Top 10 New Zealand Cultural Lessons

1. Freedom camping is much more regulated than it was my first trip there 10 years ago, but still very doable and very awesome!
2. Forget about using a 5 cent piece, even if you received it as change for something. This is "no longer in circulation" and merchants won't accept it. They also "round" all transactions.
3. Kiwis like to drive fast. Robin determined this is Darwinism in action; it weeds out the stupid.
4. "No, you can't do that" or "No, we don't do that" is a very common response.
5. Eggs are not refrigerated. At all!
6. McDonald's McLamb is a Mc-NOT! If you do eat lamb, lots of mint jelly is recommended.
7. Hot and cold water faucets are sometimes reversed, but not consistently. And, sometimes the hot water is simply cold. So, you never are quite sure what will come out of the tap.
8. Possums, giant hares and hedge hogs are common road kill sightings. The possums are weird, too, and have tails like a squirrel (photo to come).
9. If you are invited for "tea", that could mean tea, a snack, or a 5-course meal.
10. Robin is not allowed to cross the street alone, and you must maintain a firm hold on him when doing so.