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New Zealand

Program Overview

Haere Mai.
Welcome to New Zealand. Called Aotearoa, the "land of the long white cloud," by Maori settlers a thousand years ago, this land of subtropical forests, active volcanoes, glaciers, and fjords is spectacular to explore.

Orientation in Auckland
Your orientation takes place in Auckland, the "City of Sails." Situated between two spectacular harbors, the city offers exciting activities, art, and fascinating architecture. You and your group learn about the culture and history of New Zealand through activities, lectures, and thought-provoking discussions. You quickly become accustomed to the relaxed, outdoor Kiwi lifestyle.

Excursion to a Maori Marae
With your group and leader, visit a Maori marae. Gain a deeper understanding of Maori culture by talking and interacting with Maori people. Listen to songs and chants that retell Maori warrior legends and play games that were used to test the agility of warriors before entering battle. Learn the history of the Pakeha (European) and Maori cultures.

Homestay
Your host family welcomes you and shows you around Feilding or Bulls, charming small towns in the midst of sheep and cattle ranches. You get involved in your family’s activities and pick up lots of new Kiwi words and phrases.

Sample activities: Watch a performance of ancient song and dance at a traditional Maori meetinghouse; go "tramping through the bush" with your homestay family; learn how to shear sheep; see wool-spinning in action; visit glow-worm caves.

Community Service
The first country to start a national rainforest reforestation project, New Zealand is the perfect place for you and your group to participate in a community service project that helps rejuvenate the land.

Sample service projects: Contribute your energy and time to a sustainable community development project; work under the guidance of New Zealand’s Conservation Department; build handicap-accessible trails in a nature reserve.

Ecological Adventure
Cross the Cook Strait to experience the South Island’s breathtaking scenery. Feast your eyes on the towering icy blue glaciers and dramatic waterfalls that dot the landscape.

Sample activities: Explore the art galleries and theaters of Christchurch, South Island’s largest city; take a guided glacier walk; plunge into a thermal creek; experience "underworld innertubing"; mountain bike, rock climb, or rollerblade; snowboard or ski in the southern Alps; whalewatch off the dramatic northeast coast; visit Abel Tazman National Park.

"We saw mountains, forests, glaciers, sheep farms, and beautiful lush landscapes. One afternoon, on the way across the South Island, our leader took us to an isolated spot to watch seals sitting on the beach and playing in the ocean. We walked along the coast for about a mile and came upon a waterfall where the pup seals played and exercised. Later that day we hiked through glowworm caves. The natural beauty of new zealand was amazing."

-- Trevor Goff, Yonkers, New York

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