Studying at NorthTec gives you the opportunity to live in and explore Northland, the northernmost region of New Zealand
Northland - New Zealand's First Region
Northland (Tai Tokerau in Maori) stretches from north of New Zealand's largest city, Auckland, to Cape Reinga at the very top of the North Island of New Zealand. The Northland region offers contrast and variety - scenic beauty, unique activities, adventure, authentic culture and heritage.
Northland is considered “the Birthplace of a Nation," and is said to be the landing point of the legendary Polynesian explorer Kupe in 950 AD. It is home to the site of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, New Zealand’s founding document, in 1840.
Northland’s economy is based on agriculture, tourism, forestry and woodprocessing, horticulture, construction and marine engineering. Emerging industries include the creative sector, mining and aquaculture.
Get more information about the Northland region.
Whangarei, First City of the “Winterless” North
Whangarei, known as "cherished harbour" in Maori, is Northland's largest city with a population of over 50,000. Whangarei’s deep water harbour supports three ports. Industry thrives in this commercial centre located just two hours by road to Auckland or 30 minutes by air. Beautiful beaches within a 30-minute drive of the city include the sparkling white sands of Bream Bay and the world-famous Tutukaka coast.
Get more information about Whangarei city.
Living in Whangarei - Frequenty Asked Questions
What are the part-time job opportunities? How can I get a job?
Whangarei has a number of fast-food restaurants, other restaurants and cafes, petrol stations and supermarkets that are frequently looking for part-time staff. If you have previous experience in supermarkets or restaurants, you can find work quite easily, but even if you don’t, part-time positions are usually available. Some of these jobs may lead to further opportunities, such as supervisor or management positions.
Most workplaces have in-store application forms to fill in. NorthTec’s on-site Careers Advisor can help new students design their CV’s. If you have previous experience working in a restaurant, cafe or supermarket, it is easy to find a job.
What are the accommodation options?
NorthTec provides a Homestay service, with vetted Homestay families. Homestays are an excellent way to learn about life in New Zealand, meet New Zealanders and improve your English speaking skills.
If you do not want to stay in a Homestay, you can choose to rent your own flat with other students, or stay in a hostel. There are several hostels in town and close to NorthTec. Click on Temporary Accommodation Providers for more information. To see what flats are available, go to http://www.realestate.co.nz/rental or Trade Me.
What is the transportation like?
If you have a driver’s licence from your own country, bring it with you as you can drive on an international licence for one year. Cars are a reasonable price (you can buy a reasonable car for about $1500). The alternative is to use public transport. There are buses around Whangarei that leave from outside NorthTec, and it costs $2.50 per trip if you have a concession card. Many places are also within walking distance (15 minutes from Polytech to the city centre) or you could buy a bicycle. There is a cheap bus from Whangarei to Auckland twice a day.
What are the leisure options?
Whangarei has a large number of beaches close by. However, there is no public transport available to the coast. Fishing (but not in our marine reserves), diving, snorkelling and kayaking are popular pastimes. There is also a movie theatre, a swimming pool complex and sports stadium. You can also do adventure sports like sky diving and indoor skiing (in Auckland).
What is the lifestyle?
Whangarei is very relaxed and relatively quiet. Most things are available at competitive prices (food and clothing) and are of high quality. There are lots of green spaces and not much traffic.
What is the temperature?
Typical summer maximum temperatures range from 22 to 26 degrees Celsius (November – March), but seldom exceed 30. Winter temperatures range from 12 to 17 degrees, with the occasional overnight temperature producing a ground frost. There are about 2000 hours of sunshine every year – it is one of the sunniest and warmest locations in New Zealand. Average annual rainfall is 1,500mm.
What do people do in their free time?
Whangarei has night clubs, pool bars and pubs that are open every night except Sunday. There are lots of cafes and restaurants. Whangarei also has a cinema and a very good public library with books in many different languages. There are lots of parks and sports facilities.
How close is NorthTec to the city?
About 15 minutes walking, 5 minutes by car or 10 minutes by bus.
What facilities are at NorthTec?
There is a small gym which is open three afternoons a week, a library, a cafeteria, computer labs, and a health centre. NorthTec has free wireless internet access.
What should I bring with me?
India: Cooking utensils – pressure cooker, tawa – these are not available in Whangarei. They can be bought in Auckland but they are very expensive. Bedding, mobile phones and laptops are all cheaper in India.
China: Mobile phones are cheaper in China and can be used here. Stationery is also much cheaper in China.