Don't let language be a barrier - learn the "Kiwi" way

Don't walk too close - a sign warning about local wildlife on the Banks Peninsula | Janet Oldham

Blog home / Don't let language be a barrier - learn the "Kiwi" way

There are so many aspects to travel – from planning, to getting there – making sure you pack the right gear, to reading advice and tips on things to see and do from those that have gone before. The one thing that can often go very wrong is language.

New Zealand’s main language is English, although you will often see Te Reo (Maori) incorporated into many places that you visit. Like anywhere in the world, what might mean something in one country, means a completely different thing in another eg: dairy.

Here are some little tips and useful phrases to get you started – and I am sure, provide some laughs and fun moments along the way.

Kia Ora (key-o-ra) – The first thing you see at the airport on arrival - Hello

Whanau (far-no) – Family

Wahine (wa-he-ney) Women

Tane (ta-ney) Man

Kai - food

Tapu - sacred, spiritual

Haere rā (high-reh-rah) – Goodbye

Dairy – a small shop selling milk, newspapers, ice-creams and other small necessities – not the cow/milk kind

Togs – swimsuit, bathers

Jandals – flipflops, thongs, sandals depending on which part of the world you come from

Tiki Tour – driving slowly or casually taking the scenic route

Wop wops or The wops – the middle of no-where, really far away

Bro – could be a friend or a brother – does not need to be related

Heaps – often used instead of “lots of” – heaps of

Sweet as – basically means ‘great’

Bach (batch) – a holiday house or summer house, popular in beach or out of town destinations

Crook – not feeling well, sick “I’m a little crook” – not the buglary kind

Feijoa – a native, green, New Zealand fruit, oval in shape with an acquired taste

Hokey Pokey – one of New Zealand much loved ice-cream flavours – very similar to honeycomb

Scroggin – heading out on a long walk or hike, you will want a bag of scroggin, a mix of nuts and fruits often called trail mix in other countries

Smoko – quite simply, morning tea. Originally referred to as a smoking and tea break, now just a coffee or tea with a snack break

Choice – means ‘cool’ or ‘great’

Lollies – any sweet that is not a lollipop or chocolate eg: gummy bears, Pineapple Lumps (another kiwi must have) etc

All good – another way to say never mind, it’s ok etc

Kiwi – New Zealander or native bird

Buggered – really tired

Jumper – a sweater, pull over – often made of wool or something else warm

Chocka Block – crowded or extremely busy

Not even – no way or not true

Ka kite ano – See you later

Hongi - a traditional Maori greeting where people press their noses together - not to be confused with Hangi

Hangi - a traditional New Zealand Māori method of cooking food using heated rocks buried in a pit oven, called an umu.

Nins Bin in Kaikoura | <i>ChristchurchNZ</i>

Spot a Kiwi at the Pukaha National Wildlife Centre | <i>Miles Holden</i>

Taking part in a traditionally Maori welcome known as a hongi. | <i>Fraser Clements</i>

A family out enjoying one of New Zealand's fabulous coastal walks | Fraser Clements

3 reasons for an outdoor summer family holiday

Have kids, but worried about travelling with them? See some of the main reasons why a family holiday has great benefits.

Stunningly located lodges provide comfortable accommodation on the Queen Charlotte Track | Mahana Lodge

Best way to walk the Queen Charlotte Track

Deciding on a walking itinerary can be difficult. We have created the ultimate guide to help you choose the best Queen Charlotte Walk for you.

Walkers enjoying the barren lands of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing | David Tip

Tongariro Alpine Crossing: The Complete Guide

Read through our complete guide to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing - one of New Zealand's Great Walks.

Catch a sunrise from the loop track above Okaka Lodge, Hump Ridge Track | Janet Oldham

Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track: The Complete Guide

Read through our complete guide to the next official Great Walk of New Zealand, the Hump Ridge Walking Track.

Hiking above Lake Rotoiti in the Nelson Lakes National Park | Nick Groves

New Year. New Resolution. Why a walking holiday should be on everyone's bucket list.

Following a year that saw us all searching for a new normal, I discovered 10 reasons why a walking holiday should be on everyone's bucket list of things to do in 2021 and beyond.