Underlying truth about NZ tourists

New Zealand is a nation of people who like to wash their underwear in their hotel bathroom or shower.

So says the British Tourism Authority in a series of market profiles for tourist operators.

In a section headed Caring for the New Zealand Traveller, the authority's website says globe-trotting Kiwis like to do their own washing and are prepared to be innovative if facilities are not provided.

"Washing facilities will often be asked for and if they are unavailable you might find that your New Zealand guests have rinsed their smalls and hung them over the bath, shower or the heater."

Regular travellers confirmed the report.

Labour MP Harry Duynhoven and Act list MP Rodney Hide said they had washed their own underwear on a recent taxpayer-funded trip to South America.

Mr Duynhoven said exorbitant costs necessitated late-night hotel room soap-up sessions, and it was positive news that the website had registered New Zealanders' laundry habits. "If we're tight, parsimonious or just downright scrooges, then so be it."

Mr Hide blamed the rash of undies-washing on the low New Zealand dollar, saying even private-sector chief executives he knew were doing it.

Laundry rated with taxis and coffee as a significant expense.

As well as Kiwis' unorthodox washing habits, the authority warns tourist operators that New Zealanders speak in ways "you have never heard before," are embarrassed by tipping and make jokes about "poms." Operators are advised to "apologise immediately" if they mistakenly call a New Zealander an Australian.

On Australians, it warns operators to tread lightly when talking about their history as they are "proud of their convict ancestors."

It says our transtasman counterparts have a "dry Aussie sense of humour," but as a result of flight schedules that deprive them of sleep, "could show signs of intolerance" if not quickly checked in and shown the way to the bar.

- NZPA