Overview of our New Zealand Trips for Teens

New Zealand is home to some of the purest natural landscapes you’ll ever experience. Our programs are designed for adventurous teens seeking an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience where snowcapped alps, glacial valleys, and star-filled skies merge into one epic journey. You’ll spend your days exploring natural ice formations, cruising dramatic fjords, hiking through forests and mountains to reach glacial valleys, and experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of adventure hubs like Queenstown. We handle all the logistics, ensuring a safe, immersive, and unforgettable journey through New Zealand’s spectacular South Island.

 

Show Me All The New Zealand Programs

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What makes a trip to New Zealand with Travel For Teens so special?

Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventure

This journey is designed to take you far beyond the usual tourist track. Our leaders specialize in navigating the South Island, guiding you on unique trails like the one to Mount Cook and through passes like Arthur’s Pass. From the bustling winter town of Queenstown to historical spots like Christchurch’s Cardboard Cathedral, we provide a safe, expertly managed program that lets you discover New Zealand’s true hidden gems.

 

Alps, Lakes, and Rock Formations

Our itineraries showcase the full drama of the South Island. You will hike high-altitude trails to get up-close views of Mount Cook, admire the clear waters of Lake Tekapo, and explore unique natural playgrounds like the Clay Cliffs of Omarama and the powerful limestone formations of Castle Hill, which the Dalai Lama named the “Spiritual Center of the Universe.”

Glacier & Ice Climbing

Experience the most impressive glaciers in the world with incredible treks through the Franz Josef Glacier valley. For the ultimate adventure, you have the option to take a helicopter ride to the top of the glacier to explore natural ice formations—those brave enough even have the option to try ice climbing! This is a truly unique, must-do experience that brings you face-to-face with the power of nature.Alps, Lakes, and Rock Formations

Fjords & Marine Wildlife

Experience the unparalleled natural majesty of the Fiordland National Park. You’ll cruise through the iconic fjords of Milford Sound to spot incredible marine wildlife like dolphins, seals, and penguins against a backdrop of towering rock walls. We also explore coastal gems like Hokitika, a historical beach town, and visit a magical glow-worm dell, creating a powerful, unique natural spectacle.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

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Is New Zealand safe for teen travel groups?

Yes, New Zealand is consistently ranked as one of the safest countries in the world for international travel. Our top priority is always safety, and all programs include expert, highly-trained Trip Leaders who manage all logistics, transportation, and accommodation. We partner exclusively with certified local operators for all high-adrenaline activities, ensuring you are secure, supervised, and well-protected while focusing on the adventure.

 

 

What are travelers' favorite activities in New Zealand?

Travelers consistently rate the high-energy adventures and unique natural experiences as their favorites! Highlights include the thrill of jet boating through rock canyons near Queenstown, the unforgettable experience of cruising through Milford Sound, and the option for a once-in-a-lifetime helicopter ride and ice climbing on the Franz Josef Glacier. Exploring the unique formations at Castle Hill and seeing the glow-worms are also highly praised.

 

 

How do we get around in New Zealand?

We travel using a comfortable private coach, making the entire journey a spectacular road trip—the best way to explore this country! We ensure the necessary travel time is part of the adventure, as the South Island features some of the world’s most scenic drives, such as the famous route through Arthur’s Pass. We make frequent stops at stunning viewpoints and unique sites, ensuring the journey itself is an unforgettable experience from beginning to end.

What is the climate like since New Zealand is in the Southern Hemisphere?

Since New Zealand is in the Southern Hemisphere, the seasons are reversed (summer is December–February; winter is June–August). During our North American summer (June-August), the South Island experiences winter or early spring. You should expect cool, crisp weather perfect for sight-seeing and snow-capped mountain views, with average daytime temperatures often ranging from 40°F to 60°F (4°C to 15°C), with snow possible at higher elevations.

Authenticity is ingrained in everything we do. Eat, stay, and travel like a local.

Check out what past travelers have to say about our New Zealand programs and discover why we are consistently winning awards for Top Youth Travel Organization.

 

 

 

"I had the amazing opportunity of traveling to Australia and New Zealand. It was absolutely amazing. I got to do once-in-a-lifetime activities such as scuba diving at the Great Barrier Reef and the Sydney Bridge Climb. These are memories that I will never forgot. for community service, we volunteered at a wallaby sanctuary. This was absolutely amazing, The wallabies were beyond cute, and they reminded me of my dog that I missed dearly. I never once imagined that I would be able to spend so much time with wallabies, and it was amazing. I had the most amazing counselors and met friends that I still keep in touch with. There was not a day that I did not love. If you have the opportunity to do this, you should, I can guarantee that you will not regret it."

Alaina P. Glen Rock, NJ

"I recently went on the Australia and New Zealand Service trip. I flew halfway across the world for the first time and had the time of my life! Everyday was a new adventure and my counselors really helped me to discover my love for traveling. We did amazing things, such as scuba diving at the Great Barrier Reef, sand-boarding, and going on the world’s fastest jet boat! I made some amazing friends that I continue to talk to, even after the trip. To everyone reading this, if you are considering singing up for this trip, do it! It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and something that I will definitely never forget."

Alaina Phelan

"Choosing to travel with TFT has been the best decision I have ever made. I have been able to visit France, the U.K., Australia, New Zealand, Costa Rica, and all over Greece! These trips have never failed to disappoint with all of the wonderful people and exciting things they have planned! I never expected to be feeding sloths in Costa Rica or going on a private boat trip around the famous Greek islands. I have made new friends from all over the world that I still talk to today. One of the best things about every trip is the counselors! They are always very knowledgeable about every location, and are there to keep you safe and informed as well as to have fun in general. These trips are the best way to meet new people and enjoy brand new experiences that you will cherish forever."

Bryn P. Harvard, MA

"I will never forget the three weeks I spent in New Zealand and Australia with Travel For Teens this summer. From the moment I stepped off the plane I fell in love with New Zealand. The beauty country is just breathtaking, and all the activities we did while in New Zealand were exhilarating. After an amazing few days in NZ we were off to Australia which was just as an amazing country. The service work we did while in Australia was incredibly fulfilling. I absolutely enjoyed every aspect of the trip, from day one to twenty-one! The counselors were the best!! They were approachable, spirited, and full of fun positive energy. The other campers on the trip were awesome, and by the end of the trip we all became like a big family! I can not wait to one day return to these stunning countries!"

Colleen Mulligan

"My trip to Australia and New Zealand with Travel For Teens has changed my perspective on traveling, I was not just a tourist when I visited these foreign countries but became extremely immersed in their culture, through experiences such as watching a ritualistic haka in New Zealand to camping in the Australian outback with locals. I felt at home in these countries and not out of place, which sometimes can happen when traveling. We stayed in hostels, not big chain hotels, and got to meet so many locals that we could learn a lot from, such as where the best traditional places to eat were and where we should shop or visit if we had any free time (which luckily was not often because we always had some fun activity planned). Overall, I honestly had the time of my life on this trip and it really opened my eyes to truly experiencing different cultures, after I even told my mom that this trip has showed me that I want-NEED to continue traveling to different parts of the world for the rest of my life."

Corinna P. Boonton, NJ

"From paragliding in New Zealand to snorkelling at the Great Barrier Reef of the coast of Australia, I had the best 21 days of my life with Travel For Teens. I will never forget looking out the window on Air New Zealand as we flew through the snow-capped mountains to land in Queenstown. The beauty of this foreshadowed the once-in-a-life time experiences I had the privilege of doing on this amazing adventure. The counselors made me feel so at home in places I’ve never been, and the friends I made gave me memories I will cherish forever. I recommend this trip to anyone who loves adventure and lives for the moment."

Wendy Lee

"I went on the Australia and New Zealand Service trip and it was life changing. I met some amazing people, which I became close with after about a day. I saw some of the most beautiful landscapes that I have ever seen. I visited the place where my favorite movie, The Lord of the Rings, was filmed. I held a koala and went glamping in the outback. I interacted with the locals and most importantly, I ventured out of my comfort zone, which makes for a more interesting adventure. The counselors were amazing and helpful and despite the age difference, no one ran out of things to talk about. TFT allowed me to experience something amazing and at such a young age, I was able to travel to a whole different world."

Kseniya Klyuchka

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