Currency New Zealand's unit of currency is the dollar (NZ$). The majority of major credit cards can be used in Aotearoa New Zealand, with Visa and Mastercard being accepted most widely. Cash is less commonly used in New Zealand. Before departing for Aotearoa New Zealand, you should exchange between USD$50 and USD$100 into New Zealand dollars in order to cover incidental expenses during your first few days in Aotearoa New Zealand. New Zealand dollars can be purchased at large US banks, American Express offices, and at most international airports in the United States and abroad. To check current...

Public Transportation You can travel around Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland on buses, trains and even ferries using an AT HOP card, which is a reusable prepaid travel card to use on public transportation. Read the following webpage for more information on public transportation for those new to Aotearoa New Zealand. You can also find a Journey Planner feature as well as Timetables and Live Departures on the Auckland Transport webpage.

Arrival in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland Please book your international flight to arrive at Auckland Airport (AKL) before 11AM on the arrival date. Be sure to keep in mind that when flying to Aotearoa New Zealand you cross the International Date Line. This means that most flights leaving from the United States arrive in Aotearoa New Zealand two calendar days later (e.g., flights leaving Tuesday Night arrive in Aotearoa New Zealand on Thursday morning). Special Note for Non-US Citizens: Citizens of some countries may require a transit visa if flying through Australia on the way to Aotearoa New...

Weather in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland's climate is generally mild, lacking the extremes of heat or cold to be found in many places in the United States. Since Aotearoa New Zealand is in the Southern Hemisphere, seasons are the reverse of what they are in the United States, so Spring students will arrive in Auckland in the middle of summer where the average temperature is a comfortable 73°F. If you are planning to travel to different parts of Aotearoa New Zealand, you may well encounter much more extreme weather than in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, especially in the...

IES Abroad Mandatory Orientation Orientation helps ease the transition into Aotearoa New Zealand culture and is a great time to get to know other IES Abroad Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland students! The IES Abroad Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland orientation will begin on the night of the official arrival day and attendance is compulsory. After arriving at your accommodation, you will have time to settle in and get essential supplies before we head out for a glamorous dinner up Auckland's iconic Sky Tower. The next day we orientate you to the city and to your program on the campus of University of Auckland...

University of Auckland Waipapa Taumata Rau Orientation The second part of the orientation program takes place at the University of Auckland Waipapa Taumata Rau. You will have the opportunity to: Meet other international students Attend workshops that address issues ranging from academic matters to student life Go on tours around Auckland and the University. Finalize any outstanding course enrollments Meet with advisors to work through any last-minute course adjustments that you may require Please be sure to bring a copy of your most recent transcript if you haven't finalized your enrollment...

While in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, we want to ensure you have every opportunity to immerse yourself in new experiences. That’s why our Program Manager in Auckland is committed to providing outstanding academic and student support services. We take care of the details, so you can soak up every moment of your Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland experience! The Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland Program Manager is based close to campus and is available to meet you at a time of your convenience. That meeting place may be the international office, a coffee shop or at your accommodation. Whatever works for you! Center...