Study in Auckland

Why live in Auckland?

Studying and living in Auckland, New Zealand, offers an exciting mix of city life, relaxed beaches, beautiful scenery and adventure activities. It is also one of the most liveable cities in the world and rated a top 3 city for quality of life (Mercer Quality of Living Index 2019).

Where is Auckland?

Auckland (or Tāmaki Makaurau in Māori) is located on New Zealand’s North Island, set between two beautiful harbours and surrounded by sandy beaches and natural wonders. It is New Zealand's largest city, and was named as the world's third best city to live in by the 2019 Mercer Quality of Living survey.

As the country’s largest economic hub, Auckland attracts many new companies and the population and key industries are growing fast. This offers exciting career opportunities if you want to stay working here after you graduate.

There is a definite buzz here, creating a city full of great food, shopping, café culture, parks and entertainment. Find theatre and live music showing any night of the week. If you’re a sports fan, international matches are played at the rugby, cricket and soccer venues across the city.

Things to do in Auckland

• Experience Māori culture in the Auckland War Memorial Museum.
• Visit Waiheke Island on a 35-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland.
• Swim, surf or relax on one of Auckland’s 28 local beaches.
• Enjoy festivals and concerts, including the Auckland City Limits Festival and Mission Bay jazz festival.
• Take in the views across the city up the Sky Tower - then you can bungy jump back down.
• Climb the harbour bridge.

Adventure lifestyle

Auckland has 28 local beaches for swimming, surfing or just relaxing. If you are into watersports, you can take a kayak out from the harbour or visit the west coast beaches to catch the surf. Thrillseekers can even try bungy jumping and ziplining at various places nearby.

Find dramatic scenery and beautiful coastline at Muriwai Beach.

SkyJump or SkyWalk at the Sky Tower in Auckland.

Discover a modern city with a business hub.

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Natural wonders

Living in Auckland you really do get the perfect balance between city life and outdoor adventures. If you love being in nature, Waitākere Ranges Regional Park is just a 40-minute drive west of the city where you can find hiking trails, waterfalls, black sand beaches, surfing spots and rainforest canopies.

Tranquil islands

Island hopping in the Hauraki Gulf is easy from Auckland where you can discover the volcanic island of Rangitoto, zipline in the treetops on Waiheke Island, or relax on one of the Gulf’s many beaches. Tiritiri Matangi Island is an open wildlife sanctuary where you can enjoy spotting exotic birds from the hiking paths.

Useful information

Practical matters

As an international student in Auckland, you will be getting to know a new culture as well as thinking about practical matters.

• Opening a bank account – we will help you with this when you arrive at Taylors College.
• Currency – New Zealand Dollars.
• Food – halal food is available around the city.
• Driving – cars drive on the left hand side of the road.

Weather in Auckland

The climate of New Zealand’s North Island is subtropical. Average temperatures vary from season to season.

• Spring (September to November) - 11 to 18°C.
• Summer (December to February) - 12 to 24°C.
• Autumn (March to May) – 13 to 20°C.
• Winter (June to August) – 9 to 15°C.

Transport

It’s easy to travel around Auckland by bus, train or by bike. Public transport is affordable, reliable and you may be able to get a discount with the AT HOP card. This is a pre-paid smart card for all trains, ferries and buses around Auckland that can save you at least 25% off your ticket price.

For more information, please visit Auckland Transport website.