Imagine visiting snow-capped mountains rising 12,000 feet out of the sea; cruising the largest fiords in the world; hiking massive glaciers carving their way to the ocean; experiencing close encounters with flora and fauna unknown elsewhere in the world; kayaking to deserted beaches through turquoise waters; and discovering the stunning scenery of the Lord of the Rings. New Zealand's South Island is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful islands in the world.

This program uses the theme of sustainable development to explore the relationship between people and their natural environment. We spend 7 days in the garden city of Christchurch, followed by a 2.5-week field study of the South Island. A typical itinerary includes Mount Cook, the wild West Coast, swimming with dolphins at Kaikoura, a guided kayak of Abel Tasman National Park, a guided hike on Fox Glacier, a sheep farm visit, a visit to a Maori marae, and a boat cruise on Milford Sound.

Our experiential education focuses on learning through guided action. Students spend about 60% of their time traveling the stunning national parks, forests, wildlife reserves, coastlines, and islands of the Pacific under the guidance of knowledgeable field professionals. The remaining time is spent in class with leading experts from New Zealand universities (e.g. Lincoln University and the University of Canterbury), government departments (e.g. Department of Conservation), iwi (Maori ‘tribes’), and scientific research bodies (e.g. Landcare Research).

This program can be combined with the 8-day program in Fiji for an additional 3 credits.

During your visit to New Zealand, you will stay in comfortable hostel-style accommodation with the rest of the students in the group. You will get the chance to make life-long friends with others in the group, and our accommodation adds to this experience. If you are traveling with someone, you may request to room with that person for the duration of the trip. Hostels vary, but typically rooms are shared by 2-4 students.

AUIP will provide some group meals at special locations, and for the remaining meals you have the flexibility to choose amongst the many cafes and restaurants, or cook for yourself in the hostel facilities.

AUIP also provides all in-country transportation in a comfortable, luxury coach. Students should be prepared to move and travel frequently while in the field, although students say that the bus trips are always enjoyable with such fantastic scenery out your window!