You should take warm clothes and an umbrella in case it rains, but also your sunglasses and your sun cream because the weather in New Zealand is very changeable.

Take a map in case you get lost, but if you don’t have a map, it isn’t a problem because the people in New Zealand are really friendly.

If you have to take the bus to school, get to the bus stop early and if you’re staying longer than one month, buy a monthly pass. (It’s cheaper!)

If you want to improve your English skills, you should go to the Learning Centre because there are many things you can do to practice.

If you join the social program you can make friends and do some interesting activities; like sailing, visiting the Skytower, playing football and visiting local pubs.

If you have a problem, you can talk to your counsellor, your teacher or Peter and Annie.

If you are going to go back to your homestay late, you must send a text to your homestay family.

If there is an emergency, you should call 111.

If you want to get around the city, the Link bus and the Free bus are useful.

If you want to go shopping, you should go to Sylvia Park, Dress Smart, Newmarket and Victoria Park.

If you want to eat good ice-cream in a beautiful place, go to Mission Bay.

If you want to go out to bars or buy alcohol you should take your passport with you.

These tips were brought to you by; Ayumi, Amber, Cherry, Dome, Hyun Ju, Mirjam, Pordon, Raeweewan, Ryun Hee, Sae, Simone and Terry – all students in Lara’s intermediate class at Languages International Auckland