- Get a car! New Zealand is the ideal country for road trips with roads that winds through stunning and it’s many free camp sides. A car will allow you to get into outdoors activities, which is a must in NZ
- Get into outdoors activities! New Zealand has a lot of nature to offer. The Department of Conservation does a great job in maintaining trails and there is an endless list of suggested hikes all around New Zealand on their websites. With its long coast line, there are also great opportunities for surfing and other water sports and with its mountain ranges you can also ski during winter!
- Join the Tramping Club on campus! This student led group is a great way to access the nature if you don’t have a lot of experience. They organize several day and overnight trips throughout the year. It’s an easy way to get out if you don’t have the gear or a car.
- Take part in the Victoria International Leadership Program. This is a scheme run by the university which grant you a diploma of you attend two seminars, two speaker events and earn 20 points doing an experiential activity. It is a great scheme to get to learn about different fields different that your study field, meet people and do some volunteering.
- Go to the Sunday fruit and veg market! There are several fruits and veg markets around town, but my favorite has been the one down by the harbor. There are not only fruit and veges but also food stands, cheese stands, baked goods and a hummus (!) stand as well as street artist making a great atmosphere.
- Go to the fruit and veg market on campus. If you can’t make it to the market on Sunday, check out the mini version on campus every Wednesday!
- Get the weekly burger at the Laundry. The Laundry is a little gem of a bar, super quirky with great food, 10$ pints and a great atmosphere. During the weekends, it’s a great place for a little boogie, but make sure to check out their burger of the week which is always banging.
- Get the most out of student night! Wednesday is the student night, which means 5$ beer several places in Cuba Street. Head to Hotel Bristol for a pint and pool!
- Check out the second hand and thrift shops in town. In Cuba Street, you find several second hand and Thrift shops. All with different styles and prices. You’re guaranteed to find some gems to a reasonable price!
- Try out the city’s craft beer! There are several breweries in town. The Garage Project, Fortune Favors, Parrotdog and Hay Day to mention a few
10 tips for your stay as an exchange student in Wellington