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Living in Auckland, New Zealand
Auckland city
Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city and the country’s commercial hub, with a population of approximately 1.5 million people. It is a safe, clean, multicultural and vibrant city that offers an excellent quality of life.
Auckland is rated the third most liveable city in the world on the global Mercer’s Quality of Living Survey (2019), evaluated on factors such as personal safety, environment, education, transportation and health.
The city sits between two harbours and is often referred to as the “City of Sails” due to Aucklanders’ love of water sports and the sea. Auckland’s unique geographic position means you can live in a large city with great cafés, restaurants and bars, excellent theatres, galleries and museums and terrific shopping and still be close to stunning beaches and nature walks.
Accommodation options
The University of Auckland provides quality student accommodation, conveniently located close to our Auckland campuses. Postgraduate students can apply for a variety of self-catered options from single rooms in shared apartments to self-contained. Our residences provide a safe, comfortable and fun place to live, with excellent study and living facilities and are a great way to make friends with people from around the world.
Many students prefer to live in private accommodation, and the University Accommodation Solutions team can help you explore options to suit your needs, whether you are moving to Auckland by yourself or with a partner or family.
To learn more visit the University of Auckland website: Accommodation.
Living Cost
Generally you should allow approximately NZ$20,000-$25,000 per year (or NZ$400-$450 per week) for general living costs, including accommodation, food and transport. International student support staff can assist you with budgeting if you need assistance.
| What does it cost? | |
|---|---|
| Rent per week | $200-300 |
| Groceries per week (if not living in a hall of residence with meals included) |
$100-150 |
| Single bus fare (inner city ride – Stage 8) |
$0.40-8.80 |
| Monthly bus pass | $200-250 |
| Taxi (5km ride) | $16 |
| Lunch on University campus | $10-15 |
| Takeaway pizza – large | $16 |
| Main meal at a restaurant (off campus) |
$25-35 |
| Coca-Cola can | $3-4 |
| Coffee, cappuccino or latte | $5 |
| Movie ticket | $15-18 |
| 12-month student gym membership (on campus) | $319 |
| (All prices are approximate and in NZ dollars) | |
Location
All classes are held in the Business School Sir Owen G Glenn Building, which is located in the University of Auckland’s City Campus in the heart of Auckland City.
Auckland is located at the top of the North Island and has mild winters and warm summers. Temperatures range from a daytime average of 15°C to 24°C in summer (December to March) to 8°C to 15°C in winter (June to August).
Auckland is easily accessible from anywhere in the world. It has a modern international airport and daily flights to and from Asia, Europe and the US, as well as frequent flights from South America.
| From | Flight time to Auckland (hours) |
|---|---|
| Singapore | 10 |
| Hong Kong | 11 |
| Shanghai | 11.5 |
| New Delhi | 17 |
| Bangkok | 12 |
| Jakarta | 11 |
| Los Angeles | 13 |
| Buenos Aires | 13 |
| Sydney | 3 |
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