About Auckland City

Auckland is New Zealand's largest city. Uniquely set between two harbours and numerous islands in the Hauraki Gulf makes it a great place to live. Auckland is the arts and cultural heart of the Pacific. You'll find festivals, gallery exhibitions, theatre seasons and musical extravaganzas, to name just a few of the experiences on offer.

The city's art is strongly influenced by its unique identity based on Te Ao Maori, Pacific roots, natural and cultural heritage and cultural diversity.

The city also has a dynamic arts and cultural scene and is home to some of the country’s leading arts organisations. Auckland has produced many talented writers, film directors and performers as well as serving as the hub of publishing and creative media industries. For more information about life in Auckland, check out:

Events and Attractions

Auckland is a thriving entertainment hub and offers a multitude of things to see and do every day of the week. Below are a sampling of activities that are popular with international students who study in Auckland.

Local Services in Auckland

Places of Worship

Auckland is a multicultural city that is accepting of all religious beliefs, and there are many places of worship within the city. For a map of where to find your nearest place of worship, visit: maps.google.co.nz

Legal Services

For legal advice and information, we recommend the Auckland District Law Society. The Law Society can provide you with a full list of practicing solicitors in Auckland by online referral. For more information, visit www.adls.org.nz.

Please note that International Students should direct serious matters should to your country's Consulate.

For more general advice, the Citizens Advice Bureau can offer advice and guidance on a wide range of issues. They can be contacted by calling 0800 367 222 or by visiting their website: www.cab.org.nz

Accessing Money

The SAE campus in Auckland is very centrally located, and is therefore within close proximity to a multitude of banks and Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs). Most bank branches are open from Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm (except on public holidays). ATMs remain accessible 24 hours a day.

Internet Access

Internet is readily available on campus during opening hours. Alternatively, there are many internet cafés located in the CBD.

Emergency Services

Medical Centres

Auckland Hospital
2 Park Road, Grafton AUCKLAND 1010
Telephone: +64 9 367 0000

Quaymed Accident & Medical
68 Beach Road (Ground Floor) AUCKLAND 1010
Telephone: +64 9 919 2555

Baycare White Cross Accident & Medical Clinic
215 Kepa Road, Mission Bay AUCKLAND 1071
Telephone: +64 9 521 8888

Counselling & Support

Mental Health Crisis Team
Telephone: 0800 800 717
Hours: 24 hours a day

Lifeline
Telephone: 0800 543 354
Hours: 24 hours a day

Youthline
Telephone: 0800 376 633
Hours: Daily 11am-11pm

Alcohol and Drug Helpline
Telephone: 0800 787 797
Hours: Daily 10am-10pm 

Auckland Transport

Public Transport

Auckland has buses, trains and ferries servicing the inner city and its surrounds.

With an AT tertiary ID sticker added to student ID, students are eligible for tertiary discounts on selected trains, busses and ferries.

For more information about all modes of transport in Auckland, visit www.at.govt.nz

Other Transport

For other transport, including transport that services Auckland and beyond:

Car Parking

Some parking facilities are situated within close proximity to the campus, however car parking in the CBD is not ideal as it is very limited and can be expensive. Street parking may be available at night, however students should be aware of clearway regulations in peak hour times.

Accommodation in Auckland

Although SAE Institute Auckland doesn’t provide accommodation for students, we have some great contacts to ensure students find the best possible accommodation for their needs during their stay in Auckland. When students first arrive, they may initially wish to stay in a hotel, backpackers’ hostels, or nearby student-specific residences. Many students later decide to rent or share an apartment or house.

Below are some of the many options available. Please contact the accommodation services directly for more information about facilities, services and costs. We recommend maps.google.co.nz to check out the location of these sites and their proximity to the campus. For a full list of contacts of our recommended accommodation providers, see the Recommended Accommodation for Students table below.

Central Hostel

Central Hostel specialise in student accommodation and offer both hostel and studio rooms. Discounts available for long-term accommodation. Check out www.centralhostel.co.nz

YMCA

The YMCA has a variety of room styles for backpackers, travellers and students including dorms, single, twin, double and triple rooms. For more information, visit www.nzymca.com

Princeton

The Princeton offers serviced student apartments as a 2-bedroom apartment or a single private lockable room in a shared apartment. Have a look at www.princeton.co.nz

Shared Accommodation 

Sharing off-campus accommodation is very popular with international students. You should look for advertisements on campus notice boards and in local newspapers. You should be prepared to provide your own furniture, as many housing options are not entirely specific to student needs. To search for shared accommodation online, try www.flatfinder.co.nz, www.studenthub.co.nz and www.trademe.co.nz

Rental Accommodation

When renting a house or apartment, landlords require rent to be paid in advance, and will require a security bond equal to one months’ rent. Studios and one-bedroom apartments in Auckland are often expensive, so shared accommodation is recommended. To search for rental properties online, check out www.realestate.co.nz/rental and www.trademe.co.nz

This information is intended as a guide only. SAE Institute is not associated with any of the accommodation facilities mentioned; therefore this should not be considered an endorsement of the providers listed.