Homestay accommodation

Live with a local family and get a Kiwi family experience in a homestay.

Homestay accommodation in a New Zealand home is an option for international students who want to practise their English and experience Kiwi culture in a safe and comfortable family environment. It is also a good option for domestic students under the age of 17 who are too young to live in a hall of residence.

There is no one type of homestay family. Some are families with young children, or are single-parent families, others have adult children who have left home. And as New Zealand is a multicultural society, homestay hosts come from various cultural backgrounds.

With homestay accommodation, you may live further from the University and need to use public transport to get to and from classes.

Facilities offered:

• your own fully furnished bedroom
• most of your meals provided (except lunch during the week)
• electricity, internet access, and telephone access (for local phone calls only)
• a washing machine to do your own laundry.

Host Families New  Zealand

Host Families New Zealand facilitate short-term or long-term stays in homestay accommodation for Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. When they have chosen a homestay for you they will send you information about your placement.

Host Families New Zealand will help you settle into life in New Zealand and help you find your way to the University when you first arrive. Their programme meets strict industry standards “to provide a courteous, caring and rewarding cultural experience” for guests.

To ensure your homestay can be organised in time, apply for a homestay at least one month before you arrive in Wellington.