Moving to a new country is always an adventure filled with surprises, and New Zealand is no exception. Tara Hulbert, an American who relocated to New Zealand with her husband and four children, shares her amusing and enlightening experiences as she navigates life in her new home. In her latest video,
Tara recounts 20 everyday things that Kiwis find perfectly normal, but which came as quite a shock to her. If you’re considering a move to New Zealand, Tara’s insights offer a delightful and informative glimpse into what you can expect from Kiwi culture.
1. Beans on Toast for Breakfast
Tara kicks off her list with a culinary surprise: beans on toast for breakfast. She recounts her bewilderment when served baked beans on a piece of white bread, noting that while beans for breakfast might be standard in many places, it was an unexpected twist for her American palate.
2. Roadside Honesty Stands
In New Zealand, it’s not uncommon to find roadside stands selling eggs, fruit, and even manure, all based on the honor system. Tara marvels at the trust Kiwis place in each other, contrasting it with the more guarded approach typically found in the US.
3. Leaving Work on Time
Tara is amused by the Kiwi work culture, where people leave work precisely when their shift ends, even if they’re in the middle of a task. This stands in stark contrast to the US, where staying late to finish up is often expected.
4. Barefoot Wanderers
One of the more amusing observations is the sight of people walking barefoot everywhere, including into stores. Tara’s initial surprise at this laid-back approach highlights a charming aspect of New Zealand’s relaxed lifestyle.
5. No Job Talk
Tara points out that in New Zealand, it’s not common to ask someone what they do for a living upon meeting them. This is a stark difference from the US, where discussing one’s job is a standard part of small talk.
6. Fish and Chips on the Beach
Eating on the beach is a normal thing here, especially fish and chips. You get your fish and chips, unfold them on the beach, and just eat. It’s not like having a picnic; it’s just normal life to eat on the beach. This was a new concept for me, but it’s what people do on a Friday night or weekend.
7. Crosswalk Confusion
Tara highlights the Kiwi habit of stepping confidently into crosswalks, expecting cars to stop. This unflinching trust in drivers is quite different from the more cautious pedestrian behavior in American cities.
8. White Bread Surprises
In New Zealand, sausages are often served on white bread with tomato sauce, a practice that Tara found unusual. She contrasts this with the more varied bread options typically used in the US.
9. EFTPOS Mysteries
Tara recalls her confusion when first encountering EFTPOS, New Zealand’s electronic payment system. Unlike the US, where credit and debit cards are the norm, Kiwis frequently use EFTPOS for everyday transactions.
10. Easy Bank Transfers
One of Tara’s favorite Kiwi conveniences is the ease of bank transfers. In New Zealand, it’s normal to give out your bank account number for direct transfers, a practice she finds refreshingly simple compared to the US banking system.
11. Kiwi Ingenuity at Camps
Tara admires the Kiwi ingenuity she’s seen at camps and retreats, where DIY slides and climbing walls are common. This inventive spirit, free from the heavy regulations found in the US, makes for unique and fun experiences.
12. Cafes Everywhere
In New Zealand, cafes are ubiquitous, and it’s normal to eat food straight from glass displays. Tara’s initial hesitation to eat from these displays, thinking they were merely for show, quickly turned to appreciation for the fresh, tasty options available.
13. Clotheslines Galore
Hanging clothes on a line is the norm in New Zealand, a practice Tara finds therapeutic despite being more accustomed to using a dryer. She notes the environmental benefits and the pleasant smell of sun-dried laundry.
14. Gorgeous Eggs
Tara is enchanted by the vibrant orange yolks of New Zealand eggs, which are a far cry from the paler yellow yolks she’s used to in the US. She also notes that eggs are not refrigerated in New Zealand, adding another layer to her cultural adjustment.
15. Coffee Culture Shock
Tara is surprised by the strength of New Zealand coffee, which typically comes with two shots as standard. She also notes the common habit of having multiple strong coffees a day, which can be quite the jolt for newcomers.
16. Dual-Flush Toilets
New Zealand’s dual-flush toilets, with separate buttons for liquid and solid waste, are a water-saving measure that Tara finds both practical and slightly puzzling at first.
17. Outlet Switches
The outlets in New Zealand come with switches to turn them on and off to save electricity, a feature Tara isn’t used to but sees the value in. She humorously recounts guests turning off her outlets out of habit.
18. Mufti Day
Tara shares a funny story about Mufti Day, an event that people wear casual clothes instead of uniforms. She recalls the confusion and her children’s embarrassment when they showed up in uniform on a Mufti Day, not knowing they had to pay to dress down.
19. Selling Worm Wee
Tara was taken aback when asked to help sell “worm wee” at a school fair. This liquid fertilizer from worm farms is a common gardening product in New Zealand, despite its unusual name.
20. No Eggnog
As a final note, Tara laments the absence of eggnog in New Zealand supermarkets during the Christmas season. She shares her disappointment and the necessity of making her own, while also noting the popularity of Christmas crackers and mince pies, which are filled with fruit and nuts, not meat.
Tara’s video is a delightful exploration of the small but significant cultural differences between New Zealand and the US. Her observations, filled with humor and genuine curiosity, offer a charming perspective on life in New Zealand and a reminder of the diverse ways people around the world live their everyday lives.
Considering a Move to New Zealand?
Tara Hulbert’s experiences provide a lighthearted yet informative look at what life in New Zealand entails for American expats. If you’re thinking about making the move, understanding these cultural nuances can help you prepare for and embrace the charming eccentricities of Kiwi life. From roadside honesty stands to enjoying fish and chips on the beach, New Zealand offers a unique lifestyle that’s sure to provide plenty of delightful surprises along the way.
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