Search Activities & Tours:

New Zealand Etiquette

Etiquette is just as important in New Zealand as it is anywhere else in the world. Here are some traditional customs to keep in mind:

Meeting and Greeting

  • The greetings in New Zealand are usually casual, often just a simple handshake accompanied by a friendly smile.
  • New Zealanders tend to quickly move to using first names, but it’s best to address them by their honorific titles and surnames until they suggest a more familiar level and call you by your first name.

Maori Meeting and Greeting Customs

Maori Meeting and Greeting Customs, Photo  Credit: Fraser Clements

  • The Maori people have their own unique protocols for welcoming and bidding farewell to visitors.
  • In certain business dealings within a tribal group, a formal welcome called Powhiri may be practiced. This involves specific seating arrangements and designated speakers.
  • The speeches given during these welcomes are delivered by agreed speakers, with the most important or elder speaker concluding the speeches.
  • Most of the speeches are given in the Maori language and are accompanied by traditional songs.

Gift-Giving Etiquette in New Zealand

  • It is customary to bring a small gift, such as flowers, chocolates, or a book about your home country, when visiting someone’s home. These gifts should not be extravagant.
  • All gifts are opened when received.

Dining Etiquette in New Zealand

  • For more formal dining occasions, a stricter protocol is followed.
  • Wait to be told where to sit.
  • Meals are often served family-style, where dishes are placed in the center of the table for everyone to share.

Listing view

TAILOR MADE TOURS

We offer you the flexibility to either choose from our existing itineraries or create your own itinerary based on your preferences, requirements, and travel dates. To begin, just get in touch with us and receive your personalized itinerary within 48 hours.

Tailor-made Tour Inquiry Form >>

CUSTOM PRIVATE TOURS NZ

You can upgrade your itinerary by taking a private car and an English-speaking driver/guide for the entire itinerary.

TOURS FOR LARGE GROUPS

Looking for a personalized New Zealand tour for a group of 10 or more people? Contact us for a competitive price quote. We specialize in creating unique itineraries that inspire groups.

Group Tour Inquiry Form >>