THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT STUDYING IN NEW ZEALAND

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Public transportation is run by Auckland Transport and the main bus terminal is located at Britomart, in downtown Auckland. Students are advised to buy an AT HOP Card to travel on buses, trains and ferries around Auckland.

You can plan your journey, check routes, timetables online here. Or If you have a smart phone, you can download the AT official AT Metro app:

DRIVING

You will need a current and valid overseas licence or an international driver licence to drive in New Zealand. If your licence is not in English, you will need an official and acceptable translation of it. You can drive up to 12 months from the date you arrive in New Zealand; after that, you will need to obtain a New Zealand driver licence.

Before you start driving, you must know the road rules, what the road signs mean and how to drive safely. Download the Driving in New Zealand brochure here.It contains helpful and important information in different languages about driving in New Zealand.

Check the New Zealand Transport Agency page for further details about driving in this country.

SMOKING

By law, smoking is banned at all indoor public workplaces and hospitality venues (pubs, bars, nightclubs, charter club bars, restaurants and casinos). The New Zealand Government has committed to a goal of New Zealand becoming Smokefree by 2025 and at Aspiring we want to contribute to that; learn more about Smokefree Aotearoa 2025 here

DRINKING

You will need to be 18 years or older to enter any licensed premises and buy and drink alcohol in New Zealand, as long as you can provide acceptable proof of age identification such as passport, New Zealand driver licence or Kiwi Access card.

Alcohol-free zones (Alcohol bans) are areas where alcohol consumption is forbidden, you can get fined up to $250.00 NZD if you get caught doing so.

ILLEGAL DRUGS

It is an offence under the law to use, possess, cultivate or traffic (deal) illegal drugs in New Zealand.  

CULTURAL DIFFERENCES

At some point, you will experience ‘cultural differences’ when you come to a foreign country. This is a normal reaction and lots of students have experienced it. The best way to avoid this is to be aware of basic customs and culture of New Zealand before you leave your country so that you can minimise the shock. For more information about costumes and social culture in New Zealand click here

Please feel free to talk to one of our friendly experienced staff. They can advise you and offer support.

KEEPING YOURSELF SAFE

New Zealand is a safe and easy country to live in; however, it is very important to know what to do when you are in trouble. Click here for more information and remember, here at Aspiring we want you to feel comfortable and we encourage you to talk to us anytime you need to. 

HARASSMENT AND DISCRIMINATION

In New Zealand, it is illegal to discriminate against anyone based on gender, race, sexuality, age, marital status, pregnancy, physical or intellectual impairment. 

Need any help?

If you think you have a problem, please do not hesitate to talk to someone. New Zealand has professional services that can help you. Just pick up the phone and contact them before it’s too late.

Lifeline – 0800 543 354 (General counselling)

Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865

Healthline – 0800 611 1166 (Free advice from a registered nurse)

Depression helpline – 0800 111 575 or free text 4202 (to talk to a trained counsellor about how you are feeling or to ask any questions)

OUTLine NZ – 0800 688 5463 (Free counselling service for the LGBTI+ community)

Are You OK – 0800 456 450 (family violence helpline)

Youthline – 0800 376 633, free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat (Counselling for young people, their families and those supporting them)

Seniorline – 0800 725 463 (Free information service for older people)

Quit Line – 0800 778 778 (smoking cessation help)

Rape Crisis – 0800 883 300 (support after rap or sexual assault)

Family Planning – You will need to make an appointment with them, check their website for further details and online advice.