Accommodation

Where do I stay in NZ?

I will be staying for less than a month

- It would be preferable to stay at a backpacker. 

These usually cost around NZ$25 to NZ$50 per day depending on where you stay, facilities provided and kind of room you need.

- A list of Backpackers in Auckland can be found here.

- Some BBH Backpackers in Auckland listed here.

- It would be a good idea to stay near the Hospital during your observership and then move to Auckland city center once your exam is over.

I will be staying in NZ for a month or more

- In this case you may want to look for home accommodation. It usually costs between NZ$150 to NZ$250 for a week for a room for yourself.

- When you select a room in a home, ask the landlord for the following:

• Internet access
• Power
• Hot water
• Distance from Hospital - proximity to a bus stop
• Furniture in the room (bed, table, heater, wardrobe, etc)

- Most times, landlords will charge an extra fee for the above mentioned facilities. The extra expense ranges from NZ$30 to NZ$50 and should be agreed upon before paying the deposit.

- Usually a deposit of 2-3 weeks rent would be required to be payed and a weeks rent paid in advance too. So be prepared with your cash :)

- Rooms for rent can be found on various websites like:

• www.nzflatmates.co.nz
• www.easyroommate.co.nz
• www.trademe.co.nz/flatmates-wanted (best website but requires you to be in NZ to login and contact people)

• Just do a Google search for 'Flatmates Auckland' or "backpacker Auckland"

Backpackers or Home? What is the best option?

Make your decision after reading the pros and cons of each.

• Backpackers turn out to be the more expensive option at around $30/day ($210/week) compared to a room which can be as low as $150/week
• You don't have to pay a deposit at Backpackers whereas as a flatmate in a home you must shell out atleast $300 upfront as deposit (refundable)
• Your home will have a cleaner bathroom/toilet and more privacy as it will only be shared amongst 2-3 people.
• It may be difficult to find a backpacker away from the city center.
• It may be difficult to get a home if you plan to stay for less than a month.
• A lot of backpackers dont have free wifi, which means you must pay for internet access. Most homes include internet access in their rent.

Where to stay

North Shore Hospital is located at Takapuna, Auckland on the west of Lake Pupuke.

If you find a place to stay at Takapuna, Milford or Hillcrest, the hospital would be within walking distance.

However, if you plan to stay in the city center, there are frequent buses to and from the Hospital. 

Bus fares would be approximately NZ$6.50 from the city center to the Hospital. 

Glenfield, Wairau Valley and Northcote are other good options to find a room these are not too far from the Hospital. Bus fares range from NZ$1.90 to NZ$4.50

How do I calculate Bus Fares?

Try Auckland Transport Website Journey Planner. This will provide bus fares and approximate bus timings for the route you select.

Did you find this information helpful? Please let us know in the comments below!