Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
A Long Way from Britain
Most Kiwis (except perhaps the farmers) would probably wish it rained a little less and
they got paid a little more, but it sometimes takes a few months travelling on their 'Big OE'
(Overseas Experience - a traditional rite of passage) beforfe they realise how good they've
got it.
In a 2012 study of the quality of life in the world's major cities, Auckland was rated third
and Wellington 13th. In 2014, US-based Social Progress Index (SPI) ranked NZ as the
most socially progressive country (followed by Switzerland, Iceland, the Netherlands and
Norway) for personal rights and freedom, internet access and school enrollment.
No matter where you are in NZ, you're never more than 128km from the sea.
Despite all the change, key elements of the NZ identity are an unbroken thread, and for-
tune is still a matter of economics rather than class. If you are well served in a restaurant or
shop, it will be out of politeness or pride in the job, rather than servility.
In country areas and on bushwalks don't be surprised if you're given a cheery greeting
from passers-by. In a legacy of the British past, politeness is generally regarded as one of
the highest virtues. A 'please' and 'thank you' will get you a long way. The three great ex-
ceptions to this rule are: a) on the road, where genteel Dr Jekylls become raging Mr Hydes,
especially if you have the misfortune of needing to change lanes in Auckland; b) if you
don't speak English very well; and c) if you are Australian.
The latter two traits are the product of insularity and a smallness of world view that tends
to disappear among Kiwis who have travelled (and luckily many do). The NZ/Australian
rivalry is taken much more seriously on this side of the Tasman. Although it's very unlikely
that Kiwis will be rude outright, visiting Aussies must get pretty sick of the constant rib-
bing, much of it surprisingly ill-humoured. It's a sad truth that while most Australians
would cheer on a NZ sports team if they were playing anyone other than their own, the op-
posite is true in NZ.
