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.

While in 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 Auckland experience! The 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 accomodation. Whatever works for you! Library The University of Auckland Library includes the...

According to IES Abroad policy, you must have a working cell phone within a week of your arrival. Students are required to carry their cell phones at all times and be able to respond immediately in case of emergency. During on-site orientation, IES Abroad staff will provide you with more information about this policy and give you recommendations for local service providers. Students MUST have a local New Zealand mobile number to access certain services, such as clinic and counseling support. Therefore, it’s very important that you obtain a Kiwi cellphone number and plan while in New Zealand...

Housing Introduction As you fill out your Housing Form, keep in mind the following factors that are considered when housing placements are made: IES Abroad only locates housing in safe areas of the city. Cohabitation in IES Abroad located housing is prohibited. Switching after arrival is most likely not possible or you will be moved to a location further out with no other IES Abroad students. Housing Calendar Housing is provided during the official program dates. You are responsible for your own accommodation, transportation, meals, and luggage storage during the periods not covered by IES...

For more location-specific tips, check out these packing tips from former IES Abroad students. Auckland's climate is generally mild, lacking the extremes of heat or cold to be found in many places in the United States. Since New Zealand is in the Southern Hemisphere, seasons are the reverse of what they are in the United States. Fall students arrive in the middle of winter when the average temperature is a mild 55°F. Spring students arrive in the middle of summer where the average temperature is a comfortable 73°F. If you are planning to travel to different parts of New Zealand, you may well...

A visa is a government-issued official authorization that is attached to your passport; it grants you entry into and travels within a particular country for an allotted period of time. All students attending the IES Abroad program in Auckland or Christchurch are required to get a visa. You are responsible for this process, as the New Zealand consulate is the issuing authority and prefers to work directly with the applicant. All U.S. citizens can apply for their New Zealand visa online and then mail the passport and other required documents directly to the New Zealand consulate processing the...