New Zealand has a diverse heritage, with a blend of Māori indigenous culture and British colonial influences. Māori traditions, language (te reo Māori), and customs, such as haka (war dance) and carving, are vital cultural elements. New Zealanders (or Kiwis) also celebrate British-derived customs, including festivals, sports, and public holidays, creating a unique multicultural society.

New Zealand's cuisine is known for fresh ingredients, influenced by Māori, European, and Pacific cultures. Popular dishes include Hāngī (a traditional Māori earth-cooked feast), pavlova (a meringue-based dessert), fish and chips, and kiwi fruit. The country is also renowned for fine wines and fresh seafood, particularly green-lipped mussels and bluff oysters..

New Zealand’s handicrafts reflect the country’s deep connection to nature and its indigenous Māori culture. Wooden carvings, jade jewelry (such as pounamu or greenstone), and woven flax baskets are widely produced. Māori cloaks (kākahu) and intricate woven textiles are also integral to the culture, often carrying spiritual significance..