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Accommodation:
Christchurch and Auckland are two very different cities. Auckland, though not the capital, is the largest city in New Zealand with a population around one million. Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island with a population of approximately 450,000. (To learn more about New Zealand and its population, visit Statistics New Zealand www.stats.govt.nz)
There is a range of accommodation available in both cities. You can choose between temporary accommodation (backpackers/ Bed and breakfasts/ motels etc); Home-stay (boarding); 'flatmate' (sharing with others); leasing (taking on the rental lease of a property yourself) or buying your own property.
Auckland:
NZCCM has an agreement with Auckland Homestay Service Limited and provide Students in Auckland a range of accommodation options. You may choose to live in a flat, hostel, private boarding house, or board with a family (home-stay).
Home-stay accommodation with an Auckland family includes your board and meals. NZCCM can refer you to reputable agencies who will arrange a home-stay for you. The average cost for this type of accommodation is about $195 per week. In home-stays you will have:
· A single room
· A desk and a chair for study
· A lamp
· A heater
· Access to a telephone
· Shared use of a toilet and bathroom
· Laundry facilities for your won clothing
· Fresh bed linen and a towel each week
· Breakfast and an evening meal
Agencies also charge a placement fee and airport pick-up fee. The home-stay agency is required to check the home-stay before you go to it and on a regular basis. Should you have any concerns raise it with the agency or with NZCCM staff.
Flatting: If you choose to look for your own accommodation, you may consider sharing a rented house (“flat”) in order to reduce expenses and enjoy company. Weekly rents for flats in Auckland vary depending on location. NZCCM does not take any responsibility for flats that you select but is happy to provide advice and assistance should you require it.
You can expect to pay from $80 to over $200 for a room in a shared house, and on top of this you will need to pay for your electricity, heating, telephone and food costs. Flats may be furnished, but often you also need to provide your own furniture. When you move into a flat, you may be required to pay a bond and usually two weeks’ rent in advance.
You can do your own search for a shared flat on www.flathunt.co.nz. Another informative website for students seeking independent accommodation is www.varsity.co.nz If you want to rent a flat and become the principal tenant, you may contract a letting agent.
Hostel accommodation: There are many hostels in Auckland, ranging from backpackers to purpose-built student accommodation. It is advisable to book well in advance for the latter type of hostel. NZCCM can provide you with a list of hostels.
Costs vary considerably, depending on whether you rent a self-contained studio, single room with shared facilities, (kitchen, bathroom), or a shared dormitory-style bedroom.
Within these options, you could pay from $125 to $90 per week. Some hostels require payment for a full semester in advance. There may also be a placement fee and a refundable bond payable in advance.
NZCCM does not take any responsibility for hostels that you select but is happy to provide advice and assistance should you require it.
Christchurch:
In Christchurch there is a 'student house' located 2 doors away from the college in New Brighton. Please refer to www.studenthouse.co.nz
Temporary accommodation can be easily arranged in Christchurch. There are many backpackers, motels and 'bed and breakfast's (B&B's) available throughout the city. Refer to Google and search for accommodation-Christchurch for choices. Temporary accommodation can be arranged close to the college at 'Pier B&B' in Beresford St (5 minutes walk) and Golden Sands motels, Estuary Rd (20 mins walk) as well as several other motels in the area.
Private Home-stay accommodation can be found by referring to www.mynzed.com . You will also find, once here, cafe and Educational establishment notice-boards often have adverts for 'Home-stay' options. See ‘Auckland’ section above for more details about ‘Home-stay’ arrangements.
A good source of private 'flatmate' accommodation available is the Christchurch Press. The key days for 'flatmates wanted' are a Wednesday or a Saturday. There is also an increasing amount of 'flatmate' accommodation to be found on www.trademe.co.nz
Likewise, if you wish to rent your own property and become a leaseholder, both the above sources are good providers for this information.
If you are driving in New Zealand you need to check that you meet New Zealand’s driving laws before you drive:
· If you have an overseas driver license or an international driving permit, you can drive in New Zealand for a maximum of one year: you are only able to drive those types of vehicles you were licensed to drive in your own country.
· You must carry your licence or permit with you whenever you are driving. If your overseas licence or permit is not in English then it’s a good idea to carry an official translation with you.
· If you don’t have an overseas driver licence or international driving permit, you must apply for a learner licence before you can drive any vehicle in NZ.
· If you plan to be in New Zealand for more than one year you must apply for a New Zealand driving licence before the end of your first year. You will have to pass a theory test and probably a practical driving test too. If you do not apply for a licence you will be considered an unlicensed driver and will be charged by the Police if you drive a motor vehicle.
You can get more information about driving in New Zealand and New Zealand’s driving laws by:
· Buying a copy of the Road Code. You can buy these in bookstores or from driver licensing agents. You can also borrow a copy of the Road Code from any public library.
· Contacting the Land, Transport Safety Authority on its website www.ltsa.govt.nz or freephone 0800 822 422.
Transport
There is a regular bus service within a short walk from both branches of NZCCM: Auckland branch also has a train station just a 20-minute walk from the College. (Christchurch bus route is 40 – see www.metroinfo.org.nz; for Auckland branch there are several bus routes, eg number 471, 487, 52 – see www.maxx.co.nz) There is plenty of free parking on surrounding streets of both branches.
Cycling in New Zealand
If you cycle in New Zealand you should be aware of the following safety guidelines:
· Wear a helmet – this is compulsory in New Zealand
· Be seen – wear light bright colours and use reflective tape
· Lights and reflectors must meet the requirements in the Road Code
· Have your seat at the right height so you can touch the ground but not too low
· Check the handlebars for movement and make sure the grips are secure
· Check the brakes are adjusted and work properly. Use both brakes for quick
stopping
· Check the pedals spin easily and have reflectors on them
· Check that your tyres are inflated and that wheels spin easily without wobbling
Pedestrians
· Use the footpaths
· If there is no footpath, walk on the side of the road facing on-coming traffic
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