With its breathtaking landscapes and rich culture, New Zealand has captivated international students for a long time. While this laid-back land is small, it constantly punches above its weight in both academia and entertainment. More than just the home of the All Blacks and Lord of the Rings, it is a place where you can find world-renowned universities in very welcoming locations. Want to know where they are? Read on for our guide to the best student cities in New Zealand.
Auckland
As New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland attracts the country's highest number of tourists. It also extends a warm welcome to people who wish to stay longer. Consequently, it is a deeply multicultural place, with something to offer everyone. As a student, you won’t find it hard to keep yourself busy.
Although well-known for its Auckland Museum, Sky Tower and Harbour Bridge, the city has a lot more to offer than its landmarks. Indeed, you won’t truly experience the essence of Auckland until you explore the outdoors. Try going mountain biking, kayaking or simply strolling through Auckland’s stunning scenery.
The city is full of beautiful parks, including the Auckland Domain, Cornwall Park and Myers Park. Auckland's collection of beaches – including Mission Bay, Point Chevalier, Piha and Bethells – are equally great places for fun and relaxation. When you want to explore further, you can take a day trip to Waiheke, Karekare or Rangitoto and see even more North Island beauty.
When it comes to food and drink, Auckland has great cafes, bars and restaurants to satisfy every craving. Areas such as Ponsonby, Takapuna, Mount Eden and the famous K' Road will provide you with plenty of choices. If you have room for dessert, you could even try a pavlova. The meringue-based treat is a New Zealand speciality.
For getting around Auckland, the bus network can be your ideal companion. When you want to get from the city to the suburbs, you can make use of Waitematā railway station, which connects them right to the centre.
Interested in studying in Auckland? The city is home to some excellent higher education institutions, including:
- University of Auckland
- Auckland University of Technology
- Unitec Institute of Technology
- Manukau Institute of Technology
For more information on the city, read our Auckland student guide.
Hamilton
If you're looking for a smaller but nonetheless vibrant place to study, Hamilton could be for you. Its proximity to Auckland allows you to enjoy the best of big city life when you need it, without having to be there all the time. Situated in the Waikato region, which is well known for its dairy industry, it is a great place from which to head for a ride in the countryside.
You can also take a trip to the small town of Cambridge, which is just a 25-minute drive away, or travel for 50 minutes to Matamata. This is where you'll find the famous Hobbiton set from Lord of the Rings. Journeys to Rotorua and its world-famous hot springs take only 80 minutes by road.
When you want something to eat, Hamilton has more than enough to stop you going hungry. For good-value Chinese and Vietnamese food, head to the Dumpling House and Saigon Noon. If you'd prefer some delicious burgers and chicken, check out Winner Winner.
Another great feature of Hamilton is its wealth of cycleways. This encourages an active and sustainable way of getting around in safety. Why not take your bike out for the day and check out Hamilton Gardens? One of Hamilton’s most established attractions, this horticultural paradise is the perfect place for wandering peacefully through nature. Take your eyes off your phone, and gaze at its incredible greenery.
Want to study in Hamilton? The city is where you will find the University of Waikato. You can find out more about what life there is like from our Hamilton student guide.
Wellington
Wellington is New Zealand's capital city. Home to the national parliament and its famous Beehive building, it is the heart and soul of the country's operations. In addition, it is one of the most student-friendly cities New Zealand has to offer.
Here, you can walk to most of the places you need to be. University campuses and accommodation are both close to the city, making it easier to get used to student life and local culture. Wellington exudes creativity and is a melting pot of art, music, design and architecture. Each contribute to its unique identity, and can be seen during one walk down the famous Cuba Street.
You will also find it hard to miss New Zealand's national museum, Te Papa. This free attraction boasts exhibits that rival any museum in the world. As for Wellington's nightlife, there are plenty of bars and clubs throughout Cuba Street and Courtenay Place to explore.
When you talk to someone from Wellington, they'll be quick to let you know that the city is home to some of the best coffee available. At local favourite cafes such as Raglan Roast and Pickle & Pie, you'll hear the hum of chatter throughout the day. You can also find quality food across the city that is fit for a student budget.
Keen to head outdoors? Take a wander along Oriental Bay, climb Mount Victoria, stroll through the Botanic Garden or peruse the waterfront markets that run every Sunday morning. All of this and more can be done inside or within minutes of this special city.
If Wellington sounds like your kind of place, you may want to see where you can study in the city. Higher education here centres on Victoria University of Wellington, but there are also campuses of several other institutions, such as Massey University. For more information, check our Wellington student guide.
Christchurch
Christchurch welcomes a huge number of new students each year, ensuring that it is always a vibrant place to be. When you're not busy with university, your recreational options will give you more than enough to occupy your time. Throughout summer, Christchurch buzzes with festivals, markets and outdoor cinemas that truly express the city's creative nature.
You could take the opportunity to bike around this cycle-friendly city. Popular routes go along the Avon River (Ōtākaro) and through the Botanic Gardens. Like many South Island cities, it also offers a weekend farmers' market filled with fresh produce and happy shoppers. If you are seeking retail therapy, New Regent Street has you covered. On this open-air mall, there are endless cafes, bars and boutique stores.
Heading outside Christchurch, your options are endless. Just beyond the city, you'll find the Halswell Quarry Park and Kennedy's Bush; two places that make for the perfect escape from your books. Take a short trip out to Cashmere and you'll discover the Rāpaki Track and the Harry Ell Walkway.
Two of New Zealand's most beautiful towns, Queenstown and Wānaka, are also very accessible for a weekend away with your friends. Together, they are home to five of New Zealand's major ski fields. Whether you want to ski, snowboard or just relax, spending a few days among these national treasures is a must.
Christchurch could also be the ideal place for you to study. The renowned University of Canterbury is based in the city. Explore further with our Christchurch student guide.
Dunedin
Nestled on the southeast coast, Dunedin is a city that thrives on student life. With almost 20 per cent of the population being enrolled at the University of Otago, the area is filled with a lively energy. This UNESCO City of Literature is famous for its influential music scene and successful sports teams. The internationally competitive Highlanders rugby union team enthral fans on a regular basis.
Travel-wise, Dunedin has the luxury of being a compact city. You'll find that walking and cycling are convenient ways of getting around. Doing either through the Botanic Garden or Otago Farmers Market is always a good plan. Being by the coast, you'll also have your choice of white sand beaches. St Kilda, St Clair and Tunnel Beach are all just a few minutes’ drive away. Visit the Otago Peninsula, too, for a peek at the region's beautiful wildlife.
This part of the country is somewhere that your appetite will always be kept at bay, both literally and figuratively. As with most of New Zealand's best student cities, Dunedin's coffee culture is prominent. Vogel St Kitchen, Vanguard Specialty Coffee and Heritage Coffee will all give you a place to park up with a warm cup and a bite to eat. Alternatively, if a juicy burger is on your mind, place an order at Good Good.
If you like the look of our list of the top cities for students in New Zealand, you might want to explore further. Check out the best places to visit in the country, and our guide to the top universities in New Zealand. You could even discover more about New Zealand's university culture.
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