When you become part of a New Zealand study abroad program you learn about the history of the North and South Islands and discover a country full of natural wonders and diverse plant and animal species.
For a summer abroad you can enjoy the beautiful weather and experience rock climbing at Fiordland National Park, which is the largest of 14 national parks in New Zealand. While at this South Island park you can see wildlife such as dolphins, seals and deer.
If you visit New Zealand for a semester abroad then you’ll have more time to visit the town of Rotorua, which is located on the North Island of New Zealand. There are over a dozen lakes, geysers and hot mud pools to see, and you can even go mountain biking.
With such amazing natural habitats, plants and animals to see for the first time in New Zealand, you’ll never want to leave this distant land.
Choose a University in New Zealand
The universities in New Zealand value students who have a strong work ethic, an appreciation for the environment and an innovative mind.
Located in Hamilton, the fourth largest city in the North Island, the University of Waikato offers students a chance to research the sciences and enjoy the scenery of the New Zealand countryside. This university has over 2,200 international students from over 70 countries taking classes in computer science, mathematics, engineering, education and law. It is located on a 185-acre campus with green gardens and plenty of wildlife, and it’s only about an hour away from the white beaches of the Bay of Plenty.
The University of Auckland offers a wide variety of study programs to over 5,000 international students every year. These students come from over 90 different countries, so the classes are very diverse and offer new perspectives on the way the world is viewed. You can take classes in everything from business and engineering to science and the arts, and once you’re finished with academics you can either try skiing in the North Island or go swimming in the beaches of the Coromandel Peninsula.
A few other universities where you can take study abroad classes in New Zealand are Massey University, the University of Otago and the University of Canterbury. For more New Zealand study abroad information, see the Universities section, and for ideas to help pay for your experience see Financing Your Experience.
Your New Zealand Travel Options
New Zealand is known for its rugged terrain, but it also has a well established transportation system that allows tourists to see the sights.
One of the best ways to travel is by railway, especially through Tranz Scenic rail travel services, which offers some of the most wondrous views of New Zealand. You can sit and watch scenery like volcanoes, forests and rivers roll by while also grabbing a meal or buying a souvenir.
You can also travel by bus through more than 1,100 towns and cities that are located in New Zealand, catching a closer glimpse of the culture and actually seeing what people do in their everyday lives.
Since New Zealand’s two islands are surrounded by water, ferries are also great ways to get from one island to another. These ferries are big enough to transport vehicles as well, so if you rent a car from a place like ACE Rental Cars you can just sit and enjoy the view.
You can also choose from over 150 motorcycles to rent at New Zealand Motorcycle Rentals & Tours. Feel free to rent a motorcycle and tour the country on your own, or you can take a guided tour from a staff of professionals who know the New Zealand countryside like the back of their hands.
As always, no matter what country you travel in, always follow health and safety guidelines to ensure that you are safe.
Exchange Rates for New Zealand Currency
The people of New Zealand use the currency known as the dollar, but the denominations of the coins and bank notes are much more different than American dollars.
Here’s what you need to know about the currency:
- Coins = 10, 20, 50, $1 and $2
- Bills = 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100
You can use an Australian currency converter like the one here to compare other amounts of U.S. dollars.
The Best of New Zealand Culture
Since New Zealand is composed of a North and South island, you should take time to visit a few places in both areas to get a full appreciation of the country’s culture.
While on the North Island you have to visit its most populated metropolitan area. Home to over 1.3 million residents, Auckland is a popular tourist destination that is also known as the “City of Sails” for the many yachts one can see sailing the waters at any time of the day.
The Auckland Town hall holds many theater and opera events, while the Auckland War Memorial Museum is one of the most iconic symbols of New Zealand history. Finally, for a great time shopping try Queen Street, which not only offers great restaurants and boutiques, but also art galleries, a town hall and other historical buildings.
For your trip to the South Island you have to make a stop at Queenstown, which is a resort town located in the region of Otago known for its skiing, mountain biking, bungee jumping and other adventurous activities. Surrounded by mountains and an endless list of activities to do during the day, Queenstown is one of New Zealand’s most popular tourist destinations.
But the fun doesn’t end at night. You can choose from over 160 licensed bars and cafés to relax at while also enjoying live music from live jazz musicians and deejays.
Important Study Abroad New Zealand Information
When you study abroad in New Zealand you should always keep a list of important numbers with you in case of an emergency. Also, be sure to check with your school or program for any additional information you might need: