albertsmith1032]

Depends on the town a bit. Properly-planned towns with no stupid anti-human setback bylaws do that. The new car-oriented buildings should be forced to have the carpark in the back IMO as in the front destroys the urban environment.

[@itscurlsbaby]

Hi Vanessa, this is such a great point and one of the first differences I noticed about NZ/Aus when arriving from the UK. I'll absolutely be mentioning this on a future video, thank you for reminding me!

[@GoldCoast85]

Since it rains so much I don't see why alot of outdoor car parks don't have the covers over them like in Australia which they do for the sun

[@RubyDoobieScoo]

@@jean-lucbuczinski143 no point owning an umbrella in Wellington, you'll lose it the first time you try to use it.

[@miked6651]

As a New Zealander, I can say that you're spot on with all of what you said about our country

[@itscurlsbaby]

Cheers Mike! Appreciate it

[@christopherharwood1316]

He didn't mention rugby lol.

[@GazzaWazza06]

Bro Here in Christchurch, I went around like 5-6 dairies looking for a steak n cheese pie and couldn't find one.

[@GazzaWazza06]

@@christopherharwood1316 Thats what I was thinking lmao

[@miked6651]

@@GazzaWazza06 Really? Here in Hastings pies are everywhere

[@lawfulchaotic8926]

In retrospect I now realise the obsession with birds, V, and pies is pretty unique. I appreciate those quirks a bit more now that you pointed it out

[@itscurlsbaby]

It's a great country with some great little quirks. Proud to be a part of it!

[@jlang]

I (NZer) understand the origin of pie love and bird love, but why V?? Especially when the coffee is so good??

[@jo2534]

@@soniam8709 Aussie birds are gangsters man!

[@soniam8709]

@@jo2534 True, very, very true.

[@maymellor7592]

Ozzy birds are loud like ozzys. 😆 soon as you get out of the airport all you can hear is crows or galahs.

[@jc238]

The pies here are awesome. One thing to note though for anyone moving to NZ and buying a house, If the house is 15+ years old it most likely won't have double glazing and little insulation. Houses are cold.

[@BioluminescenceOfTheSpirit]

Woah, who can afford houses in nz anymore?

[@brucegporter1088]

It's funny, I've heard exactly the same complaints about many old houses in Britain, that they are so cold in winter! And it's true! I've lived there and know from personal experience after living in a flat in Clapham London in a January...🥶

[@brucegporter1088]

@@BioluminescenceOfTheSpirit friends in the UK and US are saying exactly the same thing, housing over there is becoming unaffordable and rents are impossible. Try living in Hawaii or California...😟

[@craigshelton6577]

Spot on. When i was at Clyde Quay School, we often bought pies just for lunch with a top layer of mashed potato, delicious 🥧

[@russellking9762]

Is that in Brougham Street Mount Victoria?

[@craigshelton6577]

@@russellking9762 Yes, that's right, Brougham St. It was about 1969.

[@russellking9762]

@@craigshelton6577 I was in a Boarding House in Brougham St in the late 70's. Good times good pubs plenty of work Indian fruit shops on just about every corner..they sold the juiciest in peaches back then. Not the to tasteless fruit you buy in the supermarket now. I miss that time

[@russellking9762]

@@craigshelton6577 And the Taj Mahal toilets down the road

[@mirandahotspring4019]

As a Kiwi who has lived and worked overseas I have to say you are pretty spot on. I would only add an obsession with sports to your list. Few countries I have been to devote as much time to sports as we do, I mean at all ages and all levels, and also our love of the outdoors, whether it be fishing, hunting, surfing, diving, or just tramping.

[@gtanz8475]

I thought he would mention the rugby obsession but didn't

[@mirandahotspring4019]

@@gtanz8475 Probably didn't want to touch on religion...

[@peterrhodes5663]

When I arrived in NZ 43 years ago, I was welcome to the worlds largest sports club, by some of the locals. Half the TV news was sports coverage.

[@mirandahotspring4019]

@@peterrhodes5663 It still amazes me on every Thursday evening to see hundreds of kids with their mums and/or dads turn up to play sport at the Oval in Dunedin. I have never seen kids sport done on such a large scale anywhere else I have been.

[@mikeleonard2038]

I miss NZ. Your user name brings back fond memories as well. Grew up in Hunua, so trips to Miranda Hot springs were very common along with calling into the Kiaua fish and chip shop.

[@tutiens7943]

I live in Singapore for 30 years. I travel to NZ so often, repeated cities and towns. NZ has so many great things, Gosh! I could be the tourism ambassador! First, the Sauvignon Blanc is THE BEST in the world. The seafood? I could die in heaven! The water is sparkling & the air could cure illness, believe me 😁 But most of all, I fall in love with the vastness of Southern Island. Kia Ora 💕

[@rrocketman]

Those south island mountains are great 😎

[@cuzzytang]

Great to visit but to live in Singapore is better

[@lukaraa9278]

@@cuzzytang Singapore is too hot whole year round.

[@aaaduccs6667]

@@lukaraa9278 fr especially right now, I start sweating 5mins after I shower in my own home

[@reneemac111]

Absolutely true , Marlborough white wine is my choice. I live in Australia

[@sinisterscorpion1331]

I was half expecting to hear 10 negative things about NZ so it was a pleasant unexpected surprise to hear you putting NZ on a pedestal & in a good light to the rest of the world...Its an amazing paradise & im proud af to be a native NZer 🙌🏽🖤🇳🇿

[@imogentrupinic9350]

Pedestal.

[@imogentrupinic9350]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jp-7fImPYsScaMU

[@Longtack55]

Chur

[@undakvrecordssdv4868]

Very well spoken mbro,

[@Swamp72]

Yessir. Nz no. 1 🇳🇿🇳🇿🇳🇿

[@Sohel1907]

I stumbled upon your video and loved it. Great first impressions captured for someone who comes to the land of big white cloud. Thanks Curles. All the best❤ Aroha

[@rockvalenz]

I'm a new kiwi (17 years and counting) i have to say that apart of really good restaurants and coffee there's also really good craft beer, great wines, peanut butter, chocolates and so many other things, crafting simple things and taking them to a new high level seems to be the way to go here and people appreciate that! I do

[@Vlad-n9y8t]

Your no kiwi ,

[@dsrgalactix8806]

Who gives a rats tail ​@@Vlad-n9y8t

[@shaunmckenzie5509]

Wow, your Maori pronunciation is amazing. I've never heard a foreigner get it so accurate.

[@jonathanmckeage8222]

The lack of an accent helps

[@Honeygooyumy69]

@@jonathanmckeage8222 not really as the vowels are pronounced the same if we are talking European countries and other indigenous cultures around the world ..but if the main language is English ..then the pronunciation is going to be vastly different as the vowels are pronounced totally different

[@itscurlsbaby]

This is a huge, huge compliment. I honestly can't express how fulfilled I feel reading this comment. Thank you so much Shaun.

[@jonathanmckeage8222]

@@Honeygooyumy69 try telling a Irish man that

[@chargarland8962]

Yeah I noticed that too 🙂

[@wwiillll]

I like your positive attitude mate. People these days love to complain, you see the good, that's an asset that can't be bought. When I was travelling overseas the main thing I missed was the coffee! As for weather, you did choose the city with the worst weather in the whole country 😂 if I was going to add anything to your video, I would add that we have our own space program, have a currently legally dormant claim on a segment of Antarctica, play many more sports than just rugby, and have a legacy of incredible explorers, sailers and navigators, from Kupe, Tupaia and other legendary Polynesians to Frank Worsley, Edmund Hillary, Peter Blake and all our current awesome sea and land farers. Have you eaten a real Southern cheese roll yet? If not you're in for a treat

[@itscurlsbaby]

Wow mate some incredible facts here! Definitely going to make a video of Kiwi icons, Sir Edmund will be first on my list! I've had a cheese roll and I'm not joking, I was genuinely blown away by how delicious it was. Kiwi ingenuity at its absolute finest - simple, yet so, so effective! Cheers for your kind words man

[@laurengarrigan774]

Yes to a cheese roll. Come down and explore Canterbury, it's a gateway to all things adventurous in the South Island!

[@miaj5118]

What's a currently legally dormant claim in Amtartica mean?

[@deewalker6944]

4 seasons in one day is about right !pleased to have u in our awesome country.

[@itscurlsbaby]

What a lovely thing to say, thank you Dee!

[@susanscott8653]

This is about right. If you don't like the weather, wait 5 minutes - it will change!😂

[@delwynjenkins3581]

Chippies are what children call potato chips so Parents do alot. Add lots of freshly squeezed lemon juice & cracked pepper to the onion dip.

[@mattstevens7601]

I was born in NZ and have never heard anyone calling crisps chippies. They're chips! Everything else - accurate 👍. I enjoyed hearing your ten points. I'm in europe and am definitely learning how much NZ supermarkets suck in comparison to here!! But I am really missing the clear drinking water, clean air and the COFFEE!!

[@marilynvanderstar8340]

You forgot to add vinager to the dip

[@brummiejojo]

Yes chippies. Everywhere. I've lived here 17 years and hear the term chippies daily.

[@Bashertxo]

Nah bro. Chippies is correct.

[@Fifty8day]

Who the f calls them chippies !!? I’m 65 and all my they have been called chips

[@rachymarie]

Chippies are for kids. We grown-ups just call literally everything chips. And McDonald's forced "fries" onto us but we still call them chips once out of earshot. At least they know the kiwi word for McDonald's is Maccas. Anywho, chips are defined by what you put with them - e.g.: Fush n chups (fish n chips) Chips and dip (kiwi onion, ofc)/bag of chips And lastly, chips/hot chips But they are all chips to us. Only exception is wedges. Hope that helps P.s. Google/KZbin ghost chips for a classic kiwi meme/ad gone viral

[@gillyvean]

Despite my being in the UK New Zealand is the center of my universe, I had a deeply profound experience in the very North which I won't go into but I feel like I'm home whenever I'm in NZ. I wish I had visited earlier in my life before it was too late to consider relocating. I do think that Kiwis have such a deep rooted civic pride and respect for the governance of the country they hold that most Brits need to think long and hard about whether they have the right mindset to fit in (I include myself in that). An example is littering; we were there a few weeks ago and saw no litter, none, nothing. Not a Macdonalds wrapper, not a Coke tin, not a newspaper. Nothing. We witnessed a group of young lads eating their meal and diligently picking up every piece of litter and taking it with them. I defy anyone from the UK to honestly say that they do the same. This respect for the place is in every direction you look. Yes I'm sure that you could take me places and show me a darker side but I'm talking averages here, everywhere you look in the UK you see litter, graffiti, destitution, a grey soulless monotony. In the UK you need to look for the good, for the clean, for the unblemished. In NZ it is every direction you turn.

[@ndyaarthurmartha8748]

I am from the UK and I do pick up my litter every time. and when I used to smoke, I would keep the cigarette stub in my coat pocket until I found a trash bin and my coat would smell so bad 😀

[@dannie2712]

You ever been to South Auckland mate? Plenty of litter there and grafitti/tagging is everywhere. There's also some streets that you can't walk alone at night if you're the wrong colour you will get jumped, severely beaten and robbed.

[@debbieosmond5018]

New Zealand is not clean and green at all!, very sad to say as it’s my home!

[@franceshorton918]

It's true that every country has its underbelly areas of crime, poverty, graffiti, and ugly urban schlock buildings, BUT in New Zealand the bad is diluted by a huge quantity of good. And often in the small towns, the people and the built environment look uncared for BUT they will help you if you're in difficulty. Hearts of gold. In NZ you can never judge by appearances.

[@wellingtonian2009]

Sadly the main downtown area of Auckland is full of litter and graffiti. It never use to be this bad

[@melancholycollie1466]

When I moved out to the middle of Canterbury, the one thing I missed in the morning was the sound of birds. I grew up in Auckland next to a Native Bush, the sound of birds rising with the sun.

[@socks2441]

cicadas and crickets are also great ambience.

[@Connor6569]

Plenty of magpies around where I am in Canterbury unfortunately

[@isaacwilkinson7349]

And puekekos if you near a creek/swamp

[@mastermr_matt]

Ngl, sounds familiar, I’m from west Auckland (in the waitaks) and I’ll soon be moving to the selwyn district

[@melancholycollie1466]

@@Connor6569 many magpies out in Selwyn 😅

[@rawirikapa-hakeney3606]

Your pronunciation of Māori words is awesome man, really impressed

[@itscurlsbaby]

Kia ora Rawiri, thank you so much for saying that and taking the time to comment. Really appreciate that a lot!

[@TomGreenMan]

As a Pom, here for 30 years, I'd have to agree with Rawiri. Ka Pai!!!

[@princessadora]

@@itscurlsbaby except you pronounced it more maori than the local euros would, you might get side eyed a bit from the white people

[@Mike-pb7tk]

​@@princessadoraeven the local Maori don't pronounce it right, only 3% of Maori even speak enough of it to have a conversation.

[@Victoria49357]

NZer here born and bred... You are spot on 🤣 especially about the Supermarket food 😮‍💨

[@itscurlsbaby]

New World & Countdown the bane of our lives hey! Appreciate your comment mate

[@cheetaih]

@@itscurlsbaby The only explanation is New Zealand does not have the population to support more choices at the supermarkets.

[@olig1851]

​@@itscurlsbaby bloody countdown😭

[@kelst75]

Don't forget the sausage sizzles outside shops. A sausage in a piece of white bread with tomato sauce(and maybe fried onions if you're lucky), heaven!

[@robnormann]

My wife and I travelt from North to South back in 2018/2019 and it was the jurney of our lives! Such a beautiful country and people. We want to go back when our kids get a little older! New Zealand - what a beautiful country!

[@rongoretimana7879]

Nice vid. My oldest daughter has been living in the UK for about 6 years, she missed onion dip so much that we had to send her the ingredients. Her UK flat mates thought she was mad until they tasted it. All now converted !!

[@joecollins2108]

Salt and vinegar chips and dip can't go wrong 😁

[@killermajaro364]

@@joecollins2108 Yep it has to be salt n vinegar

[@vanevanesa5321]

As an Argentinian(so you can understand my point.. haha)...Why would a kiwi moved out to another country? What do kiwis look for..when the decide to live overseas?

[@krisby1]

the ingredients are already there, just with different names. They have Maggi and other soups, and their reduced cream is called extra thick cream, produced by Nestle from memory. I lived there twice, totalling 14 years, so I had to find a cheaper option than the shop at New Zealand House. Secrets too, add some herbs, vinegar, turmeric, chili flakes, or whatever you want, to your onion dip, changes the experience if you don't like basic dip.

[@mihismith]

Haha love your “weather” description! And your Māori pronunciation is top notch bro.

[@itscurlsbaby]

Thank you so much! Will be starting Te Reo lessons soon.

[@lisastackhouse3357]

As New Zealander I definitely agree with everything you said about our lovely country New Zealand is definitely a beautiful and quirky place to be but nonetheless I am proud to be a kiwi 🇳🇿❤

[@itscurlsbaby]

Thank you Lisa, you're totally right New Zealand is both beautiful and quirky... and that's exactly why it's so great. Proud to be here!

[@lisastackhouse3357]

I’m glad you’re loving it here in our beautiful country I hope you enjoy all that our country has to offer!

[@Jthom67992]

Beautiful country but way too much crime... the government has fucked us over

[@dprcontracting6299]

@@Jthom67992 Jesse, no disrespect but you are showing here how little you have traveled if you think that. Sure there's crime but compared to a lot of countries we are pretty lucky. Nothing really to do with what party is in power. Don't be sucked in by what the media are telling you, stats show it is actually dropping.

[@Jthom67992]

@@dprcontracting6299 compared to other New Zealanders I am very well traveled. I have been all over Europe and America and have experienced many different places. And yes while we are no where near the crime rate of America its still quite outrageous. The kids are out of control, doing ram raids and robberies. And no it's quite the opposite, the media has been portraying it as non important and ok while it's in fact not. And it's all because of Jacinda. She's created more division in this country than ever before...

[@TayMcKenzieNZ]

As a NZer myself, this list is shockingly true, and I appreciate you pronouncing "Maori" correctly. One thing I have noticed as both a NZer and someone who doesn't care all too much about sports is, when you're watching the news on TV, NZ is very divided on whether or not to watch the sports section. If you don't watch rugby you "suck" so it's safer to just say "Yeah, All Blacks!" lol.

[@kathilisi3019]

I'm not into rugby, but I'll happily watch any game just for the All Blacks' haka.

[@SuperLifestream]

This is a "i live in the north island in a city list". 33% of NZers live in the south island. I grew up in CHCH. then moved out of it in 2017 into a town with 20k people. I will never want to live in CHCH or a major city again. Its a hell hole thats trying to be a north island city. Craming as many people in as they can. Rural NZ is 1000x better. Everything you need can be ordered or is an hour drive away to a city if needed

[@richarddevaottien7724]

He actually said maori wrong, as do most maoris and Kiwis. The old 1970s pronunciation was correct😮

[@M711-n5n]

​@@richarddevaottien7724 happy new year bro 2024❤

[@katback1678]

“it takes about 3 hours so lots of people choose to fly".... as an American that is hilarious. Great tips! Sounds like I'm not going to have any problems at all on that front

[@Damon_NZ]

I lived most of my life in Wellington and I got used to the wind as being just "the weather" but then I moved to Whanganui and I do not miss the wind or the city. When it is windy here, it is noticeable as it is the exception and it is always a few degrees warmer. I think the one Starbucks in Wellington is for the tourists, there are over 90 cruise ships visiting Wellington in a season. I don't know anybody local who would choose it over any number of alternative, good and cheaper coffee shops on offer. Great content

[@jarrodwilson4091]

Where bouts is the starbucks?

[@NevilleCropp]

@@jarrodwilson4091 Bank Arcade cnr Lambton and Willis

[@NevilleCropp]

Lived most of my life in Wellington but moved to the BOP. Can't get use to leaving things like carboard boxes outside and its still there in the morning.

[@goodvibesonly6161]

I really appreciate how you pronounce Maori and Tui correctly, most foreigners say Marry or they don't roll the R's . Good work man keep up the content

[@weskrplays444]

right? that was solid

[@ralphwiggum3463]

just goes to show other lazy kiwis who say they cant pronounce it correctly, anyone can!!

[@ianthei25]

I've actually found British people make more of an effort to pronounce Maori words properly and say Maori greetings than most white new Zealanders! Quite interesting actually

[@brianharris8055]

He didn’t mention the division between the races exploding created by Jacinta and the Communist Labour outfit

[@ralphwiggum3463]

@@brianharris8055 theres always been division in New Zealand. NZ has racism spread throughout the country, maori have always been discriminated against. they tried to destroy maori culture but thankfully they failed and most kiwis now see how devistating it has been to them. the same thing with LGBT issues, theres many hateful bigoted people in NZ. certainly has nothing to do with Jacinta

[@NyreeAlana]

One thing that immigrating Brits always used to complain about was our housing's lack of insulation and central heating. Less now I think, because, if you can afford it, newer houses are adequately insulated and heated, mostly by heat pump/air conditioning. If you don't have a newer house, it's gonna feel like it's colder than the UK. Wellington has some of the craziest weather, particularly in summer. one year that I lived there, it pretty much went straight from spring to autumn (in temperature) and totally missed summer! Another year, in the height of summer, I was wearing a duffle coat one day and a singlet the next, such are the extremes! As much as I love Wellington, I do prefer the Auckland temperatures 😊

[@lindascott6902]

and I just don’t understand that complaining. I lived in Cambridge, where it doesn’t rain that much, and the houses were cold and damp. Radiators and a tiny boiler do not keep even a small house warm!

[@scottmorrison.1668]

How's the scam that is climate charge I mean change going for you? Power bills expensive yet?

[@NyreeAlana]

@@lindascott6902 Cambridge in NZ or UK?

[@NyreeAlana]

@UniversalExpanse it's definitely an interesting difference, but perhaps not necessarily something that generally affects someone who's immigrating, which is probably why it didn't make his top 10.

[@pashakdescilly7517]

The wind in the Wellington area is a factor, particularly if you are on the south coast or pass Ngauranga Gorge frequently... I used to ride a motorbike between Wellington and the Hutt Valley, and would often have a wrestle with the wind. Went to the UK, and was riding around on a blowy night. It was a bit of a wrestle, but no prob. People the next day simply could not believe I had been riding a bike in that storm. Wellington practice!

[@maltnz]

Nothing between us and Antartica - so yes - can be cold when wind is from the south.

[@Becoming0ne]

I am a Kiwi who was born, grew up, got married and started my family in Wellington, New Zealand. I live in Australia now but you had me laughing so often throughout this because all except for the bird one, I would say, you were completely accurate! Haha. (The birds here in Australia are something else - big and very, very noisy).

[@barba5537]

I think that is why we are so obsessed with birds. Native NZ birds are very musical. English birds sound pretty boring in comparison. But yes aust ones take the prize for just too much yelling.

[@M711-n5n]

I agree birds in Aussie suck ..they look cool ..but so fkn noisy..I used to tell the missus when I meet her about how beautiful the dawn chorus was in NZ compared to Australia..it wasn't till I finally brought her home that she understood 😊 Chur to the birds of Aotearoa (every time I hear and Aussie bird scawk...I think of you ) ❤

[@rebeccahunter5862]

Why did you move from NZ to AUS? We are moving to AUS with work from the UK but would rather go NZ

[@Becoming0ne]

@@rebeccahunter5862 so many reasons, better weather = better lifestyle. Better standard of housing, more opportunities for jobs, education, entertainment etc. Easier to get ahead here financially. I love NZ, it will always have my heart and will always be ‘home’ but Australia has been so good to us. So many family and friends of family and family of friends of family have moved here after us. It’s just better. Sad but true.

[@janrandle2896]

Well they're Australian aren't they?

[@petecollins4925]

Spot on about the restaurants, coffee and the birds! Spent nearly 6 weeks travelling around both islands back in 2018 as part of a mega round the world journey - a late retirement treat for myself as you have plenty of time on your hands for the first time in life. Absolutely loved the country, found some great beer and some very friendly folks at the Rotorua bowls club (couple of dollars for temp membership to access the bar) and some incredibly matey and helpful locals on the South Island's west coast. I liked the supermarkets, made a nice change from the vast Tesco and Asda aircraft hangars home in the UK. Planes and boats but not many trains, absolutely!

[@franceshorton918]

@petecollins4925 Great to read your thoughts about NZ Pete. Thanks for coming so far just to visit us --- waaaay --- down here ! My parents emigrated from London in 1949 after WW II with my two elder brothers. They thought it was HEAVEN ON EARTH : ) There was fresh meat, butter, milk [free for school children] and coffee. There were good leather shoes, good warm coats in the shop to buy, and fruit and vegetables were plentiful and affordable. Any you didn't have to queue. No surprise that I arrived 9 months after my Mum and Dad started eating good food again ! Haha I'm so grateful that my parents did this for us children. I was in the UK for 3 years with my husband, loved the history, and met all the relatives, but our hearts were in Kiwi country. We came back and this has been our best life and our best place. Hey, come and visit us again ! Haere Mai 🙂

[@Theodisc]

Thanks for being so kind about us. You are learning, _n'est-ce-pas?_ 😋Oh, and thx also for not mentioning Rugby, lol. I was just over the Rubgy by the time I turned seven. Us Kiwis are a somewhat parochial bunch: We don't make fusses, we don't stick our heads above the field (tall poppy) and we would never approach an outlander celebrity if we saw one. We cross the road (this is why they come here). We go on about loud brash *Americans* but we don't realise we actually mutter and mumble when *we* speak (possibly because of some of the things I brought up before). Some add-ons to your salient ten points: 1) Birds are fowls, even counting the little ones and the cognate in german for fowl is Vogel. We have a heavy nutritious loaf called Vogels Bread, it's full of seeds and Kiwis will pay a shitload for these if they are overseas. You have a version licensed in the UK but it is too light. it ain't Vogels. 2) Our meat pies do rock so much so that I had to pop down to the dairy outside my block after you raised these just to jam one in. Some entrepreneur should take Kiwi pies and launch a pie chain in America. They don't even know what a proper pie is there, they think its a tart, like the french do. Now, I wouldn't go anywhere near there but someone should go and reap in the moulah with Kiwi pies up in there. 👍🏽And yes, we do do desks of these. Hot ones: pies and/with hot desks. 3) Kiwis prefer Columbian arabicas coffee beans. Yes we do make the cheap instant shit that tastes like Weetbix, but we also do do coffees. The good good ones.☕ 4) Kiwis' humours. My mates were at a party in LA having a good time with the local lads and one of 'em told an American dude there that he thought he was a "good cunt". Well, you barely hear them say this noun up there and when they try to say it it comes out funny, and this recipient dude took real offence. He was paid the highest compliment, Kiwi style. They decided this fellah was alright so he's the "good cunt", standard. 😆 6) Dunno what you mean by chippies. The chippy is where you get takeaways. I think you misheard what Kiwis think they are saying as "chips" as actual "chups". Like, "Fush end chups"? Thanks for the upload. You rock, mate 🙏👍🏽

[@Andy_M986]

Number 2,there are a few Kiwis and Aussies have set up shops in the States,still in its infancy,but there is room for growth, saw a video,and they were constantly packed. That was before Covid.

[@itscurlsbaby]

So grateful for the information you've given me here mate! So much I didn't know, the fact about the Vogel translation is awesome, I had no idea about that! So so true about the Kiwi humour too haha. Chippies is a weird one it seems to divide opinion among my mates, but in New World I've definitely seen a sign for 'chippies' on the crisps/chips aisle!! Thanks again for your comment man I really appreciate your effort, that's made my day.

[@UrbanKiwiana]

+Lol nicely said

[@sharonmcauley8735]

@Rob ghost chips marmite and chippy sandwiches

[@Nahimokthanks]

As a Kiwi who has lived in Canada, I can say that driving around New Zealand is a lot easier and faster than in Canada 😅 We love a roadtrip and only fly when we have to. Otherwise you pretty much nailed us

[@ronterei3411]

The roads are atrocious, potholes everywhere, road works, orange cones for miles,State Hwy closed in the North for 2 years and no long term fix.It’s best you purchase a 4 x 4 as this Government and previous have not kept up with infrastructure and maintenance, roads are becoming dangerous, the current solution is lowering of speed limits 😂

[@ronterei3411]

Road trip pretty expensive $2.73 a litre today, government investing in bike paths rather than fixing the roads.

[@dannie2712]

​​@@ronterei3411those long 50km speed limit roads that used to be 60km or 70km are a pain in the arse. Most people I see still do 60km+ on them and haven't seen hardly anyone getting pulled over by the Police.

[@alanonline32]

Great to see a positive commentary, and glad you've been enjoying the country - I mean, sure there's things that can get you down about the place, but it's really just bloody nice to see some enthusiasm at times on here! Speaking of pies, if you haven't come across it before... just pop "Funny Police Ten 7 Moments NZ | Always Blow on the Pie!" into that search bar up there and yeah, see the depth of seriousness we take those pies 😂 Have enjoyed living overseas, but hey - there's really no place like home eh? Thanks for the reminder of both the quirks and special things that make us uniquely what we are mate 👍

[@theobankers4653]

Great video... "safer communities together!"

[@theMadKingBrother]

You’re such a sweetheart. Thank you for the tips!! 😊

[@g.n.6981]

#11 is one of the best places on earth, I've freaking loved to live there. Natural Pristine beauty, amazing and gentle locals. Best year of my life!

[@gaius_enceladus]

NZer here - good video! One thing you missed that I think people should know about - our *dairy products* - milk, ice-cream, yoghurt, cheese. We make some of the best dairy products in the world! The ice cream here (not the supermarket stuff but the stuff from dairies and ice-cream places) is amaaaazing! Oh, and also our bread - we make pretty darned good bread here too!

[@itscurlsbaby]

Hey mate, thanks so much! Great shout about the dairy products. It's a really interesting and complex scenario that they happen to be so expensive in the supermarkets despite being such a fundamental feature of the agriculture here. You're definitely right about the ice cream too - it's delicious. Worth a video in itself hey!

[@thedon9670]

@@itscurlsbaby and for a country surrounded by water, fish is farkin expensive. So is milk cuz its priced based on what they can sell it for overseas. Its a travesty really. No wonder people are getting less healthy.

[@ekspatriat]

NZ cheese is bland and expensive unless you buy artisan whish is good and very expensive.

[@kiwiangel1976]

So true. Mainland tasty is the best cheddar in the world! Take that France 🥇

[@barbra7562]

As a Brit who now lives in New Zealand I loved this.

[@itscurlsbaby]

Cheers Barbara! Means a lot to hear that

[@TheSoundofU]

Hi Curls, I'm a Kiwi (born in Timaru, South Island & grew up in Auckland). totally agree with your observations/ experiences. Supermarkets are improving, but the prices are diabolical. Costco won't help create a price war as such...it will be just a battle for supply & customers. The consumer will still get hit by their greed. Travel is disgraceful in NZ. A lot of train services have been withdrawn in many sectors. Tourist Bus services have been reduced...and Covid didn't help this. I love the absolute greenery, lakes, fjords, beaches & the real plus for us is the almost total lack of deadly spiders & snakes. You can lie on the grass & beaches and need not fear, accept for the chip-staved seagull & ever increasing dog population. (I love dogs, but take beaches like Takapuna, the dogs can outnumber the bathers...), and don't get me started on the blight of Road-Cones 🤣 Banks are becoming few & far between if you want real service. There is an ongoing battle for the roads between bicycles & cars. If they want us out of cars, it won't be pollution (cleaner running vehicles), no it will be congestion, but moving commuters to buses, trains & bikes is really only moving the populous into another mode & doesn't ease congestion. Try catching a bus up Anzac Avenue/Symonds Street during peak-hour and you have 1,000's of cyclists in the bus-lane holding up buses (no-win). I guess it is give & take. We are still lucky to have one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Most countries have their attractions, (and being chilled-out in a cafe) I think we have more than our share. Cheers 👍😎

[@itscurlsbaby]

Hey mate! Thank you so much for this comment, this has taught me a lot and I definitely agree with you on the parts I know about. I was truly gutted when they cancelled some of the scenic trains, especially as it was just before I was due to travel from Christchurch up to Picton. A real shame, but hey, we have been in difficult times recently so it's no great surprise. Hopefully now tourism is coming back we'll see some of these impacts mitigated, but who knows. You make a great point about banks too, I remember a few months ago when BNZ was down for a few hours on a Saturday, it was chaos and there was nothing that we could do other than wait it out! Thanks again for your feedback and enjoy the rest of your day! Curls

[@anon7705]

Keep hearing about the commerce commission reviewing the super market duopoly situation. Nothing ever happens to sort it

[@TheSoundofU]

@@anon7705 it isn't that easy. I wish. Costco won't even sort this. Monopolies came into play under a previous government & trying to untangle this is quite a legal battle. It certainly won't pricing in the short term. I shop around to get a deal. It also comes down to what you are buying and where. Countdown are certainly not being fair with customers, or clients. You ask anyone who has been blocked from trading with Countdown.

[@anevilstripper6095]

I've been wondering why the local banks have been closing down, do you know why?

[@TheSoundofU]

@@anevilstripper6095 banks are moving more towards cashless society. This is hard on senior citizens that relied on cheque books. Besides this with everything switching to online banking it makes sense for them to close branches...not something I like, but very much the direction banks are taking.

[@audreytrotman2508]

This is the best clip I've ever seen. Great work. Love the positivity and style

[@kokokiki6310]

You have to add about a teaspoon and abit of brown vinegar to the onion dip too, gives it the tangy flavour

[@seansmates]

also seen a teaspoon of malt vinegar for the same effect

[@susanscott8653]

I say 2 teaspoons of the vinegar of your choice - I like malt or white personally.

[@Goodkiwibloke]

Vinegar and some mustard powder (not very much)

[@sloth8632]

Balsamic vinegar.

[@elizabethbaird3604]

I add lemon juice and a large pinch of curry powder. 🤤

[@marionannmacredie]

Haha😁 how on earth did u show up on my feed!! Things I don’t know about my own country.👍🏽

[@MrRamyon74]

Forgot the lemon or malt vinegar in the onion dip lol

[@maggie-dm2kz]

Ive never put lemon in it l will have to try that .

[@MrRamyon74]

@@maggie-dm2kz lemon juice is best imo:-)

[@michles9776]

Not needed..

[@James-nx2sn]

Noooo!

[@James-nx2sn]

Are you from the West Island?

[@Ynsin69]

Birds! Absolutely. There's a family of Rainbow Parakeet that live outside our flat. They learned how to laugh at people from a school nearby. It's also worth noting that plane trips are a huge luxury in NZ unless you're just sickeningly wealthy, and cars are widely accepted as the normal unless you live specifically in Wellington or Auckland. Most of us Kiwis spend a week or two with family or friends driving up and down the country to see all the cool stuff, cooking by campfire or barbeque. I personally drove up the entire South Island in 11 hours a few years ago.

[@rebeloftheeast]

Loris laughing at people sounds hilarious! xD

[@emikiwi]

Are you joking re plane trips?? I live in Wellington and most of the time it would cost me way more in petrol to drive to Auckland than fly. Can often get flights one way for under $100 - couldn't drive there for that!

[@Ynsin69]

@@emikiwi No, I'm not joking. I'm from Dunedin and a quick Google has confirmed that our ticket prices to fly to Wellington start at just under $400 for a budget flight, then go from over $400. Dunedin doesn't typically fill a plane, so our ticket prices are higher. Wellington and Auckland have a large population base and often fill planes, which allows for cheaper ticket prices. This is why I specifically named Auckland and Wellington as exceptions to the high prices in my first comment.

[@lindsaycurnow4809]

Lorikeets aren't local, some have snuck over from Aussie & unfortunately they attack our birds.

[@jjkanal640]

I want to move to NZ from australia, i understand the low wages and high housing prices but i have had enough of the busy, chasing a high professional job type of life. Im married and want to have kids, i love nature, i love hiking, i love cool weather and i love kiwis, every kiwi i met are the greatest people ever.

[@똥쌀짜식]

nz weather is better weather, cool is better than hot most of the time. and we don't have a real risk bush fire but have earthquakes. I lived in Australia 24 years ago. stinking hot weather I couldn't stand. It can be nice some times but I found its hard to do things daily as i feel it too hot. and comes with large cockroaches as a package....

[@trevorbeamsley9967]

Haha - You nailed it with pies, chips & dip and cans of V. Another unique thing is that we dedicate half of the daily News hour to sports (cricket & rugby)

[@shirleymckinnon6352]

Yep, now live in AUS and have never had the quality of pies over here. Always always when back in NZ buy a pie.

[@DaysOfFunder]

Actually one important observation that might be harder to really understand is kiwis inability to complain as a culture. Behind closed doors yes. But we tend not to complain in public. Tall poppy syndrome is really the key, it's quite frustrating in nz sometimes cause everyone is kinda "just going with the flow" and we can be abused for that. Supermarket pricing for example is because kiwis don't complain in public.

[@maryfrances8959]

Not allowed to complain in public now.....everything is hate speech...sigh

[@ahorrell]

Yeah tall poppy is a real thing. New Zealanders have a much lower threshold for arrogance. Behaviour that is normal in the US or Aussie, kiwis will think it is arrogant.

[@OverEverything438]

Truth. I'm guilty of always complaining about something when at home or on a drive. Never in public.

[@pinballrobbie]

It's because there is a two party monopoly with supermarkets and some other products also that controls high prices. Despite this I would not live anywhere else.

[@Mike-pb7tk]

​@@ahorrellwhat? You jest.. arrogance is rife around here, gangs think they own everything, elite larger tribe members taking for themselves and walking all over the smaller tribes. You will be attacked for wearing the wrong colour in the wrong town. This place is full of arrogance and violence.

[@Kjane.]

It's Only a 9hrs drive from Auckland to Wellington, if on cruise control. That's an enjoyable walk in the park for most of us. Ive driven down for a pie once, when 7mths pregnant, didn't tell anybody I was going - or coming, either. ♥

[@DaedricNZ]

I don't know anyone who would consider that drive a walk in the park lol, a one way trip is a whole ass day basically.

[@Brian_Saginashvili_]

9 hours? Do you take the scenic route via Stewart Island?

[@Kjane.]

@@Brian_Saginashvili_ hiya! Nope, straight down the middle, through taupo on state highway 1. Its basically a 7hr drive, but I love the scenery, so always cruise at my own leisure & make frequent stops to enjoy the beauty of my country. Ya just ain't a kiwi, if ya don't love a good ol' "road trip" :)

[@Brian_Saginashvili_]

@@Kjane. You must be a Driving Miss Daisey type? Lol! 30 years travelling between Aklnd & Welli. 7 hours is the norm with a heap of stops( The obligatory Taupo stop for a feed!) Still a beautiful drive(In Summer)

[@Froggability]

Cruise control? Only for a few sections with double lanes, beside that gotta keep a keen eye on the road ahead!

[@juliaconnell]

wow - was expecting a lot of negative things, thank you. couple of things about the classic kiwi dip 1) it is better the next day - leave it in the fridge, it's ok fresh mixed (no whipping involved, simply mix the two together) 2) (or maybe this is just me) I like a squeeze of lemon as well - but maybe that's not so common. 3) I have never ever heard anyone in NZ refer to them as "chippies" - biccies (biscuits, yes) - chippies, no. as for 'it's cold compared to Australia' - oh YES - why I live in NZ

[@Rollie-go]

Yeah its 'chips'

[@TheKL105]

We used to call them chippies when we were kids it now I'm much older would mean pkt of chips or "chippies"as opposed to hot chips if that makes sense..?.. they call them crisps in the UK is that correct?..and apparently a chippie is slang for a builder or carpenter in Aus I think..

[@robynirons194]

I've never had lemon in onion dip, although I was about to say that he missed out a "splash of vinegar" in his description. Lemon sounds awesome!

[@piaogilvie8463]

Great video! Your Aussie experience video made me wish for more, and yay, here you are in N.Z😊

[@shirleycheong6329]

Oh wow, thank you for your advice. I just returned to OZ from a visit to NZ South Island and fell in love with it! Definitely going back for more! ❤️❤️❤️ What a beautiful country 🤩 One more pointer to add, they are currently experiencing a dire shortage of staff so a bit of patience and understanding would go a long way 🙌

[@shannareeder5847]

As a Kiwi this cracks me up. 100% correct I reckon. Ka pai on your pronunciation of Te Reo by the way. If you can do it after only 3 years of living here it just shows how easy it is. Nice one.

[@itscurlsbaby]

Thank you Shanna! Appreciate your comment. You're absolutely right, a little bit of effort goes a long way!

[@hoematica5841]

This dude got the tea 🤣😂 me and bestie are sitting here in our flat in Mt.Wellington like daaaamn who sent this guy? 🤣😂 awesome video dude 👏🏼

[@itscurlsbaby]

Haha thank you so much!! Glad to be of service, more to come for sure!

[@The_Rogue_1]

As a kiwi I laughed so much at how accurate all this is. 🤣

[@itscurlsbaby]

😂😂 Glad to hear it!

[@bogami2126]

Nice

[@RaywinSmart]

Bro, thank you for honoring our culture, especially our indigenous people. Arohanui❤

[@arthurthomasware5004]

I lived there from 1971 -1973. Sound pretty right, Curls. A few things have obviously changed. Coffee shops were pretty well non-existent back then, and 'V' hadn't arrived. As for the rest, you're descriptions ring true. Of course, the big difference is the increase in population and people covering a wide range of cultures coming in. When I lived in Auckland the population was 600,000 and in all that time I only ran into a traffic jam once - when there's been a major pile up on the harbour bridge. The whole country's population stood at around 3 million.

[@margerymanukau3821]

Kia ora bro,hope to see more of your honest views,opinions and experiences of Aotearoa,btw chips n dip always great for an invite to any kiwi BBQ mii brav 😉👍😎

[@itscurlsbaby]

Kia ora!! What a lovely comment, thank you so much. No surprise to hear this coming from a Kiwi, have an awesome day my friend!

[@BBeeeeeee]

One thing I think you forgot to mention about Cook Strait (the stretch of water between the North and South Islands) is just how dangerous a crossing it can be. Sometimes they'll cancel the ferries. There used to be a dolphin that would escort the ferries as they traveled. He eventually became protected by law after someone tried to kill him (Pelorus Jack). NZ also has this really weird thing of getting wrapped up in stories and then going "wait, what happened to X?" I can remember when Happy Feet, a penguin who was eating sand and stones, was taken in and rehabilitated. There was basically a new news story about him every other day. He was finally released in the ocean, with a tracker. It suddenly went dead one day, scientists figured "Oh well, must've been eaten by a whale", and most people responded with a "Oh well, that is life". Also Marmageddon, the shortage of marmite....and people saying there is still marmite from South Africa, but it didn't taste the same!

[@BBeeeeeee]

Another thing I forgot was how many volcanos the North Island has. Chances are that mountain is a volcano. Auckland is a hotbed for volcanic activity and has over 100 vents I think. Lake Taupo? Super volcano. The three national park mountains? All volcanos. Mount Taranaki? Volcano. Mount Maunganui in Tauranga? Yup, you guessed it, volcano. If you haven't yet I also suggest looking into Maori myths and legends. They have many stories about these places. Like how the Waikato river used to run one way but now runs another. Why Mount Maunganui is right on the edge of the sea. Maui is always a fun one, although the story of how he dies might get you demonetized lol

[@weehudyy]

@@BBeeeeeee I have returned to NZ after decades away , I live in Dunedin on the side of Mt Cargill with an amazing view of the city and the countryside . Idescribed it to a friend as ' an extinct volcano ' another friend , a geologist piped up ... ' Well , strictly speaking there is NO SUCH THING as an ' extinct ' volcano ... ' Ahh yes, life on the Shaky Isles

[@theendresult6404]

Yes, I remember when Happy Feet got turned into a Happy Meal, sad day.

[@BBeeeeeee]

@@weehudyy Gotta love living in the Ring of Fire! To be honest I don't know what I'd do without a volcano nearby, or at least a mountain range to see. I come from Hamilton, where Mount Pirongia (a volcano) was frequently in sight. Now I live in Palmy, with the nearby Tararua and Ruahine ranges to keep the horizon company.

[@weehudyy]

@@BBeeeeeee We are defined by our mountains . Maori hold their local mountain as part of their whakaapa ... One of my musical mates tells me his people sing their local range like a piece of music ... the differing heights correspond to the pitch differentials ... He demonstrated at daybreak as we stood on the shores of Lake Dunstan near Clyde and sang the Cromwell Gorge ... I totally get it . I love this place

[@imogentrupinic9350]

Thank you very much for this as I found it quite refreshing compared to some of the other videos I've seen. Since the start of the pandemic, I've seen a few people start up channels where they talk about their new life in our fine (but not perfect) country, and some of them are pretty under-researched (e.g. an American lady insisting that we never use paper plates or driers... 🤨 ) but everything you've said here is spot on, mate. Even the V. I was certainly a Green V drinking kiwi when I was a teen. Moved onto coffee when I grew up though - are you enjoying our NZ flat whites? 😀☕

[@twosmallbears2180]

I saw that American lady too! She called us passive-aggressive! I think really it's the cultural divide where some people are used to others speaking their mind regardless of whether people want to hear it, versus people who understand that sometimes it's just not worth the hassle of telling someone they're being a bit of a dick. I appreciated this video - you're pretty bloody bang on! Thanks for everything you said! 😊

[@CalTheKiwi1]

NZ-born, been living in UK for 25 yrs. Pretty much agree with your take on NZ and it’s culture. I go back there regularly, there’s plenty of things I miss but I notice the changes/shifts in culture too. Of course there’s not going to be convenient public transport infrastructure, there’s too few taxpayers to support it - but small population can be a blessing, too, like when you turn up to fish a river, as I do, and no one else is there. You’ve got the place to yourself, which is important in fishing. Pies. Yeah, the best ones are absolute quality. Coffee too, 30 years ago small indie shops got the jump on the multinationals like Starbucks. Wha’hey!! Ok, I get it that sometimes tourists laugh at our obsession with coffee, and tell us just to relax, it’s only coffee, but what’s wrong with being proud of doing something properly to a high standard? Loads of Kiwis are upset about the lack of competition in the supermarket sector, meaning food in NZ is expensive. Fish is ridiculous. It’s no coincidence that shedloads of people grow as many veg as possible, hunt and gather as much as they can - it’s part of their appreciation of the much-lauded Outdoor Lifestyle they’re rightly proud of, community sports/exercise included. When I arrived in the UK it was obvious that blokes loved football, but once they’d left school very few bothered to get out and play it. I could see there wasn’t a widespread ‘fitness culture’, something I’d pretty much taken for granted in NZ. Kiwis in London used to joke that those young women jogging in the parks were NZ/Aussie nannies on OE. Maybe. You didn’t mention the ice cream. Kiwis are proud of their classy ice cream. It doesn’t have to even be posh artisan stuff, either, just ordinary cheap Tip-Top can be really good. You didn’t mention the wine, maybe because before you arrived it was different and you weren’t there to see the change, which has been for the better. Years ago in NZ wine was expensive, and pretty ordinary and shit value for money. Nowadays it’s pretty much amazing quality across the range, and much cheaper/better VFM than it used to be. And sold in supermarkets, which it didn’t used to be, as weird as that will sound to you. Yeah, Kiwis appreciate their birds, maybe because before you arrived we realised our pests - imported stoats etc - were killing so many actual Kiwis we needed a protection/breeding programme to avoid extinction, thereafter followed a national consciousness around appreciating our native birds. When I’m back in NZ and I’m wilderness camping the dawn chorus reminds me just what a special country it is. Tangy dip? Is that still ‘a thing’? I thought Kiwis nowadays were weary of processed ‘soup mixes’ with E-numbers in them, indeed processed foods in general, so are now unlikely to add them to otherwise natural dairy products? My exposure to that kind of ‘chip dip’ is some kind of weird ‘party food’ back in the day. I might be wrong, it might be more popular than I realise.

[@sabbathwarrior9551]

I lived in Wellington for many years. I definitely experienced Howling southerlies with horizontal rain but i did not see snow. Thats a surprise to me. An honest and uofront appraisal of our country. Thanks mate 👍

[@bullis1858]

This is a good breakdown but I did bump up against two of them. Supermarkets - this one surprised me as living in Oz I find the range of certain foods to be completely lacking in comparison to NZ. 😂 Not sure about the weather comment, having lived in the UK I’d take NZ’s weather any day.

[@thedon9670]

I'm a Kiwi living in Brissie now and supermarkets here are wayyyy better. And NZ food prices are also much higher than here. And fuel too. NZ is expensive to live in now.

[@gazzamuso]

This was sweet 😊 and you nailed your Māori pronunciations, you could give plenty of locals a lesson!

[@itscurlsbaby]

Wow thanks mate, that's so cool to hear! Really appreciate that. Hope you have a great weekend!

[@Left_unsupervised_once-again]

This would rate (imo) the best top 10 of NZ because it's bang on. Shot bro

[@itscurlsbaby]

Shot bro!! Awesome to hear that

[@SheaStoney]

My wife grew up in Wellington but has lived in Vancouver for 25 years now. She can handle our rain but thinks we couldn't handle Wellington's wind, (and rain.) I've been to Wellington a few times. My list of 10 things might be a bit different, but I was only there visiting. Thanks for the video.

[@Boba_YT2024]

I have been living in New Zealand for almost 9 years and this is so true! *your Māori pronunciation is literally AMAZING*

[@juanitarichards1074]

Lol, I'm a Kiwi who was born in Wellington. I didn't know about the bird thing although I do like them. I love pies but only good ones from a bakery. I hate Vee and most soft drinks. I love my coffee but have switched to Decaf on medical advice. I sometimes make the reduced cream dip but mostly buy the Tararua sour cream dips. We Kiwis love our fish and chips too.. We do still have some scenic train trips, both in the north and south islands and they are popular with tourists but the train travel we once had is mostly gone. You can still catch commuter trains in Wellington to various suburbs and outer towns.

[@hamish1309]

Yea I'm from New Zealand, well done! Part of the problem with cost of food is the goods and services tax of 15 percent, apparently we are one of only about 3 countries that tax food.

[@x_shenz]

snow country, the bush, windy Wellington and the tropics/the far north sand dunes. NZ is built around 4 seasons in one day 😂 when people ask what’s the weather like, always expect the question to end with “where you are” 😂😂

[@UrbanTaxi99]

I’ve lived in NZ for 8 years. Your last point spot on, the rest I can only kind of relate to. I think it’s because I spent the prior 15 years living in south east Asia my summary would be it’s ok, but so so boring l, and the night life compared to the rest of the world sucks quite a lot. It is pretty and if you love the outdoors or the quiet life you will love it. For me it’s a bit of a prison, as I was so used to flying everywhere and tasting other cultures I guess I was spoiled. I’d like to leave, yet my wife’s whole family is here😢

[@rosegold1671]

Welcome 😎💜🌟 home bro 😃 p.s lil malt vinegar in the onion dip works wonders

[@itscurlsbaby]

Kia ora! That's a great idea, I've heard lemon juice also!

[@bendavis6530]

Surely our weather isn’t THAT bad! 😂 wellington does cop a fair amount of storms though. Would love to see more!

[@GlenBixley]

No one li8ke Wellington weather and Auckland will change, just give it 5 min.

[@gissyb1]

Its only this yr when the weather's been wet

[@shelleydaly1726]

Narp wellys weather is horrible

[@itscurlsbaby]

I've definitely exaggerated the weather a little bit haha! That being said, Wellington does cop the worst of it! Thanks my friend

[@shaunmckenzie5509]

@@itscurlsbaby Yes, not all of NZ is as bad as Wellington (which I'm sure you realise, hopefully). There's a lot of climate variation in NZ despite the small size.

[@seanknofflock]

As a New Zealander your pronunciation of Māori and the birds is spot on

[@Mike-pb7tk]

Um.. it wasn't spot on..

[@Chi10786]

I need to hear the New Zealand perspective on if it really takes forever to drive places, because as an American, driving around the entirety of the north island was one of the fastest road trips I've ever taken 😂 I adored New Zealand though and would come visit again in a heartbeat.

[@Roundy22]

It doesnt take forever , theres just no easy way to see the entire islands without circumnavigating them like 3 times each.

[@momwalker2706]

THAT PART 😅

[@solitairestarr5516]

OK, as a New Zealander - it does take forever to get say from Tauranga in the Bay of Plenty to Wellington, or New Plymouth If you are in Gisborne it takes forever to get to Auckland, and much longer to get to Whangarei. It is all perfectly fine if you have the time, or if you are a cocky bloke with a heavy confident foot on the gas pedal! The roads are small, bumpy, mostly one lane each way with passing bays here and there., but we are getting some expressways. We have a small population / tax base and the terrain doesn't lend itself to massive motorways either, so we just have to accept this as part of our charm! 😃

[@Vikingxb]

Its not the distance that makes road trips take forever. Its the vast amount of road cones this country seems to have an unhealthy obsession with, pothole ridden roads, reduced speed limits to cater to the vast amount of people that cant seem to drive, people fluffing around travelling under the speed limit. But mainly road works, or more accurately, road reworks.

[@billmorris2337]

I'm a Kiwi....well half a Brit and half NZ'er....mmmmm....just come here. We are SO blessed, it's unreal. You're spot on re the weather....I live north of Wellington and it's windy. We do have awesome coffee and a brilliant array of top notch restaurants. The dip thing..??... not my thing, we have other much nicer things to stick your crisps (we say chippies) into. Thanks for loving it here....we are a funny lot...but we're pretty easygoing 🎉

[@sonny_nz]

We love our Birds because they are Native to this Country ♥️ (Tui, Kakapo etc) Also our Kiwi Bird almost went extinct so it opened alot of peoples eyes imo to look after our native animals

[@DaedricNZ]

I think the only time I hear chips get called chippies over here is if someone's talking to a young child lol

[@DaedricNZ]

@gazza Yeah love me some chups in good ol' nil zilland

[@SandyHummingbird]

Haha Wellington wind is pretty miserable, very different in other parts of the country. Agree what you said about birds. I'm from the US, and even though my dad is a birdwatcher, I wasn't expecting this level of intense protectiveness for birds. They'll deliberately hit possums with their cars here because they eat native bird eggs. There's a general disdain for wild mammals here, as none are native (except bats and sea mammals). I love birds but I still have a lot of empathy for mammals, being from a country with squirrels, foxes, racoons etc.

[@mootopia]

I started explosively laughing when you mentioned V. When I studied at Massey (in Palmerston North) it was definitely my study partner (and practically everyone’s at the time), and that was over 20 years ago! Their brand game must be on 🔥 ! That and L&P!!!

[@edgarbesson6271]

I’m a French guy who moved to nz soon and I really appreciate your videos and your point of view about nz culture , you didn’t compared it to , you’re just explained! Thanks

[@normtekani4453]

Nice video. Got to love the pies and onion dip. Mate butter two pieces of bread, put a pie inside with tomato sauce on the pie, then you have lived 😂.

[@itscurlsbaby]

Cheers mate! Funnily enough I had exactly that a few months ago, it was DELICIOUS!! Filled me up nicely too!

[@laurafreeman16]

I’m kiwi but living overseas currently thanks for promoting NZ hehe I’d say you started off really strong, but then few things I’d add/comment on, I never hear anyone say chippies before lol only chips maybe if it’s an old lady ha also I don’t think the supermarkets are that bad…and we have lots of fruits that are NZ grown and berries etc. Roadtrips in NZ are also pretty up there alongside the scenery, you can drive everywhere but yes flying is way easier! The V energy drink yes, I think you’re forgetting the black one too ;) cheers

[@philippashirkey2192]

Nope, black one is long gone, but there are lots of other colours to fight about :D

[@Tanias112]

We don't have a starbucks in Wellington, unless it's out the Hutt or something. It closed down around 7 years ago because it's coffee is soooooo crappy! And I didn't know we are crazy about birds and use birds to advertise flats and things and I lived in NZ all my life, I have to agree our birds are beautiful and they do have amazing sounds. Over the last few years Wellington winds have died down, I fear we are going to loose the title of windiest city in the world. Our last few winters in Wellington have been very mild, yes we've had some extremely cold days and storms this past winter, over all it's been rather mild this year. I feel our winds keep the toxins out of our city or lessen it. Wellington summers are pretty crappy mostly sit at around 23C. If you make the kiwi onion dip don't forget to chill it first and add a bit of fresh lemon juice to it. I've never liked V, had one sip around 25 years ago, too sweet and icky, I didn't realize it was an obsession. Drivings not too bad in NZ, it's a nice drive from Wellington to Auckland, around six to eight hours straight with a few toilet stops, lovely cities in between, beautiful scenery. The ferry crossing from the north island to the south takes around four hours and it's enjoyable, plenty to do, lounges, bars, food, beautiful scenery once again, it's a must do at least once in your life time. The Maori culture, language and songs is beautiful.

[@stuchatterton6550]

One recently opened up in Pori mall I think

[@Tanias112]

@@stuchatterton6550 oh, I didn't realize.

[@cherrysnow4923]

Their is a starbucks on lambton quay

[@Tanias112]

@@cherrysnow4923 I've never seen it.

[@cherrysnow4923]

@@Tanias112 it's very close to willis street

[@AJ.Rafael]

Man, the more I look into NZ life, the more I want to live there. I’ve yet to find anything that turns me off about it. Absolutely stunning geography, beautiful culture. I especially love birds! I’m just in love with a place I’ve never been! Can’t wait to get out there for myself someday ❤

[@DonW1953]

Ka pai young fulla, what a great review of our Aotearoa, thank you for your honest review, I'm hoping the supermarkets watch this and fix their prices. If you get a chance, try the pies at Fairlie Bakehouse especially the pork crackling, this is hands down my No 1 favorite. Enjoy your stay in our home. Kia Ora from Kirikiriroa ❤️

[@SecretSquirrelFun]

The dip is not just a kiwi thing. In a note book my mother wrote down all her favourite party recipes 40 years ago, and she had a similar recipe for French onion dip - At the supermarket find a dry French onion soup mix packet and a cup or 2 of sour cream (it was usually the smallest size they sold, like a regular sized yogurt). Mix together, cover and leave in the fridge for a bit ( for the dry dip bits to soak up some moisture) and then eat with chips or crackers - easy peasy. Another one was for a prawn dipping sauce - again sour cream, and add tomato sauce/ketchup until it tastes like it should (if you know the taste of that pink prawn cocktail sauce - that’s it). Tune in next week for more lazy people recipes ❤ P.s I’ve got another recipe for satay chicken that’s cooked entirely in the microwave (but I always pan cook the chicken myself) it’s incredibly tasty but will take about 10 years off your life expectancy because of all the peanut butter and other stuff. But believe me when I tell you that it’s flipping Awesome ❤ Seriously, let me know if you’re interested, I have quite a few really tasty but REALLY easy recipes - and I mean really really easy.

[@johnknee1537]

Yup. I'm keen, thanks!!

[@jadecross8058]

Not the same. We don't make it with sour cream. It is an onion dip yes but it's only Kiwi dip if it's made with these brands specific to NZ. It has a very unique taste and is near impossible to stop eating.

[@johnknee1537]

Use to like onion dip, but then I tried the seafood nd now I'll never go back to onion cause it just taste bland. I'll try sour cream now

[@Asiliea]

@@jadecross8058 Preech! Nothing like kiwi onion dip when made with french onion soup mix and sour cream. Not only does it need to be the nz maggi onion soup mix (which is a different maggi mix to any other country in the world) to get the spices right for the flavour, reduced cream is much more mild in flavour to sour cream, so it doesn't change the onion much, but then the traditional kiwi dip also has a secret ingredient of a splash of malt vinegar in there, which does technically begin "souring" the cream, but the malt and sharp vinegar contrast to the mild reduced cream and bright onion mix. All three ingredients are critical, however the reduced cream and malt vinegar can be any brand from any country, as long as you have NZ Maggi Onion Soup Mix 👍

[@peterpain6625]

@@Asiliea Tried and almost got it by using the uk version of maggi onion soup and added a little of some curry mix i found in the pantry. Almost there but not quite :)

[@nayld2070]

Also in New Zealand we don’t really have school social groups, eg the cool kids and the nerdy kids, where people from one social group aren’t friends with people from another, everyone is friends with everyone in our schools (or at least in my and my family’s experience)

[@snoozyq9576]

Definitely has these at my schools lol. Mean girls vs the nerdos

[@CarolynMcPherson-r3z]

Hey, this is wonderful! If I ever go to New Zealand I will do all the things you recommend. So nice to have a report from the "inside"!

[@MissToxxx]

This is so accurate 😂 some of these things I had never considered being unique to NZ, so it's really cool to hear this sort of thing.

[@weskrplays444]

that slow build up to the V drink was awesome haha whilst ive never had a debate with anyone about which V is best, im not surprised they happen. as for the rest of the list, its pretty spot on. i do wish you wouldve made a comment on how the pies tasted. not necessarily the counter-microwaved ones, but moreso the bakery made pies.

[@cheetaih]

I drink both Green and Blue V and cannot tell the differences.

[@1050speed]

Gotta put vodka in it

[@brentmclean3676]

You nailed it Bro!!

[@itscurlsbaby]

Legend bro ❤

[@EMILY-nc1wf]

My sister came back from New Zealand 10 years ago and introduced me to a green v drink been obsessed with them ever since :) theres only a few shops that sell them in England though and it's reduced sugar version where as in new Zealand they have the original full sugar version! V drinks and sunny beaches... Think I'm living in the wrong country 😂 x

[@jdrei5080]

Yep V is another addiction to add to the youth problems.

[@renee9113]

Awww 🥰 good korero ❤ you forgot about our L&P drink Lemon and Paeroa 👌 Yes it’s warmer in the north, 4 seasons in one day up these ways. 😂😂😂 Awesome video keep it up look forward to watching more 🙌 I’ve never been to Wellington I hear it gets very windy and I need my red bands (gumboots) 😂😂😂 ✌️&❤

[@user-Hūria]

NO.11 What makes New Zealand truly amazing is its people. New Zealanders are the kindest and most friendly individuals I've ever met. In New Zealand, you can feel that everyone wants to help you. I have been helped many times, and their kindness is remarkable. The most beautiful scenery and the most wonderful people make New Zealand my favorite country👍👍👍

[@davidneal6920]

Interesting perspective. You are right about the pies - surprised the small ones are not popular in UK. There was national outrage a few years back when some hunters from Norway were caught shooting native birds with their deer rifles. They were almost lynched as a result. But……I actually do enjoy eating my fav takeaway (2 x mince and cheese pies) with a knife and fork. Some advice - any pie that comes in a plastic wrapper is low class. Thanks for sharing mate!

[@karenrhodes9973]

Totally agree with the ready wrapped pies. YUK. Way nicer to choose from.

[@peterpain6625]

@@karenrhodes9973 Found even the ones from petrol stations to be better than those prepacked ones. I'd call them emergency pies. For those 3am cravings maybe ;)

[@karenrhodes9973]

@@peterpain6625 Not even then Peter. Hahaha.

[@peterpain6625]

@@karenrhodes9973 If there is any alternative probably not ;)

[@dariennepohatu6719]

@peterpain6625 I recall a few years ago, my sister and friends attended a wedding in Wellington. Some guests were unaware that the bridal couple were vegetarian and no meat was served. A few guests were heard (men) commenting "where's the bloody meat"? My brother in law and their friends husbands laughed and replied, "it's ok mate, there's a BP near our hotel and we can get feed a of pies"!

[@kiernanbusher7402]

This is all very accurate. Be interested to hear what you think of the driving in NZ. As a repatriated Kiwi after 13 years in UK, I have found drivers on the road to be very aggressive and dangerous, and generally bad. I didn't drive much in UK so maybe it's just as bad there and I just didn't realise...

[@rebeloftheeast]

I'm a kiwi who lives in Australia. I can assure you it's almost the same traffic wise, but I have not seen aggressive drivers due to lower speed limits of only 50. New Zealand highways are expanding so I expect more cars and drivers since last time I visited back in 2018. In Australia there are too many road rules due to aggressive drivers and accidents caused by drunk drivers. You get fined $300 even if you speed just 3-5 km above the normal speed limit. They just find excuses to fine you! Let's say you parked under a tree; they'll fine you for that.

[@T.L.Robertson8366]

Come down It's just the same in the uk if not worse.

[@silvertaniwha1314]

Fantastic video bud 🤜🤛 look forward to seeing more content.... New sub here 👍👍 Gonna share this video out for you.

[@itscurlsbaby]

Absolute legend mate. Really appreciate that! Enjoy your day my friend!

[@lisa0j]

PIES! My favourite is beaut bacon & egg. Just has one for breakfast from my favourite local bakery. Just the best

[@yepsure4202]

You are so right about about loving our bird's. Kiwis are absolutely beautiful especially in a rich gravy. Tastes like a mixture of Yellow eyed penguin, Mountain Kea with the texture of the critically endangered Kakapo.

[@SpatialAdmirer273]

😂😂😂

[@sueelliott4793]

Ahhh !!, nothing better than a pie and coffee. I'm gluten free unfortunately and our gluten free pies are yuk and Bay of Plenty weather is not that bad. We are a pretty cool as bunch though

[@Rollie-go]

Yeah someone here needs to make some great glutenfree pies, the current ones are crap