Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ New Zealand
How safe is it in New Zealand?
New Zealand is a relatively safe place to travel and live. However, like most places in North America, traveling in New Zealand involves some risk. We strongly recommend that all students exercise caution when traveling.
What is the climate like?
New Zealand is known for having “four seasons in one day”, the country has an extremely changeable climate with a high rainfall. Temperatures may fluctuate from 15-25 degrees Celsius (on a beautiful summer day) to below zero degrees Celsius at night in the mountains during our NZ fieldtrips or in the late winter (August/September).
Will I be able to travel in New Zealand?
In addition to program field trips, the semester schedule allows for personal travel on free weekends, during a three-day break at the end of orientation, and over a mid-semester weeklong break. Students in the past have also chosen to arrive in New Zealand before the semester start date, or to stay after it finished in order to travel more.
Can I travel outside of New Zealand?
Yes. Past students have traveled to Australia during their term break, and others have included a stopover in other location in the South Pacific on their airline itinerary when come to or returning from New Zealand.
Will I be interacting with local New Zealanders?
Yes. Some of our program staff are from New Zealand. You will also have the opportunity to meet local families during a home stay weekend early in the semester. Your level of involvement off campus will depend on your interests and willingness to seek out activities in the Kaikoura community.
How many credit hours are available?
At the CCSP New Zealand program we offer 16 credit hours each semester. All students take the same four classes.
May I have visitors when I am in the program?
Yes! It can be exciting to have family and friends visit you in New Zealand. We cannot guarantee accommodation at our campus for guests but would happily recommend local accommodation. We recommend that you contact the New Zealand program prior to booking any plane tickets for visitors to check the dates of your visitor’s stay to ensure that you will not be away traveling on a field trip. In general the mid-term break week is a good time to travel with friends and family.
How much does the program cost?
Students come from different schools, and each school has different policies for the cost of study abroad programs. It is best, therefore, to contact your home institution to get this information. A rule of thumb is CCSP will cost approximately the same for tuition and room and board as it does at you’re home institution, however, please check with your school to determine a more accurate cost estimate.
In addition to tuition and room and board, students are responsible for the cost of travel to and from New Zealand (although we are aware of one school that contributes to the cost of airfare). We do assist students to buy low price tickets, however, by referring them to a travel agent who can help book everyone on a group ticket. Participating in a group booking, however, is completely optional.
How will I get to and from the CCSP program?
Once you have been accepted into the program you will receive information on arrival times and locations from CCSP. Although we work with a travel agent to organize a group airline itinerary at a discounted price, you are ultimately responsible for arranging your own air travel. CCSP staff will organize transportation for you from the Christchurch airport to our campus in Kaikoura.
When is the application deadline?
The application deadlines for the New Zealand Program are:
Fall Semester – April 1st
Spring Semester – October 31st
Once you have been accepted into the program we will send you a detailed packing list with everything you’ll need to bring along for your semester in New Zealand.
Do I need a passport/visa?
Yes, you will need a passport that is valid until 6 months after your intended stay in New Zealand. Once you have been accepted into the program we will send you information about applying for a visa.
What vaccines do I need to prepare for New Zealand?
At the time of writing, the US Center for Disease Control (C.D.C.) website (http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationNewZealand.aspx) recommends that travelers to New Zealand have the following vaccines:
• Routine: Recommended if you are not up-to-date with routine shots such as,
measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT) vaccine, etc.
• Hepatitis B:
Please check the C.D.C. website for up to the minute recommendations. See your doctor at least 4–6 weeks before your trip to allow time for immunizations to take effect.
Do I need A COVID19 Vaccine?
At the time of writing (Jan. 25, 2023) students COVID19 vaccinations are NOT required to travel to NZ. This could change at any time, so students should check the NZ COVID information website https://covid19.govt.nz.
How much additional money will I need during the semester?
Costs to budget for include internet access in town, going out for coffee, movies or ice-cream; restocking supplies of personal hygiene products, laundry, purchasing gifts and souvenirs etc. With some exceptions, the cost of living is approximately the same or slightly less expensive in New Zealand than the U.S. $250-450USD should be more than sufficient to meet these needs
Your costs for personal travel during the semester are dependent on the style of travel you choose. In the past, students have spent between $350USD (for cheap back-packing and/or camping travel) and $1,700USD (for more expensive travel including air-flights, and specialized adventure activities). Ultimately your budget depends on the choices you make.
What is the best way to access money while in New Zealand?
Money can easily be withdrawn from ATMs in New Zealand with a debit card, and many businesses accept US credit cards and/or debit cards. (Do not have family send personal checks as you will not be able to cash them here!) We also recommend that you bring a small amount in US currency in case you are unable to use your bankcards.
What kind of transportation is available in New Zealand?
There are a number of bus services that pass through Kaikoura, as well as a train service, and several rental car options. The closest airports are in Blenheim and Christchurch. In general public transportation in New Zealand is easy to use and accessible.
Who do I contact if I have more questions?
Please contact the New Zealand program at CCSPSopac@creationcsp.org, or contact Chris Elisara in the US administration office at (760) 765 2817.
Can I audit a class?
No, all students are required to take classes for credit.
What is there to do around Kaikoura?
CCSP maintains a fleet of bicycles to make the area more accessible to our students and staff. There are numerous hike and walks, around the Kaikoura peninsula, and in the Seaward Kaikoura Mountains. Kaikoura is a center for Marine tourism in New Zealand and is an excellent place to kayak, surf, paddleboard, snorkel, or freedive for Paua and Crayfish. On campus opportunities for gardening abound.
What are the semester dates?
Please refer to the bottom of our home page or the "Program" menu for future semester dates.
Where will I be staying while I am in New Zealand?
Our campus is based in the former SkyHi Lodge located in the heart of the small town of Kaikoura on the east coast of the South Island. Kaikoura is a two and a half hour drive north of Christchurch and two hours south of Picton.
Can I stay on campus during breaks?
Our campus is closed during the student trip weekend at the end of orientation, and during the mid-semester break.