25 Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About New Zealand

It’s been a while, so here I am back with more information about a country where I’ve lived and worked: New Zealand. Unique species, cute nickname and famous movie, here are 25 facts you probably didn’t know about the fabulous country of New Zealand!

Save it for later!

1. A pioneer in voting rights

New Zealand may look like a small island country on the map, but that hasn’t stopped it from being ahead of some of the global powers on an important issue that is now a given for millions of women around the world: the right to vote.

This was, of course, only possible thanks to one of the most well-known suffragettes, Kate Sheppard, as well as many other women who contributed to this important achievement in 1893. An achievement that earned New Zealand the title of the first country in the world to grant women the right to vote.

Well, thank you New Zealand for paving the way for women’s freedom!

2. More sheep than people

Weird but true fact about New Zealand, national population records show that there are actually 5% people for 95% sheep, or 5 million people for 25 million sheep. Still, that number is dropping, since in the 80s, there were roughly 20 sheep per person.

But New Zealand is in fact just one country among many to suffer this fate, joining the list of countries such as Australia and Mongolia where the sheep/person ratio is also high.

3. The longest place name in the world

Remember when I talked about the tongue-twister and capital with the longest name in the world, Bangkok? Well, New Zealanders hold the title of the town with the longest name: Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu.

I’ll spare you the counting, you might get dizzy and have to start over and over again, and I’m not that cruel! 85 letters, that’s the number and I personally hope they have a nickname for the town as I can’t see myself “oh, you know I’m going to Tauma…, wait I forgot!” Jokes aside, if you’re wondering what the real meaning of the name is, here it is: “the place where Tamatea, the man with the big knees, who slid, climbed and swallowed mountains, known as landeater, played his flute to his loved one”.

What I also love about NZ is that every town, place… written in Mãori actually has a legend or story behind it!

Does the name of the place where you live also have a meaning? Let me know in the comments!

4. You won’t encounter snakes in NZ

At least, not land snakes, as they do have sea snakes, which are actually highly venomous. I know how that sounds, and you might want to avoid the water after reading that, but don’t worry as they’re actually deemed very nice since no one has ever been bitten (at least, that’s what the reports say).

Still, I guess it’s better than the huge spiders and other venomous animals you might encounter in Australia, isn’t it? But then again, who ever said no to a bit of thrill and adventure?

Click here to discover a few facts about Australia!

5. A great place to observe penguins

With three species, that’s more than anywhere else in the world besides Antarctica, of course, but you won’t freeze your butt off as much in New Zealand, just a small advantage. Plus, there are also some unique species, like the yellow-eyed penguin, found only in NZ.

Want to know where you can see the cute little faces of these flightless seabirds? Head to Dunedin or Oamaru!

6. A land of famous people

Sir Edmund Hillary, the first person to reach the summit of Mt Everest (with Sherpa Tenzing Norgay), the movie director we all know, Sir Peter Jackson (Lord of the Rings trilogy and the Hobbit trilogy), Jean Batten the “Greta Garbo of the skies” (record-breaking solo aviator) are just some of the famous people who have changed the history and inspired many generations, born in New Zealand.

Pretty awesome, if you ask me.

7. The last habitable land to be settled by humans

Another fact about New Zealand: the country is actually quite young, since the land was first inhabited about 1,000 years ago by the Mãori, but was only discovered by other explorers, traders and settlers a few centuries later.

8. New Zealand or Aotearoa

Aotearoa, which can be translated as “long white cloud”, is the Mãori name for New Zealand but, contrary to what you might think, it’s not widely used in the country. The only times you’ll often see it are in the media or on the political scene.

Although there has been many talks and petitions over the years to change the name back to Aotearoa, nothing has yet been decided, and who knows if it ever will be.

If you’d like to know more about Aotearoa and the story behind it, don’t hesitate to check out this interesting article on the subject.

9. The lovely Kiwis

Have you ever heard New Zealanders called by the cute nickname of Kiwis? Yes, no? Well, in any case, this endearing term isn’t connected to the fruit (originally from China, by the way) but to the flightless bird of the same name, native to New Zealand.

Still, it’s better than the nicknames that are sometimes given to a country’s inhabitants. I’ll give you an example: the French like to call the British “rosbif” (roast beef, one of the traditional dishes), which is kind of considered an insult by many, even today.

So, comparatively speaking, Kiwis are a rather lovely moniker, don’t you think?

10. A great destination for nature lovers

Here’s a fact about New Zealand that should capture the hearts of nature lovers: about a third of its land is actually covered by national parks, forests and reserves. Quite a paradise for hikers, people who want to go on healing walks or who simply want to escape their routine, tiring lives.

And with 13 national parks, all filled with stunning scenery, unforgettable adventures and tranquil environment, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful country.

11. A country of many inventions

It’s funny how many everyday life items or even things we think are actually cool come from the land of the Kiwis.

Here are just a few: the useful egg beater, the referee’s whistle, bungy jumping (of course), the jet-boat…

Now you’re ready to share your knowledge and win points at the next trivia night!

12. Two official anthems

This is actually quite a unique fact about New Zealand, as there are only two countries in the world, the other being Denmark, that have two official anthems. The anthems in question: God defend New Zealand and God save the Queen (or King).

13. Being a Jedi is a religion

I’m sure you think I’m joking, but I’m not, and how cool is that? Jedi, as we all know them (at least I hope so) is considered a real religion in New Zealand.

I’m actually thinking of moving there for that reason alone. What do you think?

Get your lightsabers ready and try not to go over to the Sith side my friends!

14. Gisborne: a special city in NZ

Due to the location of New Zealand, we all know that it’s already a country in the future, celebrating the New Year before everyone else…, but there’s also a special city, where you can see the sun rise before the rest of the world: Gisborne.

The best place to do it: Maunga Hikurangi! But that’s not all as Gisborne’s beautiful beaches, pleasant weather and thrilling adventures should be enough to convince you to visit!

15. One of the smartest birds ever

Here’s another interesting fact about New Zealand that you probably didn’t know: the Kea, a bird native to the country, more precisely the South Island, and belonging to the parrot family, is what might be called the Einstein of birds, as it’s considered one of the most intelligent birds in the world, capable of solving logical puzzles.

Although, it doesn’t really “talk” like other parrots, this little bird is said to be quite cheeky, and particularly fond of the rubber parts of your car windows or wipers. Isn’t it adorable?

16. Preschool isn’t mandatory

Depending on where you live and how you were brought up, you may have attended a preschool (at around age 2 or 3) because it was mandatory, like in France, or just for fun.

Well, in New Zealand it’s not mandatory, you can choose to give your child an early education, or just wait until they’re 5 and take them to school then.

I personally don’t see why it should be mandatory, especially as education isn’t always free and quite expensive in many countries. But I guess everyone has their own opinion on the subject.

17. The smallest dolphin in the world

Also called Hector’s dolphin, it’s one of the smallest and rarest dolphins, and guess what? It can only be found in the calm blue waters of the South Island of NZ.

Less than 1.5m long and 50kg, it’s about half the size and weight of, say, the bottlenose dolphin.

If you want to have a chance of seeing them gliding across the water, your best bet is to head to Akaroa or take a boat around the South Island’s west coast and wait patiently for one of these little creatures to show up.

18. The special feature of Blue Lake in Nelson

Located in Nelson Lakes National Park, Blue Lake (Rotomairewhenua) is also known as the clearest lake in the world, with visibility of up to 80 meters. Not too bad, right?

Be warned, though, swimming isn’t allowed, as the lake is sacred to the Mãori!

19. Not on the maps

A fun fact about New Zealand for you! Have you ever opened a world map book, watched a movie/TV show, read a statistical report or article and noticed something amiss? Like New Zealand, for example!

If you haven’t, I guarantee you’ve probably seen it more than once, but just haven’t paid much attention. The next time you walk into a restaurant or program a movie night, look carefully and chances are you’ll notice that our dear Kiwi friends aren’t even included on the maps.

Poor New Zealand! Why so much hatred? I wonder how one can simply forget an entire country on the maps, it’s kind of crazy, really!

20. A unique Christmas tree

What would Christmas be without family gatherings, presents under the tree and the traditional pine tree? But here’s the thing, New Zealand is a little different from everyone else as while the pine tree is one of the most widely used trees to symbolize Christmas around the world, it’s not here because this one is replaced by the Pōhutukawa tree.

And it’s not only a beautiful sacred tree with red flowers, for a legend is attached to it, one that tells the story of a Mãori warrior, trying to find help in heaven in order to avenge his father’s death, but who fell to earth, the red flowers representing his blood.

A different but majestic alternative to the usual Christmas tree, that’s for sure!

21. A big carnivorous snail

A carnivorous snail that sucks the life out of the earthworms as easily as a vampire would drink your blood? That’s how the Powelliphanta snail (its scientific name) can be described. But being a carnivore is nice and all, were it not for the facts that it’s also one of the largest species of snails known, with a diameter of up to 9 cm.

I don’t know about you, but I’d hate to run into it.

22. 90 Mile beach

Australia has its 80 Mile Beach, but New Zealand has its own 90 Mile Beach (ready, fight! Just kidding!), although if we want to be accurate, the beach is only 88 miles long, but who’s counting, right?

As for me, as long as I’ve got a little square of sand to lay my towel down and take a dip, I’m pretty much in paradise.

23. A famous pie competition

Let’s start by saying that Kiwis love pies, but unlike other countries like the USA, theirs aren’t sweet but savory, so, it’s no surprise that there’s even a competition dedicated to pies.

The Bakels SUPREME Pie Awards, which award the best (you’ve guessed it) pies in each category, are one of the most famous and loved food competitions in the country, with the supreme winner receiving a handsome, hefty prize of $7,500 (NZ).

Feel like baking a pie or eating a few?

24. The southernmost capital in the world

If you know your capitals, you won’t be surprised to learn that Wellington, and not Auckland, is the capital of New Zealand.

But that’s not all, as the city also holds the title of the southernmost capital city in the world. Take that, geography teacher!

25. 3 official languages

Let’s close this list of facts about New Zealand with a simple and easy-to-remember fact: the country has three official languages, namely English (widely spoken at 95%), Mãori and New Zealand Sign Language.

Be warned though, that the Kiwi accent isn’t your typical English accent, so be prepared for a little adaptation period before you understand everything. And I’m not even talking about their slang!

So, what about these facts about New Zealand? Have you learned any new things, or do you know any other interesting facts we should know about the country? Let us know in the comments!

Want to learn some useful NZ words and expressions? Check out my 30 New Zealand slang words you need to know!

Love it? Feel free to share it!