Parent and Child Course
About
Experience life overseas together as a family,
while sharing meaningful learning and personal growth.
New Zealand Parent and Child Course
Would you like your child to experience studying at a New Zealand primary school?
Would you like to improve your own English skills while living overseas together as a family?
Evakona’s Parent and Child Course makes all of this possible. You will stay in a beautiful and safe town, surrounded by stunning beaches and mountains. Our dedicated Japanese staff at Evakona will support you throughout your stay, ensuring a comfortable and worry-free experience — one of the key advantages of the program.
On weekends, your family can enjoy New Zealand’s unique outdoor activities, taking full advantage of its breathtaking natural environment. Homestay options for parents and children are also available, providing an even deeper cultural experience.
What is the Parent and Child Course?
Our New Zealand Parent and Child Course, located in the charming town of Thames, provides a unique opportunity for families to learn and live together overseas. Children aged 2 to 13 can attend local kindergartens or primary schools, where they are fully immersed in English and experience a new culture while making friends from around the world. Parents can also participate in one-on-one English lessons, creating a valuable learning experience for the entire family.
A range of accommodation options is available, including homestays and motels, so you can choose the arrangement that best suits your needs. Even short-term stays are welcome, offering a safe and enriching experience where both parents and children can explore, learn, and grow together.
Accommodation Options
We offer a range of accommodation options to suit your preferences, including homestays, self-contained units within homestay properties, motels, and Airbnb. Combinations of these options are also possible.
Homestay is one of the most popular choices, as it allows families to live with local hosts and experience authentic New Zealand culture and daily life.
We generally recommend a homestay stay of around two weeks to fully enjoy the experience.
Thames
Thames is a town known as the gateway to the Coromandel Peninsula, conveniently located just one and a half hours from Auckland. This small town, with a population of 7,000, features a larger hospital, a big supermarket, and a government office, serving as a central hub for the region.
At the end of the 19th century, it prospered due to gold mining and forestry, becoming one of the largest and most prosperous towns in New Zealand. Even today, it retains a rich history, with its historical buildings, gold mining sites, museums, and various activities serving as interesting attractions for travelers. Additionally, it has now started to focus on eco-tourism and natural attractions, becoming an appealing destination for new tourists and residents seeking a nature-rich lifestyle. The weekend markets are also popular.
- Distance from Auckland
- one and a half hour by car
- Surrounding environment
- Sea, mountains, beaches, nature
- Population
- About 7,000 people
- Town characteristics
- Historical, small-scale, relaxed, friendly, rich in nature
Thames Campus
- Address
- 415 Mackay Street, Thames, NZ
- Phone
- +64 (0)7 867 9226
- info@evakona.co.nz
Curriculum
For Children Aged 0–2
If your child is under 2 years old, they can attend a Playcentre.
Playcentre sessions are held twice a week, on Tuesdays and Fridays, in the mornings (9:30 am–12:30 pm).
Unlike traditional daycare, parents actively participate in the care of the children, creating a collaborative learning and play environment.
For Children Aged 2–5
At local kindergartens, there are no fixed curricula or timetables, and classes are not strictly divided by age.
Children have access to large indoor and outdoor spaces organised around different themes, and they choose activities based on their interests.
This approach encourages independence, curiosity, and experiential learning.
Hours are 8:45 am–2:45 pm, and children bring their own snacks and lunch.
For Children Aged 5–13
Children aged 5–13 attend local primary schools, learning English through immersion while interacting with New Zealand children.
School hours are 8:55 am–3:00 pm, with class sizes of around 20–30 students.
The learning style emphasises group work and self-directed activities, rather than the uniform approach typical of Japanese schools, giving children the freedom to pursue their interests.
- Sample subjects
(varies by age) - English (reading, writing, spelling), maths, science, art, physical education, computing, and Māori culture, all taught through hands-on, experiential learning.
For Adults
We offer a fully personalised English programme tailored to each individual.
In addition to classroom-based lessons such as foundational English and exam preparation, our experiential lessons provide opportunities to learn “real-life English” through conversation with native-speaking teachers.
Learning doesn’t stop in the classroom — you can also explore Thames with your teacher on walking tours or outing lessons, making English learning a fun and immersive experience.
- Private lessons
- 5 or 10 lessons per week (1 lesson = 55 minutes)
Programme Duration
・ Available from February to the end of November (excluding school holidays)
・ Maximum: 1 year (longer stays available upon consultation)
・ Minimum: 2 weeks
Class Structure
・ Local kindergarten and primary school classes: average 20–30 students per class
・ Parents have the option to take one-on-one English lessons at Evakona
Sample Daily Schedule (Homestay)
English Support and Guidance
Some children may arrive with little or no English, but New Zealand children are friendly and outgoing, so most children naturally join in play and activities.
If children encounter difficulties in class, teachers provide support as needed, including the use of translation tools, so you can feel confident about their learning.
Evakona staff accompany families during the first-day orientation and maintain close communication with the school throughout the programme.
For example, if a child struggles to adjust at the start, staff visit the school to provide personalised support.
Any issues or conflicts among children are handled appropriately in coordination with the school, ensuring a safe and positive environment.
Accommodation
Accommodation Options
At Evakona, our experienced coordinators carefully select homestays that are ideal for the Parent and Child Course.
We can arrange homes with one or two bedrooms to suit the number and ages of your children, and for those who value privacy, self-contained units within the homestay property are also available.
Families are free to mix and match accommodation styles.
For example, you could spend two weeks in a homestay and two weeks in a cottage, enjoying the unique experiences each option has to offer.
Getting Around Locally
Thames does not have public transport, so getting around is done on foot, by car, or by taxi.
Since New Zealand drives on the left, like Japan, you can also use a rental car with an international driving licence.
This allows for flexible and convenient travel for daily school drop-offs, shopping, or weekend outings.
Homestay hosts can also provide school pick-up and drop-off if needed.
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Homestay with Parents and Children
In the Parent and Child Course, families stay together with a local host family, learning English and experiencing New Zealand culture through everyday life.
After school and on weekends, you can enjoy home-cooked meals, participate in local events, and experience real cultural immersion beyond the classroom.
Living according to the household’s routines and rules helps both children and parents develop flexibility and cross-cultural understanding, creating precious family memories. - Feature02
Self-Contained Units within Homestay Properties
Independent units on the homestay property come fully equipped with a private kitchen, bathroom, bed, and furniture, allowing for a comfortable stay with full privacy.
Hosts are nearby, so help is always available, and you can sometimes enjoy meals and spend relaxed family time together.
This option offers the perfect balance of privacy and reassurance. - Feature03
Cottage/Motel Self-Arrangement Stay
For families wanting more space or complete privacy, booking a motel or cottage is a great option.
Using Airbnb or hotel booking sites, you can easily choose a place that suits your preferred style and facilities, enjoying a relaxing and independent family stay.
Dedicated Student Care Staff
Studying abroad can be a bigger emotional challenge than many expect.
Evakona, with years of experience supporting international families, is dedicated to helping students and parents feel confident and comfortable during their stay. At both our Whitianga and Thames campuses, staff are on-site to assist with any concerns, big or small.
- Family Care Services Include:
- Handbook with essential New Zealand knowledge, packing lists, pre-departure preparation, and tips for a smooth transition
- Accompaniment on the first day of school and introductions to teachers
- Orientation for parents to help navigate the school system and local environment
- Assistance with any issues or concerns during the stay
- Coordination with the school or homestay, including explaining school letters and reporting absences or tardiness
- Support with medical appointments or other emergencies
- Access to Evakona’s parent-child lounge and kitchenette
- Assistance with transport arrangements as needed, including charter taxis or rental cars