Who can host and what is required?

Traditional families, non-traditional families, single people, roommates and friends living together – any person or group who is willing to share daily life with an international guest can be a host.

As a New Zealand Homestay host you must:

• Make yourself and your home available to your guest. Our hosts must be able to provide a clean, comfortable and private bedroom for guests.
• Hosts must speak clear and correct English in the home.
• Help your guest settle into a comfortable and safe home and help them to learn. You will be willing to make them feel at home with conversation, support, inclusion in family activities and personal warmth. Ideally, you’ll have a sincere interest in other cultures and a desire to connect with new friends from around the world.
• Provide healthy food for your guest (if this is included in their service, please see “what levels of service can I offer” for more detail.)
• Show your guest around the community to assist the guest to become familiar with the local area and customs, while in a relaxed and friendly household setting.
• Help your guest to access or organise important services e.g. setting up a bank account and mobile, and assist your guest to seek medical or dental attention as necessary.
• Meet NZH host requirements.

For full details and requirements, see our Homestay Policy and Homestay Host Agreement.