Make sure you prepare for your trip to New Zealand and your first few days in Auckland.
Before you arrive in New Zealand you’ll want to learn about what it’s like to live and study here. Auckland is the country’s economic hub and biggest city – vibrant and busy, but with clean air and beaches, easy travel and friendly people.
Check the websites below for information about transport, costs, and things to do and see in Auckland and New Zealand.
New Zealand Tourism website
Study in Auckland (Auckland NZ website)
Auckland Transport website
When you're away from home, living on campus at AUT is a great way to settle in and make new friends in a comfortable and secure environment. We have student accommodation at our City and North Campus. There are also many private accommodation options in Auckland.
If you’re under 18 years of age when you start studying at AUT, you aren’t able to live in AUT accommodation. You must live with your parents or designated caregiver, or in a homestay.
Find accommodation
You should fly into Auckland International Airport.
We recommend you book your transport from the airport with Airport Transfers Ltd. They will meet you at the airport and take you to your accommodation. The person meeting you will be carrying a sign with your name on it.
Email Airport Transfers Ltd to book your transport.
As well as your luggage and passport, bring:
Don’t bring any food. New Zealand has very strict rules on what you can bring into the country, and you must declare any food on your arrivals card. You can be fined if you don’t declare food to Customs.
You should be able to buy anything you need here in New Zealand. There are some things you might want to consider bringing with you.
If you bring electrical items, make sure you bring the correct adaptor (or you can buy one here).
Electricity is supplied in New Zealand at 230 volts, 50 hertz.
University students dress casually, but you may need formal clothing for special occasions. You will need clothes for winter and for summer, and you should bring a waterproof jacket.
Most medication is available in New Zealand, but check with your doctor first. If you are bringing prescription medicines you should:
You should budget for minimum annual living costs while you’re here. It’s a good idea to research living costs properly before you come to New Zealand.
Cost of Living on New Zealand Education website
It’s a good idea to open a bank account here. You’ll learn more about banking during Orientation. To open a bank account you’ll need:
You can change foreign currency and travellers’ cheques easily at the airport, or at banks in and around Auckland. One NZ dollar = 100 cents.
You can check exchange rates online.
XE.com currency converter website
If you need urgent medical help in the first few days after you arrive, ask at your accommodation where the nearest accident and medical centre is. They are usually open seven days a week.
Once you are at AUT you can use the student health centres on campus.
In a medical emergency, call 111.
Have you got a valid student visa? Is your insurance plan in place? Find more details: