Overview
Thrilling adventure, majestic landscapes and scientific discovery awaits students in the South Island of New Zealand. With ancient forests, sparkling caves and pristine glaciers, the South Island offers students the chance to enhance their science and geography knowledge as they explore one of the most fascinating eco-systems on earth.
Itinerary
New Zealand South Island
- Sports
- Outdoor Adventure
Day 1
Travel to New Zealand (Queenstown)
Meet your Tour Director
Your 24-hour Tour Director will meet you at the airport and remain with your group until your final airport departure.
Canopy zipline tour
Experience a 3-hour wilderness adventure combining fun, education, and conservation. Explore an ancient native forest through a network of trails, ziplines, treetop platforms, and swing bridges reaching up to 22 metres above the ground among 500-year-old trees.
Day 2
Whitewater rafting excursion
Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting on the Kawarau River, New Zealand's largest commercially rafted river. Navigate four exciting rapids, including the unforgettable 400-metre Dog Leg, on an adventure that's the perfect introduction to whitewater rafting.
Shotover Jet experience
Hold on tight for an exhilarating ride aboard the iconic "Big Red" Shotover Jet. Speed through narrow canyons, skim past towering rock walls, and experience thrilling 360-degree spins during this unforgettable 20-minute adventure.
Skyline Rotorua Gondola and 3 Luge rides
Ride the scenic gondola 480 metres above Lake Wakatipu to the summit of Bob’s Peak, where sweeping views stretch across Queenstown, The Remarkables, Coronet Peak, and Walter and Cecil Peaks. Then, take on the luge, racing along 1.6 kilometres of twists, tunnels, banked corners, and dips before riding the chairlift back to the top.
Day 3
Travel to Milford Sound via Lake Wakatipu
Milford Sound overnight cruise
Cruise through the breathtaking beauty of Milford Sound, passing towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls and secluded coves. Keep watch for local wildlife, including playful dolphins, as you explore this spectacular UNESCO World Heritage wilderness.
Dinner onboard cruise
Day 4
Breakfast onboard
Travel to Te Anau
Glow worm caves guided visit
Cruise across Lake Te Anau before venturing underground to explore the remarkable Te Anau Glowworm Caves. Discover impressive limestone passages and underground streams, then glide by boat through a silent grotto illuminated by thousands of glowworms found only in New Zealand.
Fiordland Cinema visit
Soar above the breathtaking Fiordland UNESCO World Heritage Area during an immersive cinematic experience at the Fiordland Cinema. Witness dramatic mountains, fiords, waterfalls and untouched wilderness from a unique bird's-eye perspective.
Day 5
Travel to Lake Wanaka
Mountain bike guided ride and lunch
Enjoy a scenic ride around either Mount Burke or Lake Hāwea. Your accompanying guides will share local insight and stories about the surrounding area.
Day 6
Return home
Optional Extension
Add 2 Days in Christchurch
Journey across New Zealand's South Island with a stop at Fox Glacier to soak in glacier hot pools. Visit the West Coast Wildlife Centre, walk to Devils Punchbowl Falls in Arthur's Pass National Park, and learn about Christchurch's resilience during a guided visit to Quake City.
TourFlex: Your Experience, Your Way
With TourFlex, available for tours departing in October 2027 or later, you get the flexibility to shape an itinerary that's as unique as your group. Dial your trip up or down for more choice, more control, and more meaningful learning moments, all while getting the right experience at the right value. Available options vary by program and destination.
Explore Your Way
- Add experiences like theatre tickets or unique excursions
- Swap activities for ones that better serve your group
- Extend the learning through go-aheads or stay-behinds
Go Your Way
- Select transport options that suit your group's needs
- Choose from a variety of accommodation styles to support your level of comfort
Dine Your Way
- Choose pre-selected meals or encourage exploration by dining on your own
- Enjoy 2 course meals at local restaurants or at your accommodation, with the option to upgrade to 3 courses
Inclusions
Accommodations
WorldStrides Tour Director: A dynamic destination expert who makes learning come to life by leading your group's activities and discussions
Transportation to and from your destination
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Daily meals with options varying by program
Tips for local guides and drivers (excluding multi-day bus drivers)
Entrance fees to attractions as per itinerary
Guided sightseeing tours and city walks as per itinerary
Scenes from New Zeland
Health, Safety & Protection
Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details.
Request a Quote
Ready to turn this itinerary into an unforgettable learning experience? Tell us about your school, group and travel plans, and our team will create a tailored quote for your next adventure.