New Zealand is a country of amazing contrasts within a beautiful natural environment. This provides a huge range of outdoor adventure, often only a short distance away.
People enjoy a modern and sophisticated lifestyle – the cities offer a wide variety of nightlife, cafes, movies and shopping experiences.
When students are choosing a New Zealand education, they may wish to consider which region they wish to live in.
These are summarised briefly below in 6 macro groups – each containing at least 1 university. However for more information about the 24 regions in New Zealand view www.newzealandeducated.com – Explore New Zealand or www.newzealand.com – select Destinations and Maps, then Regions.
This area includes New Zealand’s largest city Auckland, home of the University of Auckland and AUT University. Golden beaches are within easy reach and the climate is warm – all features that encourage an outdoor lifestyle. Many people enjoy water sports, particularly sailing, diving and fishing.
Central Auckland offers a vibrant mix of cuisine, fashion, theatre and nightlife. Sub-tropical Northland, often referred to as the ‘winterless north’ is an area rich in Maori culture and New Zealand’s early European history. Coromandel lies to the east, well known for its beaches, forests and ‘arts and crafts’ lifestyle.
2. Central and East North Island – Waikato, Rotorua, Bay of Plenty, East Coast and Hawke’s Bay
Rich agricultural land contrasts with geothermal landscape in these varied regions. The University of Waikato is based in Hamilton and is named after the Waikato River.
Rotorua is a popular tourist destination, famous for its geothermal activity and Maori cultural experiences. The Taupo region includes New Zealand’s biggest lake, a resource well used by adventure seekers.
Life in the Bay of Plenty, Eastland and Hawke’s Bay includes hot summers and an abundance of fresh fruit. Some of New Zealand’s finest wines come from these areas.
3. Central and West North Island – Central Plateau, Manawatu and Taranaki
This area is rich in mountains and national parks, making it popular with hikers, skiers, snowboarders, botanists and geologists. The volcanic region of the Central Plateau includes New Zealand’s most accessible volcano, Mt Ruapehu, which is situated in the World Heritage Tongarioro national park. Conical Mt Taranaki is a landmark that can be seen throughout the Taranaki region.
The towns and cities of these regions are surrounded by rural countryside, and to the west, the wild beaches of Taranaki. Massey University is located in Palmerston North, a city well known for its student lifestyle.
4. Lower North Island – Wellington and Wairarapa
Wellington is New Zealand’s political and cultural capital – home to the national Museum (Te Papa), the Royal New Zealand ballet and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. Victoria University of Wellington is situated centrally in the city.
Wairarapa is north of Wellington, a rural area of small towns and farms bordered by mountains, native bush and a rugged coastline. Wine, food and music festivals in this region attract visitors from Wellington and throughout New Zealand.
5. Upper South Island – Canterbury, Nelson and Marlborough
Nelson and Marlborough are situated at the top of the South Island – an area that features three national parks and New Zealand’s largest wine production. Nelson is well known for a sunny climate and an abundance of artists.
Travelling down the east coast takes visitors through Canterbury and onto the city of Christchurch, home of the University of Canterbury. Lincoln University is only 30 minutes away. Christchurch is often likened to old England, with stone buildings and tree lined avenues. This old-world charm balances with a modern, thriving arts scene.
6. Lower/West South Island – Otago, Southland and the West Coast
Possibly the greatest contrasts in landscape can be found in the Lower and Western regions of the South Island. The West Coast has some of New Zealand’s most spectacular scenery – mountains shrouded in mist, rainforests, glaciers and wild beaches. The Fiordland National Park includes several famous walking tracks, such as the Milford, the Kepler, Hollyford and Routeburn tracks.
Central to this region is Queenstown, a hugely popular tourist destination, Lake Wanaka and Central Otago. There are many lakes, rivers and mountains leading to a huge variety of outdoor activities. Stewart Island national park can be reached from Invercargill, the southern most city in New Zealand.
New Zealand’s oldest university, the University of Otago, can be found in Dunedin. This historic city on the south-east coast is sheltered by the Otago Peninsula, home to one of the world’s rarest penguins and rare New Zealand sealions.