62 Fun and Surprising Facts About New Zealand Every Traveller Should Know
By Ryan Brown published on 5 December 2025
New Zealand has a way of catching travellers off guard. You expect big hikes, good coffee, and a lot of sheep. Then you find out the country sits on two tectonic plates, birds here forget how to fly, other wildlife occasionally get drunk, and you can ski and surf in the same day.
Aotearoa is full of stories, quirks, oddities, and world records that make travelling here feel like one long discovery. Whether you’re road tripping, backpacking, joining a Wild Kiwi tour, or planning your first big solo adventure, here are some of the most interesting facts that help explain why this place stays with you long after you’ve left. And why you'll be saying "Wooooow" daily.
New Zealand Geography & Nature Facts
1. There are more sheep than people
Five to one. You’ll see them in every region, from alpine valleys to coastal hills.
2. New Zealand sits on two major tectonic plates
The Pacific Plate and the Indo-Australian Plate meet under the country, creating volcanoes, geothermal hotspots, and dramatic mountain ranges.
3. You can ski and surf in the same day
On the South Island, the distances between mountains and coastline make this surprisingly easy. You can even spot the ocean as you carve down the mountain from slopes in Queenstown!
See it on: Ski Voyager
4. New Zealand has a desert
The Rangipo Desert in the central North Island is a volcanic plateau with ash fields, military training zones, and landscapes used in film production.
5. Fiordland is carved by ancient glaciers
Steep cliffs, deep waters, and hundreds of waterfalls create one of the world’s most impressive wilderness areas, including the "8th wonder of the world",
6. New Zealand has some of the clearest water on Earth
Blue Lake in Nelson Lakes National Park holds the record for the clearest natural fresh water ever measured.
7. Ninety Mile Beach isn’t ninety miles
It’s closer to 55 miles long, yet remains one of the most popular road trip detours.
8. Hot Water Beach lets you dig your own natural spa
Thermal water bubbles up under the sand in the Coromandel. Dig a small pool and relax while the tides roll in.
See it on: Northern Voyager
9. New Zealand is home to glowworm galaxies
Glowworm caves in Waitomo, Te Anau, and Waipu create underground constellations that look unreal.
See it on: North Island Escape
10. New Zealand is one of the world’s best stargazing zones
The Aoraki McKenzie International Dark Sky Reserve and Lake Tekapo ban excessive artificial lighting in the region, allowing you to see gas giants, constellations, and the Milky Way with the naked eye like never before.
See it on: Southern Voyager
New Zealand Wildlife Facts
11. New Zealand has no snakes
It’s one of the few countries where hikers don’t need to worry about venomous creatures in the bush.
12. The kiwi is a bird that cannot fly
It’s nocturnal, shy, and iconic. Seeing one in the wild is rare but unforgettable. But you can visit kiwi bird sanctuaries to see them and support their conservation.
13. The kākāpō is the world’s largest land parrot
Weighing up to four kilos, they boom at night and shuffle around like forest gremlins. They’re critically endangered and heavily protected.
14. Kea are the world’s only alpine parrots
Smart, cheeky, curious, and known for unzipping backpacks. Some hikers have had entire shoelaces taken. Their favourite snack is car tyres and automobile parts.
15. Penguins live across the country
Little blue penguins, Fiordland crested penguins, and rare yellow-eyed penguins all make appearances on coastal walks.
16. Some penguins accidentally get “drunk”
Little blues sometimes eat fermented fish washed ashore, causing them to wobble around until wildlife rangers rescue them.
17. Kererū (wood pigeons) can also get tipsy
They occasionally gorge on overly ripe berries and struggle to land gracefully. You'll spot them running amok in the South while on a hike, or startling you as they fall from a tree, like leaving a pub after a few pints.
18. Wetapunga are some of the heaviest insects on Earth
Giant wētā can weigh more than sparrows. Keep a keen eye out for these giant but fascinating insects...especially in the rainforests of the North Island.
Spot them on: Rotorua Canopy Tour
19. Hector’s dolphins are the smallest dolphins in the world
Found around the South Island, especially near Akaroa.
20. New Zealand is the seabird capital of the world
More seabird species breed here than anywhere else.
New Zealand Culture & History Facts
21. Aotearoa is the Māori name for New Zealand
Often translated as “Land of the Long White Cloud.”
22. New Zealand was the first country to give women the vote
This happened in 1893 and remains a major point of national pride.
23. There are three official languages
Te reo Māori, English, and New Zealand Sign Language. You'll hear our guides referring to place names and facts about New Zealand in Te reo Māori and English as you explore the north and south.
24. Māori carving and weaving are some of the oldest traditions in Polynesia
These art forms tell stories, genealogy, and cultural identity. From bone, wood, and jade, you'll be able to carve your own piece of New Zealand to take home with you on certain tours!
Do it on: Southern Voyager
25. The Treaty of Waitangi is the country’s founding document
Signed in 1840 between Māori chiefs and the British Crown, this document created New Zealand, but is also a document with controversy since its signing. We recommend visiting museums and learning about the treaty, and how it's perceived today while travelling New Zealand.
26. Kiwis love tramping
Tramping means hiking, and multi-day treks are part of the national culture. New Zealand is one of the most well-established multi-day hiking destinations in the world.
27. "Yeah, nah" and "nah, yeah" mean completely different things
You’ll pick it up faster than you expect. And then you'll get weird looks when you say it at home.
28. Rugby is practically a religion
The All Blacks’ haka is known worldwide.
New Zealand Movie & Filming Facts
29. Lord of the Rings used more than 150 locations
From Tongariro National Park to Fiordland, the landscapes of Middle-earth are real.
30. Hobbiton still exists
The set in Matamata is permanently maintained, and travellers can visit the Green Dragon Inn for a drink.
31. Mount Ngauruhoe became Mount Doom
The volcano’s perfect cone shape made it one of the trilogy’s most iconic backdrops.
32. Glenorchy and Paradise formed key LOTR landscapes
Fans instantly recognise the sweeping valleys, beech forests, and mountain backdrops.
33. Narnia filmed major sequences in New Zealand
The battle plains at Flock Hill and forests near Paradise became Narnia’s most recognisable terrain. You can also visit Cathedral Cove, which was also a main location in the film!
Explore Cathedral Cove's Narnia Location on: Northern Voyager
34. The Last Samurai used Mount Taranaki as Mount Fuji
Its symmetrical cone shape made it an ideal film double.
35. Avatar’s effects were created in Wellington
Fan of Avatar? New Zealand had a hand in it. Though Pandora is entirely created digitally, Wētā FX developed groundbreaking visual technology for the film.
36. Mulan filmed in the Mackenzie Basin
Golden tussock lands and wide valleys formed several battle scenes.
37. Pete’s Dragon used Rotorua’s redwoods
The towering trees created a perfect fantasy setting.
38. New Zealand hosts constant film production
The mix of mountains, volcanic landscapes, and coastal scenery gives filmmakers endless natural variety.
Adventure & Travel Facts
39. New Zealand invented commercial bungee jumping
A.J. Hackett launched the first bungee in Queenstown. It's a must do for adrenaline junkies or those looking to conquer your fears!
Do it on: Big South
40. Zorbing also started here
Rolling downhill inside a giant inflatable ball? A Rotorua classic. It's a riot, and an absolute must-do with some crew while exploring the North Island.
41. Sandboarding is a legit activity
Northland and Taranaki dunes offer adventurous slopes.
42. The country has some of the world’s best day hikes
Time to get those steps in! Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Roys Peak, Hooker Valley Track, and Mount John Summit are among the favourites. But every day on a Wild Kiwi trip has opportunities for hikes, be it a short scenic one or a challenging summit.
43. New Zealand has the World's Highest Commercially Raftable Waterfall
The Kaituna River near Rotorua features Tutea Falls, a seven-metre drop recognised as the highest commercially rafted waterfall on the planet. The river runs through lush native forest, past smaller rapids and waterfalls, before sending you over the big one in a surge of white water. It’s one of the most iconic adventure experiences in Aotearoa.
44. A Kiwi road trip is almost a rite of passage
Many travellers buy cheap vans for a few months, then sell them. But instead of the hassle. You can hop on a small-group tour of New Zealand that will tick all the boxes with an easy social side to it.
45. New Zealand has geothermal rivers
Kerosene Creek near Rotorua runs hot year-round and feels like a natural spa. You also have hot and cold river that merges chilly streams with bubbling geothermal streams.
New Zealand Food & Drink Facts
46. New Zealand pies are legendary
Backpackers often become obsessed with mince and cheese, steak and mushroom, or butter chicken pies.
47. Hāngī is one of the world’s longest-standing cooking traditions
Food is slow-steamed in the ground using hot stones, and it's a part of an incredible Māori cultural experience you can have while visiting Rotorua.
Have a Hāngī on: Northern Voyager
48. Pavlova is claimed by New Zealand
The debate continues, though most locals feel strongly about it.
49. L&P is the local soft drink
Lemon & Paeroa tastes like lemonade with a Kiwi twist. Try one, and whether you like it or not, take a selfie at the giant L&P bottle.
50. Kiwifruit aren’t originally from New Zealand
It's originally from China! But the country perfected the fruit and remains a major producer. Make sure to grab a box for long rides and share with your group.
51. Whitebait fritters are a regional favourite
A small, seasonal treat along West Coast and Southland river. You'll be able to try these while exploring places like Punakaiki or roadside food trucks.
Try Whitebait on: Southern Loop
52. Hokey pokey ice cream is a national treasure. Also, fresh fruit ice cream.
Vanilla ice cream with honeycomb pieces. You’ll see it everywhere. And when there's an ice cream pitstop, grab a scoop or hit the fresh fruit ice cream stand.
53. New Zealand’s coffee culture is strong
The flat white originated here and remains the go-to order. If you order a flat white, you'll be loved. If you order a 3-pump mochaccino latte with macadamian milk at 67.5 degrees, you'll be kicked out.
54. Farmers markets and night markets are huge parts of Kiwi food culture
A great place for backpackers to eat cheaply and try multicultural dishes. Look for them during seasonal festivals or in towns like Queenstown, Christchurch, and Auckland.
Odd, Surprising, and Just Plain Cool Facts
55. The longest place name in the world is in Hawke’s Bay
Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu.
56. New Zealand once had a bird taller than most humans
The extinct moa stood up to 3.6 metres tall.
57. The country had an eagle that hunted moa
The extinct Haast’s eagle had a wingspan up to three metres.
58. New Zealand has more volcanoes than most people realise
Auckland even sits on a volcanic field with more than 50 inactive cones.
59. Many towns have quirky giant objects
The giant carrot in Ōhakune, the giant L&P bottle in Paeroa, the giant kiwifruit in Te Puke, Springfield doughnut. You'll find monuments abound, like giant fish and gumboots as well.
60. Wellington is officially the windiest city in the world
You’ll feel it the moment you arrive. When you think it was turbulent on a flight in, that's just a normal day.
61. Kiwis love a good road trip snack
Shapes, Whittaker’s chocolate, pineapple lumps, and Cookie Time cookies fuel many long drives. Keep these in mind for road trip snacks to share around the van, it's the perfect way to make new friends while travelling.
62. Backpackers often end up adopting Kiwi slang
Words like “sweet as,” “togs,” “jandals,” “ta,” and “chilly bin” appear in their vocabulary quickly. Take it home with you, use it, and relish in the strange looks people will give you.
Why Travellers Love New Zealand
New Zealand isn’t just scenic. It’s playful, unusual, proud of its culture, full of wildlife, shaped by volcanoes, and home to adventures you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re here for mountains, Māori history, coastlines, food, films, or fun facts, you’ll walk away with a story you couldn’t get from any other country.
Get stuck into New Zealand on an epic road trip that lets you experience all of the above and more. Book your Wild Kiwi adventure today.
