How to Make Friends After Moving to New Zealand
Get a Free Moving Quote Now!
Start Your International Moving Journey
The experience of moving to New Zealand is awesome, but it may also be challenging, especially if you have to leave behind people, places, and routines that are familiar. Many newcomers feel lonely in the first few months. The good news is? It is easy to make friends in New Zealand. People from New Zealand are kind and eager to meet people who are interested in their culture.
Even with the assistance of expert international movers, mentally adjusting to the shift presents a unique challenge. When you have a support network, you feel protected and at home. You may create true friends quicker than you think if you have the appropriate mindset and are patient.
Learn About Kiwi Culture
Learning about the culture of the location is a fantastic place to start. When Kiwis speak to each other, they value being honest, modest, and courteous. It is excellent to say “Kia ora” and know a few Maori terms.
People are shy at the beginning, but when they know you, they are sincere and faithful. The New Zealanders are fond of using such slang terms as “buddy,” “togs,” and “chilly bin.” If you master these words, you may find it easier to blend in and speak naturally.
Dealing With Loneliness and Culture Shock
At first, it is common to feel alone. You might get culture shock when you hear different dialects, hear new jokes, or witness new ways of behavior. Do not pull back; instead, allow yourself to sink into these feelings as part of your process.
To lift the spirits, a walk or visit to a local café or neighbor may help. When you arrive, there are many other people in a new country, and everyone is having the same experience, so just be ready for it, be patient, and be willing to try new things.
Join Local Groups and Clubs
An effortless way of interacting with people is by becoming a member of a community group. Supplemental to this is a club in most towns and cities for sports, gardening, arts, hiking, cuisine, or culture. Engaging in an activity you enjoy facilitates easy conversation with others.
You can examine the local event calendars and search for fairs, markets, or seminars. The more often you make it, the easier it is for people to think of you. Even one thing a week will get you friends for life.
Use Social Media and Community Apps
It is not difficult to meet people online. Facebook groups of new people in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and others are active. Another area where such invitations may frequently arise is during simple introductions, when people offer to do something or propose activities in the region.
Meetup.com is a free site to help organize friendly, non-technical sits, hikes, or photo walks. When you engage in activities that you love and enjoy, talking to people will become second nature. When you engage in things that you like, it becomes easy to communicate with others.
Connect With Your Neighborhood
You may meet folks just outside your door. WhatsApp groups, shared gardens, and informal encounters are common in many New Zealand towns. It is courteous and expected to say “hi” as you pass someone.
If you go to your local café, farmers market, or community center frequently enough, you will start to see individuals you know. These brief discussions might rapidly turn them into true buddies.
Volunteer in the Community
Volunteering will be a good way to meet like-minded people. Some participate in activities like a beach cleanup, doing volunteer work in an animal shelter, or donating to a local charity.
Frequently the volunteers form beneficial friendships, as they are all striving towards one goal. Residents of your new city who are familiar with it will help you learn more about the area.
Attend Classes and Workshops
People all throughout New Zealand love short courses because they are a terrific opportunity to meet new people in a laid-back situation. People who desire to study te reo Maori, Kiwi cuisine, or art join together for courses in cooking, painting, and te reo Maori.
You may be able to establish friendships if you chat to folks before or after class or even simply get a short coffee. Classmates may become excellent friends over time.
Use Work and School Connections
If you work or attend school, you are already among individuals who may be pals. Plan to attend business or sports activities, or go out with friends. You can always talk about people and ask where people usually go or what they do during the weekend.
Students can also study in groups or join clubs on campus. When you start talking about it, people want to share their story too.
Explore the Outdoors
New Zealand attracts people due to the beauty of the country. You can go hiking, surfing, biking, and sporting with your friends in a multitude of areas. Friendships develop without the need to develop them through activities outside.
You can also bond and make memories by walking, driving along the coast, or doing outdoor activities in your neighborhood.
Use Kiwi Social Etiquette
Kiwis are friendly, but they also don’t want to be around people all the time. They want to meet people in a way that isn’t overly formal. You may start talking to someone by smiling, speaking softly, and asking them basic questions about their hobbies or areas nearby.
People seek honesty more than perfection; therefore, comedy is dry and not very humorous. Being curious about how other people live helps friendships blossom on their own.
Final Thoughts
New Zealanders are nice, but making friends after moving here is hard. You can also make friends faster than you can imagine if you learn about the culture, do things with other people, and are willing to meet them.
Be curious, be patient, and enjoy the ride. Just keep trying, and before you know it, you’ll have a group of friends that will make New Zealand feel like home.