Quirky Things You’ll Notice If You Go to Uni in New Zealand

New Zealand is one of the most mesmerizing countries in the world, with quirks, surprises, and unbelievable experiences. Apart from the prestigious universities as well as a welcoming environment for international students, New Zealand is undoubtedly a perfect place for you to study abroad. Urban living and beautiful nature in Wellington and Auckland make New Zealand a great country to pursue higher education. 

However, there are a couple of things you should know before you plan to study in New Zealand. Here are the quirkiest things you will notice in New Zealand. 

The Difference in Accents 

People all over the world speak English with different accents. For instance, the British accent is different from the American accent. Fortunately, New Zealand has one of the easiest and most understandable accents in the world. But it also has its quirks. 

The accent of New Zealand often called ‘Kiwi’, has a laid-back sound and rhythm. When you study at a New Zealand university, you will notice that people pronounce chips, pen, fish, etc. differently. Not to mention, they also call New Zealand Newzild. 

Also Read: Common Phrases Used in New Zealand

The Kiwi

You might have heard this term. But most people don’t know what it means. Kiwi is the nickname of the people who live in New Zealand. They take pride in their name and they also use the same to address themselves. Hence, you don’t need to worry about offending anyone by calling them Kiwi. 

The origin of this nickname was the Kiwi bird, a fluffy, brown, tiny, and cute flightless bird. The native people of New Zealand called Maori, use the feathers of Kiwi birds to make cloaks. 

The Friendly People 

This is one of the most crucial points for someone who is planning to visit New Zealand to complete their study. You will find thousands of friendly people in New Zealand. The friendly and welcoming behaviour of the Kiwi is one of the most popular things about New Zealand. 

The low population of New Zealand (4.8 million) might be the reason behind this. The crime rate is also extremely low in New Zealand. 

Despite these reasons, reports published in 2020 stated that more than 85% of international students who are living in New Zealand thought the people are super welcoming and friendly. As a result, they have settled in the new country without any problem. 

Also Read: MBBS in New Zealand

The Cultural Vibe 

Universities in New Zealand accept student applications from all over the world. The diverse culture helps the students know more about the country. The Ministry of Education also considers essential aspects so that New Zealand can become one of the best study-abroad destinations for students. 

More than 130,000 international students take admission to New Zealand universities each year to pursue their UG and PG courses. This means that when you start attending the classes, you will notice 20%-25% of international students. 

Rugby and Haka 

Many students consider Haka as their top reason to pursue higher education in New Zealand. It’s also another famous thing in New Zealand. 

But do you know what Haka is? We discussed Maori warriors earlier right? The Haka is a famous ceremonial dance performed by the Maori warriors. 

But many people in the world know the Haka from its relevance in rugby. Rugby is one of the most famous sports in New Zealand. 

Like the Maori warriors, the New Zealand rugby players also perform this same dancing style to spark their confidence and intimidate their opponents. 

Also Read: Facts about New Zealand

The Volcanoes 

Do you know that there are 53 volcanoes present in the City of Auckland? It’s been there for more than 200,000 years and is given the name the Aukland volcanic field. The last eruption took place around 600 years ago. 

Now, most volcanoes in the New Zealand region are inactive. They are also considered safe and you don’t need to worry about an eruption. Some specific volcanoes have also been turned into amusement parks where you can chill and relax. 

The Scorching Sun 

Even though the weather conditions in New Zealand are pretty good, you will notice temperature fluctuations. But keep in mind that New Zealand is famous for its scorching sun. If you don’t pack sunscreen, you will get tanned. Not to mention, the UV rays will also affect your skin and eyes. 

These are the quirky things you will notice if you go to uni in New Zealand. Consider taking a look at our other blogs too.