HOMESTAY PLACEMENTS WITH TŪHONO EXCHANGE

Safe. Supportive. Culturally Grounded.

Find a place to call home in Aotearoa

At Tūhono Exchange, we believe a homestay is more than just accommodation, it is where your experience in New Zealand truly begins.

Our homestay programme connects international students and travellers with carefully selected host families, providing a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment from the moment you arrive.

Whether you are here to study, work, or explore, we ensure you feel settled, supported, and connected.

What makes our homestays different?

We combine professional systems with a strong cultural foundation to create an experience that goes beyond traditional placements.

With Tūhono Exchange, you are not just placed in a home, you are welcomed into a community.

We are guided by values such as:

• Manaakitanga – care, hospitality, and respect
• Whanaungatanga – building meaningful relationships
• Kotahitanga – working together in unity

What’s included in your homestay placement

Our full-service programme includes:

• Careful matching with a suitable host family
• Pre-arrival planning and communication
• A private bedroom in a safe and comfortable home
• Meals as agreed with your host family
• Ongoing pastoral care and support
• Regular welfare check-ins
• Support with settling into life in New Zealand
• Access to help if any issues arise
• Placement changes if required

We take care of everything so you can focus on enjoying your experience.

Our host families

All Tūhono Exchange host families go through a thorough screening and approval process to ensure your safety and wellbeing.

This includes:

• Police vetting for adult household members
• In-home inspections
• Reference checks
• Interviews and suitability assessments
• Ongoing monitoring and support

We only work with families who can provide a safe, stable, and welcoming environment.

Ongoing support while you’re here

Your wellbeing is our priority.

Throughout your stay, we provide:

• Regular check-ins to ensure you are settled
• Support for any concerns or challenges
• Clear communication between you, your host family, and your school (if applicable)
• Guidance to help you adjust to life in New Zealand

You will always have someone to reach out to.

Who our homestays are for

Our homestay placements are ideal for:

• International students
• Working holiday travellers
• Short-term visitors
• First-time arrivals to New Zealand
• Schools looking for home stays to be organised for their incoming international students

Whether you are staying for a few weeks or several months, we match you with a home that suits your needs.

Homestays for Over 18s

Tūhono Exchange also offers homestay placements for individuals aged 18 and over, including working holiday travellers, students, and young adults arriving in New Zealand for the first time. These placements provide the same safe, welcoming home environment, while allowing for greater independence and flexibility. Over 18s benefit from having a supportive base as they settle in — with guidance, local knowledge, and a sense of community — while still maintaining their own routines and lifestyle. This option is ideal for those who want the balance of independence and support as they begin their journey in Aotearoa.

We also offer farm homestay placements for those seeking a more authentic rural experience, giving you the chance to live on the land, enjoy a slower pace of life, and experience a unique side of Aotearoa that most travellers never see.

A culturally grounded experience

At Tūhono Exchange, we incorporate cultural understanding into everything we do.

You will have the opportunity to:

• experience aspects of Māori culture
• learn about life in Aotearoa
• connect more deeply with your surroundings

We aim to create not just a stay, but a meaningful experience.

Your first step in New Zealand

Your homestay is often your first experience of life in New Zealand, and we make sure it starts the right way.

From arrival to settling in, we are here to support you every step of the journey.

Get started

If you are looking for a safe, supportive, and well-managed homestay experience, we would love to help.

Get in touch with Tūhono Exchange to learn more, begin your placement or for our homestay placement services.

Contact Us Today