New
Zealand blends Māori heritage, dramatic landscapes and unique
cultural traditions. Discover the surprising facts, hidden stories
and everyday curiosities that reveal the deeper character of this
remarkable island nation.
• New Zealand has more sheep than people — roughly five to one.
• The country has no native land mammals except bats.
• The Kiwi is both a national icon and a nickname for New Zealanders.
• New Zealand was the filming home for Middle-earth in The Lord of the Rings.
• The country has one of the world’s clearest natural lakes — Blue Lake in Nelson Lakes National Park.
• New Zealand was the first country to grant women the right to vote (1893).
• The modern jet boat was invented in New Zealand.
• Sir Ernest Rutherford, who split the atom, was a New Zealander.
• The electric fence was invented in New Zealand for livestock management.
• Tipping is not expected, though appreciated for exceptional service.
• Shoes are often removed before entering someone’s home.
• Māori greetings such as “kia ora” are widely used in daily life.
• Kiwis value modesty and dislike boastful behaviour.
• Strict biosecurity laws protect the environment — fines apply for breaches.
• Sir Edmund Hillary was one of the first two people to summit Everest.
• Lorde is an internationally acclaimed singer known for global hits.
• Taika Waititi has become one of Hollywood’s most distinctive filmmakers.
• Dame Whina Cooper was a key Māori leader and activist.
• New Zealand consists of two main islands and hundreds of smaller ones.
• The landscapes range from fjords and volcanoes to glow-worm caves and rolling hills.
• Milford Sound is considered one of the world’s most beautiful natural fjords.
• The country sits on two tectonic plates, creating geothermal hotspots.
• You can ski and surf on the same day in some regions.
• New Zealanders are known for friendliness and laid-back humour.
• Outdoor activities such as hiking (“tramping”) are a major part of life.
• Rugby is a national passion, with the All Blacks revered worldwide.
• Many New Zealanders enjoy a strong connection to coastal living.
• Māori culture influences language, art, food and national identity.
• The haka, a ceremonial dance, is performed at sports events and celebrations.
• Local cuisine features seafood, lamb and the traditional hangi cooking method.
• New Zealand’s coffee culture is world-class, with the flat white originating here.
• The first Māori settlers arrived from Polynesia over 700 years ago.
• European settlement began in the 18th century with Dutch and British explorers.
• The Treaty of Waitangi (1840) shaped modern New Zealand governance.
• Many towns still preserve colonial architecture and heritage sites.
• Hobbiton is a preserved movie set in the Waikato region.
• Wai-O-Tapu is famed for its geothermal pools and colourful terraces.
• Fox and Franz Josef glaciers descend unusually close to rainforest.
• Cape Reinga marks the meeting point of the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean.
• New Zealand granted women the vote first.
• The Kiwi is a national symbol.
• The country has more sheep than people.
• Milford Sound is world-famous for its beauty.
• Māori culture shapes national identity.
• The All Blacks are globally iconic.
• New Zealand has glow-worm caves.
• The flat white coffee originated here.
• Sir Edmund Hillary is a national hero.
• The country’s biosecurity laws are strict.
• Geothermal activity is widespread.
• Blue Lake has some of the clearest water on Earth.