Homestay accommodation

Live with a local family and get a Kiwi family experience in a privately arranged homestay.

Homestay accommodation in a New Zealand home is an option for international students who want to practise their English and experience Kiwi culture in a safe and comfortable family environment. It is also a good option for domestic students under the age of 17 who are too young to live in a hall of residence.

There is no one type of homestay family. Some have young children, some are single-parent families, and others have adult children who have left home. And as New Zealand is a multicultural society, homestay hosts come from diverse cultural backgrounds.

With homestay accommodation, you may live further from the University and need to use public transport to get to and from classes.

A homestay arrangement will include:

  • your own fully-furnished bedroom
  • most of your meals provided (except lunch during the week)
  • internet access
  • a washing machine to do your own laundry.

Host Families New  Zealand

The University doesn’t have its own homestay service, but you can make a private arrangement through Host Families New Zealand.

Their service organises short or long-term stays in homestay accommodation for students.

Host Families New Zealand will help you settle into life in New Zealand and make sure you can find your way to the University when you first arrive.

To ensure your homestay can be organised in time, apply for a homestay at least one month before you arrive in Wellington.

Visit Host Families New Zealand.