Homestay
Living with a New Zealand family is a great way to get to know Kiwis and our country. You will be welcomed into a New Zealand home and will be able to practise the English you learn at school every day.
Some frequently asked questions about homestays:
HOW MUCH DOES A HOMESTAY COST?
It is $280 per week for the over 18 years and $300 per week for the under 18 years. There is a once only $200(over 18),$230(under 18) fee to organise the homestay for you.
I DON’T LIKE CATS OR DOGS. IS THAT OK?
Yes, we have homestay families that don’t have any pets. Please let us know when you apply for a homestay.
ARE THE HOMESTAYS SAFE?
Yes. Everyone in the homestay family has been checked by the police and our Homestay Coordinator has visited and checked every homestay to make sure they are of a high standard.
ARE THERE YOUNG CHILDREN IN THE HOMESTAY?
Some homestays are families of mother, father and children. Some homestays may have no children.
IS IT NEAR THE SCHOOL?
Our homestays are located in different parts of Christchurch. The school’s central location means it is easy to get there by bus.
DO I NEED TO PAY FOR MEALS?
Breakfast and dinner are included. You will need to buy your own lunch during the week. Your homestay will provide lunch at the weekend. Please tell us if you have any dietary requirements.
DO I HAVE TO SHARE A ROOM?
No. All students in homestays get their own bedroom. All rooms are furnished and have a desk for you to study.
WILL THE HOMESTAY FAMILY PICK ME UP AT THE AIRPORT?
Yes, if available, the homestay family can pick you up and return you to the airport. Our Homestay Coordianator will pick you up if your host family is not able to (Airport Pickup Fee will be charged).
ARE THERE OTHER INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS IN THE HOMESTAY
In most homestays there are no other students. Sometimes there may be one or two other students staying there. Please tell us your preference.
After enrolling, you will be sent a homestay questionnaire. This is where you can tell us what kind of homestay you would like and if you have any special requirements.
Private Flats
Some students choose to stay in a flat with other people (flatmates). This is a more independent situation than a homestay. Some flats have furniture, but you may have to buy a bed. Usually, the rent is cheaper if more people are in the flat. You will need to pay for the rent of your room, food, power, phone and the Internet. For example, in a shared flat of three people, your weekly costs may be between $160 – $230 per week, including rent, food, power and phone. A good place to look for a flat is at www.TradeMe.co.NZ.
Hotels and Hostels
You may want to stay in a hotel or a hostel for a short time when you arrive before deciding where you would like to live. A good place to search for a hostel, backpacker or guesthouse is http://www.hostelz.com/hostels/New-Zealand/Christchurch.
You can look for a hotel at www.Expedia.co.NZ/Christchurch-Hotels.d179996.Travel-Guide-Hotels.
Some hostels also have long-term options for people who want to stay for a few weeks or more. Here are some places in Christchurch that offer this: (This is not a full list.)
http://www.thistleguesthouse.co.nz/
http://hakalodge.com/haka-lodge-christchurch/
There is an accommodation notice board at Wilkinson’s. This has information about the different available options in Christchurch and helpful advice about living here.
To learn more about the tenancy laws and your rights, please visit the below website.
https://www.tenancy.govt.nz/