Vowels:
* Broad vowels: "A" sounds are often broadened, like in "car" (pronounced "cah"), "father" (pronounced "fathuh"), and "dance" (pronounced "dahns").
* Short "i" and "e" sounds: Words like "bit" and "bed" often sound more like "bət" and "bɛd".
* "U" sound: The vowel in "put" or "book" is often pronounced as a more open "oo" sound, similar to the British pronunciation of "food".
Consonants:
* "R" sound: The "r" sound is often dropped or reduced, particularly after vowels, making words like "car" sound like "cah".
* "W" sound: The "w" sound can be pronounced as a more guttural "v" sound in some words, like "what" sounding closer to "vut".
* "T" sound: The "t" sound can be pronounced with a glottal stop, especially between vowels, as in "butter" sounding like "bu-er".
Other features:
* Intonation: Kiwi English has a distinctive intonation pattern, often rising at the end of sentences, giving it a questioning tone even when not asking a direct question.
* Slang and vocabulary: New Zealanders have developed unique slang words and phrases, such as "kiwi", "chook", "she'll be right", and "sweet as".
Regional Variations:
* Auckland: Known for its more relaxed pronunciation and less distinct vowel sounds.
* Wellington: Often described as having a sharper accent with more noticeable vowel distinctions.
* South Island: Generally characterized by a more broad vowel sound and a stronger "r".
Overall, the New Zealand accent is known for its friendly, approachable tone, its unique blend of sounds, and its distinctive slang and vocabulary. It's a vibrant and dynamic accent that reflects the diverse cultural landscape of New Zealand.
To get a better feel for how it sounds, you can listen to recordings of New Zealanders speaking, watch movies or TV shows featuring New Zealand actors, or visit the country itself!