Spend your summer exploring some of the most spectacular environments on the planet; from New Zealand’s wild alpine landscapes to the turquoise waters and vibrant communities of Fiji. This journey is designed for students who want an active, meaningful adventure-filled summer with unforgettable moments, new friendships, and experiences that go far beyond a typical vacation.
Every day brings something different. One moment you’re hiking through dramatic scenery or rafting powerful rivers, the next you’re sharing stories with your group under star-filled skies or learning from local communities who call these places home. The program blends adrenaline, culture, and connection in a way that keeps the energy high while creating space to slow down and appreciate where you are.
In New Zealand, students dive straight into adventure; mountain biking through geothermal landscapes, tackling the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall, and working alongside conservation teams to protect native ecosystems. These shared challenges naturally build confidence, teamwork, and a strong sense of accomplishment, all while surrounded by some of the most breathtaking scenery imaginable.
Then the pace shifts as the journey continues across the Pacific to Fiji. Here, island life encourages deeper connection with the ocean, with local culture, and with each other. Students experience authentic village life, contribute to environmental projects like coastal conservation, and spend time snorkeling, swimming, and soaking up the warmth of the South Pacific. The contrast between high-energy adventure and laid-back island living makes the experience feel balanced, rewarding, and truly unique.
What makes this program special isn’t just where you go, it’s how you experience it. Small group travel creates strong bonds, shared challenges turn into lifelong memories, and every activity is designed to keep you engaged, active, and fully present. By the end of the summer, students don’t just leave with incredible photos; they leave with stronger friendships, a deeper appreciation for different cultures, and the confidence that comes from stepping into something new.
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This journey goes beyond the surface, offering a window into the rich traditions and customs of the indigenous people of New Zealand. Through interactive sessions, you'll gain insights into their history, beliefs, and connection to the land. The experience culminates in a powerful display of haka song and dance at a traditional Māori cultural performance. Witness the vibrant energy and storytelling prowess of this art form, leaving you with a profound appreciation for Māori culture and its enduring legacy.
Take on the mighty Kaituna River and conquer the world's highest commercially rafted waterfall – a heart-pounding 7 meters! You'll be surrounded by the lush beauty of the Okere Falls scenic reserve. More than just a physical challenge, this raft trip fosters teamwork and builds confidence as you conquer the rapids together. Prepare to emerge exhilarated, empowered, and with bragging rights for tackling the world's most epic commercially rafted waterfall!
In Nasautoka Village, you'll connect with the local community, offering your skills and learning about their way of life firsthand. This cultural exchange fosters understanding and creates lasting bonds. The adventure continues as you tackle a sand dune conservation project. Get your hands dirty, helping to preserve Fiji's delicate coastal ecosystem while learning about the importance of environmental sustainability. This rewarding experience allows you to give back, connect with the Fijian people, and make a positive impact on this beautiful island nation.
This is a guide to what you can expect to do on program. The order in which the activities occur might vary.
Click download to view the full 4 week sample itinerary.
Download Sample Itinerary
Kia ora, welcome to New Zealand! We touch down in Auckland, where our program instructors will meet us and transfer us to our accommodation. The focus is on getting to know each other and getting an exciting briefing about what’s to come.
We'll jump in our van and head north to the stunning Tawharanui (pronounced Tar-far -anui) Regional Park for our first volunteer project. Road tripping in New Zealand is pure joy, and everything looks like a scene from the Hobbit. Our days in Tawharanui are spent working alongside park rangers and a local group of community volunteers doing track maintenance and marine debris clean ups, searching for the elusive kiwi birds, and our nights are spent under the night stars camping out. There’s a huge predator proof fence that curls around the park, keeping out invasive species. This sanctuary is a unique blend of conservation, recreation and sustainable environmental practices. This conservation project gives us an inspiring insight into New Zealand's world class conservation efforts.
Heading farther up north, we will arrive in Paihia, which is the epicenter of the jaw-droppingly beautiful Bay of Islands. We will discover this island paradise of golden, sandy beaches and charming small towns while we are here. It’s also home to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the birthplace of New Zealand. Here, we'll learn how New Zealand's history was shaped, marvel at cultural Maori performances in the Maori Meeting House, discover the world’s largest waka (canoe) and walk through native gardens with spectacular views of Paihia and the many islands.
Heading back south past Auckland, we travel to the geothermal and cultural heartland of the country - Rotorua! You’ll smell it before you see it… the distinctive egg smell is because of the ethereal volcanic vents, boiling hot mud pools and natural geysers all over this area. The ground is literally steaming! In Rotorua, we stay in a Marae, a traditional village meeting hall and spiritual home to the Maori.
Our days here are full of adventure and energy as we go mountain biking in the Redwoods, and spend an afternoon rafting down the Kaituna River. The Kaituna River is Rotorua rafting’s playground, and home to not just one, but three impressive waterfalls, including the highest rafted waterfall in the world – Tutea Falls, at 7 meters!
Next up is a visit to Wellington, New Zealand’s vibrant capital city with great shopping, cafés and nightlife. We will visit Parliament to learn about New Zealand’s political system (way more interesting than it sounds, we promise), and gain insight into Maori culture through an intimate Maori educational experience at the interactive National Museum, Te Papa.
For full program details, please request the information booklet.
Request Information Booklet
Anyone with an average fitness level and an enthusiasm for the outdoors and new experiences will have a great time on this summer program! You will need to be prepared for some physical work during the volunteer projects on the program, like trail building or the removal of invasive plants.
You will be doing some camping on this program, but you will spend most of your time in comfortable hostels and lodges.
You will be able to make a difference to the local community during your stay. Be prepared to get your hands dirty and do some hands-on learning about local issues.
New Zealand & Fiji Summer Program
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