Live like a local
What does 'live like a local' mean to you?
Finding cool places to eat, knowing clever ways to save money or feeling at home in your new city or town? Whatever your answer, here's a few things you can do to make progress – fast!
To help get you started with this goal, we asked students what they did to live like a local while in New Zealand. Here are their suggestions, along with a few of our own!
It sounds simple, but just walking around your city or town can help you learn the main streets and find interesting new cafes or shops. There's always something new to see or do, so make sure you do it more than once. You're also likely to see some pretty amazing street art as you're walking around your new home, so make sure to take some photos!
Wellington street art in the central city and suburb(external link that opens in a new tab)
Christchurch street art map(external link that opens in a new tab)
What's the coolest thing you found by taking a walk? Tag us on Instagram using #studywithnz.
Most cities and towns have a weekend market where you can buy fruit and vegetables, usually for a cheaper price than you'll find in supermarkets. Buying food at a market is what many locals do to save money. It's also a mini cultural experience. Are there fruits or vegetables that are new to you? Give them a try!
New Zealanders are pretty friendly and we're happy to help and share our knowledge. If you need suggestions for a good hairdresser, bike repair shop or where to buy special cooking ingredients, you can post your question online, for example in a Facebook community group, or ask a friend or neighbour.
For example, like a hangi (Māori tradition of cooking food in an earth oven under the ground), pavlova dessert(external link that opens in a new tab) or fish and chips at the beach.
If you want to try something a little silly, make a potato chip sandwich (this is a favourite with Kiwi kids!). It's easy to make: Take two pieces of white bread, spread some butter on one slice, add a layer of potato chips, place the other slice of bread on top, squash it slightly and now you have a potato chip sandwich. It may not be super healthy but it's crunchy and delicious!
Words we use in casual conversation are called slang. Every country in the world uses slang. Slang can be useful to learn as it can help you understand what people are saying, as well as help you feel more like a local. For example, if you hear this in New Zealand: "I'll shout you. Do they have Eftpos?", it means "I'll pay for you. Can I pay with my debit card here?". Speaking in slang can also be really fun! Your Kiwi friends will 'get a real kick out of it' (that means they'll be delighted)!
Check out our page on New Zealand accent, languages and common words to learn more slang. Or, watch a few classic New Zealand movies to hear them in conversation:
Hunt for the Wilderpeople(external link that opens in a new tab)
Do you feel like you've achieved this goal?
Send us a photo of your experience! Tag us on Instagram using #studywithnz. Sharing your experience can help other students by giving them ideas on how to live like a local.
Try a new goal(external link that opens in a new tab), there's always something new to discover.
Related pages
Life and culture in New Zealand
Settling in a new country is easier if you know a little about its culture and lifestyle. Learn about New Zealand and Māori culture and traditions, and the lifestyle here.
Speaking NZ English
Even native English speakers have trouble understanding the New Zealand accent sometimes! Here’s why New Zealanders have such a unique way of talking. Learn about New Zealand slang and some words and phrases in New Zealand English.
Maximise your experience
Being an international student is a very exciting time, and there are lots of ways to make the most of that time here in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Get useful information and important updates to make your life easier while you're living and studying in New Zealand.