A new land, new experiences, friends and memories. Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand and is located in the North Island.
Studying in New Zealand
New Zealand is a great place to study and international students find it more cost effective to live and study in New Zealand than in Australia, England, Canada or the USA.
New Zealand society values education very highly. Our schools, private institutes, polytechnics and universities undergo strict compliance checks by government authorities, to ensure that high standards are maintained.
But you’ll receive more than a great education you’ll have experiences of a lifetime. New Zealand is known for the variety and beauty of its landscape and has plenty to offer international students outside the classroom. While studying at ATTC you will be living in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest and most multicultural city.
The rest of the country is within easy reach of Auckland from the beaches and marine reserves in the north to the fiords, Alps and forests of the South Island a taste of all the world’s natural attractions in one country.
New Zealand is in the South Pacific, about three hours to the south-east of Australia by plane, or an overnight, non-stop flight from the United States to the east. It is a 10-12 hour direct flight from most countries around the Pacific Rim, such as China, Japan, Hong Kong or Malaysia.
While English is our main language, our population of almost 4 million is comprised of approximately 77% European origin, 13% Maori, 5% Pacific Island, 4% Asian, and the remaining 1% from other countries. Over one million people live in Auckland and the rest live in the cities, small towns and rural communities spread throughout New Zealand. New Zealand is a liberal democracy with a strong tradition of respect for human rights and freedom.
Climate
Auckland averages from 12oC (53F) in winter to 28oC (86) in summer. Winter months are June-August, Spring is September-November, Summer is December-February and Autumn is March-May.
Food
There is a variety of food available in Auckland, which reflects the diverse cultures in the city. From top class restaurants to takeaway bars, the food in Auckland will cater to your every need.
An average meal would cost you $23NZD at a restaurant, $8.00NZD for a meal at a chain eatery eg McDonalds.
Transport
Auckland City has a number of transport options including train, bus, ferry. See www.maxx.co.nz for further details.
Driving in NZ
In NZ we drive on the left-hand side of the road. This is the same as in the United Kingdom and Japan.
The maximum speed limit for the open road in New Zealand is 100 kilometres/hour (62 miles/hour). The speed limit for built up areas is 50 km/hr (30mph) and drivers are advised to travel slightly under the speed limit.
Please note that average speeds are lower and it takes longer to travel distances in New Zealand than might be expected. This is due to the hilly and mountainous nature of our countryside.
A valid, full, New Zealand, International, or Country of Origin driving licence is required to drive in New Zealand. If you are intending to drive in New Zealand you must have held a non-probationary licence in your country of residence for a minimum of three years. You will only be able to drive those types of vehicles for which you were licenced in your country of origin.
If you hold a valid overseas driver licence with your photo on it, you can use this licence for up to one year, without having to get an international driving licence.
If you do not have a photo on your overseas driver licences, you will need to obtain an international driver licence.You should obtain this before you leave your own country.
If you are going to be driving in New Zealand for longer than one year, you must upgrade to a full New Zealand driver licence.After you have been in New Zealand fo one year, your overseas driver licences will no longer be valid for driving in New Zealand.
A regularly updated fact sheet containing information for New Residents, and International Visitors to New Zealand is available on the NZ Government (LTSA) website http://www.ltsa.govt.nz .It contains full information on Driving in NZ etc.
Accommodation
There are several options including hostels, houses, flats, apartments, and other self-contained units. Most people “go flatting”, which means that they share a house or flat with other students and some students stay with family or friends.
The estimated rental for a three-bedroom house in reasonable condition is $260 - $340 per week. When setting up a flat you need to be aware of additional costs, usually including payment of 2 weeks rent in advance, bond (2 weeks rent) and phone and electricity charges.
It is important that you know your rights and responsibilities as a tenant. The following website is very useful: www.minhousing.govt.nz
You will find many flats listed in the Flatmates’ or ‘To Let’ sections of the local papers; NZ Herald or the Trade & Exchange. We are happy to help should you need assistance in this area. Also you need to remember that you will need money for food, transport and leisure activities.
You should budget approximately NZ$10,000 to live in New Zealand for a year.
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