{"id":20679,"date":"2020-07-06T17:11:00","date_gmt":"2020-07-06T16:11:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/?p=20679"},"modified":"2025-04-30T14:36:08","modified_gmt":"2025-04-30T13:36:08","slug":"laidback-lifestyle-lessons-from-new-zealand","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/laidback-lifestyle-lessons-from-new-zealand\/","title":{"rendered":"Laidback lifestyle tips everyone can take from New Zealand"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/en-nz\/ways-to-go\/domestic-trips\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"undefined (opens in a new tab)\">New Zealand<\/a> may be a tiny drop in the Pacific Ocean at the bottom of the world &#8211; but they may just hold the secrets to a happy life. In this peaceful place, you&#8217;ll find kids running barefoot in the backyard, friends enjoying barbecues, and a serious work-life balance. From outdoor living to open minds, here are our top laidback lifestyle lessons we can learn from New Zealand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-you-don-t-have-to-wear-shoes\"><strong>You don\u2019t have to wear shoes<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/2020\/06\/barefoot-grass-1-1024x576.jpeg\" alt=\"child running barefoot through grass\" class=\"wp-image-20682\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/barefoot-grass-1-1024x576.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/barefoot-grass-1-330x186.jpeg 330w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/barefoot-grass-1.jpeg 1440w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>New Zealand is a laidback, freedom-living country &#8211; and that means shoes are optional. Many children learn from a young age that they can run around the park, beach or backyard without the shackles of shoes, and this relaxed attitude tends to continue in adulthood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This custom also comes from Maori culture, where going barefoot means you are connected with nature. You are also required to take off your shoes indoors, especially in a wharenui (meeting house). A wharenui is considered a tapu (sacred) place, and wearing shoes here is considered sacrilege.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/2020\/06\/bare-feet-grass-683x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"two people with bare feet in green grass\" class=\"wp-image-20692\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/bare-feet-grass-683x1024.jpeg 683w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/bare-feet-grass-220x330.jpeg 220w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/bare-feet-grass.jpeg 810w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>So whether you&#8217;re at the beach or walking down the street, remember that it&#8217;s okay to go barefoot and embrace the fresh air&#8230;. or maybe start with a pair of jandals (flip-flops\/ thongs).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>GET INSPIRED BY: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/en-gb\/tours\/iconic-north\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Iconic North<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-your-quality-of-life-is-important\"><strong>Your quality of life is important<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/2020\/06\/168-Port-Hills-Christchurch-Graeme-Murray-1024x576.jpeg\" alt=\"young couple walking through Port Hills Christchurch New Zealand\" class=\"wp-image-20683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/168-Port-Hills-Christchurch-Graeme-Murray-1024x576.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/168-Port-Hills-Christchurch-Graeme-Murray-330x186.jpeg 330w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/168-Port-Hills-Christchurch-Graeme-Murray.jpeg 1440w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>As an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.oecd.org\/en\/about.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">OECD country<\/a> that always ranks highly for factors like income and wealth distribution, education, health, life expectancy and overall wellbeing, New Zealand has a great quality of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most of the country is peaceful and relaxed, and even the big cities are not overcrowded. The country has a population density of 18 people per square kilometre, compared to the UK which has 281 people per square kilometre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/2020\/06\/market-5-1024x576.jpeg\" alt=\"two young people working at a bakery in the Old Packhouse Market New Zealand\" class=\"wp-image-20693\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/market-5-1024x576.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/market-5-330x186.jpeg 330w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/market-5.jpeg 1440w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>A healthy balance between work and play is strongly encouraged and working overtime is not a common occurrence in New Zealand. Even the Prime Minister, Jacinda Arden, has suggested that \u201cemployees consider a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2020\/may\/20\/jacinda-ardern-flags-four-day-working-week-as-way-to-rebuild-new-zealand-after-covid-19\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">four-day working week<\/a> and other flexible working options\u201d for their employees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This comes after a New Zealand company trialled a four-day working week and found staff did as much work in 30 hours as they used to do in 37.5. New Zealanders also tend to see everyone as equal regardless of their occupation or wealth, which creates a more cohesive and laidback society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/2020\/06\/surfers-new-zealand-1024x576.jpeg\" alt=\"two surfers at the beach New Zealand laidback lifestyle\" class=\"wp-image-20685\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/surfers-new-zealand-1024x576.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/surfers-new-zealand-330x186.jpeg 330w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/surfers-new-zealand.jpeg 1440w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>They also know how to take care of themselves. Government-subsidised healthcare is for all New Zealanders, regardless of their residency status, while the country\u2019s public education system is one of the best in the world and mostly free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>New Zealand&#8217;s crime rate is also extremely low compared to the rest of the world. They also ranked first with Denmark in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.transparency.org\/en\/publications\/corruption-perceptions-index-2019\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">2019 Corruption Perceptions Index<\/a> and second in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visionofhumanity.org\/maps\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">2019 Global Peace Index<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So what can we learn from New Zealand? It&#8217;s essential to put your health, education and leisure time first for a happier life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-nature-is-good-for-the-soul\"><strong>Nature is good for the soul<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/2020\/06\/Bill-Waipoua-Forest-1024x576.jpeg\" alt=\"Bill Waipoua in a forest in New Zealand\" class=\"wp-image-20690\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Bill-Waipoua-Forest-1024x576.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Bill-Waipoua-Forest-330x186.jpeg 330w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Bill-Waipoua-Forest.jpeg 1440w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Kiwis love to get outdoors and with spectacular landscapes and good weather for most of the year, we can see why. Whether you\u2019re in the bush, the beach, the mountains or the countryside, New Zealanders are always close to nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/2020\/06\/lake-tekapo-new-zealand-1024x576.jpeg\" alt=\"stone cottage in the middle of blue Lake Tekapo wit purple lupines and mountains, New Zealand\" class=\"wp-image-20691\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/lake-tekapo-new-zealand-1024x576.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/lake-tekapo-new-zealand-330x186.jpeg 330w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/lake-tekapo-new-zealand.jpeg 1440w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>They love spending their time on hiking trails, cycling paths, pristine beaches, lush forests, and sparkling rivers and lakes. Studies show that contact with nature can <a href=\"https:\/\/www.health.harvard.edu\/mind-and-mood\/sour-mood-getting-you-down-get-back-to-nature\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">improve mental health<\/a> and reduce stress, anxiety and depression. So take a leaf out of New Zealand\u2019s book and spend some time outside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>GET INSPIRED BY: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/en-us\/tours\/southern-spectacular\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Southern Spectacular<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-it-s-nice-to-be-nice\"><strong>It\u2019s nice to be nice<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the best laidback lifestyle lessons we can learn from New Zealand is simply to be nice to others. Kiwis are a friendly bunch, and it\u2019s not unusual to have a stranger smile or say hello, or even offer help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/2020\/06\/market-new-zealand-1-1024x576.jpeg\" alt=\"people at the Old Packhouse Market New Zealand\" class=\"wp-image-20686\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/market-new-zealand-1-1024x576.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/market-new-zealand-1-330x186.jpeg 330w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/market-new-zealand-1.jpeg 1440w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>New Zealand is also a very multicultural society and Kiwis are welcoming to people from all walks of life. It\u2019s such a breath of fresh air to be around kind and courteous people and it makes for a much happier community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-good-food-is-essential\"><strong>Good food is essential<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/2020\/06\/Mangonui-town-@Noobsfoodtherapy--1024x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"fish and chips overlooking blue water Mangonui town New Zealand\" class=\"wp-image-20687\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Mangonui-town-@Noobsfoodtherapy--1024x1024.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Mangonui-town-@Noobsfoodtherapy--330x330.jpeg 330w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Mangonui-town-@Noobsfoodtherapy--125x125.jpeg 125w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Mangonui-town-@Noobsfoodtherapy-.jpeg 1440w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>New Zealand has a booming agricultural industry, with its <a href=\"http:\/\/www.worldstopexports.com\/new-zealands-top-10-exports\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">biggest exports<\/a> including dairy, eggs, honey, meat, fish, fruit and nuts, and their award-winning wine industry. With <a href=\"https:\/\/www.newzealand.com\/int\/feature\/favourite-new-zealand-foods\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">world-famous ingredients<\/a> like crayfish, lamb, snapper fish, cheese, ice cream and wine, Kiwis eat very well. But it\u2019s not just about enjoying good food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In New Zealand, food and friendship go hand in hand, and generous hospitality is all part of their laidback lifestyle. Whether the family gathers for a roast lamb dinner, a h\u0101ngi (traditional M\u0101ori technique of cooking food in an earth oven), or fish and chips on the beach, it\u2019s all about sharing good food and good company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>RELATED CONTENT: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/new-zealand-experience-local-community\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">5 local New Zealand travel experiences you can do that give back to the community<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/2020\/06\/old-packhouse-market-@bri.dimattina--1024x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"fresh produce from the Old Packhouse Market New Zealand\" class=\"wp-image-20688\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/old-packhouse-market-@bri.dimattina--1024x1024.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/old-packhouse-market-@bri.dimattina--330x330.jpeg 330w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/old-packhouse-market-@bri.dimattina--125x125.jpeg 125w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/old-packhouse-market-@bri.dimattina-.jpeg 1440w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Of course, we can\u2019t forget about the iconic \u2018barbie\u2019. Cooking outside on a barbecue is basically a birthright in New Zealand. Sizzling sausages are a very common sight in backyards around the country, especially in summer. However you like to eat, the lesson we can learn here is that it\u2019s wonderful to share it with friends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-there-s-no-need-to-rush\"><strong>There\u2019s no need to rush<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/2020\/06\/bridge-river-new-zealand-1024x576.jpeg\" alt=\"person walking along suspension bridge over blue river\" class=\"wp-image-20689\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/bridge-river-new-zealand-1024x576.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/bridge-river-new-zealand-330x186.jpeg 330w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/bridge-river-new-zealand.jpeg 1440w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Kiwis are famed for taking it easy and having a relaxed attitude to life. They\u2019d rather do it right than do it fast, and you\u2019ll rarely catch them losing their temper over things like peak hour traffic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Learning to slow down and live in the moment is an invaluable lesson we can all take from New Zealand\u2019s laidback life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/9-natural-wonders-in-australia-and-new-zealand\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"undefined (opens in a new tab)\">9 Natural wonders in Australia and New Zealand<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Fancy a taste of that laid-back lifestyle? Then check out our new <a aria-label=\"undefined (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/en-nz\/ways-to-go\/domestic-trips\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Near Not Far Limited Series<\/a> of trips and discover your own backyard like never before.<\/em> <em>Do you have any laidback lifestyle lessons to share? Let us know in the comments below!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>New Zealand may be a tiny drop in the Pacific Ocean at the bottom of the world &#8211; but they may just hold the secrets to a happy life. In this peaceful place, you&#8217;ll find kids running barefoot in the backyard, friends enjoying barbecues, and a serious work-life balance. From outdoor living to open minds, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":43,"featured_media":20681,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"default","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center 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New Zealand.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/laidback-lifestyle-lessons-from-new-zealand\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Laidback lifestyle lessons the rest of the world can learn from New Zealand\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"From bare feet and barbecues, to striking a balance between work and play, here are the best laidback lifestyle lessons we can learn from New Zealand.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/laidback-lifestyle-lessons-from-new-zealand\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Real Word\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2020-07-06T16:11:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" 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