Life in Auckland
Auckland is New Zealand's economic powerhouse and largest city, with 1.6 million people and easy access to key international markets. It has all the advantages of a big city and is culturally diverse, with one in three Aucklanders born overseas. This makes Auckland a great city for your university studies.
Auckland is a large city and quite spread out, but there are lots of different transport options and ways to get around the city while you're studying at AUT.
Buses, trains and ferries
Public transport is a great way to get around, and is often quicker than driving, especially during peak traffic hours.
Buses run to all parts of the Auckland region and trains run regularly to central, south and west Auckland suburbs from the Britomart transport centre, which is a 10-to-15-minute walk from the AUT City Campus. There are also regular ferries that travel from downtown Auckland to various locations on the North Shore and the eastern suburbs, as well as Waiheke Island.
Many bus and train stations and some ferry terminals also have park and ride facilities, which means you can drive your car to the station and park it there before you catch public transport.
To use public transport, buy an AT HOP card – a smart card you can use on buses, trains and ferries across Auckland – and save 20% on every single trip compared to paying cash. You can buy an AT HOP card from convenience stores and other shops around Auckland.
Cheaper public transport for university students
As a full-time university student you get significant discounts on public transport.
Student discount on public transport
Cycling
Cycling is another good transport option and there are cycleways in many parts of Auckland. Bicycles can also be taken on ferries and trains.
Cycling in Auckland (Auckland Transport website)
Cycling facilities at AUT campuses
You can find bicycle parking, showers and lockers rooms at AUT’s campuses.
Bicycle parking and showers on campus
Walking
Walking is a great way to get around Auckland – it’s free, reliable and good for your fitness. If you live in Ponsonby or Kingsland, for example, you could walk to the AUT City Campus in about 30 minutes. You can also combine walking with public transport, which could be a good option if you live further away from campus.
Walking in Auckland (Auckland Transport website)
Driving
Driving is another way to get around Auckland, but it can be difficult to find parking in the city centre.
Getting around AUT
AUT’s campuses are easy to reach from all part of Auckland, whether you’re catching public transport, cycle or drive. There also AUT shuttle buses that run between the City and South Campus.
Auckland has many different housing options to suit your lifestyle, from city apartments to family homes with gardens. Housing in Auckland can be expensive, but the cost depends on which suburb you choose to live in.
Sharing a house, flat or apartment with others could be a good option for you – it’s normally cheaper than living alone and it can be a great way to make friends and socialise.
When you choose where to live, you should also consider how far your house is from public transport, your AUT campus, shops and cafés, or the beach.
The web page below has useful information to help you find suitable accommodation in Auckland and what to consider if you're looking for a place to live.
Off-campus accommodation for AUT students
Useful websites if you’re looking for housing in Auckland:
Stay on campus with AUT student accommodation
Living in student accommodation is a comfortable and convenient option whether you're a first-year or postgraduate student. AUT’s student accommodation is modern and secure, offering a social community just a few minutes' walk away from our City or North Campus.
Because Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city, there are lots of job opportunities across the city – from healthcare to business, and construction to IT and technology.
Many New Zealand and global companies have their offices in Auckland, and our population, economy and key industry sectors all continue to grow, offering great career opportunities.
Auckland is big enough to be connected to other global business hubs, but still small enough to make it easy to network and make connections.
Useful websites related to work in Auckland:
Helping you get ready for the workforce
Stand out to future employers by using the services offered by AUT’s Employability and Careers team – get advice on career options, network with employers at events and workshops, improve your CV and interview techniques, develop your employability skills, and find work with our graduate job boards.
Living in Auckland can be expensive, but Auckland ranks well against other major cities around the world.
How much you pay also depends on your lifestyle and where you’re planning to live while studying. Student accommodation or flatting with others can be good living options, and you could save money by using public transport, walking or cycling, and cooking your own meals.
Useful websites related to the cost of living in Auckland:
- Living in Auckland (Auckland NZ website)
- Tuition fees and cost of living (Education New Zealand website)
- New Zealand Immigration website
Financial support for AUT students
We know that studying can be hard on your finances. If you're having financial difficulty while studying at AUT, you could get support with food or transport vouchers, rent and living expenses, and laptops and data packages.
Auckland and New Zealand have a low rate of serious crimes. Violent crimes involving guns are very rare and almost don’t exist. However, like in any city, theft, pickpocketing or other crimes sometimes do happen.
Auckland is a fairly safe city, but as in any city you need to be aware of your safety in public places, especially at night. Use your common sense to look after yourself and your friends.
Some simple precautions are:
- Always stick to well-lit and populated places
- Look confident, and carry your possessions closely
- When using an ATM, be discreet and make sure you are not being watched
- Keep a mobile phone, alarm, and house keys handy.
Our laws are here to protect you and there are many support services available to you if you need them – and many are free.
Useful websites related to safety in Auckland:
Life in Auckland: see what it’s like
Fun things to do in Auckland
- Auckland Harbour Bridge – Climb or bungy jump off this landmark which connects the city to North Shore beaches
- Sky Tower – Standing at 328 metres tall, you can experience dining and breath-taking views
- Beaches – Auckland has more than 80 beaches, many accessible from the city centre via a short bus or ferry ride
- Island hopping – Explore Auckland’s magnificent Hauraki Gulf and its islands, including Waiheke Island with its beautiful vineyards and beaches only a 40-minute ferry ride away
- Shopping and dining – Enjoy some retail therapy with the world's top brands or visit one of the many shopping centres, including Commercial Bay in the city centre
- Nightlife – Make the most of Auckland’s vibrant night life with lots of clubs, events and dining options to choose from
- Parks and rainforests – Go walking or hiking in the Waitakere Ranges west of the city centre, or explore the striking landscapes of Auckland’s other regional parks
- Auckland waterfront – Don’t miss Viaduct Harbour and its great nightlife and many restaurants or gaze at the awe-inspiring super yachts at Westhaven Marina
International students: see how we support you
We want your time as an international student at AUT to be a great experience. Learn more about starting your life as an international student in Auckland and find out how AUT will support you throughout your studies.
Climate in Auckland
Auckland has a pleasant climate all year – an average of 25°C in summer (December to March) and a mild 11°C in winter (June to August). The city has 2,000+ hours of sunshine a year and when it rains, it keeps the native forests green.
Make the most of uni life at AUT
It’s easy to get involved and make the most of your time at AUT – join a student club or sports team, take part in events, make friends and get the support to succeed at university.
