Living and Studying in NZ

New Zealand Knowledge

Before you arrive you'll want to learn as much as you can about New Zealand. For information about New Zealand, visit the official Tourism New Zealand website.

Travel Document Checklist

Make sure to bring with you your:

Passport
Insurance certificates
Offer of Place
Visa
Driver's license - an international or own-country driving license is valid for one year in New Zealand. After that you will need to obtain a New Zealand drivers license.
Birth certificate (copy only)
Any other documents you may need
NZ$300 cash until you have your bank account set up

Opening a bank account

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.

ATMs - Automatic Teller Machines are widely used in New Zealand and readily accessible.

What clothes should I pack?

Auckland is warm in the summer, but in the winter it can get cold and it often rains. Therefore, make sure you pack warm clothing along with summer clothes. When not wearing your uniforms required for study and practical classes you can dress casually so bring your favourite jeans, t-shirts, jerseys (sweaters), sweatshirts, shoes and sports shoes. Bring formal clothing for special occasions. You'll also need a warm waterproof jacket.

Weather

Summer: December - February
Autumn (fall): March - May
Winter: June - August
Spring: September - November
Average summer temperature: 23 degrees C, 75 degrees F
Average winter temperature: 14 degrees C, 57 degrees F

Transport from the Airport

You should fly into Auckland International Airport. There are several transport options to take you from the airport to your accommodation. To get into the city you can go by:

Taxi: costs about NZ$70-$80 and takes 30 or 40 minutes.
Shuttle bus/ Mini-van: costs about NZ$18-$25 and takes about 40 minutes.
Public transport (bus) to the central city (which is very close to the school): costs about NZ$13 and takes about 60 minutes.

You can ask for help from the friendly people at the I-SITE Visitors Centre at the airport. For more information about transport options, visit the Auckland Airport website.

Immigration and Customs

On arrival in New Zealand you will have to go through New Zealand Customs. You will have been given a form to complete on the plane which outlines prohibited goods. Read the form carefully. Be especially aware that you must declare food of any kind. - A forgotten apple in the bottom of your bag will earn you an instant fine of NZ$200 - not a good way to start your Kiwi experience.

Most medication is available in New Zealand, but check with your doctor first. If you are carrying prescription medicines or controlled drugs you should:

Have a prescription from your physician advising that the medicine is being used under a doctor's direction and is necessary for your physical well-being.
Carry the drugs in their original containers.
Have sufficient quantity not exceeding three months supply for prescription medicines or one month supply for controlled drugs.

Electrical goods

If you are bringing in electrical goods, such as computers, hairdryers etc., be aware that electricity throughout New Zealand is supplied at 230 volts, 50 hertz. Most power sockets accept three-pin plugs or similar adaptors. You can buy adaptors readily in New Zealand. Most student rooms will be wired for internet use, but check with your specific accommodation.

Auckland

Depending on where you come from you may find Auckland very small and quiet or a huge bustling city! Make sure you discover the variety of attractions Auckland has to offer. Auckland is a vibrant multicultural city beside the sea, sprawled between two harbours and two oceans - the Tasman and the Pacific. It offers the best of both worlds - all the buzz, entertainment, nightlife and cultural activities of a big city, as well as an outdoor lifestyle with numerous sporting and leisure activities.

Explore the beautiful beaches, take a ferry to one of the offshore sub-tropical islands, and visit the Auckland Museum. Make sure you attend one of the many local and international festivals, exhibitions and performances held frequently in Auckland. Check out the official Auckland website.

Transport

Public transport in the form of buses and trains is improving. If you are staying in the central city you will be able to explore the inner city and harbour on foot. You can also use a really great service which will help you get around the city on public transport. Ring MAXX on + 64 9 366 6400, tell them where you are and where you want to go and they will tell you how to get there!! Good for exploring all those fantastic beaches you've seen in the brochures. http://maxx.co.nz/

Kiwis - the people

You will notice that there are many people of Asian and Pacific origin, as well as Māori and Europeans. Many of these people will actually be Kiwis - just wait till they start to speak and you'll know! The Kiwi accent is very distinctive, and one of the things you will have to get used to.

There is a definite Kiwi culture and if you're not expecting any cultural differences you may be in for a shock! Kiwis are generally considered to be relaxed, friendly and outgoing. Although this is a huge generalisation, we like to think there is some truth to it. Informality is the norm in most social settings. Kiwis have a distinctive sense of humour which may come across as sarcastic, but don't take offence, they expect the same back.

Sport plays a large part in the Kiwi lifestyle so if you want to meet Kiwis, a sports team is a great place to start. While the legal drinking age is 18, emphasis is placed on responsible drinking. Drink driving laws are strictly enforced.

Money matters

Money is always one of the first things you need. Bring enough cash with you to get you through the first few days. NZ$300 should be enough. It's easy to change your money (traveller's cheques or cash) at a bank, or Bureau de Change kiosk at the airport, in the city or in your suburb.

The New Zealand dollar is the currency used in New Zealand. 100 cents = one dollar ($1).To check current conversion rates with your home currency check out www.XE.com.

Cost of living

Living costs vary from student to student. Here are expected minimum annual (1 year) living costs you should budget for. You should also complete research into your own expected costs.

This table shows the NZ$ cost of some commonly purchased items. This information is a guide only.

Description	Estimated non-discounted NZ$
Big Mac	$4.60
large Pizza	$12.00 - $18.00
Asian Meal	$8.00 - $15.00
Doppio Espresso	$3.00
Can of Coke	$1.50
Beer (pint)	$4.50
Wine (750ml)	$8.00 - $15.00
Movie Ticket	$10.00
Cellphone Contract (200 free off-peak minutes)	$49.00 + $30.00/month

Shopping

Shop opening hours vary. Standard hours are from 9am to 5.30 on weekdays. Many shops, especially those in shopping malls, also open at the weekends, though hours may be different. Supermarkets have extended hours seven days a week. If you want cheap but reasonable quality goods such as linen and small household appliances, The Warehouse chain of stores is a good place to shop. They're easy to find as they are RED

Medical Help

If you need urgent medical attention in the first few days, ask the staff at your accommodation to tell you where the nearest accident and medical centre is located. These centre's are scattered around the city and are usually open 7days a week for extended hours. In serious emergencies only you should call 111. For information about accident and emergency clinics in Auckland see search results for "A&E Clinics in Auckland" on the Yellow Pages website.