FAQs

Why visit New Zealand?

It’s a great escape from the northern hemisphere winter during the New Zealand polo season. Your British pounds, euros or US dollars go a long way. It’s one of the safest countries in the world and its spectacular scenery attracts around 4 million visitors a year. The people are relaxed and friendly and standards of food, accommodation and services are very high. Need we say more?

What are my accommodation options?

We offer a very high standard of accommodation in our home, including a fully self-contained apartment. However, should you prefer, there are hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts within easy distance of the school.

Why visit New Zealand for my Gap Year?

We recognise that a Gap Year is about broadening your horizons. It’s about seeing a different part of the world and experiencing how they face life. New Zealand can provide you with those opportunities without the dangers and challenges many other places in the world can place upon younger people.

How close is the polo school to the nearest city?

It’s very definitely rural, but only about 20 minutes from Christchurch, a city of nearly 400,000 people. We’re also about 10 minutes from the town of Rangiora, which has shopping, bars, restaurants and accommodation, should you prefer a more provincial feel. The school is also little more than 20 minutes from Christchurch International Airport, the main South Island transport hub.

What can I expect from my polo tuition?

There’s information on my teaching philosophy here, but, essentially, we focus on one-on-one tuition, which means we can quickly get down to concentrating on the areas where we can improve your game. That said, we’re moving towards getting bigger groups of Gap Year students together, because they have even more fun that way!

How would a typical day at the school unfold?

We normally have tuition, schooling and stick and balling in the mornings, and after lunch we’ll play some chukkas. When the tide is suitable, we sometimes take the horses to the nearby beach for a few relaxing chukkas.

I’d prefer a quiet, relaxing stay at the polo school. Can this be arranged?

Numbers attending vary throughout the season. We try to organise the season around those seeking individual attention and those keener to participate in groups. Just make your preferences known and we’ll do everything we can to accommodate your needs.

Can I get to play polo matches in New Zealand?

Of course. Some players do, some prefer to simply have lessons. With notice, we can organise for you to play in matches in the local club scene.

What about getting out and about?

It would be shame to come all this way and not see something of our beautiful country. Again, it’s simply a case of letting us know how you’d like to structure your stay and we’ll do whatever we can to accommodate your preferences.

What recreational pursuits are available?

New Zealand has mountains, rivers, and sea. The recreational possibilities are pretty much limited by your imagination … everything from deep-sea fishing to swimming, bungy jumping, mountain climbing whitewater rafting, jetboating, skiing (in winter), sky diving, hang gliding, back-country trekking, trout and salmon fishing, whale watching, swimming with dolphins, wine tours, scenic train journeys … believe me, I could keep going. Whether your interests are comparatively sedate or adrenalin-fuelled, New Zealand will have what you’re looking for.