First Days in Christchurch for New UOC Students - University of Otago
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First Days in
Christchurch for
New UOC Students
1
Table of Contents
Welcome to the University of Otago Christchurch ................................................................................. 4
HELPFUL CHRISTCHURCH CAMPUS INFORMATION ................................................................................ 5
Services and Support on Campus ...................................................................................................... 5
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ADVISERS ..................................................................................................... 6
Where to go for Help and Advice ...................................................................................................... 6
Student Visas ..................................................................................................................................... 6
The Association for Postgraduate Students of Otago, Christchurch (PSOC) ..................................... 7
Culture Shock .......................................................................................................................................... 8
Graduate Research School ................................................................................................................. 9
eVision Student Portal ....................................................................................................................... 9
Māori Customs, Culture and Language............................................................................................ 10
Prayer Space on Campus ................................................................................................................. 10
Bike and Car Parking ........................................................................................................................ 10
Conflict Resolution, Mediation and Ethical Behaviour .................................................................... 10
Smoke-free Campus ......................................................................................................................... 10
HEALTH & SAFETY ................................................................................................................................. 11
Emergencies ..................................................................................................................................... 11
Medical Services .............................................................................................................................. 11
Safety ............................................................................................................................................... 11
TRAVEL AND MEDICAL INSURANCE ...................................................................................................... 12
Travel Insurance ............................................................................................................................... 12
Medical Attention & Prescriptions .................................................................................................. 12
Your cover under Studentsafe ......................................................................................................... 12
Pre-existing conditions .................................................................................................................... 13
Further Information Regarding Insurance ....................................................................................... 13
Studentsafe Mobile App .................................................................................................................. 13
Accident Insurance .......................................................................................................................... 13
FLATS AND FOOD .................................................................................................................................. 14
Electricity Connection ...................................................................................................................... 14
Household Goods & Clothing........................................................................................................... 14
Living in a Cold Climate .................................................................................................................... 15
Supermarkets ................................................................................................................................... 15
International Food Markets ............................................................................................................. 15
Halal Food ........................................................................................................................................ 16
2
GETTING CONNECTED ........................................................................................................................... 17
Mobile Phones (Cell Phones) in New Zealand ................................................................................. 17
Changing your Phone Network While Keeping your Number? ....................................................... 17
Internet and E-mail .......................................................................................................................... 17
Student IT Help ................................................................................................................................ 18
Post Office ........................................................................................................................................ 19
Banking ............................................................................................................................................ 19
Justice of the Peace ......................................................................................................................... 19
Calling Home .................................................................................................................................... 19
CHRISTCHURCH AND GETTING AROUND .............................................................................................. 20
Christchurch ..................................................................................................................................... 20
Local Shopping Malls ....................................................................................................................... 21
Public Transport ............................................................................................................................... 21
Driving .............................................................................................................................................. 21
Cycling .............................................................................................................................................. 22
Local Gyms and Pools ...................................................................................................................... 22
18 Plus Cards .................................................................................................................................... 23
Map of central Christchurch ................................................................................................................. 24
SOCIAL MEDIA @ OTAGO ..................................................................................................................... 27
3
Welcome to the University of Otago
Christchurch
Kia Ora
I am delighted to welcome you to the University of Otago, Christchurch campus. We
hope that you will enjoy the student experience this campus offers. The University of
Otago Christchurch campus is situated in an amazing part of the world, so take some
time to explore the city of Christchurch and the surrounding countryside.
Studying in another country is a fantastic opportunity but can be a little daunting at
times. The International Office in Dunedin and Christchurch-based support staff are
here to help you during your time in Christchurch. Our friendly staff have a wealth of
knowledge and information so please do not hesitate to contact them.
I wish you all the best for your studies and hope that you really enjoy your time at the
Christchurch campus of the University of Otago.
Best wishes
Professor David Murdoch
Dean and Head of Campus
4
HELPFUL CHRISTCHURCH CAMPUS
INFORMATION
Services and Support on Campus
For Pastoral support your Department staff are a good first point of contact. Some
departments have a Postgraduate Advisory Committee that can provide support for
anyone experiencing problems, needing advice or information. Within the Christchurch
campus there are also three Associate Deans who are responsible for student pastoral
support:
• In Christchurch, Ruth Helms (Manager, Academic Programmes) is a good first
point of call and can be contacted on 03 364 0527 or by email:
ruth.helms@otago.ac.nz
For Undergraduate Medical students:
Associate Professor Jan McKenzie
(contact on 81080 or jan.mckenzie@otago.ac.nz )
For students of Postgraduate Taught Programmes:
Associate Professor Margaret Currie
(contact on 80544 or margaret.currie@otago.ac.nz )
For Doctoral students:
Professor Margreet Vissers
(contact on 81542 or margreet.vissers@otago.ac.nz )
• Simone Freeman at the International Office in Dunedin is also available and can
be contacted by email at international.support@otago.ac.nz
• The Otago chaplains are available to help anyone, regardless of faith, with issues
such as homesickness or grief as well as spiritual or religious questions.
Information on how to contact the chaplains can be found at
www.otago.ac.nz/contacts/departments/?dept=chaplains Students can also
speak to Christchurch Hospital chaplains who are located on the ground floor of
the Parkside building. Email chaplains@otago.ac.nz with full name and student
ID.
• Learning support is offered to students at the Christchurch campus by Carole
Acheson (carole.acheson@otago.ac.nz ). Carole provides workshops and one-on-
one learning assistance for students on study skills, assignments, presentations
and theses.
5
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT
ADVISERS
Where to go for Help and Advice
The International Office is based in Dunedin and has a team of International Student
Advisers. Our team enables internationally mobile students to integrate into university
study and promotes short-term international study opportunities by:
• providing briefing and orientation programmes
• facilitating integration into the university and wider community
• providing a focal point for special communication and support
• linking Otago students with overseas universities
• enabling students from overseas universities to study at Otago
• strengthening relationships with international partner institutions
Advisers can refer students to other specialised services as required.
To contact an adviser please email international.support@otago.ac.nz
A staff member from the International Student Support (ISS) visits Christchurch, usually
twice a year in March and July. ISS typically emails international students in advance of
their visit to schedule appointments with students. However, students are encouraged
to email international.support@otago.ac.nz at any time when they would like to talk
with an adviser.
Student Visas
The Compliance Team at the International Office in Dunedin is available for assist with
any student visa enquires.
Further Information
03 479 8344
student.visa@otago.ac.nz
https://www.otago.ac.nz/international/visas.html
The International Office of the University of Otago is located in Dunedin in
the Archway West building and is open Monday to Friday
8:30am to 5:00pm
(03) 479 8344 or call 0800 80 80 98 and ask to be transferred to the
International Office
6
The Association for Postgraduate Students of Otago,
Christchurch (PSOC)
PSOC association represents over 600 postgraduate students who are enrolled in
Honours, Postgraduate Diplomas and Certificates, Masters, and PhD degrees at Otago
Christchurch campus.
PSOC provides:
• social events (movie nights, staff vs students games, picnics etc.)
• academic events (seminars, workshops & lecture series)
• networking opportunities
• support and advocacy (any issues or concerns)
PSOC is run by volunteering postgraduate students with elections for the PSOC
Executive committee held annually.
To be sure you are on PSOC’s mailing list, send an email to:
psoc.uoc@otago.ac.nz
To keep up to date with events, follow the Facebook page:
PSOC-Postgraduate Students of Otago Christchurch
7
Culture Shock
Culture shock describes the impact of moving from a familiar culture to
one that is unfamiliar. Even though you may have planned and
prepared for your time at Otago, the extent of the change and the effect
it has on you may take you by surprise.
You may feel it is hard to focus, feel worried, concerned about your
health, more irritable or tearful.
Culture shock is entirely normal and there are things you can do to
help. Talk with someone who understands your experience such as
another international student, a student mentor, or an International
Student Adviser.
8
Graduate Research School
The Graduate Research School (GRS) is based in Dunedin and has responsibility for
leadership, oversight and policy advice in relation to doctoral degrees, as well as
responsibility for providing appropriate support and guidance to graduate research
candidates and their supervisors. The Doctoral and Scholarships Office, within the
Graduate Research School, manages and administers the doctoral and scholarships p
GRS also conducts workshops for postgraduate thesis students at the Christchurch
campus throughout the year. Workshops provide postgraduate students with relevant
information they need as they move through their programme. You will receive emails
and notices via email and through Blackboard about workshop and seminar offerings at
your campus so be sure to check Blackboard frequently.
eVision Student Portal
The eVision student portal is the main way in which the University will communicate
with you. You will receive an email with a link to the eVision student portal when an
alert is waiting for you. Alerts contain official information and letters from the
University to you. Please check your alerts when you receive these emails. You will also
be required to upload documents such as a self-evaluation and a supervisor agreement
form at each progress meeting.
9
Māori Customs, Culture and Language
For information on Maori customs, culture and language, please visit the following
websites
• http://maori.otago.ac.nz/reo-tikanga-treaty/te-reo
• http://maori.otago.ac.nz/reo-tikanga-treaty/tikanga
• http://maori.otago.ac.nz/reo-tikanga-treaty/te-reo/learn-te-reo
Prayer Space on Campus
There is a chapel within the Christchurch Hospital (ground floor, Parkside) that is used
as an interfaith prayer space. This prayer space is available for use by UOC students.
Bike and Car Parking
The Christchurch Hospital complex has two secure bicycle parking areas with swipe
card access. You will need to talk to your supervisors and one of the receptionists at the
UOC building, who can help set up access. There are no car parking facilities for staff or
students on the campus.
Conflict Resolution, Mediation and Ethical Behaviour
The University of Otago provides conflict resolution and mediation services that are
available for use by both staff and students. See www.otago.ac.nz/mediation for further
information. Jennifer Anderson is the University mediator (email
jennifer.anderson@otago.ac.nz or phone (03) 479-5679. The Christchurch campus has
several staff members and a current postgraduate student who are also available to help
with these issues. Posters giving the names and contact details of these Christchurch
based people are sited at strategic positions, such as lifts, within the campus.
Smoke-free Campus
The University of Otago, Christchurch is a smoke-free campus. For more information,
please refer to: www.otago.ac.nz/smokefree
10HEALTH & SAFETY
Emergencies
If you are outside the Christchurch campus and need the police, ambulance, or the fire
service in an emergency, dial 111. Give your name, location, and reason for calling. Be
specific and clear about your address.
Medical Services
For non-emergency care please make a booking with a local general practitioner (GP).
For after hour’s medical care or pharmacy, there is a 24 Hour Surgery on 401 Madras
street, phone 03 365 7777. Information on this surgery can be found at
www.24hoursurgery.co.nz
In an emergency, ring an ambulance by dialling 111, or proceed straight to the
Emergency Department of the Christchurch Public Hospital, 2 Riccarton Avenue. If
you have a medical emergency while working in the main UOC building you can ring
777 for assistance.
Safety
You should take the normal safety precautions in Christchurch that you would in any
city. Always lock your doors and walk with a friend or group at night, or get a taxi.
• Goldband Taxis (03) 379 5795
• First Direct Taxis (03) 377 5555
• Blue Star Taxis (03) 379 9799
Hospital security patrol the main UOC building after hours. If you are working in this
building after hours hospital security will ask to see your ID card so make sure that you
always have it with you. The hospital security are based at the entrance to the
emergency department and can be contacted on 89020. If there is no reply dial 0 for a
Hospital Telephone Operator.
11TRAVEL AND MEDICAL INSURANCE
Studentsafe Inbound University is our recommended insurance policy. This is a comprehensive
insurance policy designed and supported by all the universities in New Zealand. All
international students will be charged for this insurance policy unless you have had
confirmation from the University of Otago that your alternative insurance policy is compliant.
It is your responsibility as a student to understand and become familiar with the insurance
policy terms and conditions. You can find the link to the Studentsafe Inbound University policy
wording on our website:
otago.ac.nz/international/healthcare.html
Travel Insurance
Your Studentsafe insurance provides you with cover while travelling around New
Zealand during your studies. If you are travelling outside of New Zealand please read the policy,
check with the insurer or the University to see if you have cover for your trip. You may be
required to arrange alternative cover.
Medical Attention & Prescriptions
International students will be required to pay at the time of your medical consultation and for
any prescriptions, then make a claim for reimbursement. When you make a claim you need to
provide as much information as possible to support your claim such as doctor's notes and all
receipts. Claim forms are available on the Studentsafe website:
https://www.insurancesafenz.com/Claims
If you are given a prescription from your Doctor you can take this to a pharmacy (there is one at
the main entrance of Christchurch Hospital) to obtain your medication.
Your cover under Studentsafe
It is your responsibility as a student to understand and become familiar with the insurance
policy terms and conditions. Please ensure you have read and understood what conditions may
or may not be covered by your insurance policy.
Examples of conditions/appointments that are NOT covered by your insurance policy:
1. Pre-existing conditions
2. Household goods and contents
3. Car insurance
4. Most dental care
5. Individual property/items worth more than NZ$2,500
6. Contraception
7. Immigration medicals
8. Pregnancy and childbirth
9. Vaccinations
10. Most health screening appointments, lab and prescription costs
11. Claims arising directly or indirectly because you were under the influence of alcohol
and/or drugs
12. Work related injuries
12Pre-existing conditions
You are not covered for pre-existing conditions under the Studentsafe Inbound University
policy. Cover can be arranged in certain circumstances.
What is a pre-existing condition?
Any medical or physical condition:
• which you were aware of, or ought to have been aware of
• for which advice, care, treatment, medication or medical attention had been sought,
given or recommended
• which has been diagnosed as a medical condition, or a sickness or which are indicative
of a sickness
• which is of such a nature to require, or which potentially may require medical attention
• which is of such a nature as would have caused a prudent, reasonable person to seek
medical attention prior to the start of cover under this policy
• procedure or surgery in the past even if you are no longer affected by this condition
For more information about pre-existing conditions visit
https://www.otago.ac.nz/international/healthcare.html#preexisting
Further Information Regarding Insurance
International Office, staff based in Dunedin
03 479 8344
international.insurance@otago.ac.nz
www.otago.ac.nz/international/healthcare.html
Studentsafe Inbound Insurance
0800 486 004
https://www.insurancesafenz.com/studentsafe/student-safe-inbound-university
Studentsafe Mobile App
We recommend you download the Studentsafe Mobile app. It’s designed to work on all mobile
devices that can access the internet. You can download Studentsafe Mobile app by going to:
sa.agaapps.co.nz
The link will direct you to a web page where you will be able to enter the details below.
• Your Login is your University Student ID number
• Your Pin Number – this pin number is supplied with your emailed record of cover
If you have any problems, then please contact the help desk on 0800 486 004 or email
help@insurancesafenz.co.nz
Accident Insurance
In addition to your insurance cover, the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) provides
comprehensive, no-fault personal injury cover for all New Zealand residents and visitors to New
Zealand. You will be covered as long as the injury falls within the legislation.
https://www.acc.co.nz/
13FLATS AND FOOD
The University of Otago Christchurch has useful information regarding accommodation
options for international students ranging from short term to longer term options at:
www.otago.ac.nz/christchurch/study/accommodation
Trade me (www.trademe.co.nz ) is a buy and sell website in New Zealand which is a
good place to find rentals, both for rooms and whole house/apartments.
There are several Facebook groups which can be used to advertise rooms for rent.
The University of Canterbury website also contains some helpful information on how to
find private rental accommodation (a flat) in Christchurch and what sort of costs to
expect (Note the costs are for only one person, take this into account if coming over
with family). You can find this information at:
www.canterbury.ac.nz/future-students/accommodation/private-rental
www.canterbury.ac.nz/future-students/fees-and-funding/cost-of-living/#tab2
Electricity Connection
If you are staying in a flat and the electricity is not on, you can arrange for it to be
connected by calling one of the following companies
• Contact Energy: 0800 80 9000
• Meridian Energy: 0800 496 496
• Genesis Energy: 0800 300 400
• Nova Energy: 0800 668 236
• Powershop: 0800 1000 60
• Trustpower: 0800 87 87 87
Household Goods & Clothing
Below are places to purchase reasonably-priced bed linen, clothing, kitchen appliances,
heaters, etc.
• The Warehouse South City Mall, 555 Columbo Street, Christchurch Central
• Briscoes Westfield Mall, 129 Riccarton Road, Riccarton
• EcoShop 191 Blenheim Road, Riccarton
• Kmart Westfield Mall, 129 Riccarton Road, Riccarton
• Smiths City Clearance Store 367 Blenheim Rd, Upper Riccarton
14Living in a Cold Climate
Houses in New Zealand are typically not centrally heated and accommodation here can
be much colder than what you are accustomed to. If you are not used to living in a cold
climate, contact an International Student Adviser about clothes suitable for colder
weather and useful tips for remaining warm and dry in your flat!
international.support@otago.ac.nz
You can also find useful information about tips of living in a New Zealand home on
“Healthy home hacks” Facebook page:
www.facebook.com/nzhealthyhomehacks
Supermarkets
Listed below are several centrally located supermarkets and a market:
• South City New World South City Mall, 555 Colombo Street, Christchurch
Central
• PAK’nSAVE 297 Moorhouse Avenue
• Countdown 347 Moorhouse Avenue
• Riccarton Farmers’ Market Every Saturday, 9am-1pm, at the Riccarton House
and Grounds, 16 Kahu Road, Fendalton
www.christchurchfarmersmarket.co.nz
• Riccarton Rotary Sunday Market every Sunday, 9am-2pm, Wet or fine located
at Riccarton Park, Racecourse Road
This is the biggest market of its kind in New Zealand and is a great place to shop.
Each week up to 300 vendors are there selling a wide variety of goods from fresh
fruits and vegetables to second hand goods, furniture, clothing, art, plants and
trees, and food and beverages. You name it - the market will have it.
International Food Markets
Listed below are a few of the stores in Christchurch that sell a variety of international
foods:
• Big T Asian Supermarket 21 Foremans Road, Hornby (03) 349 0288
• Church Corner Mall (Asian groceries and restaurants) 21 Leslie St, Upper
Riccarton, Christchurch 8041
• KOSCO Asian Supermarket 227 Blenheim Road (03) 343 3101
• Guruji Indian Supermarket 12 Bath Street (near South City Mall) (03) 374
5222
15Halal Food
We have been advised that the following restaurants and supermarkets provide Halal
food in Christchurch:
Supermarkets
• Maihan Supermarket & Halal Meat 303 Colombo Street, Sydenham,
(03) 332 1897
• Halal NZ Meat 292 Lincoln Road, Addington (03) 339 6344
• Mefco - Mediterranean Food Company 24 Acheron Dr, Blenheim road,
Riccarton, Christchurch 8041 (03) 343 3025
Restaurants- some examples of restaurants that use Halal meat in their foods
• Arjee Bhajee 13C Riccarton Road, Riccarton (03) 365 6633
www.arjeebhajee.co.nz
• Mosaic by Simo Authentic Moroccan Deli & Restaurant 3/300 Lincoln Road,
Addington (03) 338 2882 www.mosaicbysimo.com
• Afghan Restaurant 314 Lincoln Road, Addington (03) 338 7029
Further information about where to find halal food in Canterbury can be found at:
www.zabihah.com/sub/New-Zealand/Canterbury/MKJIHgnZVs
www.christchurchnz.com/wine-and-dine/halal-food-guide
16GETTING CONNECTED
Mobile Phones (Cell Phones) in New Zealand
There are five main mobile phone carriers in New Zealand: Vodafone, Spark, 2° (2
Degrees), Skinny Mobile and Warehouse Mobile. Each carrier offers a wide variety of
cell phones and students can choose from different pre-pay plans (“pay as you go”
plans). Please visit a local store or their website for more information:
• www.vodafone.co.nz
• www.spark.co.nz
• www.2degreesmobile.co.nz
• www.skinny.co.nz
• www.warehousemobile.co.nz
Changing your Phone Network While Keeping your Number?
Yes, it is really easy to switch your phone number from one network to another. All you
will need is a SIM card and a mobile phone that will work on that network. Take them to
one of the providers’ stores and they will get things underway. For example, this link
shows how to switch to Vodafone:
www.vodafone.co.nz/mobile-plans/switch-to-vodafone
Internet and E-mail
As a student at the University of Otago, you can access the internet on campus via a
wired or wireless connection using your laptop, tablet, phone or other wireless device.
To connect to the campus network, select the network and enter your
student username & password (the same username as on your ID card).
The Christchurch student computer lab is on the 5th floor of the main UOC building.
Swipe card access only.
Outside of the University, local libraries, McDonalds and Starbucks all have free Wi-Fi.
17Student IT Help
Student IT Advisers are based in Dunedin and can help with all your computer needs.
They can help you get your laptop/tablet/smartphone onto the University Wi-Fi
network. Christchurch students should contact IT staff in Dunedin with any problems
or queries by phone on 0800 479 888 or by email at studentit@otago.ac.nz. If staff in
Dunedin are not able to deal with the request they will pass the job onto local IT based
at the Christchurch campus. It is important, however, that students make their initial
enquiry for assistance to the Dunedin based IT advisers.
You can find very useful information if you go to the main webpage
(www.otago.ac.nz/christchurch) and then on the top left corner under the University
logo, click on the ‘Otago home’ and several tabs will appear. As you can see in the
following picture, if you click on the ‘For current students’, you can reach many services
including your student webmail, eVision system and IT and computer support.
18Post Office
New Zealand post are the official system of posting parcels and documents locally and
internationally. You can find more information about the services, rates, tracking etc., on
their website:
www.nzpost.co.nz/tools
There are also other local and international courier, parcel and express mail services,
such as DHL and New Zealand Couriers:
www.dhl.co.nz/en/express.html
www.nzcouriers.co.nz
Banking
There are many different registered banks in New Zealand. The main banks include:
• ASB www.asb.co.nz
• ANZ www.anz.co.nz
• BNZ www.bnz.co.nz
• Westpac www.westpac.co.nz
• Kiwibank www.kiwibank.co.nz
You can find more information on the websites regarding the services and conditions.
Justice of the Peace
A Justice of the Peace (JP) in New Zealand is an appointed person in the community who
is accredited to witness and certify documents. If you need to send a certified document
to your home country such a copy of a document or sign something official or take
photo identification you can get help of a JP to confirm and certify it for you. You can
find local JPs and make an appointment in advance through:
www.justiceofthepeace.org.nz
Calling Home
In addition to messaging and calling services on Smart phones, such as Skype and
WhatsApp, a cheap and easy way to call home is by using an international calling card.
These can be used on most phones and are available from grocery stores, ‘$2 shops,’ and
petrol stations. If you are in a flat and need to get the landline phone connected, dial
123 from a friend’s phone or any public phone and give the operator your details.
19CHRISTCHURCH AND GETTING
AROUND
Christchurch
Christchurch is an ethnically diverse city with a population of approximately 370,000.
The city offers a good student lifestyle, it is close to the sea and mountains, has a
temperate climate, an international airport, and a variety of international food options.
Currently there is significant rebuilding of the city with the aim of making Christchurch
a modern and sustainable city.
The Christchurch City Council website (www.ccc.govt.nz ) has useful information on
local Libraries, Parks & Gardens, community/cultural events, and recreation.
More useful information on Christchurch and Canterbury tourism can be obtained at
www.christchurchnz.com
Events run by the Christchurch City Council can be found at www.bethere.co.nz
20Local Shopping Malls
Within walking distance of the University of Otago Christchurch campus: Re:Start Mall
at 78/92 Cashel St (10 min walk), South City Centre at 555 Colombo Street (20 min
walk) and Westfield Riccarton at 129 Riccarton Road (30 min walk).
Further afield are:
Northlands Mall at 55 Main North Road, Papanui
Bush Inn Centre on the corner of Riccarton Road and Waimari Road, Riccarton
Eastgate Mall 20 Buckleys Road, Linwood
The Palms on the corner of Marshlands Road and New Brighton Road, Shirley
Public Transport
It is very easy to get around the campus and to the city centre on foot. To travel further
afield, information on public bus timetables is available at www.metroinfo.co.nz/. A
free app for use with android phones is available to help you plan your bus trips at:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.appavate.canterburytransit&hl=en
You can pay your bus fare to the driver in cash however it is strongly recommended to
purchase a Metro Card, available at the Bus Interchange (city centre). The price of a trip
is reduced at least by 30% and you gain access to unlimited transfers within 2 hours.
The Metro Card can be topped up on the bus (cash only), at the Bus Interchange or
online.
Visit the following links for information on where to buy and how to top up Metro cards:
www.metroinfo.co.nz/metrocard/pages/wheretobuy.aspx
www.metroinfo.co.nz/metrocard/pages/checkingbalance.aspx
Driving
It is highly recommended that you wait several weeks to adjust to traffic patterns before
driving in New Zealand.
Upon arrival you can drive in NZ if you have an International driver’s license. You can
also drive if you have a current and valid overseas license. This is valid for 12 months
and your license must be in English or you need to have a certified translation. For more
details please visit:
www.nzta.govt.nz/driver-licences/new-residents-and-visitors/driving-on-nz-roads
21If you plan to buy a car, make yourself familiar with NZ regulations: You will need to
know about insurance, the vehicle licensing (rego) and the warrant of fitness (WoF).
Information available also at the NZTA website.
The Visiting Driver Training Programme is an interactive video that will assess your
knowledge and understanding of driving in NZ and help you prepare for NZ road rules
and road conditions. Give it a try at:
www.aa.co.nz/travel/visitors-to-new-zealand/visiting-driver-training-programme
Another useful website is: www.drivesafe.org.nz
For information on driving and licensing in New Zealand, please refer to
www.nzta.govt.nz or to www.aa.co.nz
Cycling
Christchurch is mostly situated on flat land making it ideal for getting around by bike.
There are cycle lanes on the major roads and through Hagley Park (near the UOC
campus). In New Zealand the wearing of cycle helmets is compulsory by law. Also note
that the city undergoes continuous road work so be cautious when approaching
working sites.
Local Gyms and Pools
Below are several gyms and pools within easy travel distance of the campus:
• City Fitness (gym, group fitness) Harvey Norman Centre, 250 Moorhouse Ave
(www.cityfitness.co.nz/locations/south/christchurch/18) One of
the price friendly options
• UC RecCentre (gym, group fitness, courts, climbing) 22 Kirkwood Ave, Ilam
(www.phed.canterbury.ac.nz ) Good value for low cost, students receive a special
fare.
• YMCA Health & Fitness (gym, group fitness), 12 Hereford Street, Christchurch
centre, (03) 359 8320 (www.ymcachch.org.nz/fitness-and-climbing/y-fitness ).
Students receive a 15% discount off gym membership.
• Anytime fitness (gym only) 55 Riccarton Rd, Riccarton,
(www.anytimefitness.co.nz)
• Wharenui Swimming Club (swimming) 73 Elizabeth St, Riccarton,
(www.wharenui.swimming.org.nz )
22• Pioneer Recreation & Sport Centre (gym and pool), 75 Lyttleton Street,
Somerfield, (03) 941 6888 (www.ccc.govt.nz/rec-and-sport/fitness-
centres/pioneer )
• Jellie Park Recreation & Sport Centre (gym and pool), 295 Ilam Road,
Burnside, (03) 941 6888 (www.ccc.govt.nz/rec-and-sport/fitness-
centres/jelliepark )
18 Plus Cards
Many bars and restaurants in Christchurch may require you to show proof that you are
at least 18 years old before they will serve you alcohol. Most places will not accept your
international driver’s licence as a form of identification. In order to avoid carrying your
passport with you, you may want to invest in an 18 Plus Card. These cards cost $35.
Applications for an 18 Plus Card can be downloaded at www.hanz18plus.org.nz.
Once you have completed the application form, you will need to take the form and your
passport to a Justice of the Peace and have them sign off on your application. There is a
Justice of the Peace in the Christchurch Hospital, contact Gerard Thomas on 80034.
23Map of central Christchurch
3
5 6
1 2
4
Legend:
1 – Christchurch Hospital & University of Otago Christchurch campus
2 – Bus exchange
3 – 24 hour Surgery & Pharmacy
4 – South City Shopping Mall
5 – YMCA gym & recreation centre
6 – Re:Start Mall
2425
26
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