Life in Aotearoa New Zealand
Ngā Āhuatanga o Aotearoa
Before you arrive in New Zealand, make sure you get good information and advice on accommodation, living costs, transport and other things you need to know.
The official New Zealand Education website is a good place to find comprehensive advice on studying and living in New Zealand as an international student. You will also find useful information for international students on the official government Immigration New Zealand website:
Living in New Zealand - Education New Zealand
New Zealand Immigration
Cost of living in New Zealand will be different to your home country. It all depends on where you live in New Zealand.
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North Island: Auckland and Wellington are among the most expensive cities. Study locations such as Rotorua, Gisborne, Hastings, and Whangārei typically have even lower living costs.
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South Island: Christchurch, Dunedin, and Nelson tend to be more affordable.
You should budget $300 or more per week for living costs in addition to rent or homestay accommodation costs.
Calculate what your typical living costs may be on the New Zealand Education website.
International students at Te Rito Maioha may be eligible to work while studying. This could include paid employment in an early learning centre or school as part of your programme requirements, or working for other employers to support yourself financially during your studies.
Visa conditions
Check your visa conditions: Your visa will state whether you are allowed to work while studying. If you work without the appropriate permission, you will be in breach of your visa conditions and may be required to leave New Zealand. To learn more about the types of work you’re allowed to do and the number of hours you can work, please visit the New Zealand Immigration website for up-to-date advice on visa options and information.
Students must organise their accommodation before they leave their home country. Te Rito Maioha does not offer accommodation facilities. However, we do provide our international students with accommodation options:
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Homestays is with a family, where you live with a New Zealand family in their home, is a popular option for international students. You are provided with a furnished room and meals and enjoy the company of the family or homestay host.
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Private boarding is similar to family homestays, but without being included into the family environment. There may be other students at the house as well.
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Renting a room or house
You can rent a house or apartment on your own or rent a room in a house with others. -
Temporary Accommodation
For students who are studying for short periods there are many short-term accommodation options, including backpackers, hostels, and Airbnb.
When arranging these, we recommend you use a well-recognised provider.
The best place to start your search for a house, room or flatmate is online but allow plenty of time to find somewhere to live as the rental market can be competitive.
Find homes for rent and flatments: Trade Me, easyRoomate, NZFlatmates, FlatFinder, Facebook Marketplace, Roomgo, Student Flats, RealEstate, and Roomies.
Find out the cost of renting properties in different locations: Market rent – Tenancy Services
Make sure you find out renting laws and processes before you sign any agreements or pay money to a landlord or property agency:
If you need more information about accommodation in your study location, please contact us.
Driving in New Zealand may be different from what you’re used to, with different rules. We recommend you find out what you need to know:
New residents and visitors – driving on NZ roads
New Zealand road rules
