When in New Zealand, do as the Kiwis do! Once you're here you'll definitely want to check out the tourist attractions, but don't forget to try some of these suggestions for the experience of living like a real down-to-earth everyday Kiwi.

Fish and Chips

Eat takeaway fish and chips on the beach, and don’t forget the Wattie's tomato sauce!

Get Outdoors

Go surfing, play beach soccer or beach cricket. Kiwis love outdoor sports, whether water or land based.

Swim in the Ocean

New Zealanders have a real love affair with the seaside and on a hot day the beaches are popular. Remember when going beach swimming to ‘swim between the flags’ as this is the safe area patrolled by surf lifesavers.

Stay in a Bach

Baches are a much-loved Kiwi institution. Traditionally the bach was a small, simple summer holiday home, usually at the beach or beside a lake. Nowadays though some baches are quite large, modern and luxurious.

Hang out at a café

Sip on a coffee, true Kiwi-style! Try a short black (espresso shot), a long black (espresso with an equal amount of hot water), a flat white (espresso with steamed milk, stronger than a latte) or a bowl latte (a giant-sized milky coffee served in a very large rounded cup).

Have a chocolate fish

This popular kiwi sweet treat often served with coffees, it’s a fish-shaped chocolate-covered marshmallow!

Eat a mince pie

What started as a basic meat-stew encased in pastry to provide an easy meal-on-the-run has evolved into nationwide obsession. Sold in the thousands each year from petrol stations and cafes, the fillings can range from gourmet chicken and cranberry to basic beef mince. A true Kiwi culinary tradition!

Try some hokey pokey ice cream

New Zealand’s favourite ice cream flavour, vanilla with small bits of crunchy toffee.

Go to a Hangi

The hangi or ‘earth oven’ is the best known traditional form of cooking for Maori. A hole is dug in the ground and the food (anything from potatoes to pork) is placed in woven baskets and buried along with hot rocks so that the food is cooked slowly in its own steam. A hangi is usually a great social occasion!

Catch a Game of Rugby

Hoot ‘n holler with the local team’s supporters, and don’t forget to dress up in the team colours!

See a local band play live

You just can’t beat the homegrown musical talent in New Zealand, and many pubs, bars and clubs around the country feature live music most nights of the week.

... and most importantly, to live like a Kiwi just relax and don’t worry too much about anything – she’ll be right, mate!