Immerse yourself in New Zealand and Fiji’s incredible natural environments and unique Polynesian cultures!

Location:

Auckland, New Zealand; Multi-Country Programs, Multi-Country Programs; Wellington, New Zealand; Nadi, Fiji

Program Type:

Study Abroad

Degree Level:

Gap Year

Term:

Summer

Program Overview

Program Description:

This Summer Program combines a week of blazing sun, pristine sea, golden sand and exciting water sports in Fiji, with three weeks of adventure and cultural immersion in the North Island of New Zealand. You'll try mountain biking, white water rafting, snorkeling, scuba diving, and stand up paddle boarding, while also immersing yourself in Maori culture by attending cultural performances and a traditional hangi feast. So if you’re looking to get stuck into a myriad of different activities, both on land and at sea – this program is most certainly for you!

Our students are also able to make a difference and learn about local conversation on two rewarding volunteer projects at coastal regional parks. You will work alongside park rangers, help plant native trees, and learn all about native New Zealand ecology and wildlife, while also getting he chance to spot endangered birds, camp under the starry night sky, and relax on beautiful white sandy beaches at the end of a rewarding day of volunteering.

Program Highlights

• Conservation project alongside park rangers at Tawharanui Regional Park
• Plant native trees and learn about native wildlife and ecology at a coastal sanctuary
• Cultural immersion at a Maori cultural performance and traditional hangi feast
• Experience Fiji's underwater world during an introduction to scuba diving
• Discover New Zealand's most important historic site in the Bay of Islands
• White water rafting adventure over rapids and the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world
• Stay overnight in a Marae, a traditional meeting hall and spiritual home to the Maori
• Go snorkeling and stand up paddle boarding over coral reefs in Beach Comber Island
• Mountain bike through The Redwoods in Rotorua
• Explore the museums and café culture of Wellington, New Zealand's vibrant capital

Program fee inclusions
Visa; All in-country travel and transport; All accommodation; Most meals; 2 weeks of volunteer conservation projects; Lectures from resident experts on conservation and eco-tourism; All excursions and activities as described in the itinerary (unless noted as optional); Experienced New Zealand program leader/s; Online image library for your program. Refer information booklet for international flight options.

Setting Description:

New Zealand has enjoyed 100 million years of isolation since it separated from the southern super continent Gondwana, sinking into and rising again from the ocean. This sinking, rising and isolation from other landmasses (Australia is 1300 miles away), protected unusual eco-systems where birds filled all the major niches usually taken by mammals. These eco-systems were radically compromised by colonization and the introduction of new animal species - first from the indigenous Maori some 800 years ago and more recently by European settlers. On this program you will get a hands-on introduction to strategies initiated to protect and care for these eco-systems and the plants and wildlife they contain.

Fiji is a ‘tropical paradise’ of over 300 islands with forests, sandy beaches, coral reefs, and gorgeous clear waters. The Yasawa Islands are volcanic in origin and fringed by spectacular beaches and reefs. Fiji is home to people with a vibrant culture rich in music and dance, arts,

Cost:

All inclusive program – see the Pacific Discovery website for current program fee and inclusions, to print information booklet and view the program slideshow.

Additional Program Information

Scholarships:

Yes