Homestay

Homestays offer a unique cultural experience, as students have the chance to live with a local host family. This option allows for a deeper immersion into the local lifestyle and customs, fostering cross-cultural understanding and language development. You will experience local food and ‘kiwi culture’.

Check-in time: Midday – 10PM
Check-out time: Midday

Minimum Stay: 4 Weeks

Homestay Type: Half-board (excludes lunch on weekdays)

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Under 18 years old

2025 – NZ$400
Half-board weekly rates (per person) 

Over 18 years old

2025 – NZ$390
Half-board weekly rates (per person) 

Arriving at your homestay

We strongly recommend arrivals to happen on the weekend.

Arriving outside of check-in hours

If you arrive outside check-in hours, the safest and best option is to stay in a hotel for the night and then move into the accommodation the next day.

Terms and Conditions

First 4 weeks are not refundable.

Homestay Rules

On your first day, your host family will show you around the house and share with you their rules and routines. Remember, every family is different, so it is important that your ask questions when you are not sure about something. Some of the most common rules at a homestay are:

Keep your room clean and tidy at all times.

  • Make your bed
  • Put your clothes away
  • Do not leave food containers, water bottles, rubbish or wet towels in the room

Keep the bathroom clean and tidy at all times.

  • Do not spend more than 10 minutes getting ready in the bathroom
  • Only take 1 shower per day and check what’s the most convenient time
  • Don’t leave hairs on the floor, sink or toilet and don’t leave the floor wet either

Keep the kitchen clean and tidy at all times.

  • Don’t use the stove or the oven; prepare sandwiches or salads instead
  • Clean your dishes as soon as you finish and put them away
  • Help with setting up and clearing the table.

Respect the family’s sleeping and eating times.

  • Try to be home for all the shared meals, and if you can’t, let your host parents know
  • Be quiet at night and don’t talk over the phone
  • If you cannot sleep and want to watch a movie, use your headphones

If there’s any issue with the food, communicate it in a VERY POLITE WAY.

  • Ask for larger or smaller portions
  • Buy some ingredients if they are very important to you and always share

Laundry

  • Ask the family if they prefer to do the laundry, or if you can do it yourself.
  • If you do your own laundry, limit it to once a week.

NEVER smoke or vape inside the house.

  • Go to the designated area
  • Try to avoid smoking at night

Don’t drink alcohol inside the house

  • If you are offered, you can say yes, but be responsible

Remove your shoes inside the house if the family does so.