• Population: 4.8 million
• Capital: Wellington
• Demographics: Roughly 74% of New Zealand's population is of European descent due to immigration, followed by 15% native Maoris, and 11% Asian ethnicity. Religiously, the country is 44% Christian, 39% no religion, 9% mixed Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim, and others, and 8% unidentified.
• Type of government: Parliamentary democracy, constitutional monarchy
• Currency: New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
• Common foods: pavlova, fish and chips, hangi, hokey pokey, lolly cake, mussels, etc.

English is the most popular language, followed by te reo Māori, Samoan, and Sign Language.

As a University of Illinois student, you have access to library resources (such as Rosetta Stone and Libguides). You may also want to consider free sources to learn basic phrases, or to refresh your language skills prior to departure.

It is each students responsibility to independently verify the visa information below and ensure they apply and secure the appropriate documentation to travel and stay in their host country for the duration of their program.

Student Visas are required for study abroad students in New Zealand. Please refer to the New Zealand Immigration website for more information on obtaining a visa.

To read more on passport and visa terminology see the Passports & Visas page of this website.

Phones

• There are a few main cell providers in New Zealand, including Vodafone, 2degrees, Spark, and Skinny.
• Data plans for your cell phone using a local SIM card are available for purchase from these providers once you arrive in-country, and it may be a good idea to use your cell phone as a WiFi hot spot for other connected devices to save money.
• Make sure you have the Duo Mobile app set up on your phone. If you get a new SIM card, use the passcode options instead of PUSH, or go to UI Verify website to enter your new phone information.

Internet

• WiFi infrastructure in New Zealand is relatively accessible in larger cities, but becomes more sporadic in the rest of the country. Free WiFi access is not common in rural areas and smaller towns. All of New Zealand's libraries have free WiFi access, as well as hotels and some restaurants.

Electricity

• New Zealand outlets use Type I plugs with 3 semi-flat prongs arranged in an angled triangle, instead of two flat prongs like in the U.S. This means you will need to buy a plug adapter to use any electronic devices or appliances brought from the U.S.
• Voltage levels may also vary across the country, so it is a good idea to purchase a voltage converter as well, to avoid damaging your high voltage appliances (such as hairdryers).

Using Money

• Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, even in smaller shops, as New Zealanders use them to make even small purchases.
• It is still always a good idea to have with you at least a small amount of local currency in cash in case of emergencies.

Banking Tips

• Some of the most popular local banks in New Zealand include ANZ, ASB, Bank of New Zealand, Kiwibank, TSB, and Westpac New Zealand. All of these branches have ATMs available in major cities to take out local currency.

Climate

• New Zealand is characterized by a temperate climate, with the far north experiencing subtropical weather during the summer, and and inland alpine areas in the south experiencing temperatures of as low as -10 degrees Celcius in the winter.
• In general, the country has mild average temperatures, moderate rainfall, and abundant sunshine.
• Because New Zealand lies in the southern hemisphere, its summer months are December to February, and winter from June to August. New Zealand does have four seasons, and temperatures vary accordingly, similar to the seasons in the U.S. Midwest.

Packing

• It is recommended to pack items you would need for each season in the Midwest U.S., keeping in mind slightly milder temperatures.
• For the spring and summer months, lighter clothing in layers is a good idea, including light jackets and sweaters. Heavier clothing, including winter coats and hats, are a good idea in the winter.
• A rain jacket or umbrella will be useful in any season.
• For more packing considerations, view the Packing List (PDF).

Traveling within New Zealand

• Buses are the main form of public transportation in New Zealand, with some areas also offering trains, ferries, and trams.
• Although not public transport, hop-on-hop-off buses are also popular to tour larger cities.
• Trains are not as popular, but KiwiRail does offer 3 main routes connecting major cities with fares starting at $49 NZD.
• Ferries are popular to get between the northern and southern islands. The two main ferry providers are InterIslander and Bluebridge. Water taxis are also available for reaching smaller islands and offshore locations ferries cannot reach.
• Common airlines: Air New Zealand, Jetstar, Air Chathams, Sounds Air.

Cities with international airports

• Auckland Airport (AKL)
• Christchurch Airport (CHC)
• Wellington Airport (WLG)
• Queenstown Airport (ZQN)
• Dunedin Airport (DUD)

Each student faces different barriers and unique challenges based on their identity. For example, how you identify in the United States may not be how you choose to identify abroad because of the local social culture. We encourage all students to reflect on the different aspects of their identity and consider how they may play a role in their study abroad experience. To help with this thought process: visit the State Department website and look into the Identity & Inclusion resources available on this website.

International Safety and Security provides important wellness tips, along with using your insurance and the emergency phone number. Be sure to become familiar with this website and the resources available to you. Review the U.S. Embassy page and the Department of State website for additional safety resources.

Enroll yourself in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) with the U.S. Department of State. Registration in STEP will allow you to get alerts on the latest safety and security information. In addition, the information you provide enables the U.S. embassy or consulate to contact you in an emergency.