Etiquette

New Zealanders are a laid-back, modest bunch as a whole – exercising the usual good manners will help endear you to the locals.

• Greetings Shake hands when meeting someone for the first time, and look people in the eye.
• Attitude Brash, self-satisfied, arrogant attitudes really annoy people (note: this is how they perceive Australians to be and not what Kiwis are like!).
• Māori Customs Adhere to strict Māori protocols if visiting marae (meeting-house complexes). Otherwise respectful behaviour goes a long way.
• Invitations If you're invited to dinner or a barbecue at someone's house, bring some wine, beer, meat or a bunch of flowers.