Local Area Information

We have a number of Japanese, Korean and Chinese food stores in Christchurch, where you can buy foods from your home country.

• Japan Mart is located at Riccarton Mall by Spark and House of Travel.
• Kosco is located on Riccarton Road and Northlands Mall.
• China Town in Church Corner has many Chinese shops.

To travel around Christchurch, we have a great public transport system with Metro. The 1 (Blue Line) and 100 will get you to Riccarton Mall, Northlands Mall, Merivale Mall, Church Corner and into the city.

You can catch the 1 (Blue Line) bus from Papanui Road. School side will take You can catch the 1 (Blue Line) bus from Papanui Road. School side will take you to Northlands Mall. Opposite school will take you into town and down Bealey Ave. 

You can catch the 100 bus from Heaton Street just outside St George’s Hospital, opposite Heaton Intermediate. This will take you to Riccarton You can catch the 100 bus from Heaton Street just outside St George’s Hospital, opposite Heaton Intermediate. This will take you to Riccarton Mall and Church Corner. 

To save money using public transport, you can purchase a Metrocard which provides cheaper bus fares. If you use a bus and go to use another one within two hours, your trip will be free.

Other ways of getting around

Christchurch is very flat and easy to cycle around. Second-hand bicycles are reasonably cheap. If you are cycling around Christchurch, you must wear a helmet. 

You can also use a taxi to get around if you prefer. If you are a boarder, you can get a Taxi Chit to pay for the taxi service from your Boarding House Manager. You can use: First Direct: +64 3 377 5555, Blue Star Taxis: +64 3 379 9799 or Green Cab: 0800 464 7336.

All scooters and skateboards must be stored in the locked racks provided by the College. To ensure security, students should provide their own individual locks or get a loan one from the Middle School Centre. Scooters and skateboards may not be ridden on the school grounds during the school day until 4.00pm. E-scooters are not permitted to be ridden through the campus for the safety of everyone. St Andrew’s College Middle School does not assume liability for scooters and skateboards brought to school. 

Some of the places near Christchurch to visit while living in New Zealand:

Attractions and things to do while living in Christchurch:

There are many opportunities to explore and experience this beautiful city in New Zealand with friends, homestays, boarding and class trips.

To find out more about Christchurch, please visit the following websites:
ChristchurchNZ.com
FindChch.com

Visit St Andrew’s College – International on Facebook and see what our current students are doing:
facebook.com/StACInternationalStudents

New Zealand’s weather can vary from season to season, and from one end of the country to the other. Below is some information to help guide you on New Zealand’s weather and climate so you can work out what to expect during your stay.

When doing outdoor activities, “we can have four seasons in a day”. Be prepared with extra layers, a waterproof coat or umbrella, and sunscreen! Below are clothing suggestions of what to bring with you to ensure you are dressed appropriately for the weather to reduce illness.

For hot weather (November – March):

• swimming gear;
• sun hat;
• sunglasses;
• light cotton clothing;
• short pants and skirts;
• good sunscreen (SPF 30+);
• flip-flops/jandals.

For cold weather (April – October):

• warm woollen clothing;
• rain jacket;
• warm gloves, hats and scarves;
• long pants;
• thermal undergarments;
• sweaters;
• umbrella.