From the moment you set foot on New Zealand soil, we want your experience to be positive and something you will always remember. If you do not have family here, you will have a friend in KAAT who will get you settled in.

Arrival at the airport

Your first few hours in New Zealand will be spent at the airport. Here is some important information to make the process of arrival easier and more pleasant for you.

• Arrival cards

  Cards are handed out to you on the plane before they arrive in New Zealand. You have to supply information related to immigration, bio-security and customs requirements. To view cards in your first language click here.

• Customs declarations

  It’s extremely important that you declare any items that are restricted because NZ is free of many insect pests, plant and animal diseases found elsewhere in the world.

  If you’re in doubt (uncertain) about any items, either declare them or place them in the amnesty bins provided at Customs, by MAF (Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry). Heavy fines may be imposed if you’re caught carrying prohibited materials.

Airport pickup

Please contact us if you would like us to:

• Meet you at the airport which will cost you NZ$70.00 (one-way)
• Take you to your home-stay and introduce you to your home-stay family, or take you to your temporary accommodation.

Alternatively, you can catch an airport shuttle (to book a shuttle visit their website); or catch a taxi from the taxi rank outside the terminal. ‘Co-op Taxis’ are one of the largest and most reliable taxi companies in Auckland.

Accommodation

Homestay

Starting your stay in New Zealand with a home-stay gives you the chance to get used to being in a new country. We recommend that you live with a “family” for the first eight weeks. This experience will provide you with a secure/welcoming environment. You will have the opportunity to learn about the ‘kiwi way of life’ and improve your English language skills. Many students, upon return to their home countries, have positive memories of their host families and continue to correspond with them.

We can arrange a homestay for you, where you will be part of a caring New Zealand family, living in their own home. Breakfast and dinner are provided seven days a week, with lunches provided on weekends and public holidays. You will have your own room (with a desk), which you are expected to keep clean and tidy.

Click here for a summary of accommodation options.

Orientation at KAAT

Orientation Day is compulsory for you to attend. You will experience a welcome ceremony; meet staff and other new students. You will take on a tour of the campus and become familiar with the processes and living in New Zealand.