Traditions and everyday life in New ZealandFestivals, family customs, favourite places and everyday traditions, written by members of Global Penfriends who live in New Zealand. Each cultural keepsake is a short note about life where they are.
48 keepsakes from New Zealand · page 1 of 2
Saussie/Sausage Sizzles are a part of Kiwiana (NZ culture).They're found at practically every single event: Community and charity fundraisers, music shows, fairs, festivals, club sports matches, and parades. IMO the best time to…
Shared by Louis.
In my country we have something called Anzac Day. It's a type of rememberance for the New Zealand and Australian soldiers that died during the Gallipoli campaign. On this day we wear flowers called, "Poppies" which have come to…
Shared by SmellieEllie
Matariki is the Māori name for the cluster of stars also known as the Pleiades. It rises in midwinter and for many Māori, it heralds the start of a new year. Matariki literally means the ‘eyes of god’ (mata ariki) or ‘little…
Shared by Skittins
Back Beach is situated to the west of New Plymouth, Taranaki! It's a black sand beach and is very popular, especially over the summer months. The place is undeniably beautiful :) Sometimes, you'll find seals and penguins here!…
Shared by Mariz777
the Black lives matter moment has been taking place across Auckland due to recent events happening in the USA. with racism still being alive in a vast majority of countries, we are coming together to demonstrate and educate. In…
Shared by charliebrow.n
I grew up on a small farm, and in New Zealand most people do. Majority of Kiwis are used to caring for animals and growing crops, and on my family farm we have had mostly horses. I have grown up riding and caring for horses, and…
Shared by Alexandra1257
Kapa Haka is traditional dancing and singing. For Kapa Haka we sing in Te Reo and we dance in a traditional way. The girls sometimes use things called pois (prononced poys) and spin them around. The boys sometimes do this thing…
Shared by NekoObsesed
Matariki is the start of the New Year in Maori Tradition. The Maori people are indigenous to Aotearoa (New Zealand). Matariki is a public holiday celebrated by the entire country. Matariki is a time to gather with family and…
Shared by uncannynz
Anzac Day in New Zealand is held annually on April 25 to honor the service and sacrifice of personnel in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations, marking the 1915 Gallipoli landing.A tradition is to make Anzac biscuits…
Shared by Rach MC
Christmas is in summer here in NZ so plenty of fruit is still around! Pavlova is a meringue dessert with lots of fresh cream on it and kiwi fruit and passionfruit on top. I've tried really hard to make good ones but it never…
Shared by miri43
Kiwis love talking about how beautiful the great outdoors is here and many regularly go exploring. The Department of Conservation looks after hundreds of 'huts' out in the wilds - some more basic than others - that tramper…
Shared by BumblePintail
Matariki is the Maori celebration of the new year, which is signified through the matariki star cluster in the night skyAka the Pleiades. This is a time to reflect on the year with your friends and family and to embrace what the…
Shared by Atlas2434
so i know girl guides or scouts is something around the world but i guess where i live it can be quite diffrent we have the pippins,brownies,guides and then rangers we used to sell girl guide biscuits but no lobger do that and…
Shared by Lazza
One of Wellington's most beloved statue, Solace in the Wind, aka the Naked Man, that stands on the edge of our city's waterfront. He represents inner tranquillity and is deeply personal to the artist. Wellington is a unique city…
Shared by Let it Blurt
My whole extended family will come together to celebrate. I love being around my family, we are always laughing or telling stories. I am 1/4 German and so with my family we always open one present on Christmas Eve as it is a…
Shared by pen pal friend
The Tairawhiti Area has a beautiful location called Dive Tatapouri. It is located on a gorgeous beach front and serves the opportunities to feed and interact with local stingrays and other wild life. During some parts of the year…
Shared by ellabella36
CubaDupa is an annual free arts festival hosted in the capital of New Zealand. It’s a celebration of local street art with heaps of stages for musicians and performances and all the stores have deals and decorate. Truly such a…
Shared by Emsie
Pavlova is a type of delicious desert made of egg whites, sugar and icing. You put fruit on top like kiwi fruit, strawberries, blueberries and passion fruit. most of the time there will always be a pavlova at a special event.
Shared by Gemmbee
The Art Deco Festival happens one a year, in February, for about a week, although everything tends to happen on the saturday. Everyone dresses up in clothes from the 1920s onwards and there is always food and music.
Shared by Melbina
Christian family. Love family live around the world. Treasure family friendship as i have 2kids myself. We love Travelling wish i could bring ny 2kids travel round the world 1day. Enjoy cooking all sorts of food..
Shared by Jesus is The Way
Our origin is reflected in what we eat. Sharing our root through food is what I love doing. At an event where I shared how food waste can be avoided through eating local. This event was at Auckland New Zealand.
Shared by Macb5
Everytime a visitor arrives at a business or school.etc, a girl and guy will go and escort them in while the people of that place perform a Maori greeting song welcoming them into their "home."
Shared by Tombo Newtotown
People flock to the Putangiroa pinnacles from all over the world, Ngawi is home to an established seal colony and has an abundance of marine life making it an ideal spot for camping.
Shared by Mumof8
My family spend a bit of time in the Coromandel peninsula near a small township called Whitianga. It has beautiful beaches and Narnia was filmed at Cooks Beach in the first photo.
Shared by Shevy
Waikanae Beach is a gorgeous beach that is located on the coast of New Zealand in Gisborne. It is a great tourist destination and is a beautifully refreshing place to swim.
Shared by ellabella36
Sun, sea and Surf. Our slice of paradise boasts the most sunshine hours in the nation. We are a coastal/rural town on the East Coast of the North Island of New Zealand.
Shared by a kiwi queen
in new zealand it is summer during christmas, so we typically spend our day on the beach in our togs ( new zealand word for swimwear) and enjoy a barbeque in the sun
Shared by ZiiggystardustWant to hear about life in New Zealand first-hand? Write to a penpal who lives there.
Find penpals in New Zealand
