Student life Life in New Zealand
View of Wellington cable car

Life in New Zealand

New Zealand is a place for adventure-lovers. It’s the perfect study destination if you’re looking for a world-class education in a friendly environment — as well as some unforgettable experiences! 

New Zealand locations

  • Auckland

    A multicultural waterfront city with a lively food scene and spectacular skyline.

Food, sport and culture 

From rugby to Māori culture, there is so much to experience in New Zealand  

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The best food to try when in New Zealand 

New Zealand pie 

With bakers across the country fighting for the annual Supreme Pie Award, it’s fair to say that pies are a big deal in New Zealand. They come in all sorts of flavours, so find your favourite! 

Māori Hāngī 

This Mãori hāngī is a traditional way of cooking food underground. Nowadays, it’s mostly for special occasions, but you can try chicken, pork and mutton, as well as pumpkin, potato and kumara (sweet potato).  

Whittaker’s chocolate 

Most New Zealanders will tell you that their favourite chocolate is Whittaker’s. Whether it’s peanut butter slabs, cream caramel or jelly tip chocolate, you can snack like a local with this delicious chocolate!  

Person, Solo Performance, Performer Hangi
Mãori hāngī and performance

Get dancing at these music festivals

Summer

  • Rhythm and Vines 
    Spend New Year’s Eve at this three-day, internationally acclaimed festival in stunning Gisborne.  
  • Splore
    On a beach an hour outside of Auckland, you can swim, camp and dance at this boutique music festival. 

Winter

  • Pasifika Festival 
    Celebrating the cultures of the Pacific peoples, this festival is full of traditional music. 
  • Earth Beat Aotearoa
    An earth-friendly five-day festival with music, arts and wellbeing workshops, set in Kaipara Harbour. 

Spring and Autumn

  • Homegrown 
    Taking place on Wellington’s waterfront, this fun festival showcases New Zealand’s talented artists. 
  • Beach Hop
    Immerse yourself in all things vintage at this beachside festival, with retro cars, fashion and music! 
Classic cars parked next to each other
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Top 5 sporting events in New Zealand 

New Zealand Open 

Held in Queenstown, this tournament is a major event attracting professional golfers. 

Crankworx Rotorua  

This international mountain biking tour starts in New Zealand and goes on to Australia, France and Canada! 

Winter Games NZ

Spectacular mountain scenery is the backdrop to this highlight of New Zealand’s ski season.  

The Rugby Championship  

Watch world-class rugby from New Zealand, Australia, Argentina South Africa at this international competition. 

BDO Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge

New Zealand’s largest cycling event sees 5,000 riders racing across the country’s breathtaking landscapes. 

New Zealand: things to know

You can study in New Zealand at: