Program Overview
New Zealand’s South Island is home to some of the purest natural landscapes you’ll ever experience. Snowcapped alps, glacial valleys and star-filled skies all merge together for an adventure tour that is entirely unique from its neighbor, the North Island. This New Zealand teen tour program is for travelers who are looking for an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience, especially designed for older teens! Explore alpine lakes, hike to hidden glaciers, stargaze in a hot spring, explore a glow worm dell and cruise through dramatic fjords. There is no limit to the adventures you will have when you travel with us this summer to New Zealand and discover that this country has so much more to offer than what you will find in the guide books!
Our Older Teen programs are carefully crafted with 11th and 12th graders in mind. These programs are designed to nurture older teens and teach them to be more savvy travelers. Because as you grow, your interests and needs do too. So get ready to explore the very best the New Zealand has to offer, connect with nature and local communities, and learn how to be an independent traveler!
During this program, you will…
- Discover one of the most impressive glaciers in the world
- Ride a helicopter to the top of a glacier and explore its natural ice formations- those brave enough will have the option to ice climb!*
- Visit a world famous observatory and discover constellations, planets and the southern cross
- Explore bustling and vibrant Queenstown
- Catch sunset from Queenstown’s best view points after exploring the bustling winter town
- Cruise through the iconic fjords in Milford sound and spot seals, penguins, and dolphins
- Hike through forests, mountains, rivers, and glaciers
- Relax in a thermal hot spring overlooking a peaceful lake surrounded by snow capped mountains
*This is an optional add-on
Trip Itinerary
DAY 1: DEPART FROM LOS ANGELES (LAX)
DAY 2: CROSS THE INTERNATIONAL DATE LINE
DAY 3: CHRISTCHURCH
Begin your New Zealand adventure–get to know your fellow travelers while becoming acquainted with the most populated city on the South Island. Check out the Cardboard Cathedral, built to temporarily replace the city’s cathedral after the 2011 earthquake, relax in the botanical gardens, and even do some souvenir shopping at Re:START, a funky mall built out of colorful shipping containers!
DAYS 4-5: LAKE TEPAKO> LAKE PUKAKI > MOUNT COOK
Admire the stunning Lake Tekapo and relax in thermal hot springs right on the shore of the lake while enjoying the mountain views. Lake Tekapo is far away from the lights and glow of cities, and is the largest dark sky reserve in the world. This means the stargazing here cannot be beat! As the sun sets, the sky at Tekapo comes alive, and you’ll be able to admire the constellations, meteor showers, planets, and glowing stars that make Tekapo such an otherworldly experience. We will enjoy a guided tour to learn about the Tekapo’s amazing night skies with a unique combination of astronomy and storytelling. The best part of the tour comes when we revisit the hot pools to star gaze while relaxing on a floating hammock. You’ll feel like you’re soaking in the stars! We will also visit the Mount John Observatory where you will be able to look through a special telescope to see the galaxies and planets up close!
Lake Pukaki is a glacier-fed alpine lake that draws visitors from around the world to admire the snowcapped peaks reflected in its bright blue water, including the famous Mount Cook. We will visit a special hiking trail across hanging bridges and through the mountains to reach a glacial valley with an up-close view of Mount Cook. This trail is rated one of the top hiking paths in New Zealand and it is easy to see why!
DAYS 6-7: QUEENSTOWN > MILFORD SOUND
On the road to Queenstown we will stop at the stunning Clay Cliffs of Omarama. These cliffs are completely off the tourist track and every traveler who discovers them appreciates the natural beauty of this hidden gem. You will be able to scramble and climb through them, exploring every nook and cranny at this naturally formed “playground.”
After the cliffs we will arrive in Queenstown. Famous to travelers all over the world for its stunning location and wide variety of adventure activities, we will cruise through the spellbinding Milford Sound, take take in dramatic vistas composed of high mountains and rugged fjords, spot penguins and seals on the rocky shores, and watch dolphins playing in the waters around the boat. For a real adrenaline rush we’ll zoom through rock canyons in the world’s fastest jet boat! To cap off our time in Queenstown you can hike or take the gondola to the top of the city for stunning views and an incredible sunset, and check out some favorite local eateries and hot spots of this bustling ski town.
DAY 8: WANAKA
The next stop on our adventure is Wanaka, Queenstown’s quieter little sister. Wanaka is a tiny ski town directly on a crystal clear lake surrounded by mountains. Admire the famous “Wanaka tree” perched in the center of the lake, and take advantage of the many hiking trails in the area.
DAY 9-10: FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER
Franz Josef Glacier is widely regarded as the gem of the west coast and one of the most impressive sites in the world! We will go on a trek through the valley for some of the best views of this incredible glacier, marveling at its bright blue ice formations.
The glacier itself can only be accessed by helicopter. Those who would like to get in on the action will have to option to take a quick helicopter ride to the top of the glacier to explore the crevices and incredible ice formations.* If you are feeling extra adventurous, you will even have the option to try ice climbing! Spending the day on a glacier is a truly unique experience and is a must-do for anyone visiting New Zealand’s South Island.
DAY 11: HOKITIKA
We will continue driving up the west coast of New Zealand and visit the stunning Hokitika Gorge. We’ll enjoy a leisurely stroll to the viewpoint overlooking a dramatic granite gorge with milky blue-green pools, surrounded by cliffs and lush forest. Hokitika is also a historical beach town with an artsy vibe home to plenty of local shops and restaurants. We will have time to explore the town and go for a walk along the beach, keeping an eye out for Little Blue Penguins!
At night, we will be in for a special surprise when we visit a glow-worm dell! The glow worms light up this small fern grotto and you will feel like you are surrounded by thousands of stars. It is a truly surreal and one of a kind experience!
DAY 12: ARTHUR'S PASS
For our final full day we will begin our journey into Arthur’s Pass, famous for being one of the most scenic drives in New Zealand. We will stop at several viewpoints and make friends with the friendly keas (New Zealand’s parrot) along the way! One of the highlights of Arthur’s Pass is Castle Hill. Castle Hill is home to amazing limestone rock formations and boulders. Castle Hill has a tangible energy, and we will explore and climb across these formations and discover for ourselves why the Dalai Lama named it “The Spiritual Center of the Universe.”
After Castle Hill we will come full circle and arrive back in Christchurch, where our journey first began. We will celebrate with one final dinner while reminiscing on all of the amazing memories we made together in New Zealand.
DAY 13: RETURN FLIGHT TO THE USA
Photo Gallery
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where do we stay?
Students stay in centrally located, safe, and well-supervised accommodations in each city.
They are well suited to facilitating group supervision and usually within walking distance of the main attractions. We do not use large, impersonal chain hotels on the outskirts of cities; we prefer to select smaller, family-run hotels where we establish personal relationships with the owners.
For safety reasons, we do not publish the names of the accommodations we use. We do not feel it is safe to publish the name of a hotel where a group of teenagers is staying abroad. After registering, participants and parents are given access to our secure parent website where you will be able to see the names of all of the accommodations for the program.
Students stay in centrally located, safe, and well-supervised accommodations in each city.
They are well suited to facilitating group supervision and usually within walking distance of the main attractions. We do not use large, impersonal chain hotels on the outskirts of cities; we prefer to select smaller, family-run hotels where we establish personal relationships with the owners.
For safety reasons, we do not publish the names of the accommodations we use. We do not feel it is safe to publish the name of a hotel where a group of teenagers is staying abroad. After registering, participants and parents are given access to our secure parent website where you will be able to see the names of all of the accommodations for the program.
What is unique about the New Zealand for Older Teens trip?
New Zealand for Older Teens explores hidden gems on New Zealand’s South Island that are off the beaten path and undiscovered by most tourists.
New Zealand for Older Teens explores hidden gems on New Zealand’s South Island that are off the beaten path and undiscovered by most tourists.
What is included on New Zealand for Older Teens?
Tuition cost includes: ground transportation, accommodation, chaperones and guides, program-related activities and admissions, taxes and tips, all breakfasts and dinners.
Not included in the cost (not intended to be an exhaustive list): Airfare, visas and visa application fees, beverages other than filtered water at meals, lunches, activities and admissions not referenced in the itinerary or deemed not program related, such as movies, expenses incurred by the participant that are outside the program description, such as excess baggage fees and damage to hotels, expenses related to unforeseen circumstances, such as transportation strikes and natural disasters, as well as personal and medical expenses.
Tuition cost includes: ground transportation, accommodation, chaperones and guides, program-related activities and admissions, taxes and tips, all breakfasts and dinners.
Not included in the cost (not intended to be an exhaustive list): Airfare, visas and visa application fees, beverages other than filtered water at meals, lunches, activities and admissions not referenced in the itinerary or deemed not program related, such as movies, expenses incurred by the participant that are outside the program description, such as excess baggage fees and damage to hotels, expenses related to unforeseen circumstances, such as transportation strikes and natural disasters, as well as personal and medical expenses.
What is the food like on this trip?
The food on this program is authentic, delicious, and a central part of the cultural travel experience.
We prioritize eating at local, authentic establishments rather than Americanized chains, encouraging students to sample the local specialties wherever we go. We fully accommodate all dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten allergies, and other restrictions.
The food on this program is authentic, delicious, and a central part of the cultural travel experience.
We prioritize eating at local, authentic establishments rather than Americanized chains, encouraging students to sample the local specialties wherever we go. We fully accommodate all dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten allergies, and other restrictions.
Authenticity is engrained in everything we do. Eat, stay, and travel like a local.
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