Accommodation

Te Henui Lodge Backpackers Motels/Hotels Homestay

Flatting Living expenses Boarding Useful links

Please note: International students are responsible for finding and organising their own accommodation prior to their arrival in New Zealand. It is important that we are advised of students’ accommodation in advance so we can arrange our free shuttle pickup to take them to their local address.

All international students are required to fill in our International Student Arrival Form.

Te Henui Lodge on-campus living

Te Henui Lodge provides modern, spacious and secure apartment-style living and facilities with lodge managers living on-site. Common areas and facilities give you great opportunities to socialise or relax, with the option of independence and privacy within your own space if you need it, offering great immersion language opportunities for international students wanting to practice their English language.

Located on campus, the lodge gives you convenient access to the library, Mātātoa Gym – an on-site gym with free membership for WITT Te Pūkenga students, basketball court, ping pong table, the 24/7 student lounge with computer access including Wifi, and all the attractions of the central city within easy walking distance.

Facilities at the lodge includes swipe card access, large commercial-standard kitchen, café-style eating areas, TV room with large screen satellite TV, comfortable lounge areas, coin-operated washing machines and dryers and onsite student car parking. Security cameras are in operation.

Room facilities include ensuite bathroom - toilet, basin and shower, queen bed, fridge, wardrobe, study desk, central heating and all linen provided (bed sheets, pillows, bedding and towels).

Wifi is available at the lodge, but there is an additional fee for this.

Cost:

Single fully furnished rooms for WITT Te Pūkenga students are $260 per person per week. Cost does not include food or Wifi.

Some shared rooms, and unfurnished rooms (bedding and kitchen utensils required), may be available. Please enquiry directly with the Te Henui Manager for availability.

On arrival, you are required to pay one week's rent in advance and be required to give 48 hours’ notice when moving out. Residents are to be 18 years or older. The lodge is not suitable for families.

How to book

Email your accommodation request to stay@tehenuilodge.co.nz or you can call the Lodge Manager on +64 6 758 0431.

For international students we recommend you inquire about availability prior to coming to New Zealand.

Backpackers

Backpackers offer shared or private accommodation at very affordable rates priced from about $30 - 70 per night and can be a great way for your initial stay here, with options of female only dorms, private ensuite bathrooms and extra furniture, TV, and Wifi.

Backpacker accommodation options in New Plymouth include Ariki Backpackers, and Ducks & Drakes Backpackers.

Motels/Hotels

Motels and hotels can offer affordable accommodation with lots of parking, offering options including laundry, Wifi, TV, ensuite bathroom, kitchenette, cooked breakfasts, with rates between $85 and $139 per night depending on location/options.

View motels/hotels links near WITT Te Pūkenga New Plymouth Campus here.

Homestay accommodation - international students (under 18 years)

Homestay accommodation is when a student lives with a local family in the family’s home. For international students, it offers a caring family living environment, which can ease the adjustment of living in a new country with different food, language, and customs.

Homestay accommodation is a requirement for international students under 18 years who are not living with their own families and is particularly suitable for students who are studying English language.

Homestay accommodation includes three meals each day, a private bedroom, bathroom (maybe shared), study and laundry facilities, bed linen and towels and Wifi. Homestay costs do not include personal items such as toothpaste, shampoo, and toiletries.

Homestay costs NZD $345 per week. If you are wanting Homestay accommodation complete the Under 18 International Student Accommodation Application. The form must be received at least two weeks before arrival.

Flatting

Flatting is an option available to students, where you can rent anything from an apartment to a large house and garden. In a flat, you can have your own room or share it with others. Bathroom and kitchen facilities are shared. Rent is paid per room with all other expenses (food, power and Wifi) along with cooking and cleaning shared. Flats are usually unfurnished.

If you choose this type of accommodation, you will need to find your own rental property. Useful sites include Trade Me where most Kiwis go when they are looking for a place to rent on their own or with others. Facebook groups can be another good way to see who is looking for flatmates or call one of the local real estate agencies in New Plymouth.

Know your rights. We encourage you to familiarise yourself with Tenancy Services website that is designed for people who need to know the basics of New Zealand law relating to renting and tenancy. It is especially useful if you are renting for the first time.

Costs for flats in New Plymouth range from $200-250 a room per week depending on the arrangement.

House hunting/flatting tips

Ask yourself:

Can I afford it?
Does the room/house provide appropriate heating?
Is there any mould? Mould can be a sign of a damp house or bad ventilation.
Will it be loud? It’s important that you have a quiet space for your home study as well as rest.
Is public transport available or nearby if you need it?

General living expenses in New Plymouth

Prices listed below are approximate only.

Food	$100 - 150 per week
Local bus fares	FREE to WITT students
Movies	$20
Restaurant dinner	$20 - 40 pp
Laundry	$6 per load for washing / $12 for drying
Internet	$80 - 100 per household

Fees are quoted in New Zealand Dollars (NZD) unless stated otherwise

Boarding - international students (18 years and over)

We have families who welcome international students into their homes on a shared living arrangement.

This type of accommodation will have you living within a family home, with your own bedroom but responsible for buying your own food, and doing your own cooking and laundry.

Home provider accommodation includes:

your own private furnished bedroom
access to kitchen and laundry facilities
access to WIFI
bed linen and towels (e.g. sheets and blankets)
private or shared bathroom

All personal items such as toothpaste, shampoo and toiletries are not included.

Fees vary between about $180-$250 per week, depending on your agreement with the accommodation provider.

Useful links

Accommodation

Support and resources

Cultural

For more information and handy tips download the MyWITT student app from the App Store or Google Play or view it on a desktop. You can check out our (International) Student Handbooks and other resources here.

Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki is part of Te Pūkenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology Learn more

Learn with purpose

Explore Te Pukenga