Your Complete Guide To Accommodation Costs In New Zealand 

If you are considering New Zealand as a study destination, it’s time to research beyond just your university of choice and course - you need to understand the accommodation costs.

As with many other countries including the UK and Canada, accommodation is going to make up the bulk of your ongoing expenses. This means, picking the right type is essential not just to stretch your dollar, but to ensure you have the best experience possible in New Zealand.

It is highly recommended that you decide on the type of accommodation before your fly-off because arranging one takes time and you will also need to ensure if your budget permits.

In this article, we will take you through the different types of accommodations in New Zealand available, how much it costs, what you must pay attention to and any special considerations in a particular city you must know!

5 Types Of Accommodation In New Zealand & How Much They Cost

1. On-Campus Dorm

Many universities across New Zealand offer their students residence halls that are conveniently located near campus. If you are a first-year student travelling overseas to study and live, this might actually be the best option for you.

Not only will you likely be within walking distance to your faculty and classes, but you also get to enjoy tangible benefits and intangible experiences including:

• Support and access to staff members who will manage and maintain your dorm
• Interact with other students and make fast friends
• Access to shared facilities including laundry and living areas and dining halls
• Get provided meals in addition to accommodation
• Rest easy with campus security and the safety of a community

The University of Auckland, for example, offers students 5 halls of residence with a vibrant community to mingle with.

The accommodation fees will be NZ$435 per week for a duration of 38 weeks, making it a total sum of NZ$16,530.

You can find the most updated residence hall accommodation costs for the other universities here.

2. University Managed Off-Campus Apartment

While living on-campus is a highly popular option, many students prefer to live outside of campus either in the city itself or in a town.

This allows students to experience a more independent lifestyle or maintain more privacy, especially if they would like to explore New Zealand alone or if concentrating on their studies is a priority.

Because it is still managed by your university or at least sourced and secured by them, you can be assured that some standards are maintained, especially when it comes to security and privacy. However, be sure that you won’t be missing the sense of community normally fostered in residence halls.

The costs of such an apartment will be more expensive than a single room in a shared bedroom or apartment.

This can easily work out to over $1,500 a month for a studio apartment in Auckland to $1,200 in cheaper locations such as Hamilton.

However, it is important to note the costs often do not include your meals and transportation costs will become a big factor here.

3. Private Accommodation

If you are an experienced traveller, would like to take charge of your own accommodation and have a whole space to yourself, you can source for a private apartment.

However, be warned, that this will likely be the most expensive option of the bunch!

A one-bedroom studio apartment could cost you anywhere from $400 to $600 a week, which can be a princely sum, especially if you are an undergraduate student.

But there are pros to this arrangement. You’ll have much more flexibility to choose to live in an area that you truly love as well as having no rules to adhere to. You can come and go as you like without the need to worry about rules!

You can search for and compare private accommodations here.

4. Hostels

Hostels function in the same way as residences, however, they are more privately arranged and you could be living with non-students such as travellers or working adults.

If you like a dynamic living situation where you can interact with a more diverse group of people, then private hostels are an option you can explore for accommodation.

However, because it will be a diverse mix, you could run into issues and security problems. But you’ll be able to select from a variety of locations and they are generally cheaper, ranging from just $120 to $170 a week.

You can find hostel accommodation options here.

5. Homestay

Homestays provide students with an unforgettable, unique and yet familiar experience when studying in New Zealand. It is an arrangement where you can live with one of the welcoming local families that have volunteered to offer students a place to live in.

Normally, this arrangement will include three square meals and laundry and cleaning as well. Sounds like a good deal!

Compared to a private apartment, the cost can range from $40 to $70 a night. This is less pricy than living alone, plus you can also get to interact with the host family and have companionship and a listening ear in an unfamiliar environment.

You’ll get to really understand the local culture and interact daily with real New Zealanders, ensuring you will have treasured memories for years to come.

You can find homestay opportunities here! 

Let Us Help With Your Accommodation & Beyond!

Hunting for that perfect accommodation doesn’t have to be difficult even though you are living overseas.

Let us help you with that and more!

At IDP, we have a team of education counsellors that can offer tailored guidance and assist you throughout your journey. This includes recommendations for accommodations, helping you identify the right scholarships and advice on further post-graduate courses as well.

No worries about the course application process, we can help guide you through every step of the way.

Get started with your free counselling session today.