Please read this through before you leave your home country!!!
The day is coming close and you will finally start your journey to New Zealand! To make sure you have all the information you need, please read through this pre-arrival information!
- Passport and current visa to study in New Zealand
- Travel/medical insurance policy
- Description and details of your shuttle service.
- Any prescriptions for necessary medications
- Laptop/Mobile/device chargers
- Adaptor plug for electrical products
- Personal items and clothes.
- Spending money/ credit card
- Contact details and address of your homestay family
- Emergency plan Taupo-nui-aTia College
- A Sun hat
- 50+ SPF protection sunblock
- black shoes to wear with your school uniform
Arrival Instructions
Flight and Arrival Details
Please provide us with your flight and arrival details, and notify us immediately if there are any changes. This information is crucial to ensure we can meet you at the airport. Contact us at +64 21 827 642.Packing and Carrying Items
Pack your own bags and do not carry items for other people.Arrival Procedures at Auckland Airport
- Complete a Passenger Arrival Card (these are usually distributed on the plane and may also be digital).
- Declare all food items: Even if packaged, you must declare all food. Fresh food is not allowed into New Zealand, and you may be fined if you bring any.
- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
Customs and Baggage
- You will go through Passport Control, Baggage Claim, and Customs.
- After clearing Customs, follow the instructions you received regarding your travel to Taupō.
Transportation to Taupō
- You will be picked up by Luxury Airport Shuttles or the company Ready to Roll.
- Alternatively, you may transfer onto a domestic flight from Auckland to Taupō.
In Case of Issues
- If you get lost or cannot see your name on a sign, call our emergency number: 0800-729 011. Do not leave the airport— we will locate you.
Currency
- If you have money with you, it can be exchanged at the airport, though fees are higher there.
- $200 NZD should be sufficient for your initial days.
Arrival and Orientation Information
Arrival in New Zealand
Please arrive in New Zealand at least a couple of days before school starts. This will give you time to recover from jetlag, settle into your new homestay, and prepare for school.Orientation
We conduct an orientation for all new students to introduce you to our school. On the first day of school, you will be welcomed with a traditional Powhiri ceremony. Girls are required to wear a skirt for this occasion. The Powhiri is a traditional Māori welcome. Learn more about it here.Subject Selection
You will meet individually with your year dean to finalize your subject selection, ensuring you are enrolled in the subjects you need or want at the appropriate level. You will receive a timetable and can choose 6 subjects. Each day, you will attend three subjects for 90 minutes each.Outdoor Education
If you are enrolled in Outdoor Education, please bring strong shoes or sports shoes and clothing suitable for all weather conditions.School Schedule
School begins at 8:50 am and finishes at 3:10 pm.Canteen and Lunch
We have a school canteen where you can buy lunch, but your homestay will typically provide you with lunch. Check out our daily specials on Instagram: nuicanteen.Extracurricular Activities
We offer a wide range of sports and cultural activities. Listen to the Daily Notices to learn about meetings and opportunities. We highly recommend joining a club or team—it’s the best way to meet other students.
Your homestay family has been carefully selected to act in place of your parents while you are in New Zealand. Each family has its own habits and customs, so it is important to understand and respect their expectations.
- Accommodation: You will have your own room and will typically share a bathroom.
- Meals: Your homestay family will provide three meals a day, seven days a week. In New Zealand, lunch tends to be lighter, while dinner is often a larger, cooked meal. Be prepared for some differences in food compared to what you are used to.
- Transportation: Your host family will show you how to get to school. As an international student at Taupo-nui-a-Tia College, you are not allowed to drive or own a car.
- Family Dynamics: Some host families may be solo parents, and many parents work.
If you have any concerns or are unhappy with your homestay arrangement, please talk to us about it.
Legal Restrictions
- It is illegal to purchase cigarettes or vaping products if you are under 18 years old.
- It is also illegal to consume alcohol if you are under 18 years old.
Driving and Road Safety
- In New Zealand, we drive on the left-hand side of the road. Always look both ways before crossing the street.
Emergency Services
- The emergency number for ambulance, fire, and police is 111.
Healthcare
- If you need to see a doctor or dentist, you will need to pay for these services upfront. You can claim the cost back through your insurance, and the International Department is available to assist you with this process.
- For minor health concerns, we recommend using the Baytrust Centre at school, where you can access free services including a nurse, physiotherapist, and mental health providers.
Part-Time Work
- You are allowed to work part-time, but you must declare this on your Student Visa application. Approval is required from the Department of Immigration, Taupo-nui-a-Tia College, and your parents.
Support
- If you have any questions or need assistance, we are here to help. Our goal is to ensure your safety, happiness, and enjoyment of every experience and opportunity.