Welcome to Auckland, also known as the City of Sails! After a long journey from your home country, it is understandable if you are feeling jet-lagged. To combat this, it is a good idea to adjust to the local time as quickly as possible, which means adapting to the natural rhythm of daylight hours.
Customs and Immigration will greet you when you arrive in New Zealand. They will provide you with an important declaration form that outlines prohibited goods, helping to keep our country safe and free of toxins that could harm our ecosystem. You will usually receive this declaration form on the plane, but you can also find them easily at kiosks or counters. Keep in mind that it is crucial to declare all food items, even if it's just a forgotten banana in the bottom of your bag. Failure to do so may result in an instant NZ$200 fine. If you are traveling with prescription medication or controlled drugs, make sure to carry them in their original containers and bring your prescription document from your physician. Most medications are available in New Zealand, so it's best to bring only a three-month supply of prescription medication and one month for controlled drugs.
Transport from Auckland Airport is a breeze with many transportation options available. You can take a taxi, such as Cheap Cab or Uber, a shuttle like Super Shuttle, or a direct bus service such as SKYbus, all of which take around 30 minutes to reach the city.
Essential documents to have on hand when you arrive include the following: your passport, insurance certificates, letter of offer to study at Techtorium, study visa, driver's license, and a verified copy of your birth certificate. Additionally, it is a wise idea to carry some New Zealand dollars for emergencies, and we recommend having around $300 in cash upon arrival.
Auckland enjoys a mild climate, but since we experience four seasons, it is essential to pack clothes that will keep you comfortable throughout the year. During summer (January - March), temperatures can reach up to 30 degrees, but it can feel hotter and stickier due to the humidity, so it is best to wear clothing that will keep you cool. In winter (June - September), the average temperature drops to 14 degrees or lower, and we experience rainfall, so we suggest bringing a wool coat or puffer jacket and up to 3 layers of clothing. Autumn (April - May) and spring (October - December) are more comfortable with less humidity and rainfall, but spring can often be windy due to changing weather patterns. Auckland has excellent clothes shopping options, so you can always purchase anything you need to complete your wardrobe.
Attractions in Auckland vary tremendously and depending on what you enjoy there is something for everyone to discover. Auckland is a vibrant energetic city that enjoys being nestled between two oceans – the Pacific and Tasman seas hence being referred to as the “City of Sails”. The nightlife and live theatre is in keeping with a cultural appetite as well as a desire to walk in nature and embrace the outdoor lifestyle. Explore the white sands of the east coast beaches and the wild unique black sands of the west surfing beaches. Many local and international festivals, exhibitions, and performances will reflect this multicultural city that celebrates diversity.
Personal finance is often the first item to be sorted and understood. NZ has its own currency NZD which operates in both coins and notes. Check out currency values and exchange rates here https://www.newzealand.com/int/feature/new-zealand-currency/. It is a good idea to open a NZ bank account and be sure to ask for an international student package as most banks are set up for this. Techtorium will also guide you and support your decisions around banking choices. ATMs are readily available and accessible throughout Auckland.
The cost of living in the largest city in NZ is higher than townships and smaller cities but is less expensive than larger cities around the world. For example Auckland compared to New York City is 20% cheaper (2016, April). Retrieved from https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/rankings.jsp Here is a guide for expected average annual living costs you can budget for and include with your own personal living costs.
| Description |
Weekly (NZD) |
Annual (52 weeks) |
| Rent |
$200 - $250 |
$10,400 - $13,000 |
| Food |
$200 - $250 |
$10,400 - $13,000 |
| Power/Internet |
$40 |
$2080 |
| Transport |
$45 |
$2340 |
| Clothing |
$50 |
$2600 |
| Laundry |
$7 |
$364 |
| Entertainment |
$40 |
$2080 |
Electrical items and power plugs are supplied at 230 volts, 50 hertz in NZ. Most power sockets accept three-pin plugs or similar adaptors. Internet is readily available through wifi and most public places and homes are connected.
Food and Grocery shopping is available from a range of supermarkets. Here are the brand logos in order of exclusivity and higher prices;
- New World, higher end supermarket. Available on Queen street, Victoria Park. online shopping available on some stores.
- Countdown Open 24 hours in Quay Street Auckland Central, Until midnight on Victoria st, Williamson street, Richmond road. Until 10pm on Ponsonby Road. Online shopping available.
- PaknSave Open 8am – 10pm in suburbs surrounding Auckland Central
Shopping for household items such as small appliances, linen and other essentials you may need when you go flatting are available from a range of stores. Here are the brand logos in order of exclusivity and higher prices;
- Farmers is open 9 am – 6 pm Auckland Central
- Briscoes is open 9am – 5pm in suburbs surrounding Auckland
- Warehouse Open 8am – 6pm Newmarket and Auckland Central
- Kmart Open 8am – 00pm in St Lukes Westfield Mall and other locations.
Health and wellbeing is an important aspect while you are with us at Techtorium. Medical care can be accessed through Private Health Clinics, Accident and Emergency Clinics and many other providers that surround Auckland central. Symonds Street Medical Centre offer a full service of primary health care, check them out here https://www.ssmc.co.nz/ .If you are at all concerned about your health Techtorium’s pastoral team will provide support and guidance.
Māori Culture
New Zealand’s indigenous Māori people have a unique and fascinating language and culture, which plays a major role in New Zealand life. The Treaty of Waitangi is an essential part of New Zealand's history and how to live in harmony with all its communities.
We invite you to visit the Auckland museum in the Auckland Domain not too far from Techtorium, it will give you a wonderful insight into New Zealand in a nutshell. If you visit Wellington, the Te Papa Museum is 7 floors and covers absolutely every aspect of New Zealand culture in the most interactive and digital way!
The People
Though a diverse and multicultural people, there are many qualities, including friendliness, individuality, invention, and self-reliance, that you’ll find in most New Zealanders. It’s our national character!
To meet more people and help you fit in, we are sure that you will make plenty of new friends at Techtorium but you can also join some external groups on Meetup, you can also join the Facebook group Got to Get out International Students to join free hikes around Auckland.
To check out events happening in Auckland, check the "What's on" website or book a cool activity with a discount from Bookme
Arts
The influence of Māori, Pacific Island, European and Asian cultures makes the arts in New Zealand colourful, unique and vibrant - definitely something to look out for!
Kiwiana
A range of wacky and weird objects helps define what it is to be a New Zealander, or ‘Kiwi’. These wonderful things are known simply as - ‘Kiwiana
