Amazing Auckland - Pakuranga College

Welcome to Our Place

In 2023, Auckland was named the 10th best city in the world to live by the Global Liveability Index, and New Zealand was ranked the 4th safest country in the Global Peace Index. We love it here and we know you will too!

Pakuranga is a safe, quiet, and attractive suburb with high-quality housing in East Auckland. It is close to beautiful beaches, large parks, and excellent shopping malls – and just 30 minutes by car or ferry from downtown Auckland with its excellent dining, shopping, and entertainment options.

Pakuranga College itself enjoys spacious grounds and a lush green environment. Adjacent to the school is Lloyd Elsmore Park, which is home to many facilities for sports such as hockey, rugby, netball, cricket, and athletics.

Auckland has a moderate climate, experiencing four seasons with temperatures averaging in the mid-20s (degrees Celsius) during summer and in the mid-10s in winter.

What to do in Auckland

Auckland is an amazing city, located between two beautiful harbours. While you’re here take some time to explore, we recommend trying the activities below:

Head to the Beach

East Auckland has beautiful calm beaches that are very safe to swim in. Popular Eastern Beach is close to the college, with beautiful views of the Waitemata Harbour.

Take the Ferry

The Half Moon Bay Marina is very close to Pakuranga College. Check out the boats and see why Auckland is called the City of Sails or take a ferry trip. Ferries to downtown Auckland and the stunning Waiheke Island both depart from the marina.

Climb a Volcano

Auckland has 53 volcanoes to explore. Climb to the top of Maungawhau/Mt Eden for an excellent view of the city, or walk up Ohuiarangi/Pigeon Mountain beside the college for a bird’s eye view of the local area. See if you can spot your homestay house!

Explore Our Bush

There is lots of native bush to explore in New Zealand’s largest city. Take a gentle hike on the Point View Bush Path in nearby East Tamaki and explore our native plants and birds.

Scale the Sky Tower

See the view from the top of New Zealand’s tallest building! Standing at 328m tall, you can see all of Auckland from the observation deck. Enjoy a coffee with a view, or if you’re feeling brave sign up for a SkyWalk or SkyJump and get a shot of adrenaline instead!

Get Active

We love to be outdoors in Auckland! Why not view the city from the water – grab a kayak and go for a paddle in the harbour. Or stick to shore a take one of our dedicated cycle paths, there’s a great one from Half Moon Bay Marina to Farm Cove in our local area.

Eat Up

If you’re craving a taste of home, you can find it in Auckland. Meadowlands Shopping Centre has an amazing array of Asian eateries and we have international cuisine from Europe and South America across the city. Or embrace local cuisine – have fish and chips on the beach, enjoy a barbeque with your host family, and discover the coffee culture in our many cafés.

Things to see in New Zealand

International students can explore more of New Zealand with their parents, homestay family, or as part of an organised tour. Many of our students enjoy trips to other parts of the country during the school holidays. Popular destinations include:

Northland

A short distance from Auckland, the “winterless north” has beautiful beaches, Kauri forests, and stunning sea life. See where modern-day New Zealand was forged in 1840 at Waitangi, with the signing of the treaty.

Coromandel

Another popular holiday playground for Aucklanders, the Coromandel is a short distance from the city. Fish the Thames coast, soak in the thermal waters at Hot Water Beach, kayak at Cathedral Cove and take a stroll in native bush.

Rotorua

New Zealand’s geothermal and adventure tourism centre, Rotorua is a must. Experience Māori culture, zoom down the luge, go zorbing, mountain bike, walk in the canopy of Whakarewarewa Forest, relax in a geothermal pool, and see our volcanic springs and geysers.

South Island

The South Island is full of stunning scenery. Get an adrenaline rush in Queenstown, the home of the bungy jump. If you need more of a thrill, take a jet boat ride at 85km per hour on the Shotover River, get wet white-water rafting, or take to the clouds for some skydiving.

The Southern Alps offer the best skiing in the country, awe-inspiring ice glaciers and multi-day hiking trails in native forests.

Student Testimonials

“
EgleItaly
“I had an amazing time here in New Zealand, thanks to my new friends and my homestay family. My host parents have been very kind and relaxed, they have supported me throughout my experience. We started communicating even before my arrival and since the first hour here they have helped me and cared about me.

They have introduced me to different traditions and cooked me delicious meals. The best dish is my host mum’s Sunday roast dinner and one day every week I cook them Italian dishes.”

“
SabrinaChina
“I really enjoy my New Zealand life. I have met some lovely people and have made many friends. I usually hang out with my friends to take some beautiful New Zealand landscape photos, eat delicious food, and visit historic buildings.”

“
TheoGermany
“In Auckland, I’ve loved visiting Waiheke Island and Rangitoto (a volcanic island) in the Hauraki Gulf. It’s very easy to catch the ferry to both, and you get great views from the water. I went with friends, and we had a great time exploring.

My highlight though, has been visiting the South Island. I went on a 10-day trip, booked by the college staff. There were lots of international students on the tour bus and I made so many new friends this way. Queenstown was the highlight, especially going jetboating on the Shotover River – that was thrilling! My parents are coming to New Zealand at the end of my stay, and I can’t wait to show them some of the things I’ve done and explore a bit more of New Zealand.”

“
JonasGermany
“I’ve done a little bit of travel during my time in New Zealand. I liked going up to the Bay of Islands and boarding down the massive sand dunes. But honestly, I’ve been so busy with all the extra activities I’ve done at school that I haven’t had much time, and Auckland is great. It’s got everything you want and need, there’s no need to go anywhere else!”

“
KazukiJapan
“I visited many beautiful places during my time in New Zealand. With friends, I caught the ferry to Waiheke Island in Auckland, which was a great day. My homestay family took me on a trip to Taupō and Rotorua in the North Island. It was an awesome experience; my favourite was racing down the Luge in Rotorua – that was super fun!”

Weekly Office Hours
Monday – Friday 8am – 4pm

Phone: (09) 5347159 ext. 982
Email: international@pakuranga.school.nz

Physical Address
Pigeon Mountain Road
Half Moon Bay
Auckland 2012

Postal Address
PO Box 82090
Highland Park
Auckland 2143