Ready to learn some New Zealand slang?
You’re in the right place. I’ve lived in New Zealand since 2002 and have experienced my fair share of linguistic confusion and mishaps when it comes to navigating New Zealand slang.
Luckily I had my Kiwi husband, to help me interpret what the heck everyone was saying or explain the different meanings of words before I embarrassed myself too badly!
Now I’m here to help you. This list of New Zealand slang and colloquialisms will set you up with common kiwi lingo, words and phrases that you might hear during your travels around Aotearoa.
» You might also like our New Zealand travel tips first time visitors.
» Looking for more New Zealand travel inspiration? Check out our guides on the best time to visit New Zealand, how to rent a car in New Zealand and these must-try Kiwi foods. Then plan your ultimate road trip with our North Island and South Island itineraries and these top 12 places to visit in New Zealand.
The 25 Most Common New Zealand Slang, Words & Phrases
1. Kiwis – an affectionate term for New Zealanders
A Kiwi is generally regarded as someone who was born in New Zealand. During the early 1900s, cartoonists began using depictions of the kiwi bird as a symbol for New Zealand. As a result, New Zealand soldiers were called ‘kiwis’ during the First World War, and the nickname became permanent.
🇳🇿 Example: Kiwis all around the world celebrated when the All Blacks rugby team won the World Cup.
2. Jandals – flip flops
The term “jandals” is a blend of “Japanese” and “sandal”, believed to have been coined in the late 1940s and inspired by the wooden Japanese sandal that was then manufactured in the plastic and rubber versions. In Australia, this type of footwear is called “thongs” (not to be mistaken with the type of undergarment).
🇳🇿 Example: “After a day at the beach, I slipped on my jandals before heading back to the car.”
3. Togs – bathing suit / swimwear
In Australia and New Zealand the term “togs” is used specifically for the clothing you wear when swimming. It is derived from the Latin word “toga” and was historically used in British slang to refer to a set of clothes or garments.
🇳🇿 Example: “Let’s put on our togs and go to the beach for a swim.”
4. Lollies – candy or sweets
“Lollies” means all confectionery. The word “lolly” is said to come from the word lollipop, referring to a type of hard candy on a stick, but came to have a wider meaning in New Zealand (and Australia).
🇳🇿 Example: “Don’t eat too many lollies or you’ll spoil your dinner.”
5. Biscuits – cookies
“Biscuits” refer to cookies, the American version of a biscuit is closer to a scone in New Zealand.
🇳🇿 Example: “I’m baking chocolate chip biscuits because they’re his favorite.”
6. Chips – French fries or potato chips / crisps
In New Zealand, the term “chips” can mean one of two things.
- Hot fries / French fries
- Packaged potato chips / potato crisps
🇳🇿 Example 1: Fish and chips is a much loved takeaway meal in New Zealand consisting of pieces of fried battered fish and hot cooked chips wrapped up in paper. “I’ll have one piece of snapper and a half scoop of chips, thanks.”
🇳🇿 Example 2: “I’m going to the supermarket, do you want anything?” “ Yeah, can you get me a bag of salt and vinegar chips.”
7. Tomato sauce – ketchup
In New Zealand and other countries such as Australia, Britain and South Africa the term “tomato sauce” is used when referring to what North Americans know as ketchup.
If you ask for tomato sauce to go with your chips, don’t worry, you won’t get a bowl of marinara to dip your chips into!
🇳🇿 Example: “Can I please have some tomato sauce to go with my fish and chips.”
8. Chilly bin – cooler, cool box
A “chilly bin” is a small portable insulated plastic cooler often used with a frozen block to keep food and drinks cool.
🇳🇿 Example: “It’s a beautiful day, let’s pack some drinks and snacks in the chilly bin and head to the beach.”
9. Chocka – full or overflowing
When someone in New Zealand uses the word “chocka” it means full or overflowing.
🇳🇿 Example: “That bus looks chocka let’s wait for the next one.”
10. Tramping – hiking or trekking
The term “tramping” means “hiking” or “trekking” and specifically refers to recreational walking or hiking over rough country, sometimes involving overnight stays in backcountry huts.
🇳🇿 Example: “We spent the weekend tramping through the stunning national park, enjoying the breathtaking views and peaceful wilderness.”
11. Scroggin – trail mix
“Scroggin” is a popular snack to take on tramps that consists of the perfect mix of nuts, seeds, dried fruit and sometimes chocolate.
🇳🇿 Example: “Don’t forget to put the scroggin in your pack for tomorrow’s tramp.”
12. Bach – holiday home or beach house
The word “bach” (pronounced ‘batch’) is used to refer to a small, often modest holiday home or beach house. It is believed to have originated from the term “bachelor pad,” reflecting its historical use as a simple dwelling for single men, but is now synonymous with holiday homes in New Zealand.
🇳🇿 Example: “We’re looking forward to spending our summer vacation at the bach.”
13. Dairy – convenience store, corner store
A “dairy” in New Zealand is a small owner-operated convenience store, like a mini (and more expensive) supermarket, selling groceries such as milk, dairy products, newspapers, lollies and other daily necessities.
No it doesn’t mean going to the actual dairy farm at the end of the road to get your milk. Although, the term is believed to have originated from the fact that these stores historically primarily sold dairy products such as milk and cheese.
🇳🇿 Example: “I’m just running to the dairy to get some bread.”
14. Sweet as – great, all good, that’s fine
A popular slang term used to express agreement, satisfaction, or approval. It is believed to have originated as a shortened form of “sweet as sugar” or “sweet as honey,” and is often used as a complete sentence in response to something that has been said.
🇳🇿 Example 1: “Thanks for helping out with the project, everything looks sweet as!”
🇳🇿 Example 2: “I’m going on holiday.” “Sweet as!”
15. Eh/Aye/Ay – right? or do you agree?
The term has a few different spellings but is pronounced “Ay?”. It can be dropped at the end of pretty much any sentence to seek agreement from the listener to what has just been said.
🇳🇿 Example 1: “The weather is beautiful today, aye?”
16. Yeah, nah – technically means no
“Yeah nah” is a common colloquialism in New Zealand that means yes I’ve considered what you’re saying but my answer is no. It’s like a gentler way of saying no or disagreeing. Or thinking about it, all things considered, I’ve decided no.
🇳🇿 Example 1: “Yeah, nah, I thought about going to the party but I’m not really keen, aye.”
🇳🇿 Example 2: “Wow that was the worst movie ever.” “Yeah, nah. It wasn’t great but there are worse movies.”
17. Taking the piss – you must be joking
When someone refers to something as “taking the piss” (not a piss 🫢) they are saying it is so extreme that it cannot be serious or realistic. For example: something is twice the price it should be, or the tall story someone is telling is just unbelievable.
🇳🇿 Example: ”The asking price of that house is $2 million, they’re taking the piss”
18. Tiki tour – a scenic or roundabout route
A “tiki tour” is when you take a scenic or roundabout route to get somewhere. It originates from the concept of a scenic journey or tour, often with detours or deviations from the direct route to appreciate the surroundings or enjoy the experience of traveling with no particular destination in mind.
🇳🇿 Example: “We decided to take a tiki tour along the coastal road to enjoy the stunning views and visit the charming seaside towns along the way.”
19. Wop wops – in the middle of nowhere
Used to describe a remote, isolated, or rural area, often far from cities or populated areas. Sometimes shortened to just ‘wops’.
🇳🇿 Example 1: “We got lost and ended up in the wops, surrounded by nothing but beautiful countryside for miles.”
🇳🇿 Example 2: “He lives in the wop wops, it’ll take forever to get there.”
20. Cheers – thanks
“Cheers” is commonly used as a casual and informal way to say “thank you” or “thanks.” It’s also used to express gratitude or appreciation in various social situations.
🇳🇿 Example 1: “Here’s your change, thanks for shopping with us.” “Cheers.”
🇳🇿 Example 2: “Cheers for helping me move house, I really appreciate it!”
21. Chur – great, thanks
Possibly a shortened version of cheers, this popular slang expression fits into a variety of situations. It’s a casual way to show approval, gratitude, or to simply acknowledge a statement or action.
🇳🇿 Example 2: “I can drive us to the rugby this weekend.” “Chur, bro.”
22. Mate or Bro – friend, buddy, pal
A casual and friendly way to address someone, similar to buddy or friend. It is mostly used by males to refer to a companion, friend or acquaintance.
🇳🇿 Example: “Hey mate, how’s it going? Want to grab a coffee later?” “Sweet as, bro.”
23. Good on ya – good for you or well done
If someone says “good on ya”, they are expressing their praise, approval, or encouragement towards someone else for their actions, achievements, or behavior. It is a colloquial way of saying “well done” or “good for you” and is sometimes shortened to just “on ya”.
🇳🇿 Example: “Good on ya mate for getting through to the finals, you nailed that pass!”
24. Not even – not true
More than a simple no, saying “not even” places emphasis on how untrue something is. It’s a way of expressing disbelief or disagreement and can convey a sense of incredulity or dismissal in response to a statement or proposition.
🇳🇿 Example: “Mate, I heard you can’t go to the rugby on Saturday night.” “Not even, I’ll be there!”
25. She’ll be ‘right – everything will be ok
It’s how Kiwis convey the belief that everything will work out fine, or that there is no need to worry or make a fuss (it’s not specifically related to a female). Some see it as complacent and others see it as an endearment to the Kiwi outlook on life and not sweating the small stuff.
🇳🇿 Example 1: “I’m so sorry, I just backed into your letterbox (mailbox).” “She’ll be right mate”
🇳🇿 Example 2: “Do you think we need a few more nails in the new deck.” “Nah, she’ll be right.”
Final Thoughts on New Zealand Slang
New Zealand slang reflects the unique cultural and linguistic influences that have shaped the country’s language. From expressions like “chur” and “she’ll be right” to terms like “jandals” and “tiki tour,” New Zealand slang captures the laid-back, friendly, and inclusive nature of Kiwi culture. These colloquialisms not only add color and character to everyday conversations but also embodies the warmth and openness for which Kiwis are renowned. So go ahead, give em a try on your next visit, aye.
Travel Planning Guide
🚗 Where should I book my rental car?
Renting a car is one of the best ways to get around New Zealand. Public transportation can only get you so far, even in the cities. I always rent with Discover Cars, which checks the prices of all major rental car companies, so you get the best rates.
🚐 What about a campervan?
Renting a campervan is a fantastic way to experience the more remote areas of New Zealand. I really like JUCY because they have a big range of vehicles and locations around the country, which offers more flexibility with pick-up and drop-off. I also like Motorhome Republic, which compares all the campervan options available in NZ.
🎟 Where should I book my tours?
Tours are a great way to experience New Zealand’s top attractions while learning about the area and culture through local guides. We always use Viator and Get Your Guide to find the best tours.
🛏 What’s the best way to book my accommodations?
For hotels and vacation rentals, Booking.com or Expedia.com are the best sites. You can also book through TripAdvisor. If you’re considering renting a house instead, try VRBO which often has good deals.
🛩 What’s the best site to buy flights to New Zealand?
For finding the best deals on flights to New Zealand from around the world, I recommend Kayak.com.
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Heather is a travel enthusiast living in New Zealand with her family. She writes about living in and enjoying travel to New Zealand.