12 interesting (?) facts about New Zealand

Overview

• Intro
• Facts 1 - 3: Wildlife
• Facts 4 - 6: Achievements
• Facts 7 - 9: Oddities
• Facts 10 - 12: Specialties
• Frequently Asked Questions

Nils (Team KiwiQuest)

Questions? Contact me!

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Today it’s all about facts, facts, facts.

These are things you don’t necessarily need to know for Work and Travel in New Zealand, but will definitely make an impression.

Unfortunately, we only found out about some of these after our trip. Visiting the place with the world’s longest name? That would have been something! So that you get the chance, here’s this article!

Enjoy!

Intro

Facts 1 - 3: Wildlife

Okay, first up are some interesting facts about New Zealand’s wildlife. This is good to know because going to New Zealand and not seeing a Kiwi will earn you a good bit of ribbing. Let’s go!

Fact 1 - The Kiwi

If you say “I want to eat a kiwi!” in New Zealand, you’ll get some strange looks. The Kiwi is a bird that only exists in New Zealand. It can’t fly, is nocturnal, and is endangered. Plus, it’s small and chubby. But still really cute. More info can be found in our Kiwi article.

Fact 2 - The Moa

The Moa was another bird. Unfortunately, unlike the Kiwi, it’s already extinct. It could (attention!) grow up to 3.6 meters tall and weigh up to 300 kilos. Wow, can you still call that a “bird”?

Fact 3 - No Dangerous Animals

This is why we love New Zealand: There are hardly any poisonous or dangerous animals. You can hike all through New Zealand without worrying about a nasty poisonous monster waiting behind every bush.

Facts 4 - 6: Achievements

New Zealand is a relatively small country. Precisely for that reason, some of its achievements are particularly cool in our eyes. Kudos, New Zealand, you’re really something.

Fact 4 - First Person on Mount Everest

Sir Edmund Percival Hillary was the first person to climb the highest mountain on Earth: Mount Everest. And yep, you guessed it: He was from New Zealand.

Fact 5 - First Nation with Women's Suffrage

In 1893, New Zealand became the first nation where women gained the right to vote. This made New Zealand a true pioneer. We didn’t know that, actually. High five to all the ladies in New Zealand.

Fact 6 - The First Split Atom

Ernest Rutherford was a New Zealand physicist. With his help, the first atom was split in 1932. Today, Ernest Rutherford is known as the father of nucular nuclear physics.

Facts 7 - 9: Oddities

Next up are some oddities. Things, places, and people that are a bit strange but honestly quite fascinating. We start with a street that’s great for jogging (not true).

Fact 7 - The Steepest Street in the World

New Zealand has the steepest street in the world. Baldwin Street is located northeast of Dunedin’s city center and has a brutal incline of 19.3 degrees (or 35%). In numbers, that sounds small. In reality, it looks very different.

Fact 8 - The Longest Place Name

Taumatawhakatangi­hangakoauauotamateaturi­pukakapikimaungahoronukupokai­whenuakitanatahu! Oops! Accidentally fell asleep on the keyboard. Hold on a second! Wow, that’s actually resulted in the longest (still used) place name in the world! What a coincidence!

Fact 9 - Two National Anthems

New Zealand is one of only three countries that have two national anthems. First “God Save the Queen” (the English national anthem) and second “God Defend New Zealand”. Both anthems, legally speaking, actually have the same status today.

Facts 10 - 12: Specialties

And finally, here are a few specialties that you can know, but don’t need to. If you know any more interesting facts about New Zealand, just add them in the comments. We’d love to hear them!

Fact 10 - Lord of the Rings / The Hobbit

We probably don’t need to say much more about this. Both ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘The Hobbit’ were filmed in New Zealand. You can still visit the individual sets, including Hobbiton.

Fact 11 - How are you today?

“Hi there, how are you today?”, you’re asked in New Zealand even at the register in the supermarket. Wow, does the nice cashier really want to hear how you’re doing? Nope. We’re sorry to disappoint you. The “How are you today?” is more New Zealand politeness. A simple “Fine, thanks!” is expected from you as an answer.

Fact 12 - The All Blacks

The All Blacks are the New Zealand national rugby team. All top athletes, all superstars in New Zealand. A unique feature (even in the rugby world itself) is the Haka war dance of the All Blacks before every game. It’s truly worth a look!

Off to New Zealand!

That’s it! Now you can really make an impression! If we’ve missed an interesting fact about New Zealand, please write it in the comments. We look forward to it!

Have fun in New Zealand!

Frequently Asked Questions

What other KiwiQuesters wanted to know...