New Zealand might be on the other side of the world, but just because we’re miles apart doesn’t mean that we don’t have anything in common. 

More alike than we know, let’s take a closer look at the top seven things that make New Zealand and Malta almost sister countries. 

1. We’re both islands

Ok so this one is a bit obvious, but both Malta and New Zealand are islands. Being surrounded by the big, blue sea gives both countries a great sense of independence. 

2. We both have weird nicknames

It seems like everywhere we go, other people refer to anyone from New Zealand as a Kiwi and anyone from Malta as a Malteser. While their quirky nickname is based on a flightless bird endemic to their country, ours is a delicious chocolate snack.

3. We both have unique languages

Although both countries are fluent in English and consider it one of the national languages, we each have a mother tongue they are proud of. Maltese is the only semitic  language to be written with the Roman alphabet and Māori is primarily spoken on the North Island of New Zealand.

4. Some epic shots were taken in both countries 

With Game of Thrones being filmed in Malta and New Zealand being the home to Lord of the Rings, both countries share picturesque places that are crucial to some legendary stories. 

5. We both have bird pests

With Maltese pigeons acidic poop that peels the paint off your car, and the Kea bird that rips off windshield wiper rubber, a garage is the way to go in both countries. 

6. We both have iconic memes

Malta has potato blood in our veins and New Zealand has the longest town name ever in the entire world. People might not know where these memes come from, but we do, and it’s another thing that Malta and New Zealand share.

7. We’re one of the oldest countries and New Zealand are the youngest

Technically an opposite not a similarity, Malta has been around for centuries, with the Megalithic temples dating back to circa 3,600 B.C. Our archaeological remains are dated even older than the first signs of civilisation. New Zealand, on the other hand, had it’s first signs of life between 1280 and 1350, but it was in 1642 that the first-ever European, Abel Tasman, saw and recorded New Zealand. 

Finally reopening their borders after three years, there’s no better time than the present to visit New Zealand and see just how alike we are! 

If you do plan on hopping on a flight to visit our sister island on the other side of the world, there are a couple of things you need to know. First up, to enter New Zealand you need to apply for a Travel Visa so that you may enter the country. 

This is a simple process thanks to these guys who will help you achieve your eTA application in no time. All you need to worry about is making sure you’ve packed enough cute outfits for the trip! 

Sorting out all your paperwork whether it’s a backpacking trip or a family holiday, Online Travel Evisa will provide you with all of the necessary New Zealand eTA requirements for kids. 

In most cases, applications are processed and approved within two business days. Travel Visa’s expertise helps smooth this process as they ensure that your application is 100% free of errors. So, what are you waiting for? 

Tag someone who needs to visit New Zealand!