First visit to NZ... not a "what should I see?" question.?

I'm going to be in Auckland for half a year. Just wondering what things I should be prepared for and expect. Any tips for newcomers? Cultural shocks? Slang I should try to learn? Things to avoid doing? Etc.

Btw, I'm American. We're not so popular these days... will I see any of that in NZ? Even though I hear you guys are pretty nice. Thanks.

Let me answer on behalf of both countries (I'm a dual national).

Kiwis are no less hospitable than anyone you'll meet in the better parts of the USA. Most are delightful and friendly. In spite of the media hype, Kiwis have no particular distaste for Americans. You need not worry about that. You may encounter some critical remarks from some people. Most of them will be "having you on" or "taking the piss" (NZ vernacular, lesson one). The few that aren't just kidding you aren't worth considering.

If you intend to drive, be prepared for right-hand steering, meaning you're on the other side of the road. Not really a problem; just be aware of what you're doing, as you should be anyway. Right turns at intersections can be traumatic for an American; read the rules of the road.

NZ isn't cheap. The comparatively small market and the remoteness don't support high-volume pricing, so just about any manufactured item will be expensive. So is labour and services, for that matter.

Infrastructure-wise, NZ is just as developed as just about anywhere in the USA.

Be prepared to be mistaken for a Canadian. NEVER, and I mean NEVER confuse anything Australian with anything from New Zealand, especially people.

Learn to say "gidday" cheerfully. Don't be afraid to use the word "mate" for your friends, or just to be polite in a casual situation. 'Kia Ora' (greetings) will impress your Maori mates.

When you go to a fast food place, you order "takeaway", not "to go". What you know as cookies are biscuits. Scones are what you know as biscuits. The names for the different stages of primary and secondary education is different. University is "Uni", not "college".

Not that you ever would, but NEVER give the old "peace sign" (index and middle finger in a "V").

Unofficial names for the country are "NZ" (pronounced "enzed"), Aotearoa and Godzone ( as in God's Own Country).

New Zealand is still a British Commonwealth country. The Queen is still the titular head of state, but she has no real power. Many aspects of British culture remain in the New Zealand way, but NZ is it's own country, not a provincial outpost for Poms escaping their own self-made hell.

This could go on forever, but this is a simple Q & A forum, not a travel guide. Try using a search engine to research New Zealand and look for one of the many on-line international slang dictionaries for very amusing language lessons.

As for culture shock, it depends on your threshold for shock. Many, many things will be just like back home. Some things will be strange. All in all, it's just the same, only different. Just remember, if you find yourself in a dilemma: "she'll be right, mate!"

Be careful while your here. Although it is a pretty safe country there have been quite a large number of murders this year (14) which you probobly would laugh at being from the usa lol. Um new zealand, we are very laid back and have a good little country. Just enjoy your self.

You must go down to the south island

You should go see Ninety-Mile Beach, Taupo, the Waitomo Caves and Rotorua (I haven't been to the South Island yet but I've heard it's real good). You won't get hassled for being American - it's a pretty diverse country. I don't think there will be much of culture shock. I can't think of any necessary slang you'll need to learn...just make fun of Australians and you'll slot right in! Good luck!

The biggest thing seems to be our laid back attitude. Many from other countries are not aware and may see it as laziness and us being rude. But we ain't, we are just more casual than some other cultures

A handful don't like the fact that its casual here, not many will call you by your tittle (say doctor or captain) if you have one, even where I work its all a first name basis even with your superiors. (and I work in a traditionally status driven industry). Just little things like that. Its a lot less 'status driven' and social standing is not as important here than in other countries and it can be seen by the way people talk to each other.

Just be prepared for that (which is a good thing in my opinion). As for you being an American, apart from your president, you will find that 99% of people don't really care who you are or where you are from. There are nice guys and idiots from all over the world, so how people see you is really based on yourself as a person.

I hope you enjoy your journey over here and your stay.
New Zealanders are far more reserved than Americans. Don't take this as dislike or rejection. For example, if they win some fantastic prize they say "thankyou" with very little display of enthusiasm - this is what I find the biggest difference between Americans and New Zealanders. I am not aware of any dislike of Americans whatsoever.
I don't think you need to say "g'day" that is not really a common greeting. Actually "Hi" is much more common.
Just about everything else has been covered by others except I wouldn't rush to call people by their first names especially if they are much older. It is true though that employers are generally called by their first names.
Good luck

I studied abroad in NZ for half a year and people were really friendly to me (I'm an american). The only times I felt i got "different" treatment was just because I'm asian, so a lot of people initially thought I couldn't understand English (there's a lot of immigrants from Asian countries. NZ isn't much different than US, so there isn't much that would be a cultural shock. Though, there are Maori who some have tattoos all over their bodies (I personally think it looks awesome). One thing that surprised me about New Zealanders was how much people knew about the US. I'm from North Carolina, and quite a few people made comments about some fact about NC.

The accent was really odd to me. I couldn't really understand what people were saying for a day. There are some words they use that isn't used in US but it won't be a problem. "Cheers" is really common for saying hi there. Don't use the word "fanny" (as in a fanny pack), because in NZ that's another word for female...part.

Try to remember that dates in NZ are day/month/year instead of month/day/year.

Not sure if you know anything about rugby. Rugby is huge in NZ and the national team is called All Blacks.

Some food differences I found in NZ-
Vegemite and Marmite is common there. If you dont know, it's this yeast spread that you put a tiny bit on toast with butter. A fellow American made the mistake of thinking it was jam... he definitely wasn't happy. Out of all the American students, I was probably the only person that even remotely thought it was pretty good.
Muesli is basically a not so sweet version of grenola.
Weet Bix- it's a type of cereal. It looks like a huge chunk of shredded wheat cereal. You're supposed to pour milk and sugar on top, let it get soggy and eat it. We made the mistake of eating it plain, and it tasted like sawdust.

I love NZ, I want to go back. Not sure how much traveling you'll get, but I loved the south island the most. Try to do as much adventurous stuff that you can :-)

I live in Nz and I have done all my life, Im a true Kiwi :D But i live in Wellington. But if you have any questions and you wanna talk to someone, you can email me on krissy-baybie@hotmail.com

I love learning about different cultures so I wud b more than happy to help out with any queries you have :)

Depends what competitions you have been in with NZ lately, if NZ won your OK to say your from the US of A, if USA has won..I just say Canadian. Kiwis can be sore losers!

Driving of course if on the proper side over here - but one thing to watch out for is the rule to allow cars coming from the opposite direction that want to turn into the road you want to turn left into, have right of way. Kiwis are very laid back drivers - but if you mess that rule up you will get more than the finger.

Have a great trip - and most definately hit Piha beach. Surfing paradise

I'm American, lived in NZ for 5 years. Moved back Stateside two years ago. Lived in a small town, but visited Auckland often enough. It's a lot like the US in the 80's... life's slower, not so hectic. Be careful driving, if you drive there - takes a while driving on the *wrong* side of the road. :) I had more trouble getting used to driving back on the *right* side of the road when I moved back to the US. Don't flaunt that you're an American (flag on backpack, t-shirt, hat, etc). I got hassled a lot when I wore an American flag t-shirt. Still, you'll get plenty of good attention for being *foreign*. The opposite sex will LOVE the accent, especially if you have a noticable accent (southern, eastern, etc). Fashion for the girls is a little different, but not in a bad way. I miss shopping at Glassons (wanna send me some shirts??). Get a cell phone, prepaid, they do fine for most people, especially if you text message. In fact, I still have my phone but doubt it would work anymore, battery hasn't been charged in two years. Email me if you have any other questions. :)