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Auckland is a cosmopolitan, “big-small” city, big enough to be interesting, small enough to be friendly. It is the largest and most populous urban area in the country with a population approaching 1.4 million residents, 31 percent of the country's population. Demographic trends indicate that it will continue to grow faster than the rest of the country.
Auckland offers a friendly mix of different cultures and ideas. You’ll find our city a great place to live in. The 2009 Mercer Quality of Living Survey ranked Auckland 4th place in the world on its list, while The Economist's World's Most Livable Cities index of 2010 ranked Auckland in 10th place. In 2008, Auckland was classified as an Alpha-City in the World Cities Study Group’s inventory by Loughborough University, the only one in the country.
- Activities
Auckland’s mild climate means that people enjoy an outdoors lifestyle. All kinds of sportsare popular, as is beach and pool swimming, sailing and kayaking. People also enjoy walking in beautiful bush and forest, horse hiding, mountain biking, and visiting vineyards to sample excellent local wine.
- Attractions
Auckland is popularly known as the "City of Sails" because the harbour is often dotted with hundreds of yachts and has more per capita than any other city in the world. Apart from this, Auckland has a huge range of attractions, please visit Auckland Official Website for lots of ideas of things to do.
- Tours
There are many tours that visitors may enjoy, and our staff can give you advice on these. Edenz Colleges also sometimes organizes ski trips and various other similar activities.
- Largest Cities (Population)
The populations given in the table below are provisional New Zealand usually resident population, June 2009 estimates, and refer to the entire main urban area unless otherwise stated.
Auckland - 1,333,300
Christchurch - 386,100
Wellington - 386,000
Tauranga - 118,200
- Climate
Not too hot or cold. Seasons are reversed from the Northern Hemisphere (see notes on weather below).
- Money
New Zealand dollar coins are 10, 20 and 50 cents, 1 and 2 dollars. Notes are 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 dollars. ATMs are widely available, and most shops accept EFTPOS.
Student holding a student visa (not visitor visa) who will be in NZ for longer than 3 months may open a bank account. We will help you to do this.
- GST
New Zealand operates a Goods and Services Tax of 12.5% on ALL goods and services sold. It is usually included in the listed price.
- New Zealand People - Kiwi`s
The kiwi is a unique bird, and NZ’s national symbol. New Zealanders are often called “kiwis”.
- Good Sports
Kiwi`s love their sport. The national winter game is Rugby and the All Blacks have a huge following. Popular sports include cricket, netball, soccer and a variety of water sports. New Zealand has produced more Olympic gold medal winners than any other country of similar size.
- Maximum & Minimum Temperatures
| City |
Maximum |
Minimum |
| |
Celsius |
Celsius |
| Auckland |
24 |
10 |
| Christchurch |
22 |
1 |
| Wellington |
20 |
6 |
| Tauranga |
23 |
5 |
- Summer
New Zealand`s summer months are December to February. Days are long and sunny, nights are mild.
- Autumn
March to May are New Zealand`s autumn months. While temperatures are a little cooler than summer, the weather can be excellent, and it is possible to swim in some places until April. While New Zealand`s native fauna is evergreen, there are many introduced deciduous trees. Colourful changing leaves make autumn a scenic delight, especially in regions such as Central Otago and Hawke`s Bay, which are known for their autumn splendour.
- Winter
New Zealand`s winter months of June to August bring colder weather to much of the country, and more rain to most areas in the North Island. Mountain ranges in both islands become snow-covered, providing beautiful vistas and excellent skiing. While the South Island has cooler winter temperatures, some areas of the island experience little rainfall in winter, so this is an excellent time to visit glaciers, mountains, and other areas of scenic beauty.
- Spring
Spring lasts from September to November, and New Zealand`s spring weather can range from cold and frosty to warm and hot. During spring buds, blossoms, and other new growth bursts forth throughout the country and new born lambs frolic in the fields just before dusk.. Both Alexandra in Central Otago and Hastings in Hawke`s Bay celebrate spring with a blossom festival. If you`re into white water rafting, this is the time when melting spring snow makes river water levels excitingly high!
MAXX is the regional transport brand for Auckland and is responsible for the integrating of all modes of public transport throughout the Auckland region e.g. buses, ferries and train).
- Bus
- Ferry
- Train
- International Driving Licences and Permits
if you prefer to drive yourself, you should read the NZ Road Code. Check out the New Zealand Land Transport Safety Authority website for details on the New Zealand Road Code, as well as cycle safety and other general motoring information. In New Zealand, all motorists drive on the left-hand side of the road.
- You can legally drive in New Zealand for up to 12 months if you have either a current driver`s licence from your home country or an International Driving Permit (IDP).
- You must carry your licence or permit at all times when driving.
- You will only be able to drive the same types of vehicles you are licensed to drive in your home country.
- The common legal age to rent a car in New Zealand is 25 years.
- Make sure your driver`s licence is current. If your licence is not in English, you should bring an English translation with you, or obtain an IDP.
- Safety Precautions
Although there are no snakes or dangerous wild animals in New Zealand, you should be aware of the following:
- Variable Weather - Weather conditions in New Zealand alpine areas can change rapidly. Be prepared for cold wet weather if you plan to walk in our National Parks, whatever the time of year.
- Sandflies - In wetter areas, particularly in Fiordland, sandflies can be pests, but are effectively controlled by use of an insect repellent.
- Mosquitos – As above, unlike in some countries, mosquitos in NZ do not carry diseases such as malaria.
- Tap water is perfectly safe to drink - However water from lakes, ponds or rivers may be not safe to drink, due to a water-borne parasite called Giardia, which causes diarrhoea.
- Sunburn - New Zealand`s clear, unpolluted atmosphere and relatively low latitudes produce sunlight stronger than much of Europe or North America, so be prepared to wear hats and sun block if you plan to be out in the sun for more than 15-20 minutes.
- General Insurance and Safety
New Zealand is one of the safest holiday destinations in the world. However, you are advised to observe the same precautions with your personal safety and possessions as you would in any other country or at home. We recommend you invest in comprehensive travel insurance before departing, it you are on a Visitor Visa. If you are on a student visa you must have insurance.
- Health and Medical Insurance
New Zealand`s public and private medical/hospital facilities provide a high standard of treatment and service, but it is important to note that most international students are not entitled to publicly funded health services while in New Zealand. If you receive medical treatment during your visit, you may be liable for the full costs of that treatment. Full details on entitlements to publicly-funded health services are available through the Ministry of Health, and can be viewed on their website at www.moh.govt.nz.
Visitors bringing in a quantity of medication are advised to carry a doctor`s certificate to avoid possible problems with New Zealand Customs. Doctor`s prescriptions are needed to obtain certain drugs in New Zealand.
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Skycity Tower, Auckland
Town Hall, Auckland
"City of Sails", Auckland
Golf at Gulf Harbour, Auckland
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