Tāmaki Makaurau - Auckland

Tāmaki Makaurau is the Māori name for Auckland. Here you'll find useful information about Tāmaki Makaurau.

International Student Handbook

Our International Student Handbook contains all the information that you need so that you can comfortably settle in at Unitec. We highly encourage you to read this handbook so that you are fully informed on what to do prior to leaving your home country and upon arrival on campus.

Entertainment

Auckland skylineAs New Zealand’s largest city, there are festivals, concerts, sports tournaments and cultural events throughout the year. Aucklanders take their food and drink seriously too. You’ll be spoilt for choice with laid back cafes, great coffee, fine dining restaurants, vineyards and farmers’ markets. Visit www.aucklandnz.com for more info.

Climate

Auckland has a mild climate with four seasons. Summer is warm with temperatures between 20 – 28ºC, and it rarely drops below 6ºC in the winter.  The ski slopes of Mt Ruapehu are only a four-hour drive away so you can still get your snow fix. Spring and autumn are changeable and windy, and temperatures range from 15 – 20ºC. Visit www.metservice.com for up-to-date New Zealand weather and climate reports.

Our seasons

Summer: December, January, February
Autumn: March. April, May
Winter: June, July, August
Spring: September, October, November

Transport

Unitec is well connected to the bus and rail network, which can take you all over the city. Check the Auckland Transport website to plan your journey.

Scenery

It’s an environment where everyone lives within half an hour of beautiful beaches, forests and native bush. In the west, rainforest covered hills meet the sea on dramatic black sand beaches. In the east you can soak up the sun on golden sandy beaches in the shade of pohutukawa trees. To the north there are rolling hills of farmland and vineyards, and in the south you'll find botanical gardens, unspoilt forest and peaceful bays to explore.

You can get a spectacular view of Auckland from one of the many volcano cones dotted around the city, or take a ferry trip to climb the area’s most iconic volcano, Rangitoto.

Looking to Study in New Zealand

New Zealand is a great place to live, study and work. We have useful tips and advice on what to bring, banking, personal safety, transport, accommodation, working in Auckland and the cost of living in New Zealand.

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