Unbelievable New Zealand.
Adventure & Environmental Program
Come and have a life changing experience on one of our exclusive summer camps
New Zealand Summer Programs:
Length: 25 days
Ages: 14 - 18 years
Arrive: Auckland, NZ
Depart: Auckland, NZ
Fees: Contact us
What's included?: See here
Join us on our 21-day teen adventure travel and environmental program in New Zealand!
Journey from the North Island to the South Island and back again on this adventure of a lifetime.
Explore ancient limestone sculptures, stunning alpine trails, magical thermal pools, black sand beaches, and Maori culture as we traverse the Land of the Long White Cloud.
Watch waterfalls tumble into massive fjords and ancient rainforests cling to the side of New Zealand’s velvety mountains.
Trek the world-renowned Abel Tasman trail, spend two nights on a Marae, and experience the beauty of New Zealand farm life. Assist with the sheep and cattle, plant trees, and learn about the importance of sustainable farming.
Experience the best of middle earth in this eco-conscious adventure paradise.
Highlights
#1 Thermal Pools in Rotorua
From spouting geysers to neon-colored thermal pools, New Zealand is blessed with spectacular geologic features and relaxing thermal springs. Originally used by early Maori settlers to cook meals, these thermal springs have attracted visitors for centuries.
#2 The Boulders of Castle Hill
Named the "Spiritual center of the universe" by the Dalai Lama in 2002, the ancient limestone boulders of Castle Hill resemble a rundown castle and is a popular destination for climbing and bouldering.
#3 Arthur's National Park
The "back bone" of the South Island, Arthur's Pass divides the captivating rainforests and glaciers to the West and the towering mountain slopes to the East.
Join us as we sip tea with Maori elders, exchange stories, and learn about the roots of New Zealand culture while spending two nights on a Marae. Exchange breath (Hongi) with Maori Warriors and elders, participate in a traditional welcoming ceremony (Powhiri), sleep amongst carvings of ancestors, whales, and heros, and discover the challenges of modern day life in Aotearoa.
#4 Stay overnight on a Marae
#5 Lord of The Rings Time!
New Zealand is home to the landscapes that inspired Tokein's Lord of the Rings Series. Join us as we tour New Zealand's world-renowned outdoor movie set at Hobbiton. While in Middle Earth, we are guided around the 12 acre set, past hobbit holes, through wildflower fields, and then on to the Green Dragon™ Inn for a glass of tart ginger beer.
#6 Partner with Environmental & Ecological experts.
Learning from local experts, we come to understand the importance of pesticide-free farming and discover the dangers of invasive species to the island nation. Get your hands dirty, keep your mind open, and pet a sheep along the way (there are more sheep than people here)!
#7 Embark on Abel Tasman, one of New Zealand's great treks
For four nights and five days, we tramp alongside the rugged New Zealand South Island Coastline, past fur seals, through ancient beech forests, wild shrubland, golden sands, and glistening water. Carrying our food, tents, and gear on our backs, we experience the best of the South Island while discovering how to preserve the historic trails, rugged landscapes, and endangered wildlife along the Abel Tasman trail.
Program Information
Activities:
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Trek: Abel Tasman National Park Coast Track
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Culture: Stay Overnight on a Marae in Kaikoura, Powhiri Maori Welcome Ceremony
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Explore: Arthur's Pass, Auckland, Wellington, Picton, Castle Hill, Christchurch, Kaikoura, Hobbiton Movie Set, Rotorua, Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
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Swim: Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools, Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland
Accommodations:
In New Zealand, our accommodations are a mix of hostels, lodges, and cabins. While on the organic farm, we spend our nights in a cozy lodge where we cook our farm-fresh meals and share old New Zealand folktales.
We also spend two nights on a Marae in Kaikoura, where we sleep on matresses on the floor of the Wharenui. Showers will be available every three to four days. Bathrooms will be flush toilets at hostels and a mix of latrines and backcountry bathrooms on the trek.
Itinerary
Arrival (Days 1-3):
Once we arrive in Auckland, we explore the bustling oceanside city and gather our bearings among the distinct harbours, skyscrapers, and green spaces. Marveling at the city’s distant volcanic cones, we experience the quirks of Kiwi culture and enjoy lunch in one of Auckland’s most famous parks before transferring north to Tutukaka.
Marae visit & Northland Exploration (Day 4):
Today, we get our first opportunity to learn about Māori Culture. Learning from our hosts in Northland, we experience a traditional Māori welcome onto a marae, pressing faces to one another and exchanging our breath. Hearing speaches, seeing carved meeting houses, and fully immersing ourselves in the epic natural wonders of Northland.
Hobbiton & Southward Transfer (Day 5):
Today, we transfer south, towards Rotorua, stopping at New Zealand's famous Hobbiton, for the chance to walk through lush pastures and hobbit holes of the shire. While in Middle Earth, we are guided around the 12 acre set, past hobbit holes, through wildflower fields, and then on to the Green Dragon™ Inn for a glass of tart ginger beer.
Rotorua Thermal Springs (Day 6):
From spouting geysers to neon-colored thermal pools, New Zealand is blessed with spectacular geologic features and relaxing thermal springs. Today, we hike alongside neon geothermal attractions, multi-hued lichens, salt structures, and primordial lakes while discovering the geological wonderland of Rotorua.
Organic Farm Service (Days 7-11):
Spending the next four days on an organic farm near Hawkes Bay, we experience the serenity of New Zealand’s fertile farmland and lend a hand in the fields. Working alongside our local host and conservation experts, we get our hands dirty removing and planting trees, caring for livestock such as sheep and cattle, and discovering the importance of Regenerative Agriculture. We spend our nights in a cozy eco lodge, where we cook our farm-fresh meals and share old New Zealand folktales.
Wellington to Picton - Ferry across the Cook straight (Day 12):
Heading south, we explore New Zealand’s capital before boarding the large ferry to the South Island. Sailing between Wellington and Picton, we pass through the legendary Cook Strait and alongside the spectacular Marlborough Sounds. This is also a prime opportunity for photographs, as we typically see dolphins, seals, penguins, albatross, and humpback whales along the strait.
Trek in Abel Tasman National Park (Days 13-17):
For four nights and five days, we tramp alongside the rugged New Zealand South Island Coastline, past fur seals, through ancient beech forests, wild shrubland, golden sands, and glistening water. Carrying our food, tents, and gear on our backs, we experience the best of the South Island while discovering how to preserve the historic trails, rugged landscapes, and endangered wildlife along the iconic Abel Tasman trail.
Relax in the Thermal Springs (Day 18):
Trading our hiking packs for swimsuits, we head south to Hanmer Springs for a chance to relax, replenish, and rejuvenate in the famous sulphur-silica springs.
Overnight stay on a Marae (Days 19-21):
We spend our next two nights in the picturesque coastal town of Kaikoura. While in Kaikoura, we spend two nights on a Marae (Maori community center) while exploring local landscapes and learning about eco-tourism. We sip tea with Maori elders, exchange breath (Hongi) with Maori Warriors and elders, participate in a traditional welcoming ceremony (Powhiri), sleep amongst carvings of ancestors, whales, and heros, and discover the challenges of modern day life in Aotearoa.
Explore Castle Rock, Craigieburn & Christchurch (Days 22-24):
Heading South, we pull on our winter gear while exploring and playing in the heavenly South Island peaks.
Homeward Bound (Day 25):
The trip home begins with a flight back to Auckland. From there we transfer back home on our escorted flight.
