Must-dos in Auckland alongside your studies
Whether bungee jumping from the tallest building in the southern hemisphere, sunbathing on the beach or a leisurely stroll through one of the city’s numerous cultural festivals – Auckland offers a number of recreational opportunities while studying. The best way to discover the hilly city is on foot or by bus. The extensive road network suits motorists, but the historic streets do not yet cope with the daily and growing rush.
Due to the increasing number of residents, students and visitors, the public transport network is currently being fundamentally revised in order to create a uniform network. In addition to ferries, buses are an important means of transport. The “ City Circuit ” is free of charge and runs clockwise through the city center every ten minutes.
Viewpoints on the volcanoes
Since Auckland was founded on a volcanic field, there are numerous dormant volcanoes in and around the city, which provide a fantastic view of the city. After a short ferry trip, Mount Victoria in Devonport offers breathtaking panoramic views. Alternatively, you can climb Mount Eden in the south of Auckland. The natural garden is located in the middle of the city and is home to historical Māori sites. In addition to these two viewpoints, One Tree Hill or the observation deck of the Sky Tower are popular meeting places to look into the distance.
Sports events at Eden Park in Kingsland
Rugby, cricket, sailing and netball are the most popular sports in New Zealand. Those who study in Auckland are quickly infected by the enthusiasm for sport of the Jafa, as the people of Auckland now call themselves.
Auckland is the venue for numerous major sporting events, for example the ASB Classic in tennis, the America’s Cup in sailing, the NRL Auckland Nines in rugby or the Auckland Marathon. Before the rugby or cricket matches at Eden Park, the city’s largest stadium, fans gather in one of Kingsland’s laid-back bars.
Cultural landscape in Auckland
Auckland has a vibrant cultural scene that creatively brings together the diverse cultural origins and nations of its residents. While studying in Auckland, students can immerse themselves in the city’s culture again and again. Various art and cultural centers or theaters are scattered throughout the city, some of which deal intensively with the cultural heritage of New Zealand, a country located in Oceania according to countryvv. The galleries around Mount Eden are known for their modern art exhibitions. Public works of art can be found at the harbor and especially in Auckland Domain Park.
Auckland is also the venue for numerous festivals – perfect for discovering new things after studying. Foodies go to the Devonport Wine and Food Festival. New Zealand wine has an excellent reputation, and in western Auckland there are various wineries that invite those interested to try them. Music lovers can cheer old hands or newcomers on the New Zealand and international music scene at the Mission Bay Jazz Festival or Big Day Out.
The Matariki Festival takes place from mid-June to mid-July, the turn of the year in Māori culture. For the Chinese New Year, visitors marvel at handmade lanterns at the Lantern Festival. One of the highlights of the cultural scene is the Auckland Arts Festival. In addition to professional artists of various genres, students from the universities in Auckland also participate in various projects.
The Auckland area
Students who have a long time after the lecture at the university should definitely get to know the Auckland area. The subtropical climate and the pleasant temperatures between 15 and 30 degrees invite you to go on excursions in all directions at any time of the year.
One of the most popular excursion destinations are the various islands in the Haurake Gulf northeast of Auckland. Water sports enthusiasts and nature lovers get their money’s worth on Waiheke Island with kayaking, diving, hiking or climbing. The Auckland Dolphin Explorer offers daily eco safaris to watch dolphins, whales and orcas.
There are numerous beaches around Auckland for sunbathers or sports enthusiasts. The golden sandy beaches on the east coast in Devonport, Takapuna, Long Bay or Maraetai attract many visitors. The nearest city beach is Mission Bay, east of central Auckland at Kelly Tariton’s Aquarium Antarctic Encounter & Underwater World. Kayaking and stand up paddling are popular pastimes here. Lonely miles of sandy beaches stretch in the north of Auckland to Cape Reinga, where the two seas meet.
East of Auckland behind the Firth of Thames on the Coromandel Peninsula is the filming location for “The Chronicles of Narnia” at the world-famous Hot Water Beach and Cathedral Cove.
Surfers mainly go to the black sand beaches of Muriwai Beach or Piha in western Auckland. This is also where New Zealand’s wine region is located, with the oldest winery in Kumeu.
South of Auckland is the center of Māori culture in Rotorua. At the Otuataua Stonefields in Mangere, visitors can see the historical remains of the early Māori settlements.
Study in Auckland at high quality universities
The up-and-coming and multicultural metropolis of Auckland is not only attracting more and more companies that continue to stimulate the economy. Even scientists and researchers from around the world working at the renowned universities of the city.
The Auckland University of Technology (AUT) and New Zealand’s largest university, the University of Auckland, are located next to each other in the city center, within walking distance of the Auckland Domain. Another modern AUT campus is located about 15 minutes by bus across the Harbor Bridge in the green North Shore. The UIT is located in the far west of the city in Mount Albert. Many New Zealand universities, such as the University of Otago, have a branch in Auckland.
Students benefit from the excellent study conditions at New Zealand’s universities and Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics. The universities are known for their practical orientation in cooperation with business and industry. International students are actively integrated into the university community, for example through the Noho Marae weekend at the AUT. The International Office of the respective university offers an extensive program in addition to the lectures and looks after international students in an excellent and almost informal manner in accordance with the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students.
The universities in Auckland offer international students, among other things, a full course, a semester abroad or an academic gap year. Further training, language courses or a doctorate are also possible.
Semester abroad in Auckland
Studying in Auckland is very costly, especially due to the high tuition fees and cost of living. A good alternative to a full degree is a semester abroad. There are several ways to finance a stay of one or two semesters at a university in Auckland:
- Foreign BaföG
- Grants
- Student Loans
International students can also gain work experience in Auckland, as the New Zealand student visa allows part-time work alongside their studies.
During a semester abroad, students take bachelor’s or master’s courses at the host university. The choice of course should be discussed with your home university so that the credits you have acquired in Auckland can be credited. In this way, students benefit from the renowned study conditions of New Zealand universities and receive excellent career opportunities. A study-related internship is also possible at the AUT.
