- International Student Accommodation in Wellington, NZ -
Welcome to Kia Maia Hostel!
Your Home Away From Home in the Heart of Wellington
Affordable accommodation. A welcoming international community. A place to belong.
Are you planning to study in Wellington, New Zealand, in 2027?
Whether you're moving overseas for the first time, beginning a new university degree, or returning to Wellington for another year of study, finding the right place to live is an important part of your journey.
At Kia Maia International Students Christian Hostel, we offer much more than student accommodation. We provide a friendly, supportive, family-style environment where students from different countries can live, study, build friendships and experience life in New Zealand together.
Located at 216 The Terrace, in central Wellington, Kia Maia is within walking distance of university campuses, shops, cafés and the city's many attractions.
With a small community of residents, you'll have the opportunity to get to know everyone and enjoy a genuine sense of belonging.
Now welcoming applications for Summer 2026–2027 and the 2027 University Year!
Why Choose Kia Maia?
🏡 A Friendly International Community
Moving to a new country can be exciting, but we understand that it can also feel overwhelming.
At Kia Maia, you won't be just another student in a large accommodation building. You'll become part of a close-knit community where people know one another, share experiences and look out for each other.
Our residents include students from different cultural backgrounds, studying at a range of tertiary institutions in Wellington.
From shared meals and birthday celebrations to sightseeing adventures and everyday conversations, there are plenty of opportunities to make new friends and create lasting memories.
Our Rooms and Facilities
Kia Maia is a traditional two-storey wooden villa offering single and same-sex twin-share student rooms.
Our accommodation is designed to provide a balance of private study space and shared community living.
🛏️ Single and Twin-Share Bedrooms
Choose from:
Single Rooms
Enjoy your own furnished bedroom, giving you a private space to study, relax and rest.
Twin-Share Rooms
Share a furnished bedroom with another student of the same sex. Twin-share accommodation is a more affordable option for students who enjoy shared living.
Rooms include essential furnishings such as a bed, desk, chair and storage.
Students bring their own bedding, including sheets, pillows, duvet and towels.
🚿 Bathrooms and Shared Facilities
Residents have access to shared bathrooms and toilet facilities, a communal kitchen, dining room, TV lounge and laundry.
🧺 Laundry
A shared washing machine and dryer are available for residents.
Students provide their own laundry detergent and are responsible for washing their clothing and bedding.
Outdoor clothesline drying is encouraged when weather permits.
🛜 Internet and Wi-Fi
Kia Maia provides a fibre internet connection, with Wi-Fi available throughout the hostel, including student bedrooms.
The internet supports everyday study, communication and recreational use.
🧹 Cleaning and Housekeeping
A professional cleaner cleans shared areas weekly, while residents help keep communal spaces tidy day to day.
Each student is responsible for cleaning their own bedroom and completing a weekly shared-house cleaning duty.
📍 An Excellent Central Wellington Location
Kia Maia is conveniently located at:
216 The Terrace, Wellington Central, Wellington 6011, New Zealand.
Our location makes it easy to enjoy student life without needing to travel far.
We are within walking distance of:
Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington's Kelburn, Pipitea and Te Aro campuses
Massey University's Wellington campus
Le Cordon Bleu Wellington
Central Wellington's shopping, cafés, libraries and public transport
Victoria University and Lambton Quay are approximately a nine-minute walk from Kia Maia, depending on your destination and route.
Living centrally means spending less time commuting and more time enjoying everything Wellington has to offer.
🍽️ Shared Meals and Community Living
One of the things that makes Kia Maia special is our tradition of eating together.
During the university year, food is provided for breakfast, lunch and dinner, seven days a week.
Students prepare their own breakfast and lunch using food supplied by the hostel.
In the evenings, residents take turns preparing dinner together, usually working in pairs. Our shared evening meal takes place at approximately 6:30 pm.
It's an opportunity to catch up, share stories, practise cooking and enjoy a sense of community.
Whether you're already confident in the kitchen or learning to cook for the first time, you'll have opportunities to develop useful skills.
🌿 Explore Wellington and Make Memories
Living at Kia Maia is about more than studying.
Throughout the university year, we organise social activities, special celebrations and opportunities to explore.
These include two optional weekend trips, along with occasional outings and community events.
We celebrate birthdays, Christmas and other special occasions together, helping to make Kia Maia feel like home.
Accommodation Prices for 2027
We understand that managing living costs is an important consideration when studying overseas.
Kia Maia offers affordable, community-focused accommodation with different rates for the summer period and university year.
☀️ Summer Accommodation 2026–2027
9 November 2026 – 14 February 2027
Single Room - NZ$230 per week
Twin-Share Room - NZ$180 per week
During the summer period, Kia Maia operates more like a shared flat.
Residents have access to their furnished rooms and communal facilities, but food is not provided.
Basic shared necessities, such as milk, tea, coffee and cleaning supplies, are provided under the summer expenses arrangement.
Summer bond: NZ$200, unless otherwise agreed.
Students interested in summer accommodation should contact the wardens to discuss availability and their preferred dates.
🎓 University Year Accommodation 2027
15 February – 7 November 2027 (38 weeks)
Single Room - NZ$375 per week (includes food)
Twin-Share Room - NZ$280 per week (includes food)
Your university-year accommodation includes:
A furnished single or twin-share bedroom
Food for breakfast, lunch and dinner, seven days a week
Access to the communal kitchen and dining facilities
Wi-Fi throughout the hostel
Shared TV lounge and laundry facilities
Opportunities to participate in hostel celebrations and organised activities
Support from wardens who live on-site
What you need to provide yourself:
Bedding, pillows and towels
Personal toiletries
Laundry detergent
Personal items and expenses
University-year bond: NZ$400, payable before final acceptance.
The bond is refundable, subject to deductions for damage, losses or cleaning costs where applicable.
Accommodation fees are paid fortnightly in advance, normally by automatic bank payment. Kia Maia does not accept credit-card payments.
The university-year accommodation agreement normally covers the full academic year. Students wishing to stay longer can enquire about a separate summer arrangement.
A Christian Hostel Where Students From Different Backgrounds Are Welcome
Kia Maia is a Christian student hostel, administered by an independent, non-profit trust board.
Our Christian identity is reflected in our commitment to kindness, respect, hospitality and care for one another.
You do not need to be a Christian to live at Kia Maia.
We welcome students from different countries, cultures and faith backgrounds.
Christian residents can expect encouragement in their faith, while all residents are asked to respect the Christian character and values of the hostel.
Our aim is to provide a safe, welcoming and supportive home where students can concentrate on their studies and enjoy living together.
Our Community Expectations
Living in a shared home works best when everyone contributes.
We ask residents to:
Treat others with kindness, courtesy and respect.
Participate in shared evening meals, except when circumstances prevent it.
Respect other residents' privacy, study time and need for rest.
Observe quiet hours between 11:00 pm and 7:30 am.
Keep their bedrooms and shared spaces clean and tidy.
Complete their allocated household duties.
Respect the hostel's Christian character and house guidelines.
Kia Maia is an alcohol-free and smoke-free property, and residents are not permitted to keep pets.
Full guidelines are provided in our prospectus so that every applicant can decide whether Kia Maia is the right place for them.
Meet Your Hosts
Your hosts at Kia Maia are Tim and Miliana Tovey-Raruve, together with Naomi Afoa.
We live on-site and help maintain a welcoming, supportive environment for our residents.
We understand that adjusting to life in a different country can take time, and we want residents to feel comfortable asking questions or seeking help when needed.
We enjoy getting to know our students, sharing in their experiences and helping them make the most of their time in Wellington.
At Kia Maia, our hope is that you will arrive as a student and leave with wonderful memories and lasting friendships.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply from overseas?
Yes! International students are welcome to apply before arriving in New Zealand.
If you are applying from overseas, we can arrange a video call and give you a virtual tour of the hostel and answer any questions you may have.
Do I have to be Christian to live at Kia Maia?
No, you do not need to be Christian. Students from different faith backgrounds are welcome, provided they respect the Christian character and community expectations of the hostel.
Are meals included in the accommodation price?
During the university year, food is provided for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day.
Residents make their own breakfast and lunch using the food supplied. Evening meals are prepared by residents on a roster.
During summer, regular food and meals are not included in the accommodation price.
Can I choose a single room?
You can indicate whether you prefer a single or twin-share room when applying. Allocation depends on availability.
Is Wi-Fi available?
Yes. Kia Maia provides Wi-Fi access throughout the hostel, including student bedrooms.
Do I need to bring my own bedding?
Yes. Please bring or arrange to purchase your own sheets, pillow, duvet, blanket, towels and personal toiletries.
Are there laundry facilities?
Yes. Residents have access to a shared washing machine and dryer. You will need to supply your own laundry detergent.
Can I stay for just one semester?
University-year accommodation is normally offered for the full academic year. If you require a shorter stay, please contact us before applying so we can discuss your circumstances.
Can I stay during the summer holidays?
Summer accommodation may be available by arrangement. Summer accommodation has different fees and does not include regular meals.
Are visitors allowed?
Yes. Residents may welcome visitors, subject to the hostel's house guidelines. Guests must leave by 11:00 pm, and arrangements for visitors joining dinner should be made in advance.
Is there parking?
Kia Maia does not guarantee on-site student parking. Students with cars may need to arrange street parking through Wellington City Council. However we are happy to discuss this with you, as we may have a car park space available for you to rent - so if you do require a car park, please ask us about this.
What happens if I feel homesick or need support?
Moving overseas is a big adjustment, and it's normal to miss home.
Our on-site wardens and friendly student community can help you settle in and point you towards appropriate support when needed.
How do I apply?
Download and read the Kia Maia 2027 Prospectus.
Complete the application form included in the prospectus.
Email your completed application to kiamaiawardens@gmail.com.
If your application progresses, we will arrange an interview, either in person or online.
If accepted, you will receive instructions about confirming your place and paying the required bond.
Ready to Make Kia Maia Your Wellington Home?
Whether you're joining us for Summer 2026–2027 or beginning your university studies in 2027, we'd love to hear from you.
Discover the warmth of community living, enjoy everything Wellington has to offer, and begin your next chapter with Kia Maia.
Enquire today to find out about room availability and the application process.
Kia Maia International Students Christian Hostel
📍 216 The Terrace, Wellington Central, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
📱 +64 22 510 7385