Packing, Phones & More

Packing

New Zealand's weather is varied and can change quickly, often referred to as "four seasons in a day."

In the North Island, you’ll find a generally mild climate with warm summers and cooler, wetter winters. Auckland tends to be warm and humid in summer, while Wellington can be a bit windier and cooler.

The South Island has more dramatic weather, especially in the mountainous regions. Summers can be warm, especially in places like Nelson, but you’ll also find chilly alpine conditions. Winters can get pretty cold, particularly in the south, with snow in places like Queenstown and Wanaka.

Overall, you can expect a mix of sunshine, rain, and occasionally some storms, depending on where you are. Layers are therefore the name of the game, as is rain gear and sun block. Make sure all your shoes are comfortable and good for protection from the elements. Just be ready for a bit of everything, and you'll enjoy the stunning landscapes no matter the weather!

Don’t forget US to NZ adapters for electrical outlets. Adapters for New Zealand are available on Amazon and potentially at Walmart (and similar stores).

Tips for Purchasing your flight

Students should purchase a round-trip flight to Auckland.
Orientation begins nearby, in Rotorua. After the Orientation, you will be accompanied by Arcadia staff to your host institution.
We strongly advise students to purchase airline tickets that permit a change of date.
We strongly recommend purchasing tickets directly from the airline rather than a third-party vendor (like Expedia or Travelocity). Making changes or cancellations is generally easier to do directly with the airline.
Research many different airlines. Some will waive change fees, regardless of fare type. For other airlines it depends on the fare you purchase. Be sure to read all of the rules associated with any airline ticket before purchasing.

As indicated in the Study Abroad Acknowledgement and Release Form, Holy Cross is not responsible for travel expenses, including but not limited to, airline tickets and transportation to and from airports, which result from program suspension or termination, schedule changes, flight changes, emergency evacuation, or any other exigency. Such expenses are the sole responsibility of the student.

Travel Day / Your Carry-On

On the day of your flight, make sure you have the following in your carry-on bag:

Passport

Your passport needs to be valid at least six months after your expected return to the U.S.

Holy Cross Affidavit Letter

This is a document provided by the Office of Study Abroad that states you are a student in good standing at the College of the Holy Cross and are on an official Holy Cross program, with all tuition and fees paid for. You may need to show this to the immigration officer once you arrive in-country.

Place of Offer Letter

Print your PoO letter from your email. This letter serves as proof that you are a matriculated student at Otago University. You may need to show this to the immigration officer once you arrive in New Zealand.

Cash in NZ$
The amount you bring is up to you, but NZ$ 200 is a good start!

Phone Apps & Int'l Plans

You are required to have a cell phone with the app Whatsapp (wifi/data texting) in New Zealand. Whatsapp is an international texting & calling app that our SA office will use this to stay in touch with you. You are not allowed to study abroad without a phone.

There are several ways of ensuring you have cell phone coverage while in NZ:

Call your American carrier and ask what your current plan allows for travel in New Zealand. Make sure you understand the parameters and if there are any steps to follow immediately before and after you land in Auckland and switch on your cell phone/take it off Airplane mode.
Another option, as convenient but potentially expensive, is to pay your American carrier for an expanded international plan for the duration of your study abroad program.
Ask HC Student Ambassadors to other programs what their experience was and what worked well! (Find their names here.)

No matter what your plan is, make sure you understand whether your American phone needs to be unlocked before you leave!

Required Apps

Whatsapp is a free international texting & calling app that our office will use this to stay in touch with you. You are required to have Whatsapp on your phone. Whatsapp operates on wifi, so you can start using whatsapp the moment you land in Italy, even if you don't have an international cell phone plan just yet. All you need is wifi, which you can connect to at the airport!

ISOS

You are required to download the International SOS Insurance App. Once you land in Italy, you must open that app and press the "Check-In" Button. You should also press the "Check-In" Button any time you are traveling outside of Melbourne. This allows us to best contact/help you in the event of an emergency.

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