University of Canterbury – Students

New Zealand Homestay is a preferred homestay
provider for the University of Canterbury


New Zealand Homestay (NZH) offers safe, affordable and comfortable accommodation for international students studying in New Zealand.

Our welcoming hosts provide the feeling and support of home so you can settle in faster and become familiar with the Kiwi culture, climate and lifestyle. Choose from a range of flexible packages inclusive of meals, utilities and internet access as well as 24/7 support, local orientation and homestay insurance.

NZH’s world-class homestay standards include a home inspection, interview and background check for hosts and a unique preference-based matching system to connect you with the best host.

Visit our Pricing page or apply online today.

Book Your Homestay Today!

Start your student homestay application today and find out why NZH should be your number one choice for homestay in New Zealand!

About New Zealand Homestay


House-shaped image with heart above a family holding hands

Experience the real New Zealand and
live in a welcoming local home

Host safety screening inc. police vetting
and home inspections

Full support for students, host and schools with
onshore staff and a 24/7 hotline

Why should you choose homestay?


You will settle faster, be safer and learn about life in New Zealand and the expectations of students much faster. Your NZH host will also help you with a personalised one-on-one orientation including advice about transport, shopping and banking options as well as mentoring, culturalisation and developing a local network.

Our experience is that better-settled international students get better academic results and mix better with domestic students.

Beginning your adventure with NZH homestay allows students to jump right into their studies without the worries of finding housing, furniture and signing leases all from overseas. NZH hosts will help you to settle in to life in New Zealand and help you acclimatise to the different cultures, climate and lifestyle you will experience while you study here.

Utilities (gas, electricity, etc.) and accommodation costs are included in your weekly fees; food may be included but will depend on which homestay product you choose. You don’t need to budget for multiple bills and unnecessary expenses. Homestay makes budgeting much easier.

Unlike traditional accommodation options, NZH does not require a bond or long-term contract.

About our hosts


Homestay hosts at NZH are carefully selected to ensure that our students are placed in environments that are not only safe and comfortable but also welcoming. Our hosts come from many cultural backgrounds and are truly interested in enjoying a shared cultural experience with their students.

We conduct national criminal background checks, in-home interviews, and complete home inspections. We stay in contact with both the host and the student during the homestay period. We want all visiting students to have the most positive experience possible when beginning their educational journey in New Zealand.

NZ Homestay Packages


Live in a safe, comfortable environment so you can be successful in your studies. There are different packages available so you can tailor your homestay experience to your needs, preferences and budget. Pricing for homestay packages can be found here.

Placement fee includes
Selection and training of host
System support during application process
Ensuring that all appropriate authority clearances are in place
Host residence visit and approval process
Placement of student (student – host preference matching)
Follow-up support if required regarding placement
Liaison with education institution and agent as appropriate
Weekly fee includes
Meals, accommodation and utilities as specified
Homestay host additional support for students
NZH professional 24/7 phone support
Compulsory NZH contents insurance for students & hosts as per our insurance policy.
Ongoing monitoring of host suitability
Local NZH supervisor support
System access for agents, institution, students and hosts