While you are here
General Information
Have a look at the Student Travel Information - Destination New Zealand
or at the New Zealand website
Where to go
Here are some spectacular places to discover.
1. South Island
Christchurch
Located on the east coast of the South Island, Christchurch - just like the rest of New Zealand - is a city of contrasts. Christchurch is known as the 'Garden City' and has gorgeous parks and gardens, as well as a lively entertainment scene, a strong cultural heritage, lots of sports facilities and good shopping.
For full information go to Christchurch
Southern English Schools is the Quality English school in Christchurch.
Queenstown
Queenstown is one of New Zealand 's most scenic towns. It is renowned as the country's 'adventure capital' and offers a host of adventure activities, as well as wineries, cruises on the lake, horse riding and water sports. The lively nightlife includes award-winning restaurants, live bands, nightclubs and a casino.
For full information go to Queenstown
Mount Cook
The Mount Cook National Park is spectacular. It has a blanket of permanent snow and glacial ice. The mighty Mt Cook, known as the 'Cloud Piercer', is the highest peak in Australasia at 3755m (12391ft).
For full information go to Mount Cook
Milford Sound
Milford Sound is a "must-see" National Park for any traveller. Milford Sound has been described as one of the Natural Wonders of the World .
For full information go to Fiordland
Franz Josef Glacier / Fox Glacier
These are the two most famous glaciers in New Zealand . There are spectacular cascades of ice, falling down a valley towards the sea.
For full information go to Glacier Country
Abel Tasman National Park
This is New Zealand 's smallest national park, but one of it's most famous. With golden, sandy beaches and calm, pristine waters, it is popular with both local and overseas visitors, who walk the coastal track or kayak.
For full information go to Abel Tasman National Park
2. North Island
Taupo
This thermally active region is world famous for rainbow and brown trout fishing. Taupo is the largest centre, located on the beautiful Lake Taupo, and renowned for its trout fishing and water sports. The town offers a vast array of adventure activities from bungy jumping and jet boating to white-water rafting.
For full information go to Lake Taupo
Rotorua
Rotorua is a vibrant thermal place with Maori culture and great natural beauty.
For full information go to Rotorua
RELA is the Quality English school in Rotorua.
Auckland
Auckland is a great cosmopolitan city. The city is a wonderful place for shopping, nightlife and experience for some of the many attractions and adventure activities on offer.
For full information go to Auckland
Wellington
Wellington is the capital of New Zealand . It is also a cultural centre. The central city is a place to see performing arts, particularly ballet, theatre and musical performance.
For full information go to Wellington
Air Travel
You can travel around New Zealand with the national airline Air New Zealand
Bus Travel
New Zealand has an good bus network, with the main operator being Inter City (servicing both the North Island and South Island)
The two other major bus operators are Newmans ( North Island ) and Mt Cook Landline (South Island).
Money and Cost of living
The currency in New Zealand is the New Zealand dollar (NZ$)
Paper notes come in $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100.
There are 10c, 20c, 50c, $1, $2 coins
Go to Living costs to find out how much some things cost and use the Currency convertor
Tipping
Tipping is unusual in New Zealand .
Telephone
All NZ local telephone codes start with the number 0. When dialling to NZ from other countries, use the country code for NZ - "64" - but without the first "0" of the area code.
Most public phones take cards purchased from bookstalls and newsagents, with a minimum value of NZ$5. Some public call-phones also accept credit cards, but very few accept coins. Local telephone calls made from New Zealand homes are free.
You can usually send and receive your emails at your Quality English school, free of charge.
Internet cafes can be found in most New Zealand towns and cities, especially in areas with a lot of overseas visitors, so you finding getting Internet and email access is easy.
Electric Voltage
Electricity is supplied throughout New Zealand at 230/240 volts, 50 hertz.
Bring an adapter or converter for anything electrical you bring with you. Before buying any electrical items in the NZ, check whether they will work in your country.
Public Holidays
New Year 1-2 Jan
Waitangi Day 6 Feb
Good Friday 25 Mar
Easter Monday 28 Mar
ANZAC Day 25 April
Queen's Birthday 6 June
Labour Day 24 Oct
Christmas Day and Boxing Day 25-26 Dec
Weather/Clothes
The north of New Zealand is subtropical and the south temperate. The warmest months are December, January and February, and the coldest June, July and August.
In summer (Dec-Feb) we recommend you to bring a light jacket or a sweater because the weather can turn cooler. You can expect some rain, so include a light rainproof jacket or coat.
Between May and September, pack warm winter clothes.
See
Weather reports