English Plus Activities

Queenstown “The Home of Adventure”

This course combines English language study with Queenstown adventure activities.

Students study part time on our general English first class and participate in elected activities in the afternoon.

Note. Activities are scheduled in the afternoons, according to the seasons and weather conditions.
Programme Overview
English Classes: Monday to Friday, 8.30am - 10.30am (10 hours per week)
Afternoon Activities: 3 afternoons per week
Course Duration: 2 - 4 weeks

Examples of Activities (may be subject to seasonality)

  • Jet boating
  • Farm visit to Mt Nicolas sheep station
  • Horse riding
  • Gondola and Luge ride
  • Kiwi & Birdlife Park
  • Gold Panning in Arrowtown
  • Ice Skating
  • TSS Earnslaw Steamship cruise
  • Frisbee golf
  • Biking

 

Walter Peak Horse Trek

Young at Heart Programme

ABC College of English 50+ programme offers the opportunity to learn English and experience New Zealand’s spectacular natural scenery and culture.

This special programme combines a morning course of Communicative English lesson with a variety of cultural and sightseeing activities.

Walter Peak Farm awarded national "Garden of Significance" | Crux

 

English Course Description

Our communicative General English Course provides the opportunity to learn conversational English as used in a variety of everyday situations encountered when travelling and exposure to building blocks of English. Participants will be able to learn in a relaxed, enjoyable environment. With our experienced teachers the pace and level of the lessons are tailored to the suit individual needs.

Programme Overview
Course Start Date: Mondays
Class Size: Minimum Class Size = 4. Maximum Class Size = 15.
English Classes: Monday to Friday, 8.30am - 10.30am (10 hours per week)
Activity Programme: 3 afternoons per week, 11am - 4pm
Course Duration: 2 - 4 weeks

Example activities:

  • Gondola ride to Bob’s Peak (enjoy the magnificent views of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and mountains)
  • Visit Arrowtown – a historic gold mining settlement and museum
  • Lake Cruise on the TSS Earnslaw and visit Walter Peak sheep station
  • Local & Arts and Crafts
  • Kiwi and Birdlife Park visit
  • Local Vineyards and Wineries tour
  • Nature Walks
  • Golf
  • Yoga
  • Spa visit

English Plus Ski / Snowboard

Study English in the morning and ski in the afternoon!

Study General English communicative class in the morning with our experienced teachers. Catch the ski bus at 11.00am from downtown and ski the rest of the day.

We have 2 course options (July – September only):

  • Queenstown Study & Ski – Break (2 weeks)
  • Queenstown Study & Ski – Unlimited (4 weeks)

Queenstown Ski Fields Snow Report | Everything Queenstown

Programme Overview
English Classes: Monday to Friday, 8.30am - 10.30am (10 hours per week)
Ski / Snowboard: 3 afternoons per week, 12pm - 4pm
Optional Extras Ski or Snowboard lessons (group or private lessons are available) & Equipment Hire (Skis/Snowboard, Boots, Clothing etc)
Additional Services: ABC College of English staff are able to assist students in arranging equipment hire and ski/snowboard lessons and we assist in getting a ski pass when you arrive.

English Plus Volunteer Programme

Gain valuable experience in our community.

The course combines English Language study with volunteer projects in the Queenstown area.

Students study part time on our General English morning course and participate in their elected volunteer activities after school.

Wilding Pine Volunteer Event in Queenstown - Queenstown - Eventfinda

 

Programme Overview
English Classes: Monday to Friday, 8.30am - 10.30am (10 hours per week)
Afternoon Activities: Elected Volunteer Activity (times and availability may vary)
Course Duration: 2 - 4 weeks

Examples of Volunteer Work & Projects

  • Environmental work with Department of Conservation, eg. tree planting, pest control, fisheries monitoring
  • Community Cultural Events and Festival Volunteers e.g. Snowmachine Festival, PGA Golf Tournaments, International Marathon, Multi Sport, MTB events.
  • Horticultural/Agricultural Work, e.g. fruit picking, vineyard work, farm work
  • Youth Support Work
  • Community Support Services, eg. Salvation Army, Happiness House, Citizens Advice Bureau.

Please note that some activities may require a police vet and/or a reference.

English Plus Work Placement

“Queenstown is a great place for students to study English and to find work”

Our English + Work Placement supplement offers students work support and the assistance they need to find work on top of the General English course.

As New Zealand’s premier holiday and tourist destination, Queenstown’s many hotels, restaurants and shops provide the opportunity for seasonal and short-term work within the hospitality and tourism industries.

This support runs over 4 weeks and supports students with getting their IRD number and bank account in New Zealand.

We have a Job Club focusing on job search, interview skills and having a CV ready.

Home | The Boat Shed Cafe & Bistro | Queenstown
Programme Overview:
English Classes: English lessons will take place between 8.30am and 1.00pm, with a half hour break included.
The first class focuses on grammar, vocabulary, reading, and writing. Some speaking and listening are used to apply the target language.
The second class has lessons on speaking and listening, focusing more on vocabulary and grammar points. This is achieved through role plays and group / individual presentations.
Work Placement: In an additional 1-hour class per week (1.30 - 2.30pm) over 4 weeks students will:
Be supported in the process of getting a bank account and an IRD number
Be introduced to NZ Employment Law
Create a relevant CV and cover letter
Study and practice interview skills
Be guided to available job options in Queenstown and setting up job interviews where possible.

2026 Fees

 

*All fees are in NZD$.
English Plus Courses 2026 Fees Cost
English Plus Activities $1050
Young at Heart Programme
$1050
English Plus Ski / Snowboard: 2 weeks package + 6 day pass & bus $1900
English Plus Ski / Snowboard: 4 weeks package + Seasons Pass $2500
English Plus Volunteer Programme supplement $300
English Plus Work Placement Programme supplement $300

Why ABC College & Queenstown?

Applicant Requirements

All students must be 18 years of age or older at the time of course commencement.

Note: If you want to work for up to 20 hours per week while you study on a Student Visa, you must enrol for a minimum period of 14 weeks.

International students are required to provide insurance to tertiary providers.

FAQs

I see I need to have a minimum English level of Elementary to enrol. How do I know what my current level of English level?

Yes, you should have at least an Elementary level of English to study with us.  If you haven’t sat an official assessment before the following information may help you.

Please note you will also be sent a free indicator assessment once you apply.

A1 (Beginner):

  • You know simple phrases like “Hello” or “How are you?”
  • You can introduce yourself and give basic information like your name and age.

Example Sentences:

  • “My name is Maria.”
  • “I am from Spain.”

A2 (Elementary):

  • You understand common words and simple sentences about things like shopping or asking for directions.
  • You can ask and answer questions in short conversations about everyday topics.

Example Sentences:

  • “How much does this book cost?”
  • “The bank is next to the supermarket.”

B1 (Intermediate):

  • You understand the main ideas when people speak clearly about familiar topics like work, school, or travel.
  • You can talk to people about simple subjects and write short emails or notes.

Example Sentences:

  • “I have to finish this project by Friday.”
  • “The museum is very interesting, and the art is beautiful.”

B2 (Upper Intermediate):

  • You understand main ideas in complex conversations about more general topics like news, sports, or hobbies.
  • You can talk to people easily, even about new or unfamiliar topics, and write longer emails or reports.

Example Sentences:

  • “I believe the new law will have a big impact on the economy.”
  • “We need to improve our team’s performance to win the next match.”

C1 (Advanced):

  • You understand longer texts and can recognize hidden meanings in conversations.
  • You can speak and write English confidently in school, work, and social situations.

Example Sentences:

  • “Although the new policy has some advantages, its implementation poses challenges that need addressing.”
  • “I think the author’s use of symbolism adds depth to the novel.”

C2 (Proficient):

  • You can understand almost everything you read or hear in English.
  • You can speak, write, and explain complex ideas fluently and clearly.

Example Sentences:

  • “The intricacies of international trade require a comprehensive understanding of both economic and geopolitical factors.”
  • “The philosopher’s argument is compelling because it balances theoretical rigor with practical application.”
What nationalities go to ABC?

A variety of nationalities from throughout Asia, South America and Europe.

What hours will I be studying?

Full time English Classes are 8.30am – 1.00pm, Monday to Friday (20 hours per week).

Part time English Classes are 8.30am – 10.30am, Monday to Friday (10 hours per week).

Do you provide accommodation?

Yes. 95% of our students reside at our Student Residence – Shotover Lodge. Homestay is also available, subject to availability. Please book early and for the full duration of study to avoid disappointment.

Is my accommodation guaranteed?

We can often provide students with their accommodation requests however, Queenstown is a very busy place and occasionally accommodation does book out. You will be notified if this is the case, and we always recommend booking with plenty of time in advance to avoid disappointment.

Can I work while I am studying?

Generally, yes. If you study for 14 weeks or more on a Student Visa you may be entitled to 20hrs per week. You can also work if you have a Working Holiday Visa. Always check the conditions on your visa for specific details.

What programmes do you have?

We currently offer General English and IELTS Exam Preparation Courses and English Plus courses.

How easy is it to get around?

Queenstown has a public bus system for the area.  The closest bus stop to ABC College of English is just a 3-minute walk from the school.

Queenstown Airport is only a 20-minute bus ride away.  Shotover Lodge is about 7 minutes by bus.

Where is the campus located?

ABC College of English is located in Queenstown. The small city is in the South Island of New Zealand, which is renowned for its beautiful scenery. Surrounded by the breath-taking Southern Alps mountains and set on the shores of spectacular Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown’s a beautiful place to call home.

The school is located in the heart of Queenstown, with many eateries, bars and interesting venues nearby.

Attractions within a short walking distance of the school include Queenstown Bay beach and green areas such as Queenstown Gardens. There are also various supermarkets, amenities and links to public transport nearby.

With world-class ski resorts, great walks, biking trails, jet boating, bungy jumping (just to name a few) right on your doorstep, there is always something new to try.

The Queenstown region is also a foodie’s paradise, boasting an amazing restaurant and bar scene and some of the country’s best vineyards.

You can find out more about Queenstown on the official Queenstown website here.

Why do students choose ABC?

ABC College of English has a long-standing reputation for quality education in a family atmosphere where teachers and professional and caring.  “A small school with a big heart’ is how it has been described.   It is conveniently located in the centre of Queenstown, across from Queenstown Gardens and close to the shops, banks and bus stop.

As Queenstown is NZ’s premier tourism destination, you will have the ability to combine English language learning and exciting activities and amazing experiences such as snowboarding, jet boating, bungy jumping, mountain biking and hiking.

Whats the minimum age for enrolment?

You must be 18 years of age to enrol.