The secret of New Zealand is finally out, and tourism is rapidly increasing in record numbers every year. About 900 miles southwest of Australia, this small country is part of a rim of volcanoes in the Pacific ocean, endowing it with a breathtaking landscape of rugged natural beauty: rivers, dense rainforests, volcanic rock formations, snow capped craters, glaciers, crater formed lakes, and beautiful white and gold sand beaches. With such a varied landscape it comes as no surprise that “Kiwis” (New Zealanders) are fond of a wide array of outdoor activities, everything from skiing in the winter months to hiking, rafting, kayaking, sky diving and even bungee jumping in summer. For those who are less interested in active pursuits, the city of Auckland offers a wealth of art galleries, concert halls and museums, reminders of New Zealand’s colonial past.

New Zealand’s natural riches extend to its wildlife. Millions of years of isolation have produced unusual birds and reptiles that are found nowhere else. Dolphins, seals and whales can be spotted from its shores.

New Zealanders are largely a mix of Polynesians and Europeans, mainly the descendents of Dutch and British colonists. The Maori emigrated from Polynesia only a couple of centuries before the first Europeans arrived, in the 1600s, and continue to preserve their culture, language and heritage today. Travelers find the Maori influence a fascinating aspect of New Zealand’s culture.

Programs in New Zealand

Adults:

Volunteer

Independent Homestay

Teens:

High School Abroad