• Solomon Islands!

    Solomon Islands: Looking up at palm trees. Go Now!

    Solomon Islands
    This Melanesian country is best known for its many islands and beaches... and this natural landscape (pictured) is why most people go. Don't miss out on the unique Melanesian culture and foods though! Begin Your Journey!

  • Tonga!

    Tonga: Coastline. Go Now!

    Tonga
    The heart of Polynesian culture is rooted in Tonga, but most visitors just come for the natural beauty. Explore Tonga!

  • Vanuatu!

    Vanuatu: Jetty into the ocean. Go Now!

    Vanuatu
    Picturesque serenity is a good way to describe Vanuatu, but the culture offers much more, including the inspiration for bungee jumping, which remains a rite of passage for young men. Explore Vanuatu!

  • Palau!

    Palau: "70 Islands!" Go Now!

    Palau
    Few people have even heard of this small Micronesian country, but those who have often return with stories of beauty unmatched elsewhere, such as view of the "70 Islands" (pictured). Go Now!

  • Explore the: Federated States of Micronesia!

    Federated States of Micronesia: Overlooking some islands. Go Now!

    Federated States of Micronesia
    This diverse country stretches for thousands of miles and has the diversity to prove it, including the people from Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Yap among others. Begin Your Journey!

  • Samoa!

    Samoa: A traditional home. Go Now!

    Samoa
    Among the most famous of the South Pacific's many countries, Samoa sits in the heart of Polynesia and has a culture to match. Begin Your Journey!

Social Life in New Zealand

Behavior

The people of New Zealand are fairly relaxed and easy-going, but they are also modest and respectful and you should be as well when in their country. The most important aspects to this come in the way you dress (see above) and in dining habits (see our New Zealand Food & Dining Page for more information), but punctuality is also important. Also try to avoid being loud, rude, showing off wealth, or getting drunk in public... or at least showing your drunkenness in public.

Dress

The Maori traditionally wore simple, but warm clothing and today these outfits are still wore on some occasions. Men generally wore a cloth that was attached to a belt to cover their legs and a second cloth over their shoulders. The belt, called a tatua, was typically ornately designed and many men wore, and still wear, tattoos to indicate their origins. Women generally wore a maro, which is a triangle-shaped cloth worn like an apron from the waist down, being attached to a decorated belt called a tu.

Many Maori have adopted western-styled clothing with the arrival of the Europeans and missionaries, but even for those who have clung to the traditional dress, changes have been made, most noticeably with the addition of clothing. Women began to dress more conservatively, for example the pari became a common piece of clothing and the maro has become larger and covers more skin. Likewise, men have added garments to their wardrobe and tend to dress more conservatively, although at certain ceremonies men often go shirtless.

The ethnic Europeans dress in a style not unlike that of Australia, Europe, or North America as western-styled clothing dominates and everyone seems to have their own individual style. Due to the weather and geographic variations in New Zealand the people dress in a huge number of ways depending on the season, their location, and numerous other factors.

As a visitor to New Zealand you are welcome to dress in nearly any style you desire, although nudity, even on beaches, is usually illegal. Try to dress for the setting as business situations may call for a jacket and tie, the beach will demand a swimsuit, and wearing long-sleeved pants and shirts to protect yourself from the cold, rain, wind, and sun in the mountains is the best way to go.

This page was last updated: November, 2013