New Zealand

With its awe-inspiring mountains, primeval forests, active volcanoes and extraordinary marine environment, New Zealand offers Australian students an unparalleled environmental experience. Combined with its unique blend of European, indigenous Maori and Asian cultures, the “land of the long white cloud” - or Aotearoa as it’s known by the Maori - provides teachers a perfect opportunity to engage students in the environmental and cultural aspects that affect them. Highlights on the North Island include Te Papa – the National Museum of New Zealand - renowned for its wonderful exhibits and inter active displays; Tongariro National Park and Mt Ruapehu which erupted spectacularly just 10 years ago; Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley near Rotorua where students will see boiling mud pools and geysers; giant trees in Parry’s Kauri Forest; the Treaty House at Waitangi where the historic agreement between the British Government and the Maori Nations was signed in 1840, and a breathtaking fast boat ride aboard Excitor through the Bay of Islands to the Hole in the Rock. On the South Island highlights include the world renowned International Antarctic Centre in Christchurch; Franz Josef Glacier and the Fox Glacier where students will have the opportunity to walk to the ice face; and a cruise in Fiordland National Park from Milford to the open sea where seals and dolphins are often seen. In winter touring groups staying in Queenstown can opt to include a day skiing Coronet Peak or the Remarkables, and dedicated ski groups can stay in either Queenstown or Methven near Mt Hutt. Throughout New Zealand accommodation is in Top 10 Holiday Parks or similar, or ski lodges (multishare).