From City Life to Kiwi Life

Moving to New Zealand felt like stepping into a postcard—stunning landscapes, friendly locals, and a slower, more laid-back lifestyle. When we moved in 2023, AJ and I made a pact to make the most of it. Adjusting can take a bit of time (especially if you’re used to the non-stop pace of city life), but the simple and fulfilling lifestyle here makes it surprisingly easy to settle in. Everything just moves a little slower, and people actually take time to enjoy their surroundings. That alone was a culture shock—in the best way.

Kiwis LOVE the outdoors.

It’s not just a hobby—it’s a way of life. Everyone’s always going on “walks,” which might sound casual, but can mean anything from a 10-minute stroll around the block to a 6-hour hike up a mountain. Since we finish work at 4 pm, we usually spend the afternoons walking by the lake to unwind. It’s become our way to disconnect from screens and reconnect with the world around us.

Hiking is practically a national past time, and with so many epic trails, it’s easy to catch the bug. Before we knew it, weekends became all about nature walks and mountain treks. The nearest mountain is just a 10-minute drive from home! Sometimes AJ will disappear on a Saturday and come back three hours later—turns out he climbed a mountain just because he was bored. Classic.

Cycling Is Huge, Too

Whether it’s mountain biking through rough terrain or cruising through picturesque vineyards. There are tracks everywhere—urban cycle paths, forest trails, and even long-distance scenic routes. It’s not just for hardcore cyclists either—it’s fun, free, and a great way to spend time as a family. If John’s in the mood for a jog, I’ll hop on my bike (I hate running lol). It’s about a 20 km ride from our house to the edge of town, and the sunset views over the lake? Unreal. The kind of ride where you forget you're exercising because you're too busy gawking at the scenery.

Swimming as a Lifestyle

Swimming is another Kiwi favourite. Since beaches are never too far away, going for a dip becomes a regular thing—especially in the summer. You’ll see families camping by rivers, kids doing cannonballs into lakes, and surfers catching waves at nearly every beach. The lake is just a 5-minute drive from our house, and the nearest beach is about an hour and 40 minutes away. The water’s colder than we expected, but once you’re in, it’s refreshing and totally worth it. They have great public pools too! I signed up for an annual membership for $250 (around ₱8K), and now I’m going at least twice a week. It’s been such a nice routine, especially on days when I just need to move but don’t feel like hiking or cycling. Swim for 40 laps in the lane pool, then chill for a few minutes in the hot leisure pools to loosen up my muscles—what a great way to end the day!

Fishing and Hunting, Kiwi-Style

Fishing and hunting are also big here. Back in the Philippines, we didn’t know a single person who knew how to hunt—it’s just not a thing! Here? Totally different story. People actually head into the forest to hunt deer, wild pigs, and ducks like it’s the most normal weekend activity. They’ll send the meat to the butcher to be processed and then stock their freezers for months. Our workmates would casually hand us sausages or venison from a deer they caught just a few days earlier—no big deal. Fishing is the same—not uncommon for someone to show up with fresh-caught snapper and just throw it on the BBQ. It’s such a cool, self-sufficient way of living, and something that really sets the Kiwi lifestyle apart.

Living the Kiwi Way

And that’s what I’ve really come to appreciate about living in New Zealand: how Kiwis keep things simple. It’s not about fancy or expensive activities—it’s about getting outside, breathing in the fresh air, and making the most of what nature has to offer. People here truly value work-life balance, and that shift has been a refreshing change for me. You're not living to work—you’re working just enough to live.

Of course, adjusting to life here hasn’t always been smooth—there were bouts of homesickness, and constantly speaking English (which is our third language) was a bit of a challenge at first. We still have the occasional stumble, but people are incredibly kind and patient—and diving into all these uniquely local experiences helps us feel genuinely welcomed and part of the community.

So take the walks, fire up the barbecues, and lace up for the hikes. Before long, we’re not just living in New Zealand—we’re living like Kiwis. Somewhere between the lakeside strolls and fresh-caught dinners, it starts to feel like home.