Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the climate in Rotorua?

Daily maximum temperatures of 20-27 C (68-78F) in the summer months and around 10-12 C (50-55 F) during winter.

When does the rugby season start?

Pre season games start in February and the 2010 season goes from March to August.

How fit should I be?

The fitter you are the easier it will be to concentrate on your rugby skills. We do provide a full strength and conditioning programme.

What shall I bring?

• You will receive a training kit but bring extra training gear, wet weather gear if you’re coming in winter, running shoes, rugby boots(customs require these be free of any soil) and a pair of black dress trousers and black dress shoes for formal occasions.
• Power adapter (some of our homestays have these)
• Sunblock as NZ uv rays very harsh even on cloudy days in Dec – March

Will my UK mobile work?

Your own mobile phones can be very expensive here so we recommend to buy a prepaid sim card in NZ.

Will I get to see Super 14 games?

We’re in Chiefs country so the games for 2010 at home in Hamilton are:-

5 March Chiefs vs Reds

12 March Chiefs vs Crusaders

3 April Chiefs vs Highlanders

9 April Chiefs vs Bulls

16 April Chiefs vs Stormers

23 April Chiefs vs Cheetahs

8 May Chiefs vs Waratahs

Accommodation and Meals

The Academy provides  lunch during the week and your host family will provide you with dinner and weekend meals. We have a range of homestays you can stay with.

Insurance

Any injuries suffered outside Academy will need to be covered by your own insurance. Travel insurance is NOT covered in your programme cost. Please ensure that you make the appropriate arrangements for your personal insurance before arriving in New Zealand. Any visits for injuries to a physiotherapist will cost $15 for the first visit then $10 per visit thereafter.

Transfers to Rotorua:

We recommend, where possible that when booking flights, you book for your flight to arrive into Rotorua airport. This is entirely up to you as we can arrange a shuttle to transfer you from Auckland Airport to Rotorua. We suggest this as it is a 3 ½ hour shuttle journey as opposed to a 45 minute flight and you may have to wait for other passengers. Please ensure that your flight details are provided ASAP so we can make the appropriate arrangements for your arrival and departure.

There are now flights direct on Airnz from Sydney to Rotorua.

Money (Currency etc)

To convert currencies visit www.xe.com/ucc As of Nov 23rd the British pound is equal to NZ$2.265 Euro=NZ$2.044

Getting around:

The city centre isless than 5 kms from Neil Hunt Park, most homestays are within walking distance to the park and are on the local bus routes, schedules can be found by visiting

http://www.baybus.co.nz/Regions/Rotorua/Timetable.aspx?RouteID=22