One crucial aspect that takes centre stage when embarking on your journey to New Zealand—whether for study, work, or leisure—is accommodation. While it may seem straightforward, hidden intricacies demand your attention. Proper preparation ensures a smooth transition and minimizes any inconveniences in this foreign land. In this article, we present a comprehensive New Zealand accommodation guide tailored to various purposes. Let’s delve into the specifics!
Group Types
1. Study in New Zealand
This group constitutes a significant portion of newcomers to New Zealand. Most students are venturing abroad for the first time, and many will experience independent living for the first time as well. International students, with the support of their parents and schools, have a lengthy activity cycle, which makes them suitable for long-term rentals. This allows for a relatively flexible budget, providing them with more options.
Here are the primary choices:
- Hotel Hostels: Ideal for short stays or temporary accommodation.
- Homestay: Living with a local family provides cultural immersion and a supportive environment.
- School Dormitories: Often available for students, fostering a sense of community.
- Rental Apartments: A flexible option for those seeking a longer-term stay.
2. Work in New Zealand
A significant portion of them are seeking employment in New Zealand after completing their studies, and the rental market has a long activity cycle that is suitable for long-term leases. Many young professionals who have recently entered the workforce are still in the early stages of their careers and cannot afford high accommodation costs. However, they also do not want to live in cramped conditions, so they generally opt for nearby rentals that offer convenience and cost-effectiveness.
- Hotel Hostels: A practical solution for temporary accommodation during job searches.
- Rental Apartments: Convenient and cost-effective, especially for those who want proximity to work.
3. Holiday and Family Visits
Compared to other travellers, those visiting New Zealand for shorter durations have fewer accommodation concerns and tend to have more flexibility in their living arrangements. Their temporary stay in the country, coupled with relatively sound economic conditions, often leads them to opt for more personalized and convenient lodging options. Additionally, visitors welcomed by family members typically choose to stay with relatives and friends or book accommodations at hotels.
- Hotel Hostels: Ideal for short stays or temporary accommodation.
- Staying with friends and family: More convenient and less expensive.
Remember, regardless of your purpose, thorough research and planning ensure a delightful stay in New Zealand.
Once you’ve identified your group, see what accommodation options are suitable for you.
There are four main options for accommodation in New Zealand: hotel hostel, rental apartment, school dormitory and Homestay. Except for the first one, which belongs to short rent, the others are long rent. Now look at what kind of accommodation suits new arrivals and long-term life in New Zealand.
Accommodation Types
Hotel hostel
That is, after booking on the platform, you can go directly to the store to check in, which is suitable for those who have just arrived in New Zealand and want to establish a foothold.
No matter who has just arrived in New Zealand, most of them need to find a place to put their luggage and rest, the hotel or hostel is the first choice.
New Zealand has a variety of commercial accommodation services, from small youth hostels to five-star hotels at all levels of price, for different needs of travellers to choose from. The operation is also simple, and you can book directly on Airbnb or Booking. By the way, Airbnb accommodation will be cheaper.
If the budget is limited, you can choose a multi-bed hostel for backpackers. Airbnb can find many affordable hostels, priced from 20 NZD to 100 NZD per day, for two to eight rooms. Choose a house in advance, such as looking at the house evaluation and finding the landlord in advance to communicate, and paying attention to the storage of property after check-in.
If you can’t speak English and have some social terrorism, if the economy allows, you can choose safe, good-service, and compatible international chain hotels; mid-end hotel prices are 140 -230 NZD/day, and high-end hotels are about 230 NZD per day. The price is higher, but the advantage is that you can avoid a lot of trouble in communication, not easy to step on the mine and live comfortably.
Take the familiar city centre of Auckland, for example:
Park Hyatt Auckland
Booking Daily reference price: 522 NZD + (tax included)
Address: Wynyard Quarter, Auckland (near ports of Auckland)
Hilton Auckland
Booking Daily reference price: 377 NZD + (tax included)
Address: Princes Wharf, 147 Quay Street, CBD Auckland
President Hotel Auckland
Booking Daily reference price: 198 NZD + (tax included)
Address: 27-35 Victoria Street West, CBD Auckland
ibis budget Auckland Central
Booking Daily reference price: 154 NZD + (tax included)
Address: 20 Wyndham Street, CBD Auckland
Choice Backpackers
Booking Daily reference price: 110 NZD + (tax included)
Address: Choice Plaza 10 Wellesley Street East, CBD Auckland
One Bedroom Youth Hostel
Airbnb daily reference price: 76 NZD +
Address: Within 10 minutes’ walk to Queen Street
Six bed Hostel Youth Hostel
Airbnb daily reference price: 41 NZD +
Address: 300 metres from Sky Tower and 400 metres from Queen Street377
Homestay
Homestay—the quintessential New Zealand experience for international students. Imagine renting a cosy native home where your hosts become more than just landlords—they become your Kiwi family. Let’s delve into the details:
1. What Is Homestay?
1. Homestay involves living with a New Zealand family. It’s a popular choice among international students, often arranged through schools.
2. Carefully selected by your school and registered with the police, Homestay offers several advantages:
- Language Immersion: Improve your English communication skills rapidly.
- Localization: It’s your first step toward safe integration into New Zealand society.
- Guidance and Support: Your host family acts as both landlord and housekeeper.
You’ll often call them “Mom” or “Dad.” Beyond providing a room, meals, and necessities, they’ll supervise your study and daily life. Responsible hosts assist with homework, engage in English conversation practice, and take you out for local activities.
3. Trade-offs: While the benefits of homestay are numerous, joining a foreign family involves personal compromises. You’ll adhere to their routines, eat according to their tastes, and may have curfews.
2. Cost
Homestay typically costs 200-300 NZD per week.
Remember, choosing Homestay isn’t just about accommodation—it’s about embracing a new culture and forming lasting bonds.
School dormitory
That is, living in the school’s self-operated student dormitories, almost all have quotas, and you need to apply with the school in advance.
Living in a dormitory can greatly facilitate your campus life, the dormitory may be only a few steps away from the teaching building, greatly reducing the cost of commuting so that you have more time and energy to do things like study and improve yourself. Living on campus can also bring you closer to your classmates, connect with them, and build your network. In addition, the school dormitory catering, security, and other service facilities are relatively perfect and can save you a lot of trouble in New Zealand.
The only drawback is that not all schools provide dormitories. Public universities usually have dormitories, but the number of places is limited. In addition, it should be noted that the general school dormitory has a fixed opening and closing date every year, and your enrollment time must catch up with its opening time to live in the dormitory.
Therefore, if you want to live on campus, you must meet three conditions:
- The school has dormitories.
- The admission can catch up with the opening of the dormitory.
- Money is enough.
Take the familiar local university accommodation in Auckland, for example:
University of Auckland Accommodation
Price: 225-565 NZD/ week
Dormitories: 55 Symonds、Carlaw Park student village、Grafton Student Flats、Te Tirohanga o te Tōangaroa、Goldie Estate Homestead、Waikohanga House
Auckland University of Technology Accommodation
Price: 275-375 NZD/ week
Dormitories: Te Āhuru Mayoral Drive Student Accommodation、Wellesley Student Apartments、Akoranga Student Village
Massey University Albany Campus Accommodation
Price: 298-407 NZD/ week
Dormitories: Pūkeko, Tui & Weka halls、Matipo, Titoki & Tānekaha apartments、Tānekaha studio units
Renting an Apartment
| Average Accommodation Rent(NZD) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Zone | Whole tenancy/Week | Single Romm/Week |
| CBD | 900-1000 | 300-400 |
| Centre Arial | 550-800 | 200-300 |
| East Zone | 550-600 | 200-300 |
| North Shore | 600-800 | 300-400 |
| West/South Zone | 450-500 | 100-200 |
Renting an apartment involves finding a suitable dwelling for work or study in New Zealand. This process encompasses various considerations, such as commuting, nearby amenities, rental prices, agent selection, transportation, location, and security, necessitating thorough contemplation and on-site exploration.
When navigating the rental landscape in New Zealand, leveraging the local Chinese community can be beneficial. One can begin by exploring rental information on New Zealand Chinese forums or seek assistance from reputable rental agents. New Zealand boasts a range of established agencies with solid reputations, some of which are managed by Chinese operators like uhomes, known for offering reliable housing solutions.
A significant advantage of renting is the flexibility to tailor your living space according to your preferences. Depending on your budget and needs, you can opt for a single apartment in the suburbs for a clean and private setting, share a city apartment with others for proximity to school or work. You can enjoy the freedom to live alone and potentially have pets. While this personalized experience is enriching, it also entails taking on the responsibilities of maintenance, cleaning, and problem-solving independently. Furthermore, solitude is a common aspect of renting, making it ideal for individuals who value tranquillity and possess strong self-sufficiency skills.
For those considering renting in Auckland or other significant areas, it is advisable to explore different neighbourhoods to identify the best fit for your needs. Additionally, temporary stays with relatives or friends can offer cost-effective and convenient accommodation solutions.
In conclusion, choosing the most suitable accommodation type based on individual preferences and circumstances can lead to a fulfilling living experience in New Zealand. Should you require further assistance or guidance with rentals, do not hesitate to contact uhomes for professional support.
FAQ
How to get accommodation in New Zealand?
In New Zealand, accommodation can be secured by booking hotels, hostels, holiday homes, or serviced apartments online. Websites like Booking.com, Airbnb, and local accommodation providers offer a range of options. Renting a house or apartment through real estate agents or online platforms is common for longer stays. Students can access university dormitories or homestay programs. Additionally, seeking recommendations from local communities or social media groups can help find unique and affordable accommodations. It is advisable to book in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure preferred lodging options in New Zealand.
How many days in New Zealand is enough?
The ideal duration for a trip to New Zealand depends on personal preferences and interests. However, to fully experience the diverse landscapes and attractions, a minimum of 10-14 days is recommended. This timeframe allows for exploring both the North and South Islands, visiting key highlights such as Auckland, Rotorua, Queenstown, and Milford Sound. For a more in-depth exploration of unique activities like hiking, adventure sports, or winery tours, extending the trip to 3 to 4 weeks would be ideal. Ultimately, the more time you have, the better you can immerse yourself in New Zealand’s natural beauty and cultural experiences.
What documents do I need to travel to New Zealand?
To travel to New Zealand, you will need a valid passport with a validity of at least three months beyond your intended departure date. Depending on your nationality, you may also require a visitor visa or Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) to enter the country. Additionally, it is advisable to have a return or onward ticket, proof of sufficient funds for your stay, and travel insurance. If you travel for specific purposes, such as work or study, you may need additional documentation like a work visa or student visa. It is essential to check the specific entry requirements based on your nationality before travelling.
