Essential Guide to New Zealand

Currency: New Zealand Dollar (NZD) – this is approximately 2.07NZD to every 1GBP.

National language: English, Māori, New Zealand Sign Language.

Geography: New Zealand consists of two landmasses – the North Island and the South Island – as well as several smaller islands, located in the South Pacific Ocean to the southeast of Australia.

Time in Capital City: GMT +12

Climate: New Zealand has a hugely variable climate. The majority of the country is coastal, which lends itself to milder weather year-round, but areas of the far north reach warm subtropical temperatures in the summer, and some of the mountain regions in the south can reach severely cold temperatures in the winter.

Population: 5.16 million people

Annual Costs (approximate):

University Cost (NZD): $20,000 – $40,000 for undergraduate degrees, $20,000 - $45,000 for postgraduate.

Living Costs (NZD): $20,000

Total Cost (NZD): $40,000 - $60,000 undergraduate / $40,000 - $65,000 postgraduate

Top Universities in New Zealand:

1. University of Auckland
2. University of Otago
3. Auckland University of Technology
4. Lincoln University
5. Victoria University of Wellington
6. University of Waikato

Things You HAVE To Do:

• The Indigenous Māori culture has shaped the culture of New Zealand as a whole. Whether you attend one of the powerful performances and ceremonies open to visitors, admire the traditional arts and crafts on display, or develop your understanding of New Zealand’s history at a museum, taking the time to appreciate the influence, energy and skills of the Māori people is a key part of the New Zealand experience.
• Take a hike along the ancient volcanic landscape of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, where you’ll get to witness incredible views of the Ruapehu region – and even pass by an active volcanic crater!
• If you’re a fantasy fan then you’ll already be aware that New Zealand was the backdrop for the unparalleled on-location shots in the Lord of the Rings movies. You’ll find familiar forests, mountains and rivers across both the North and the South Island, and there are plenty of tours available to take you to some of the more notable locations, including through the Hobbiton set.

Quick tips:

• The emergency number in New Zealand is 111.
• Auckland and Wellington are the place to be if you’re looking for the variety and excitement of city life, but between New Zealand’s stunning natural landscapes and a strong culture of outdoors activity, there’s still plenty to do if you choose to live outside of the cities.
• New Zealanders refer to themselves as “Kiwis”. They’re not named after the fruit, but after the kiwi bird, which is native to New Zealand and is used as its national symbol.
• English is one of New Zealand’s official languages, and most likely the one you’ll spend the majority of your time using, including in class. However, words from te reo Māori (“the Māori language”, often shorted to “te reo”) still show up even in the speech of Kiwis who aren’t fluent, so consider learning a few key phrases to help you recognise when it’s being used. To start you off, you’re likely to hear the phrase “kia ora” – that means “hello”!
• Don’t forget your sunscreen! The UV levels are particularly high in New Zealand and Australia, meaning that you are at high risk of skin damage even when the temperature is mild. You will need to wear a high-factor sunscreen, regardless of your skin tone or the weather in your home country.

* Image reference Unsplash