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Living in Christchurch
Student Information
Travel
The Academy is only a ten minute’s drive from the main airport terminal buildings and most students use their own motor vehicle or bike for transport. Some students elect to car pool. Unfortunately there is no public transport out to the Academy. Flying may be out of our West Melton airfield for which we provide transport to and from.
Cost of Living
Immigration New Zealand estimates that an international student requires at least NZD$20,000.00 per year to cover all living expenses.
For up-to-date information about New Zealand living costs, please visit:
Embassies
To find your embassy, consulate or high commission, visit:
New Zealand Emergency Services
To reach the Police, Ambulance and Fire services in case of emergency dial 111 from any private, public or mobile telephone.
Living in Christchurch is
Learning in New Zealand
Learning in New Zealand may be different to what you are used to. Learners should be actively involved in the classroom and are expected to take responsibility for their own learning. As a student you will be required to study on your own after classes to meet training requirements. You will be expected to apply the knowledge that you have learned in the classroom and use it to problem solve different scenarios. Teaching staff are very approachable and more casual than what you maybe used to. Please ensure you engage with them to get the most out of your training.
Living in Christchurch
The Academy is located at Christchurch, the second largest city in New Zealand, and the largest in New Zealand's South Island. Christchurch and Canterbury are great places to study.
Christchurch is the gateway to New Zealand’s South Island. Vibrant and ever-evolving it is surrounded by a region of natural wonders.
Christchurch is a recreational hot spot within easy reach of all the outdoor fun and adventure the region has to offer. Beyond the hills are the Banks Peninsula, Lyttelton Harbour, the Canterbury Plains, and a little further away are the majestic Southern Alps for skiing and snowboarding.
Christchurch is only a 25 minute drive from the seaside with 10 swimming beaches so you have easy access to a selection of safe beaches all year round. There are a number of rivers and lakes , such as Ōtakaro Avon River which are great for water activities such as kayaking, rafting and rowing.
You can also take part in a range of activities on the Port Hills, a key landmark in the city, with 22 mountain biking tracks and rock climbing and tramping.
Also nearby are the historic French town of Akaroa, the thermal resort of Hanmer Springs and the seaside town of Kaikōura, which is famous for its whale watching.
There is a variety of things to do in Christchurch — from art exhibitions, cultural celebrations to sporting events and music festivals. Christchurch has an abundance of parks, gardens, cafés, restaurants, bars, farmers’ markets, vineyards and the largest shopping mall in the South Island.
Experience Christchurch's renewal
Christchurch is undergoing a period of major transformation. Christchurch is forever changing as vacant sites awaiting redevelopment are turned into exciting spaces where local people can meet, take part in music, art, performance and activities. There’s a sense of vigour in Christchurch that is inspiring the city’s regeneration. Check out the website for further information:
Working in New Zealand
Not all programmes of study will allow you to work in New Zealand whilst you are studying. Currently the NZ Diploma in Aviation Is the only programme that allows for work rights on the student visa.
To confirm this, check your eVisa or visa label in your passport. Work rights allow you to work up to 20 hours per week and full-time during scheduled holidays (subject to visa conditions).
If you are found working more than your approved hours, you may be deported. Your employer may ask you to provide a letter confirming the scheduled holiday dates.
A guide to working while studying in New Zealand can be found here:
Employee Rights
All workers in New Zealand have rights as employees. For more information on minimum wages and rights, go to: