Description

Words cannot adequately describe the incredible beauty, friendly culture and thrilling adventure of New Zealand. You need to experience this place yourself. Embrace Maori traditions and learn the haka, and get ready for the many thrills as they practically invented adventure! Zorbing, waterfall rafting, Alpine trekking, glacier exploration, skiing or snowboarding the Southern Alps, and jetboating through narrow canyons are just some of the fun on our awe inspiring journey to this beautiful country. Then join us for our 5 day extension to the warm and welcoming islands of Fiji where you'll have the chance to snorkel, banana boat, island hop as well as experience a traditional Fijiian welcome ceremony. Of course we take the time to relax and enjoy the sun, sand and beach of this tropical paradise.

Highlights

* Adventure Highlights

- Guided Tongariro Alpine Crossing Rated one of Top-10 Day Treks in the World!
- Whitewater Raft Kaituna River with 22-foot Drop
- Shotover Jetboat through the Canyons
- Amazing Zorbing
- Ski or Snowboard Southern Alps
- Catamaran Sailing and Hike Abel Tasman National Park
- Guided Glacier Climbing Experience
- Amazing Luge Ride
- Snorkeling & Banana Boating in Fiji

* Touring Highlights

- Learn Haka War Dance and Experience Maori Culture
- Cruise Majestic Milford Sound in Fjiordland National Park
- Tour Geothermal Activity of Rotorua and its Famous Caldera
- Explore Fabulous Queenstown
- Capital City of Wellington and Te Papa Museum
- Fiji Welcome Ceremony, Sun & Beaches

* Auckland

Immediately upon arrival, you notice how friendly and how welcoming the people are. Kiwis pride themselves on being down to earth and humble and it shows in their respect for visitors, their environment and their native Maori people. We settle in to life upside down with a warm welcome orientation, a city tour and dinner by the beautiful waterfront.

* Rotorua

Discover this geothermal area literally bubbling underground and with steam in the air. Our kiwi guide shows us the area of volcanic activity in this active caldera. We feel pretty confident boasting that your white water rafting down the famous Kaituna River will be like no other trip. With 13 major drops and a 22-foot drop over Tutea Falls, the largest commercially rafted waterfall in the world, you will experience a great adrenaline rush! A private lesson teaches us how to perform the amazing Maori Haka war dance and then we can show off our skills at a traditional Maori Village, where we learn more about this wonderful culture at an interactive dinner experience. Adventure continues with an amazing downhill luge ride and the ultimate New Zealand adventure invention zorbing in the region where it all began!

* Whakahoro Region

Experience the true New Zealand, with breathtaking views and sheep shearing! Stay at a genuine homestead with additional activities that may including kayaking, canoeing, farming, hiking and volunteer work with the endangered blue duck.

* Mt. Tongariro National Park Lord Of The Rings

Join our professional Alpine Guides for what has been rated one of the greatest day treks in the world. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing involves a trek alongside three incredible volcanoes, including what has come to be known as Mt. Doom from the Lord of the Rings movies. No previous experience is needed; guides provide all the equipment and expertise to navigate this stunning journey.

* Wellington

From the extreme beauty of the Central North Island, we head to the Capital. Check out trendy Cuba Street, views from Mt. Victoria lookout, the Beehive (parliament), and visit the fascinating Te Papa Tongarewa National Museum before we board our ferry across the Cook Strait to the South Island.

* Abel Tasman National Park

The South Island scenery changes dramatically with mountains bigger, higher and more rugged. Heading across the north coast along the Queen Charlotte drive, you will enjoy one of the most scenic vistas in the world. The unspoiled beauty continues in Abel Tasman National Park with turquoise blue waters, coves and hiking trails. We sail by catamaran, with stops at Split Apple Rock, the Fur Seal Colony and for fantastic hikes along the coastline.

* Franz Josef Glacier

Driving down the west coast of the South Island brings many unbelievable photo ops and special moments including Lake Matheson, the stunning reflective lake that provides inspiring views of New Zealands highest peaks, Mt. Cook (Aoraki) and Mt. Tasman. The Franz Josef glacier descends to just under 900 feet above sea level, making it far more accessible than many others in the world. Experts guide us on a unique full day adventure of glacier mountaineering. From squeezing through blue crevasses and sliding through ice caves to shuffling down near vertical walls of ice, you get the rare chance to travel deep in the heart of the glacier. At days end, we relax in the hot springs.

* Queenstown

Situated on beautiful Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by spectacular peaks, many travelers say it is the most beautiful city ever seen. And it is even better known as the adventure capital of the world! You will quickly know why after you experience the famous Shotover Jetboat speeding over crystal clear water through magnificent canyons, and ski or snowboard the Southern Alps. Discover uniquely scenic Fjordland on our visit to Milford Sound and its famous Mitre Peak. Explore this ancient fjord by land and by sea looking up the steep cliffs at the waterfalls and trying to spot seals, dolphins and penguins. Sadly we must say goodbye to this extraordinary country but not before a final banquet from atop Queenstown overlooking this majestic area.

* Fiji

Bula - welcome to Fiji for a fantastic blue water finale. Relax with two days chilling on the beach, taking an amazing island hopping tour, snorkeling some of the fantastic reefs among the Fijian isles, hopping on a cool banana boat experience and ending with a traditional Fijian Kava ceremony that celebrates our life changing voyage to these enchanted lands.

Travel Types

• Climbing
• Downhill Skiing
• Hiking
• Rafting
• Snorkeling
• Snowboarding
• Student Tours
• Trekking

Type of Programs

• Adventure Travel
• Cultural Exploration
• High School Study Abroad
• Student Tours

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

New Zealand - $5,899 New Zealand + Fiji - $6,599

Program Fees Include:

Backpack New Zealand for 21 Days

- Plus airfare to Auckland and home from Queenstown, New Zealand
- Accommodations: All Hotels & Basic Lodges
- INCLUDES all lodging, 3 meals daily, all recreation, entertainment, gratuities, & taxes.

Backpack New Zealand plus Fiji for 26 days

- Plus airfare to Auckland, New Zealand and home from Nadi, Fiji
- Accommodations: All Hotels & Basic Lodges
- INCLUDES all lodging, 3 meals daily, all recreation, entertainment, gratuities, & taxes.

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 18 to 21

360 Student Travel's Mission Statement

360 Student Travel will allow you the opportunity to step in a new direction. Travel, volunteer, or improve your foreign language skills we are here to help you take that new step by helping you keep your other foot planted. Regardless of travel style, all programs are created with the understanding that no matter what you want to accomplish during the summer, it is still summer, and the challenges and experiences should be enjoyable as well as rewarding. On our Community Service Program you'll be making the world a better place and discovering the world at the same time - ziplining in Costa Rica, exploring a glacier in Alaska, or marveling at the "Big 5" in Africa. If you're open-minded and interested in achieving goals, volunteering, and helping others, then this will be a meaningful and adventurous summer for you. If you're thinking of studying Spanish or French and want the excitment of travel join us in either Spain, Costa Rica or France. On most of these language programs, we study at multiple locations within a country so you experience its full diversity. On our Pre-College Enrichment program get a sneak peek at college life while being immersed in the culture and excitement of Barcelona. We have teamed up with the renowned International House School, centrally located just steps from Plaza Cataluna, to bring you exciting courses from Creative Writing and International Business to Spanish Language, and SAT prep with Princeton Review. Join us on our Global Adventures if adventures are for you. We offer the most unique variety of activities imaginable that encourage individual growth and character.

Year Founded

1982