New Zealand: South Island Glacier Adventure

Arrive into Queenstown Airport (QZN) and meet your Program Leaders who will be with you for the duration of the program. Head to the hostel and settle in, relaxing after your long flight. Join the group for an orientation discussion about the week ahead, expectations for your adventure, and an introduction to the local culture. Go downtown to enjoy a famous Fergburger for dinner. Watch the sunset on the Queenstown mountain range of the Remarkables that stand above Lake Wakatipu.

Head straight up the Queenstown gondola for a day experiencing the luge and zip line! Race your friends around the bends and enjoy the awesome views. Burn it up on the advanced track or cruise down the scenic track. Fly from tree to tree as you zip line on an eco-adventure through the forest.

Travel to the other side of the Crown Mountain Range to spend the afternoon zipping around Lake Wanaka in a high-speed jet boat. Get your adrenaline pumping as you speed through the water, sliding around turns through this shallow rocky river system. Optional helicopter Rides (at an additional cost) are available for those looking to land near a glacier with an incredible view of Mount Aspiring.

Spend the afternoon at Lake Matheson where the famous crystal waters create a mirror image of New Zealand’s highest peaks, Aoraki (Mount Cook) and Mount Tasman. Relax in the glacier hot pools before settling in for the evening with a traditional Kiwi barbeque for dinner. Join your group for a mid-trip discussion where you’ll begin to reflect on what you’ve experienced and learned so far.

Walk along the Waiho Riverbed as you follow the path of Franz Josef’s glacial retreat. Learn about the history of one of New Zealand’s fastest moving glaciers and observe the firsthand effects of climate change. Journey to the rock scree below the glacier through the rainforest and over river rocks. Finish hiking and then head back to Queenstown.

Skydive, bungee jump, paraglide, hang glide, or take a ride in a stunt plane (all optional at an additional cost)! Take on the birthplace of commercial bungee jumping with three to choose from in Queenstown—the freestyle bungee, the original Kawarau Bridge bungee, or Nevis Highwire, one of the highest bungee jumps in the world at 440 feet!

Take time to explore town in the morning, buy souvenirs, and hike along Lake Wakatipu before a big final Kiwi dinner.

At the end of each program, students reflect on their experiences and the issues they engaged with, and talk about how to apply this new understanding to their own worlds. During or after their closing discussion, groups participate in Rustic Ties, a unique and powerful activity that allows students to capture the memories and learning moments of their program to process and share with their communities back home.

Finish packing and head into the city to explore Queen Street and the marina. Your Program Leaders will take you to the airport for your departure as you say goodbyes and reflect on your adventure.