Moving to New Zealand as an international student is an adventure filled with excitement, new opportunities, and, let’s be honest, a few challenges along the way. New Zealand is a beautiful country and people here are kind and supportive. Similar to settling in any other country, you’ll feel different emotions like homesickness, confusion, or even frustration. But this is perfectly normal.
In this post, I’ll try to offer some practical tips to help you settle in smoothly and adapt to life in New Zealand. Let’s get started.
Has it ever happened to you when you visit a country for the first time and feel like you’ve landed on another planet? That’s pretty much what culture shock feels like! It’s that disorienting feeling when everything familiar suddenly vanishes, replaced by new customs, foods, and social rules.
Culture shock generally follows a pattern for most international students (and immigrants) in New Zealand. First comes the honeymoon phase. You will love everything about New Zealand from stunning nature and friendly locals to delicious food.
But don’t be surprised when this phase changes into frustration. Suddenly, you might find yourself annoyed by Kiwi slang, confused by the indirect communication style, or desperately craving home food. This is quite normal and paves the way for the adjustment phase where you learn to embrace the differences. Universities provide excellent support services to international students so that they can adapt to the new environment. In no time you’ll become comfortable with the new culture and even start to love it.
Remember, culture shock isn’t unusual as it’s a natural response to an unfamiliar environment.
The first thing most foreigners notice in New Zealand is the relaxed pace of life. Kiwis genuinely value work-life balance.
You’ll quickly discover that Kiwis are incredibly friendly but in their own quirky way. They might not approach you directly (they respect your personal space), but ask for help and you’ll receive it with a smile. Don’t be surprised if strangers chat with you at bus stops or if shopkeepers remember your name after just one visit!
What I really like about Kiwis is their modesty. Excessive boasting or self-promotion is generally frowned upon. Like the British, I have noticed that they rely on dry humour and sarcasm, which can be confusing if you’re not used to it.
The food culture here might also surprise you (It surely surprised me!). From the sacred Sunday BBQ to the passionate debate about whether Marmite or Vegemite is superior (I am in the Marmite camp, to be honest). And yes, you’ll need to try a proper Kiwi pie at least once.
Perhaps the most striking aspect of Kiwi culture that I have not seen anywhere else is the unique blend of Māori and European cultures. You’ll notice Māori words, customs and traditions integrated into everyday life and it’s something that makes New Zealand truly special.
The biggest tip I could give is to immerse yourself in local experiences. Be it sports, food, or music, say yes to them. Join sports clubs like rugby, cricket, netball, or basketball in your university. Try to attend cultural workshops or join clubs to connect and learn more about Kiwi culture.
Every university has many support services for international students. You can also find valuable information on international students’ clubs, societies, and associations by attending international students’ orientation events. You can easily find international students there who are themselves adapting to the new Kiwi culture.
Don’t feel guilty about staying connected with home either. Regular video calls with family and friends can provide emotional stability while you adjust. If needed, get help from the university’s health & counselling services.
Be patient with yourself. Some days will be tougher than others, but each challenge helps you develop resilience and adaptability.
Let’s talk about accommodation first. The best option for international students in my opinion is residential colleges (like dorms) or university flats (UniFlats). They are owned by the university and offer a great way to interact with students from all over the world. You can also go for the shared flats with other international students. Homestays are another good option as you also get to interact with a local family.
Transportation comes next. In Auckland and Wellington, public transport is pretty reliable, with buses, trains, and ferries connecting major areas. There are student concessions available like AT HOP card (in Auckland), Snapper card (in Wellington), and MetroCard (in Christchurch). Cycling is also a great option to improve health, admire nature, and save money.
Taking care of finances is also important. Groceries and eating out can be surprisingly expensive in New Zealand compared to many countries. Always keep your student ID with you and check whether a business offers student discounts. You can also get student discounts on food, lifestyle products, etc. by using student discount cards from StudentCard and UNiDAYS.
Becoming a part of a community in New Zealand will happen gradually, often in ways you don’t even notice. Maybe it’s the day you automatically say “sweet as” or when you find yourself passionately defending Marmite over Vegemite. Perhaps it’s when you start to appreciate the laid-back Kiwi approach to life or when you instinctively remove your shoes before entering someone’s home.
Try to look for ways to contribute to your local community. Volunteering is hugely valued in New Zealand culture and gives you meaningful connections beyond campus. Beach clean-ups, community gardens, and charity events are brilliant ways to meet locals and give back to your host country. Read more about volunteering on the official website of Immigration New Zealand.
Don’t forget to visit cities other than the city where your university is. New Zealand is known for its natural beauty (think, Lord of the Rings). Join tramping (hiking) clubs, take weekend trips to nearby regions, or plan holiday adventures to iconic spots like Queenstown or the Bay of Islands. These experiences will deepen your connection to Aotearoa.
The beauty of overcoming culture shock is realising that you’ve not only adapted to New Zealand but that it has become part of who you are. Skills like adaptability, cross-cultural communication, and independent thinking will help you throughout your time in New Zealand. In fact, many international students in New Zealand look back on this period of adjustment as one of the most valuable experiences of studying here.
Vandana Rai is a Senior Licensed Immigration Adviser and has built a reputation around her rare set of skills, which could be considered ideal for her legal profession.