Before you leave home

Before you leave home there are some important things you need to check:

• Arrange your student visa by contacting the New Zealand High Commission or the New Zealand Embassy in your home country.
• Ensure your passport is valid for the intended length of your study period in New Zealand
• Have medical, optical and dental check-ups and arrange any prescribed medication with your doctor.
• Start looking for temporary and long-term accommodation, visit our Accommodation page. Ask your university, school or college if they can meet you at the airport. It’s nice to see a smiling face when you arrive.
• Make sure you are enrolled in your course. Most institutions will allow you to enroll online.
• Make a note of emergency contact numbers including your institution, accommodation, embassy and family members.
• Pack your letter of acceptance, academic records from previous study, identification documents, important contact numbers, and a written character reference to help in securing accommodation or employment.
• Check customs and quarantine regulations and pack any items you wish to declare separately.

Accommodation

International students enjoy Auckland’s high quality living conditions. There are a range of different options. Just ask the staff at the institution you are interested in. They will provide you with all the accommodation information you need. You can be part of a local family with ‘homestay’ accommodation where you’ll learn how to live like the kiwis do in your home away from home. Or you may prefer the independence of a student hostel or living with New Zealand students in accommodation on the schools’ campus. Another option is to rent a house or flat with friends.

Your living costs will depend on your lifestyle and your type of accommodation. It’s really important to research some temporary accommodation options  before you leave home. Do this by visiting our accommodation section. You might want to book a couple of nights of cheap accommodation with a backpackers or youth hostel. Use this as a temporary base, while you find permanent accommodation.

The following list gives an indication of some costs:

General Costs ($NZ per week)

• Rent: $100 - $200
• Groceries: $80 - $100
• Gym membership: $225 - $305 (per year)
• Entertainment: $50 - $80
• Lunches / takeaways: $60

What’s on in Auckland

Find out our Auckland must dos or see what’s on in Auckland right now.

Getting around Auckland

Walking, buses, trains, taxis and ferries make it easy and convenient to get around central Auckland. Walking is very popular in New Zealand. You’ll probably live close to your institution so it will be easy to walk to classes. Cycling is also a great way to get around and get fit at the same time. It's also an economically and ecologically responsible option! Bicycles can be taken on ferries and trains, so you can combine cycling with other forms of public transport if you live a long way out of the city.

Buses run to all parts of the Auckland region from the Britomart transport centre, located in downtown Auckland. The Link bus connects Auckland city fringe suburbs with the central business district. There are also free environmentally-friendly City Circuit buses that follow a route around the inner city. Trains run regularly to central, south and west Auckland suburbs from the Britomart rail station.

Vist Maxx.co.nz for bus and train timetables and information.

Taking the ferry is a scenic, peaceful change from the hectic mayhem that often comes with commuting. It's also a great way to explore the beautiful islands of the Hauraki Gulf. Visit  www.fullers.co.nz for more information.

Driving in New Zealand can be very enjoyable and a great way to explore. If you have a valid overseas driver licence or an international driving permit you can drive in New Zealand for up to a year after you arrive. After that you'll have to pass a theory test and probably a practical driving test to get a New Zealand driver licence. Your car must be registered and have a current warrant of fitness. It is also a good idea to have insurance for your car.

Banking & Currency

New Zealand money is in dollars and cents. It is not a good idea to carry around large amount of cash. It is a good idea to open a New Zealand bank account. Nearly all the major banks have international student packages. Most banks will want to know that you or your family has a “banking history” in your own country. You should take a letter from your bank, some proof of your account - such as a copy of a statement, your passport and proof of your enrolment in a New Zealand education provider. There is a bank branch, or at least an automatic teller machine (ATM), on nearly every tertiary campus. All banks offer phone and Internet banking.

Health & Safety

The New Zealand Government requires that all international students have appropriate and current medical and travel insurance while studying in New Zealand. This includes students on a Work Permit/Visa with a Variation of Condition to study part time. Evidence of suitable medical and travel insurance must be presented as a condition of enrollment at the University. Auckland is a safe city but it is still important to think about your safety. The Police in New Zealand are friendly, helpful, have a duty to protect everyone and can always be safely approached. They are committed to promoting crime prevention and uphold New Zealand’s laws. They are also there to help you in difficult situations.

Emergencies

In an emergency – where there is a danger to life or a crime is in progress – you can contact the police, fire department or ambulance by dialling 111 from any telephone. This is a free call in emergencies only.

Beach safety

Be careful when swimming in New Zealand waters. Some parts of the coast have powerful currents and tides. It is safest to swim at popular beaches. Areas marked by red and yellow flags are patrolled by surf-life savers, so always swim between the flags. Never mix alcohol and swimming.

Road safety

Traffic in New Zealand drives on the left side of the road. When driving a car, you can be fined if you or your passengers are not wearing a seatbelt. Cycle helmets are compulsory for people riding bicycles and motorcycles. All vehicles must pass a regular mechanical inspection and display a current warrant of fitness. There are serious penalties for speeding and driving while drunk.

New Zealand laws

Information for students about some of the major laws in New Zealand.

Alcohol

People under the age of 18 are not permitted to consume alcohol in public. If you buy alcohol, or are given it at a licensed premise, both you and the person selling are committing an offence. Some public areas are designated ‘Liquor Ban Areas’. This means drinking is not permitted in these areas other than inside licensed establishments such as pubs or hotels. There are heavy penalties for people who ‘drink and drive’. The legal alcohol limit in New Zealand is 0.08. www.drinkresponsibly.co.nz

Drugs

There are severe penalties for illegal drug use or dealing drugs. Avoid being in any situation where illegal drugs are involved.

Smoking

It is an offence to lend, give or sell cigarettes or tobacco to anyone under 18 years of age. It is also illegal to buy cigarettes or tobacco for anyone under the age of 18. It is illegal to smoke in enclosed public areas.

Gambling

Young people under the age of 18 are not permitted to gamble. If you are under 20 you cannot enter gambling places, such as the casino or gaming areas in pubs.

Nightclubs and entertainment venues

Anyone under the age of 18 is not allowed in a licensed entertainment venue after 9pm. You may need to provide proof of age to buy alcohol or enter a licensed venue. It is an offence to provide false identification.

Stealing, vandalism

There are severe penalties for anyone involved in stealing, shoplifting or damaging public or private property. Penalties will vary depending on the severity of the crime.

Harassment and discrimination

Auckland prides itself on being a multicultural and tolerant society. In New Zealand, it is generally illegal to discriminate against anyone based on gender, sexuality, marital status, pregnancy, race, physical or intellectual impairment or age. Most educational institutions and many work places now have anti-discrimination policies in place.

Weather and climate

Auckland enjoys a warm coastal climate without extremes of temperature. Visit our Weather and Climate section for more information.