Orientation and Training
Au Pair Link is the only Au Pair agency in New Zealand that provides an orientation programme for Au Pairs. All of our Au Pairs that have previously taken our orientation course have absolutely loved it - giving the course an average rating of 9.1 out of 10 - and you will too! The entire programme (accommodation, food, course material etc) is included in the package price for your flights and insurance. However, if you have not booked your flights through Au Pair Link, our orientation programme costs only $500.00 NZD. For further information on pricing and what's included please contact us or see the What does it cost? page in this section of our website. Our orientation programme is compulsory.
Au Pair Link's orientation programme will help you acclimatise in New Zealand and meet other Au Pairs before you join your Host Family. Moreover, our orientation programme gives you valuable and potentially lifesaving information about caring for children - including a tailored, child focused first aid course and CPR lessons.
Our mandatory orientation programme includes:
- 2 nights hotel accommodation in Auckland including all meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Child first aid course – conducted by St John, this is a practical course and teaches CPR and choking management along with providing information about handling common childhood injuries and medical conditions. Topics covered include; burns, poisoning, asthma, control of bleeding and Meningococcal disease
- Driving lessons - theoretical driving lessons conducted by a professional driving instructor
- Child care lessons – conducted by a qualified Early Childhood Education teacher. Also includes an introduction to Te Whāriki, the New Zealand Ministry of Education programme that provides activities for children to develop their knowledge, skills and attitudes that support them to become confident learners
- Bank account set up - In partnership with Westpac bank, we are able to provide assistance in setting up a New Zealand bank account.
- 2 Degrees SIM card - all Au Pairs are given a SIM card which provides them with a NZ phone number which they can use on their existing mobile phone
- An introduction to being an Au Pair in New Zealand – including housekeeping tips, home-economics, basic English lessons, Kiwi jargon ...and so much more!
Over and above our initial 3 day orientation programme, if you are part of our Au Pair 123, Au Pair Assist or Au Pair Whiz programmes you will also receive ongoing child care training throughout the year from a qualified Early Childhood Education teacher.
Having completed our comprehensive orientation course you will feel more confident in your new role as an Au Pair. Also, during the 3 day course you will be able to make friends with other Au Pairs who you can visit throughout your year in New Zealand.
Orientation tour
Au Pair Link has partnered with New Zealand’s premier youth travel company – Kiwi Experience – to provide our Au Pairs with an awesome tour of Auckland during orientation. The tour only costs $50 NZD per person! See the itinerary below:
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Pick up from the Holiday Inn at 5.15 pm on Thursday evening (the second day of orientation)
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Take in the 360 degree view of Auckland from the summit of dormant volcano Mount Eden
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Cruise across Auckland Harbour on the Ferry to Devonport
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Feast on a traditional Fish and Chips dinner by the water
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Enjoy the lights of the Auckland evening skyline and Harbour Bridge on the Ferry back to the city. Tour through downtown Auckland and past the Sky Tower on your way back to your hotel (drop off approx 10.00pm).