[takeaways] • New Zealand has two official languages — Te Reo Māori and New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) — though English is the most widely spoken language in the country. • English is spoken by around 4.5 million people in New Zealand, but it comes with its own dialect and regional slang worth knowing before you visit. • You don't need to speak Te Reo Māori to visit New Zealand, but learning a few phrases is a meaningful gesture of respect — particularly at traditional Māori sites. • New Zealand was the first country in the world to officially recognize a form of sign language as an official language. • A SIMOVO eSIM for New Zealand keeps you connected to translate signs, look up phrases, and navigate wherever you are — without relying on WiFi hotspots. [/takeaways]
There are two official languages spoken in New Zealand — and neither of them is English. While English is spoken broadly across the nation, it has never been officially recognized by law as New Zealand's legal tongue.
If you're traveling to Oceania soon and want to know what language is spoken in New Zealand, keep reading. In this guide, we break down your communication options as a tourist, some important phrases to know, and some tips on being respectful to the local cultures.
What is the official language of New Zealand?
New Zealand's official languages are Te Reo Māori and New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL). Around 4% of the country can speak Te Reo Māori, which has legal status as an official language — protections for which were first raised in the 19th century, though gaining full legal recognition has been a long and complex process. It is spoken across mainstream media, but only a portion of people of Māori descent can speak it in fluent conversation. Interestingly, Māori was once a predominantly spoken language, with written Māori only becoming commonplace after British settlers arrived.
Around 0.5% of the population can speak NZSL, with most speakers aged between 25 and 54. New Zealand was the first country in the world to recognize any form of sign language as an official language.
Do people speak English in New Zealand?
Yes — English is in fact the most widely spoken language in New Zealand, spoken by around 4.5 million people. While it isn't legally recognized as an official language, most tourists traveling from overseas won't have much difficulty communicating when they visit.
In many cases, English is spoken here as a native tongue, and in others as a second language. New Zealanders also have their own dialect, which to some may sound similar to Australian English — but trust us, it is different! That also means you'll find NZ English has a few regional words and slang worth knowing:
- Choice — excellent or great
- Tu meke — gratitude ("too much")
- Sweet as — "no worries"
- Chur — great or "thank you"
- Yarn — a conversation or chat
- Dunny — toilet
- Squiz — "to take a look at"
- Dairy — a small corner store
- Jandals — sandals
- The wops — "the middle of nowhere"
While you travel around New Zealand, it's wise to remember some of these phrases in case you hear local people using them — if someone asks where the nearest dunny is, now you know how to respond!
Are there other languages spoken in New Zealand?
Outside of the two official languages and English, many people speak native variations of Māori. In island territories such as Tokelau, there are also official languages unique to those destinations — in this case, fittingly, Tokelauan.
There are also many languages spoken as a result of people emigrating from overseas. A small percentage of the population speaks Samoan, while others speak Cantonese, Mandarin, Punjabi, Tongan, Fijian, and even French. Given that thousands of people migrate to New Zealand every year — many from India and China — a multilingual landscape is to be expected. If you're traveling from overseas, there is every chance you'll meet someone who speaks your language.
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Do you need to speak Te Reo Māori to visit New Zealand?
No — you don't need to speak or even understand Te Reo Māori when visiting New Zealand from overseas, as most tourist attractions and locations operate in English. That said, learning and using even a few phrases can be very rewarding, and in some cases is considered a mark of genuine respect — particularly if you visit traditional Māori sites or meeting grounds, where greeting customs and etiquette are important.
For example, when visiting a Māori person or entering their land, you are expected to give Koha — officially defined as a "gift or contribution" that embodies important expressions of gratitude and goodwill within Te Ao Māori culture.
[tip title="Learn a few Te Reo Māori phrases before you visit"]Even a basic greeting in Te Reo Māori goes a long way toward showing respect for local culture — especially at traditional Māori sites. Check out New Zealand History's glossary for a great starting point.[/tip]
Te Reo Māori phrases to keep in mind
Here are some key Te Reo Māori phrases that will help you connect with local people and show respect during your visit.
- Kia ora — "hello" in informal settings; can also mean "thank you"
- Hei kona rā — "goodbye" in informal settings
- Ko wai tōu ingoa? — "What's your name?"
- Ko (your name) ahau — "My name is…"
- Mōrena — "Good morning"
- Nau mai — "Welcome"
- Koa — "please" (used softly at the end of a sentence)
Travel tips for New Zealand
Now you know a little about the languages used here, here are some practical travel tips for making the most of your visit to New Zealand.
[warning]Always make sure any clothing, footwear, and accessories you bring into New Zealand are thoroughly cleaned and free from mud and dirt. New Zealand has some of the strictest biosecurity rules in the world to protect its biodiversity — you may be refused entry or face fines if you fail to comply.[/warning] [warning]UV rays in New Zealand are significantly more intense than in most countries, due to the thin ozone layer. Apply high-SPF sunscreen every day — including on overcast days — and pack DEET insect repellent to protect against bites.[/warning] [tip title="Pack for all weathers — even in summer"]The weather in New Zealand changes quickly and often. Pack a varied bag with both lightweight and waterproof layers, even if conditions look warm when you set off. This is especially important if you're following a two-week New Zealand itinerary.[/tip] [tip title="Make sure you have enough data before you set off"]GPS and streaming eat through mobile data quickly. Check our guide on how much data you'll need in New Zealand based on the apps you plan to use, and top up accordingly before you head out.[/tip] [tip title="Plan your route around New Zealand's top landmarks"]There's a lot of country to cover — we recommend building your itinerary around some of the best New Zealand landmarks to make sure you get the most variety from your trip.[/tip] [faq] [q]What language is spoken in New Zealand?[/q] [a]New Zealand has two official languages — Te Reo Māori and New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL). However, English is the most widely spoken language in the country, used by around 4.5 million people. Most tourists visiting New Zealand will have no difficulty communicating in English throughout their trip.[/a] [q]Do I need to speak Māori to visit New Zealand?[/q] [a]No — English is sufficient for getting around New Zealand as a tourist. Most attractions, signs, and services operate in English. That said, learning a few Te Reo Māori phrases is a meaningful gesture of respect, particularly when visiting traditional Māori sites or meeting grounds.[/a] [q]Is English an official language of New Zealand?[/q] [a]Surprisingly, no. English has never been formally recognized as an official language of New Zealand by law, despite being the most widely spoken. The two official languages are Te Reo Māori and New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL).[/a] [q]What is Koha in New Zealand?[/q] [a]Koha is a customary gift or contribution given when visiting a Māori person or entering their land. It embodies expressions of gratitude and goodwill that are central to Te Ao Māori culture. If you're visiting traditional Māori sites or meeting grounds, understanding and observing this custom is an important mark of respect.[/a] [q]What are some useful New Zealand slang words to know?[/q] [a]A few key ones: "choice" means great or excellent, "sweet as" means no worries, "chur" means thank you or great, "jandals" are sandals, "dairy" is a corner store, and "dunny" is a toilet. New Zealand English has its own distinct dialect — don't assume it's the same as Australian English![/a] [q]Do I need an eSIM for New Zealand?[/q] [a]A SIMOVO eSIM for New Zealand is a convenient way to stay connected from the moment you land — useful for translating signs, looking up Māori phrases, navigating between destinations, and checking the notoriously changeable weather. It's much easier than hunting for a local SIM card on arrival.[/a] [/faq] [esim flag="🇳🇿" label="New Zealand" data="10GB · 30 days" price="£11" href="/products/new-zealand" benefits="Instant QR setup · Reliable 4G/5G · No contract"]Get connected before you land in New Zealand[/esim]
