Living in Auckland
Your New Zealand Experience
Queens Academy is about half an hour from sunny beaches, hiking trails and islands. Auckland's mix of a modern city living with great access to outdoor activities creates an unbelievable lifestyle rated amongst the best in the world.
When you first arrive in New Zealand
Our school representative will pick you up from the airport; they will show you their identification (ID), welcome you to New Zealand, explain when you should first come to school, and then transfer you to your chosen accommodation and introduce you to your new homestay family.
Upon arriving at Queens Academy you will receive a detailed student handbook and an orientation session. Orientation covers topics such as living in New Zealand, introduction to the school, introduction to the surrounding area, safety, medical information, transport information, driving in New Zealand, New Zealand society, Treaty of Waitangi, and the school rules.
Our orientation officer can help you to open a bank account, plan public transport, purchase a phone card and make any other arrangements they need. All full-time students are issued with a student card which can be used to receive a student discount on public transport, food and entertainment.
We are always available to assist you at any time you have a problem!
Enjoying Life in New Zealand
Balance study and fun
While learning is vital, it is important to maintain a good balance between studying and having fun. To this end all students are encouraged to join our extra curricular activity programme which includes cultural, entertaining and sporting activities and events.
Organised activities
Queens Academy organises a full range of activities which usually take place on Fridays. These have a small cost although many are free.
Organised activities undertaken as a school include:
Beach BBQ and Beach Sports, Badminton Day, Easter Show, Visit to Maori Marae, Trip to Underwater World, Learning Pottery with an Artist, Visit to Amusement Park, Visit to Museum, Cinema, etc.
Furthermore many activities are available for the students to participate in as they wish, these include: Skiing and Snowboarding, Swimming, Offshore Fishing, Jet Boating, Bungee Jumping, Horse Riding on the beach, Kayaking and Sailing, Tandem Skydiving, Rock-climbing and Abseiling, Mountain Biking, Golf and Tennis, Farm Visit, Hot Springs Visit, Maori Cultural Shows, White and Black-Water Rafting.
About Auckland and New Zealand
Education opportunities
Every year more than 40,000 international students take advantage of Auckland's world class institutions and come to study in New Zealand. Students from all over the world come to study English and go to New Zealand schools and universities.
Entertainment
There are plenty of choices for enjoying Auckland’s nightlife. Lively restaurants, bars, pubs and dance clubs can be found all over the city. Live music and theatre can be found in large venues such as the Aotea Centre, the Bruce Mason Theatre and Sky City Theatre.
Outdoor lifestyle
New Zealand is recognised internationally as the adventure tourism capital of the world because there are so many outdoor activities. For example: Rock climbing, bungy jumping, hiking, skiing. Just to name a few.
History of New Zealand
New Zealand is located in the South Pacific Ocean, southeast of Australia and was first discovered by Polynesian Maori who settled in about A.D. 800. The signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840 signalled the beginning of colonisation of New Zealand by the British Empire. Immigrants from Britain brought the English language with them and so English became the common language of New Zealand.