50+ Discover English, Explore Nelson

This package includes:

Enrolment Fee

Homestay Placement Fee

Homestay

English lessons 9am to 12:15pm

Max 8 per class

Afternoon activities 1:15pm to 3:15pm

All Nelson airport transfers

All weekend activities 

Prices:

1 week - $3,268

2 weeks - $5,687

3 weeks - $8,106

4 weeks - $10,525

FAQ for 50 Plus programme

Q. Before Booking

Q. What is a 50+ English programme?

A. The Nelson English Centre, Discover English, Explore Nelson 50+ English programme is designed specifically for adults aged 50 and over. It combines English lessons with cultural activities, sightseeing, and opportunities to meet people from around the world.

Q. Do I have to be exactly 50 years old?

A. Usually yes, although in some instances we may accept students from around 45 years old if they are looking for a mature learning environment. For example the partner of someone who is 50.

Q. Am I too old to learn English?

A. Absolutely not. Many students in their 60s, 70s and even 80s successfully improve their English while enjoying a fantastic experience at Nelson English Centre. Learning a new language when older is one of the most effective brain workouts. It builds cognitive reserve—the brain's resilience to decline

Q. Is this a holiday or a course?

A. It is both. You study English in the mornings and enjoy organised cultural or social activities during the afternoons and some weekends. For example we will learn some English about wine tasting in the morning and then go wine tasting in the afternoon.

Q. What English level do I need?

A. We accept elementary through to advanced learners. (A1 to C1) The classes have a maximum of 8 students, so we are able to cater for all levels.

Q. Will I be in class with younger students?

A. No. Our 50+ classes are exclusively for mature learners, although during the break times students will be able to mix with the other age groups in the school in the common spaces for example the student lounges and kitchen

Q. How long should I study?

A. You can come for one week or for up to four weeks. Most students choose between two and four weeks, although some students extend their English lessons beyond the 50+ programme.

Q. Can I travel alone?

A. Yes. In fact, many of our 50+ students travel on their own and quickly make friends.

Q. Is it suitable for couples?

A. Yes. Whilst most of our 50+ students travel on their own it is as equally rewarding for couples.

Q. Can friends travel together?

A. Definitely. Friends often enroll together while still benefiting from meeting international classmates. Enjoying memorable experiences with friends that come with you or the friends that you make along the way is a fantastic way to learn and explore.

Q. Studying

Q. What happens in a 50+ English lesson?

A. Lessons focus on speaking, listening, vocabulary, pronunciation and practical English used in everyday situations. For example we will learn about some of the English that would be required to go to a winery and order some wine. That afternoon we will go to the vineyard to practice the English that we learnt that day (and if course experience some amazing Nelson wines)

Q. Will there be homework?

A. Usually only a small amount. The emphasis is on communication rather than heavy academic study.

Q How many students are in each class?

A. There will be a maximum of 8 students in each class.

Q. Will I receive a certificate?

A. Yes. we provide a Leaving Report and a Certificate of Attendance at the end of the programme.

Q. Can I improve my speaking confidence?

A. Yes. This is one of the main goals of 50+ programmes. Learning that making mistakes is ok and how a small increase in confidence can go a long way in improving English use.

Q. Are the teachers experienced with older learners?

A. Yes. Teachers understand that mature students have different learning styles and life experiences. The same is for the activities that we take our 50+ students

Q. Will grammar be difficult?

A. Grammar is taught in practical, easy-to-understand ways with plenty of speaking practice. Grammar taught in the class will be used in the activities in the afternoon

Q. Can I choose private lessons?

A. Yes we offer private lesson options, let us know what it is you want and we will put a progamme together to suit you best.

Q. Will everyone be from my country?

A. We are an international school and have students who come from Europe, Asia and South America. We cannot guarantee where the students will be from in the 50+ programme and we welcome anyone from anywhere in the world. In the past our 50+ students have been from Germany, Chile, Japan, Switzerland, France, Brazil and Taiwan. We have a strict ENGLISH ONLY rule in the school so all students have to speak English in the school building.

Q. Is the programme stressful?

A. No. Our 50+ programmes are designed to be enjoyable rather than intensive.

Q. Accommodation

Q. Should I stay with a host family?

A. Host families are ideal if you want to practice English every day and experience local culture. The cost for staying with a host family is included in the price. We can change the price if you would like to book your own accommodation

Q. What if I don’t like my host family?

A. Please come and let us know as soon as possible so that we can find an alternative solution for you.

Q. Can I stay in a hotel?

A. Yes. Whilst we do not offer a hotel option please contact us if you would like some accommodation suggestions to suit your requirements.

Q. Can my husband, wife or partner come if they are not studying?

A. Usually yes. We can arrange accommodation for accompanying partners in homestay and activity options.

Q. Will I have my own room?

A. Yes. Single rooms are the standard option, although we can accommodate couples.

Q. Is breakfast included?

A. Yes, in our homestays, breakfast and dinner is provided Monday to Friday and three meals on weekends.

Q. Can dietary requirements be accommodated?

A. Yes, although there may be an additional cost for some dietary requirements e.g gluten free diet carries an extra charge.

Q. Is accommodation close to the school?

A. Usually between 20 and 45 minutes by public transport, walk or bike.

Q. Is Wi-Fi included?

A. Yes.

Q. Can I arrive earlier or stay longer?

A. Yes. You can stay in homestay up to 4 days before and after the course.

Q. Can I book my own accommodation?

A. Yes. Most students arrange hotels or Airbnb independently. If you wish to choose your own accommodation please let us know and we will adjust the price to exclude the homestay option.

Activities

Q. What activities are included?

A. Typical activities include archery, e-biking, bowling, Brook sanctuary (possible kiwis), Cable Bay walk, Nelson city tour, classic car museum, Founders heritage park, Golden Bay, golf, Grampians walk, kayaking, Marlborough Sounds, Melrose House high tea, Nelson museum, Nature Land, Nelson Lakes, Nga Rua Caves, Pics Peanut Butter, Rabbit Island walk, Riwaka Resurgence, sailing, winery tour, Waka tour (Maori canoe), Xscape room

Q. Are activities compulsory?

A. No. You are free to join as many or as few as you wish.

Q. Are weekends included?

A. Yes there are three weekend activities included. There is no weekend activity on the fourth weekend

Q. Will there be a lot of walking?

A. Yes there are some beautiful parts of Nelson that require walking . Please let us know your requirements and we will work towards finding a suitable solution for you if walking too much is an issue.

Q. Can I bring my partner on activities?

A. Yes. They can join you on just the activities if they wish, Please contact us so that we can out together a programme to suit your requirements.

Q. Will I have free time?

A. Yes. The weekly activities end at around 3:30pm and usually Friday afternoons and Sundays are available for personal exploration.

Q. Can I travel after the course?

A. Yes. Many students continue traveling around New Zealand before returning home.

Q. Will I make friends?

A. Almost certainly. One of the biggest attractions of 50+ programmes is meeting like-minded people.

Q. Is there a welcome event?

A. Yes on your first Monday you will have a group lunch with the rest of the people on the 50+ programme.

Q. Is there a farewell event?

A. Yes on your last Friday, you will have a group lunch with the rest of the people on the 50+ programme.

Q. Will I experience local culture?

A. Yes. Cultural immersion is a major focus of our Discover English, Explore Nelson 50+ programme.

Practical Questions

Q. Is the programme safe?

A. Yes, we have done all of the activities before and we have also done them with our children so we are confident to take students on any of the activities we provide. There is a very strong health and safety culture in New Zealand and all activity operators have very strict regulations to ensure patrons safety.

Q. Do I need travel insurance?

A. Yes. Comprehensive travel and medical insurance is required for our students. You will be asked to show a copy on your first day.

Q. What visa do I need?

A. This depends on your nationality. Most countries can come to New Zealand without a visa and can study for up to 12 weeks. This means that you will not need a visa for a one to four week 50+ programme. Please contact us so that we can provide you with the exact entry requirements that you will need to be able to join us.

Q. How much spending money should I bring?

A. This depends on your lifestyle, shopping plans and optional travel. NZ government recommend at least $1666 per month for students who are doing full time study. We would recommend more than this for 50+ students.

Q. Can the school arrange airport transfers?

A. Yes the airport transfer in Nelson is included. When you fly to New Zealand you will probably arrive in Auckland, Christchurch or Wellington. You will please need to go to the domestic terminal and catch a connecting flight to Nelson. We will meet you at the Nelson airport.

Q. What should I pack?

A. Comfortable clothing, walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, medication and travel documents.

Q. Can I use my credit card?

A. Yes. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in New Zealand.

Q. Can I use my cash?

A. Yes. Cash is still widely accepted in New Zealand.

Q. What happens if I become sick?

A. Nelson English Centre will assist you in all areas including helping if you are sick. We will take you to a doctor and hospital if required. You may have to pay for this at the hospital or doctor and Nelson English Centre will then assist you in applying to your insurance company to get reimbursed (all students must have travel insurance)

Q. Why should I choose a 50+ programme instead of a regular English course?

A. You'll study with people at a similar stage of life, enjoy activities designed for mature travellers, and learn in a relaxed, supportive environment.

Q. What do students enjoy most?

A. Most students say their favourite parts are:

• Making international friends

• Speaking English every day

• Experiencing local culture

• Gaining confidence

• Returning home with unforgettable memories

This page was reviewed on 20 August 2026 by Miles Fitton, the owner of Nelson English Centre.

Miles has over 20 years of experience in international education and has worked for Nelson English Centre since August 2003.

On 1 April 2025 Miles became the owner of Nelson English Centre.

* credit NelsonTasman.nz & @barekiwi