Do the toilets flush the opposite way in New Zealand? 12 common questions I get about New Zealand.

Feb 21

For whatever reason, there are a lot of random questions that come up about New Zealand, the tiny island nation at the bottom of the world. However, it wasn’t until my friends began asking me for videos of a toilet flush, that I knew I needed to do a better job at educating. As someone who lived there for 5 years and who has had the same questions, I’ve realized my moral obligation and social responsibility for providing some clarity, not only for my dear friends who want toilet videos but also for everyone else who may be wondering the same thing but is too embarrassed to ask.

1. Okay, so what about the toilets?

I’m really sorry to disappoint you, but I’m fairly certain that they don’t swirl in the opposite direction. Trust me - I’ve watched carefully, and it’s just a flush. Yep guys, it just goes straight down.

2. Which part of Australia is New Zealand?

It’s not. This is probably the most important fact you’ll ever need to know about New Zealand. I’ll repeat – it's not part of Australia. They are different countries not to be confused with one another, especially in the world of sports. As the crow flies, there are about 1,200 miles of open ocean, the Tasman Sea, between the two, so it’s not close and definitely not drivable.

3. What is a kiwi anyways?

If you followed along with my journey in New Zealand, you probably often heard me refer to Kiwis. By definition, a Kiwi is a flightless bird native to New Zealand, roughly the size of a domestic chicken. Oh, and it’s also the national icon. They’re endangered, so you’re not likely to run into one in the wild unless you’re in the right place at the right time.

However, I’m usually not referring to the flightless bird. Kiwi is also the nickname used internationally for people from New Zealand. It’s a common self-reference and generally viewed as a symbol of pride and endearment for New Zealanders, so feel free to toss the term around generously (or even pose as a Kiwi in Greymouth, New Zealand, like my husband, Chris, as pictured.)

Chris as a cheeky kiwi bird in Greymouth, New Zealand

4. What season is it?

In New Zealand, we’re in the southern hemisphere. So, if you’re in the northern hemisphere, all you need to know is that it’s opposite. It still blows my mind that in as little as 24 hours and a couple of flights that one can go from spring in on the east coast in North America to autumn in New Zealand.

South Island, New Zealand in Autumn | Unsplash

5. What time is it there?

It operates on New Zealand Standard Time (NZST). Close to the international date line, New Zealanders are some of the first in the world to get to see the sunrise each day. It also means they live in the future – about one day ahead of you all in America and Europe.

6. Do all New Zealanders have pet sheep?

I wish! A 2023 Guardian article informs us that New Zealand has about 4.9 sheep for every person. While this sounds like a lot to me, not everyone has a pet sheep or any sheep at all. Although you’re guaranteed to see plenty of sheep on your trip to New Zealand, and you can even stay on a working sheep farm if that interests you.

There is always an exception though right? Mainly because of sheer cuteness, it’s worth noting that a good Kiwi friend of mine had a pet lamb, Bella (pictured). Although sweet Bella was a pet because she had special needs, and bless her heart, she only lived a very short life. Although I can attest to the fact that she lived her best life - sweet Bella lived indoors, was regularly cuddled to sleep, and even wore special socks, so she wouldn’t slip on the tile floor. Rest in peace, Bella.

7. Which side of the road do they drive on?

Left! If you learned to drive on the right-hand side of the road, I have some advice for you. Driving on the left hand side comes more easily than you think, especially with a bit of concentration, so my advice is for the right-hand side pedestrians. As a pedestrian, it’s easy to be in auto-pilot (you’re not concentrating as much as you would while you’re driving). For us right-hand side of the road folks, it’s hard to remember to look left before crossing the road, so just do yourself a big favor and always look both ways.

8. Are there snakes in New Zealand?

Nope. No snakes, scorpions, crocodiles, or killer jellyfish here. Raised in the South in the US where we worry a lot about poisonous snakes in the summer, I’m only now getting to the point where I don’t think twice about walking through tall grass (as England is the same). It’s so nice to be outdoors and not worry about creepy crawlers trying to kill me.

As far as spiders go, there are only two that are poisonous, but a bite from either species is extremely rare, and there is a safe and effective anti-venom available.

9. What’s the food like?

With a strong agricultural economy here, you’ll find most dishes use local ingredients from both land and sea. It’s hard to define New Zealand cuisine because it’s heavily influenced by many cuisines, including European, American and Southeast Asian. However, if you want to eat like a local, come for the fresh seafood like mussels and crayfish (which is a bit like a lobster), and don’t forget to try a mince pie, a savory delicious and inexpensive must (perfect for quick bites on a road trip). Don’t just come for the food though - come also for the New Zealand wine!

10. What’s the official language?

English is currently the most widely spoken language in New Zealand, but Māori and New Zealand Sign Language both formally have special status under the law as official languages of New Zealand. English is written as British English which means adding extra ‘u’s in words such as harbour and favourite and dropping ‘z’s for ‘s’s in words such as realise, authorise, etc. Although spelling is nothing to fret over. You’d benefit more from learning a bit of the slang like how to use the phrase ‘sweet as,’ and that being called ‘cuzzy’ doesn’t actually mean that someone is your cousin. (More on Kiwi phrases and slangs in another blog post!)

11. Is New Zealand a developing country?

This is an interesting misconception. Perhaps it’s because New Zealand was the last large and livable place in the world to be discovered by humans, by Polynesians first around 1300AD, followed by Europeans who began making regular visits in the late 1700s. However, New Zealand is developed, and it’s worth noting that it has been a trailblazer in many important milestones, namely women's rights and environment and employment rights. Along with a wonderful healthcare system, these reasons continue to help it rank as one of the world’s most livable places. I can attest to the fact that it’s not only extremely livable but also a great vacation destination. The luxury lodges and views don’t hurt either…

Matakauri Lodge in Queenstown, New Zealand

12. Last but not least, why would I want to go to New Zealand?

I may be biased, but my short and bold answer is that it’s the most beautiful and special place on earth. There have been plenty of occasions where nature felt so remote and so pristine that it left me with the feeling that dinosaurs could possibly live here. Honestly, I’ve thought to myself and said out loud, “It wouldn’t surprise me if a T-Rex suddenly popped out of the bushes.” Maybe it feels more raw and untouched because it was one of the last countries populated by humans, or maybe because it’s so isolated. However, it's also important to give credit where credit is due - to the Kiwis who take great pride and effort in taking care of the environment and who expect visitors to do the same.

I’m curious - did any of these answers surprise you? Do you have any other questions? If you liked it, don’t forget to sign up for our emails (scroll down a wee bit just below where it says “Get Inspired” and enter your name and email), so you don’t miss any blog posts, AND so you can be the first to hear our travel tips and the latest news and promotions in the travel world. Cheers, Abbay.

New Zealand

Abbay King