Studying and Traveling in New Zealand

by Marcelo Nunes
(Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)

Hey all.

First of all, I would like to say thanks for your web site, this is a great source of information for foreign people like me, who need some tips.

I intend travelling to NZ and spending one month, to study English and enjoy my free time with interesting activities, meeting people, you know...

My doubt is should I go to Auckland or Christchurch ??


Sorry for my English mistakes...

Thanks since now !


Hi Marcelo

Thanks for your question.....your English is pretty good. A month in New Zealand will certainly be a big help with improving your English even more....try not to speak your own language at all while you are here. Total immersion is definitely the best and quickest way to learn a language.I used to teach English to overseas students.

Choosing the right language school to suit your needs may be the first criteria. There are several good language schools in both Auckland and Christchurch. Some are in the central city, others out in the suburbs. If you plan to homestay you may find it easier to get a school near to your homestay in the suburbs.

Which city is best for Travel depends on your interests and when you plan to come. Auckland is much bigger with about 1.4 million people and will be warmer in winter.Christchurch is smaller and would be a good choice if you wanted to ski....or go to the mountains.

Auckland has lots of beaches and water activities, bush with lovely walks,islands in the Hauraki Gulf and you are only 3 hours from Rotorua...the best for thermal activity and for Maori Culture. It is also only 3 hours to the Bay of Islands, Waitangi, Kerikeri and Russell which is an interesting historical area, with more beaches and outdoor activities.


Christchurch is smaller,and is a very English styled city with lovely parks and gardens, wildlife parks and beaches.It is close to Akaroa, Mt Hutt for skiing in winter, Kaikoura for whale watching although you can do that in Auckland also. Queenstown,( a 7-8- hour drive - a bit longer by bus) Mt Cook and Dunedin....or take the Tranz Alpine train to the West Coast which is lovely.

It really depends on how much money you would have for travel.The sightseeing from Christchurch would be a bit further away and more costly.Assuming you only had weekends this would limit your travel outside of the cities.

Re the people....you will find Auckland is a more cosmopolitan city with a big mix of different nationalities, and you may find local people more friendly. From that point of view I would probably recommend Auckland.

I will comment here that it is not so easy in just one month to meet a lot of people other than your Language school and homestay family unless you can join a club to participate in.

Choosing between Auckland and Christchurch for a one month stay is quite a difficult decision as both cities have plenty of interest.....but the two cities and in fact the two islands are very different.I am not sure if this is exactly what you wanted to know....come back and ask more questions on this page if I have missed anything you want an answer to.

Kind Regards

Gail