[NoHo Arts District, CA] – This month’s Active World Journeys’ travel blog: “Interview with a New Zealander.”
I have an up-coming New Zealand Tour that I’ve been curating with my tour partner Michelle who lives in New Zealand. I asked Michelle if I could do a short interview with her for my blog on what it’s like to live and work and play in New Zealand and give us a little more insight into the local way of life, unique foods and drinks, tips for tourists, and more.
How long have you lived in New Zealand?
I am originally from South Africa and made the leap across the oceans in 1999, so I have spent most of my life living as a “Kiwi” in our paradise which we also call Aotearoa. Auckland is where my family and I have planted our roots and we thoroughly enjoy living in New Zealand’s largest city. Auckland is one of the world’s most culturally diverse cities and is home to the largest Polynesian population of any city on earth. As a result, we have many amazing eateries with international offerings as well as lots of cultural festivals throughout the year.
Tell us about what New Zealanders like to do for fun.
Many kiwis live in close proximity to the ocean, so we love spending our time at one of the many surrounding beaches either having a picnic, walking our dogs, playing beach cricket/volleyball/rugby or simply having a beach stroll. New Zealanders by nature are very outdoorsy people so we enjoy exploring our National Parks and going hiking/tramping, playing sports (especially rugby), going fishing and camping to name a few. During the winter months skiing and snowboarding are popular pastimes for those who live close to the ski fields to enjoy. And of course, we love to bbq!
How long have you been in the travel industry and what do you like most about it?
I graduated from travel college 20 years ago and this is the only industry that I know, selling both inbound and outbound travel experiences. Having worked in various sectors of the industry in both New Zealand and overseas (UK and Canada) I cannot see myself doing anything else. All three of our motu’s (islands) in NZ are very different (yes, we have 3, including Stewart Island) and we have an abundance of amazing travel products and experiences on offer from untamed wilderness to rich culture. I simply love tailor making itineraries and once-in-a-lifetime experiences for our overseas guests.
New Zealanders are often referred to as “Kiwis,” how did that nickname come about?
To us, the word “Kiwi” can mean one of three things: The bird, the person and also the fruit.
Our native (and sadly endangered) kiwi bird is an internationally recognised symbol for New Zealand.
There seems to be a bit of a debate as to how New Zealanders got the nickname “kiwi”. Some think that it started in the early 1900s and has something to do with the Kiwi Shoe polish brand or more likely newspaper cartoons about rugby where New Zealanders were depicted as kiwi birds. During WW1, New Zealand soldiers were called “kiwis”, and the rest is history.
Our national fruit was originally called the Chinese Gooseberry, however in the early 1960s it had a name change to “kiwi fruit” due to the furriness, brown colour and round shape resembling the kiwi bird. These days there are many different varieties of the fruit, including green, red and my favourite “gold” kiwi fruit.
Can you tell us a little about your indigenous Maori communities?
Māori were the first occupants of New Zealand, and they have been the indigenous people of Aotearoa since arriving here from Hawaiki (Polynesia) over 1,000 years ago. Māori legend believes that Māui, the demigod, fished New Zealand from the sea. Today in modern New Zealand, many traditional and cultural practices are still kept alive, and according to our last census, Māori comprise approximately 17.8% of our population. Te reo Māori (still a threatened language), alongside English and NZ Sign language, is an official language of New Zealand and as of recent years has undergone a revival in our country. Many non-Māori and everyday Kiwis have taken to learning the Māori language. It is not unusual for us to use certain te reo words in our daily life like “Kia Ora” = hi, hello, goodbye, “kai” = food, “mahi” = work, “Tamariki” = children, “wai” = water, “maunga” = mountain, “waiata” = song and “whanau” = extended family. Māori Culture is prominent all over modern New Zealand and there are many ways to experience this, like a cultural show including a traditional hangi meal, exploring one of our many geothermal valleys and parks, seeing an ancient kauri tree, bathing in a hot spring, visiting a local Māori arts and crafts centre (weaving and carving) or a Pounamu (greenstone) workshop, experiencing the traditional Māori performance of the haka or visiting a local marae (meeting ground).
What are some typical food dishes and unique drinks in New Zealand?
Everyone loves fish and chips (try a paua, mussel or white bait fritter) and a traditional kiwi meat pie washed down by an ice-cold L&P (our famous brand of soda). A good old kiwi BBQ, lamb and our pavlova dessert are also staples that you will find at most get togethers or celebrations.
New Zealand’s two main Islands are the North Island and the South Island, what are the main differences between them?
The North Island is home to many of our diverse larger cities which offer many historical and cultural experiences. Best for beach visits (both golden and volcanic black sand) and geothermal wonders.
The South Island provides pure natural dramatic landscapes. Experience glacial valleys, outdoor adventure, pristine forests and star-studded skies.
Is it easy to get around New Zealand if a traveler wants to rent a car or take public transportation?
See our Kiwiway website – https://www.kiwiway.com/getting-around
New Zealand is a small and diverse country. It is easy to get around and experience a huge range of things in a short period of time. You may choose to get behind the steering wheel and self drive, sit back and relax on a coach tour, or travel in style with your own driver guide
Self Drive: Rental Car
Hire a rental car to go wherever you wish to go and at your own pace. Hiring a rental car offers extra flexibility and a range of vehicles is available for all holiday makers.
Beware though, despite New Zealand’s small size, it takes a lot longer to get to places than you think and it’s not just because of all the photo stops you’ll want to make!
In many parts of the country, roads wind around hills and have one-way bridges so allow plenty of time to get to your destination. And, you need to know, driving in New Zealand is on the left-hand side of the road.
Private Touring
Private touring in your own exclusive vehicle is the perfect choice for couples, families or small groups. Our private transport providers offer a wide range of vehicles in their fleet to cater for your traveling party. Modern and luxurious, vehicles are meticulously maintained for your comfort and safety. Your driver is a professional chauffeur who also acts as your guide. With their passion for New Zealand, your driver guide loves taking you to places where others cannot go and sharing their local knowledge along the way. Relax and take in the scenery in a vehicle specially designed for comfortable touring. Travel in luxury at your own pace and stop wherever you choose.
Independent Coach Tour
Daily departures and flexible arrangements. Sit back, relax and take in the sights while someone else does the driving. This is a cost-effective way of touring around New Zealand, departing whenever you want and visiting the sights and activities you choose to see. Independent coach touring offers flexibility with daily departures, you travel with different drivers and passengers every day and have the freedom to do your own thing.
Do Americans need a visa to visit New Zealand?
United States passport holders will usually require a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) to enter New Zealand. An NZeTA is valid for 2 years. The processing time may take up to 72 hours. Visit https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/visas/visa/nzeta
What are you most proud of being a New Zealander?
For me, it’s the warm sense of acceptance and hospitality that Aotearoa has shown me since immigrating here so many years ago. I have always felt very welcome here, a quality that I consciously wish to extend to all our visitors. I am very proud to live in such an incredibly diverse nation that deeply embraces Kiwi Ingenuity through their “Number 8 Wire” mentality.
If New Zealand is a travel dream for you, there are still a few spots left on my Magical New Zealand Journey, March 19-31, 2025. Come along with us and surrender yourself to the irresistible beauty of New Zealand on a 13-day, small-group active tour.
Cheers,
Jack Witt, MS, CPT
Fitness and Health Coach
Individuals / Groups / Corporate
310.562.5629 Cell / 818.760.3891 Main
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Magical New Zealand Tour – March 19-31, 2025 – Click here