Pre-Arrival

Knowing as much as possible about the area before you arrive will make your arrival as stress free as possible. The following is a list of websites that can assist with this. We also recommend that if you know of any other people, particularly other students who have been to Dunedin, talk with those you know ahead of time.

• For general education information - education.govt.nz
• For education information for international students - enz.govt.nz
• For information about Dunedin - dunedinnz.com
• For information about Columba College - columbacollege.school.nz

Travel Checklist

Confirm your travel arrangements and inform Columba College in advance by emailing: international@columbacollege.school.nz

Make sure you have packed the following:

• Medical or optical prescriptions in English
• Travel documents
• Credit cards and some cash
• Warm clothing
• Full insurance policy in English if purchased by you

IMPORTANT NOTE:

• Ensure you pack your own bag and do not bring in bags and items belonging to other people.
• Inspect everything you carry into New Zealand personally.

Arriving in New Zealand

All travellers to New Zealand must complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration before reaching passport control in New Zealand. You can complete a digital declaration at www.TravellerDeclaration.govt.nz, or a paper arrival declaration which will either be available on your flight or on arrival in New Zealand.

This form contains Immigration, Customs and Quarantine declarations. You must tick “yes” if any of the questions apply to you but if you have any problems the airline staff will be happy to help you.

New Zealand has strict quarantine laws in regards to what food items can be bought into the country to protect our native fauna and flora. To check what you can and can’t bring into New Zealand visit:
https://www.mpi.govt.nz/bring-send-to-nz/

If you are unsure of any item in your luggage DECLARE IT. There is no penalty for declaring items, but a NZ$200 instant fine if you do not declare an item.

At your first place of entry into New Zealand your passport and visa will be checked. Once your documents have been verified by Immigration Officials you can then proceed to the baggage collection area.

Transfers to the Domestic Terminal

If you enter New Zealand at Auckland International airport you will need to transfer to the domestic terminal. You will find a blue line on the footpath outside the International terminal and can follow this line to the domestic terminal if you would like to walk. Otherwise there is also a free bus which runs between the International and Domestic terminals from 6.00am until 10.30pm.

In Christchurch both the International and Domestic terminals are located in the same building.

Airport Pickup

Columba College provides a meeting service for all new International students at the airport.

Concerns and Complaints

If you have any concerns or complaints, we have a comprehensive process in place. Click on the attachment below to view the Concerns and Complaints Process.