International

Life in New Zealand

Kia ora – hello and welcome to New Zealand!

You’ll find friendly people, beautiful landscapes and lots to do – from learning about local Māori culture, to surfing and tramping, to enjoying the nightlife. Travelling is exciting, but it can also feel a little overwhelming, so here are some practical tips to help you settle into life in New Zealand.

Language

New Zealand has three official languages – English, Māori and New Zealand Sign Language. English is the most common language, though most people also know at least a few words in the Māori language, known as te reo Māori.

A few words in te reo Māori to get you started.

• Kia ora means hello, and can also be used to say thank you.
• Whānau means family, which is very important in Māori culture.
• Kai means food.

Aotearoa is the Māori word used for New Zealand. It translates to ‘land of the long white cloud’.

Weather and climate

New Zealand weather is variable, and can change suddenly. The country includes warm subtropical areas in the north, cool temperate areas in the south, and alpine conditions in the mountainous areas. It is important to check the climate for the area of the country where you’ll be living. If you are doing outdoor activities, make sure to check conditions and prepare appropriately.

As New Zealand is in the Southern Hemisphere, our seasons are the opposite of the Northern Hemisphere, with summer in December – February and winter in June – August.

Across the whole country, the sun is very strong, and you can get burn without sun protection. We recommend using SPF 30+ sunscreen, especially between September and April.

Metservice is a reliable source of weather information in New Zealand.

Auckland weather and climate

Auckland has a subtropical climate. Summers are warm and humid and winters are relatively mild – though there may be a few frosts. You can expect rainfall all year round. Summer highs are around 25˚C, and winter lows are around 6˚C.

Central Otago weather and climate

Central Otago is in the middle of the South Island, and has some of the hottest and coolest temperatures in New Zealand. The summers can feature days of 30˚C, which is what allows Central Otago to produce a great fruit harvest. In the winter, temperatures can drop below freezing, with frosts and snow. The mountains have an alpine climate, featuring great winter skiing and snowboarding, but be aware of winter conditions as the roads can become dangerous.

Dunedin weather and climate

Dunedin features temperate summers, with sunny days locally known as ‘Dunner Stunners’. The yearly temperature typically ranges from 4˚C to around 20˚C, but there may be days that drop below freezing in the winter. Rainfall is fairly consistent all year, but the winters can be damp and chilly with cold winds from the Antarctic. Spring and autumn feature variable weather, so it’s best to dress in layers that you can add or remove throughout the day as the temperature fluctuates.

Culture shock and homesickness

Moving to a new country is exciting but it can also feel overwhelming at first. Adjusting to a different culture, language, and lifestyle takes time. Culture shock is the name for the feelings you might experience when settling in. You may feel confused or frustrated, tired or anxious or lonely or missing home.

Homesickness is also very common. Almost every international student feels it at some point. It’s completely normal and usually fades as you settle in. For some, it lasts a few weeks, and for others, a couple of months.

You might find New Zealand’s accent, food, weather, and way of life unfamiliar at first, but don’t worry! You will get used to them with time.

Remember: These feelings are temporary. You are not alone. Many students feel the same way. We have fantastic student support services to help you feel welcome and comfortable. If you ever need someone to talk to or have questions, reach out to our support team. We are here for you! Here are some resources to help you.

Overcoming homesickness
Overcoming loneliness and homesickness

Living Costs

New Zealand offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many other countries. However, it's important to remember that your daily living expenses are additional to tuition fees. We recommend NZD $22,000 – NZD $27,000 to cover essentials such as accommodation, food, transport, and personal costs for one year of study.

For up-to-date information about New Zealand living costs, please visit this website: Your Cost of Living in New Zealand – Moving to New Zealand

Money and banking

How to buy things in New Zealand

In New Zealand, most people buy things using debit or credit cards, commonly referred to as EFTPOS. “Tap and go” payments might incur an extra charge, so you also have the option to swipe or use chip and pin. You can also use mobile payment apps like Apple Pay or Google Pay. Cash is accepted, but is not commonly used for everyday purchases. For online shopping, you’ll need a card with online payment capability or a New Zealand bank account for transfers.

Many bars and cafés are counter service only, meaning that you go up to the counter and pay for food and drinks as you go. Restaurants are more likely to have table service, meaning someone will come to your table and take your order.

Tip: Tipping is not part of New Zealand culture. The amount on your bill is what you are expected to pay.

Before You Arrive

Set up your New Zealand bank account online and make a deposit with one of the major banks: ANZ, ASB, BNZ, Kiwibank, or Westpac. Most offer student accounts with no monthly fees, mobile banking, and debit cards. You’ll need to upload your passport, visa, and proof of enrolment. Getting your banking set up helps make sure your funds are available when you arrive.

• ANZ www.anz.co.nz
• ASB www.asb.co.nz
• Bank of New Zealand www.bnz.co.nz
• Kiwibank www.kiwibank.co.nz
• Westpac www.westpac.co.nz

Search the bank’s website for “international student” to see what services they provide.

When You Arrive

At orientation we will give you a letter with proof of your New Zealand address. You will need to take this to your local bank branch together with your passport to activate your account. Once activated, you can access your money, receive international transfers, and use your debit card for everyday purchases. Some banks also offer budgeting tools and support tailored to student life.

If you want to wait to open a bank account when you arrive, we will be happy to help you.

New Zealand laws

It’s important to know a little bit about New Zealand’s laws while you are here. For an easy to understand overview of laws that are most relevant to students, you can visit the Laws and government page put together by New Zealand Education.

Remember, in an emergency dial 111 for fire, ambulance or police. This will work on any phone in New Zealand, even if you don’t have any minutes or credit.

For non-urgent police services, you can call dial 105.

Driving

If you are planning on driving in New Zealand, you must have a current driver’s licence. You can use your licence from home for up to 18 months – but if your licence is not in English, you must carry a translation with you. If you are staying in New Zealand, you will need to convert to a New Zealand licence.

Learn more about licences and driving in New Zealand

In New Zealand, we drive on the left side of the road. Our roads can be narrow and hilly, with many twists and turns, so drive with extra caution if you are not used to these conditions, and remember it may take longer than you think to travel from one point to another.

Learn more about driving conditions in New Zealand

Alcohol

New Zealand has an alcohol drinking culture, but you must be 18+ to purchase alcohol. You will need to show ID, which can be your passport, a New Zealand driving licence or a Kiwi Access card. The rules about drinking and driving are strict – if you are under 20 years old, there is a zero alcohol limit if you are driving.

Cigarettes and smoking

You must be 18+ to purchase tobacco products in New Zealand, including cigarette and vaping products. Indoor workplaces are smoke-free, which includes restaurants and bars. Our campuses are all smoke-free, which means no smoking or vaping on campus. Please note that cannabis is illegal in New Zealand, unless medically prescribed – and even with a prescription it is strictly regulated.

Where to go for help

If you need help understanding New Zealand laws, you can talk to our International Advisors, or check with a free service like the Citizens Advice Bureau, which helps people know and understand their rights in New Zealand.

Wildlife

In New Zealand, you’ll have the opportunity to observe our distinctive wildlife, including birds, lizards and marine life. We are a global wildlife destination, with several species of penguin, rare kiwi birds, marine mammals and glowworms. Many species are endangered and unique to New Zealand, so it is important to be aware of our conservation rules to help us look after our wildlife and environment.

There are many tours and sanctuaries where you can view wildlife up close with the help of expert guides. Our International Advisors can help with local recommendations.

The Department of Conservation protects our flora and fauna. You can check out their ‘do’s and don’ts’ of interacting with NZ wildlife.

For more information about nature and recreation, check out the Department of Conservation website.