GoAbroad

Semester Abroad in New Zealand & Australia - Conservation

$1500-2000Program Costs
VerifiedProvider
4.7 / 5Student rating
40Reviews
24Programs
2001Year established

Program Overview

Experience an unforgettable 10-week Gap Year Semester through New Zealand and Australia, two of the world’s most amazing travel destinations. This Pacific Discovery program is designed for students taking a gap year, seeking an alternative study abroad, or looking to combine travel with purpose. Journey across dramatic landscapes, from the fjords of New Zealand to the tropical reefs of Australia. Hike, surf, snorkel, and dive while building global perspective through hands-on conservation and meaningful service learning. Learn directly from Māori and Indigenous Australian communities through authentic cultural exchange. Along the way, develop real-world skills in leadership, teamwork, and sustainability with the option to earn U.S. college credit. With experienced instructors by your side, you’ll gain clarity, confidence, and lifelong friendships while exploring two iconic destinations for adventure and growth. Whether you’re preparing for college, building your resume, or redefining your education through travel, this immersive journey will leave you inspired and ready for what’s next. Inquire today to start your New Zealand & Australia Semester with Pacific Discovery.

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Program Highlights

Canyoning in the Blue Mountains: Navigate waterfalls, jump into pools, and rappel through rugged terrain, all while building trust and teamwork
Maori cultural immersion: Learn indigenous stories, attend workshops, and participate in traditional ceremonies to deepen your understanding of Aotearoa’s heritage
Conservation projects on both continents: Help with dune restoration, native habitat protection, and wildlife conservation alongside local partners
Snorkel & surf in Australia: Dive into reef life, ride waves, and discover marine biodiversity
Wilderness treks in New Zealand: Hike iconic routes through mountainous terrain, forest, and alpine landscapes

What's Included

Tuition & Fees
Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
All Program Activity Costs
Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Weekend Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Group Meals
Required Equipment
Guide / Chaperone
Pre-Departure Orientation
In-Country Orientation
Cultural Training / Program / Orientation
Certificate of Completion

Quick Details

Location
Brisbane, AustraliaSydney, AustraliaByron Bay, AustraliaFraser Island, AustraliaCrescent Head, AustraliaBlue Mountains, AustraliaAuckland, New ZealandNelson, New ZealandWellington, New ZealandRotorua, New ZealandQueenstown, New ZealandMultiple Countries
Starts At$1500-2000
Availability
Year(s) Offered:2026, 2027, 2028
Duration:
  • 9-12 Weeks
Age Requirement18-20
Types & Subjects
Adventure Types:
  • Backpacking
  • Camping
  • Canoeing
  • Climbing
  • Eco Tours
  • Heritage Tourism
  • Hiking
  • Rafting
  • Scuba
  • Sea Kayaking
  • Snorkeling
  • Student Tours
  • Surfing
  • Tours
  • Trekking
Subjects & Courses:
  • Australian Studies
  • Conservation & Preservation
  • Culture
  • Ecology
  • Independent Study
  • Marine Biology
  • Sustainable Development
  • Travel & Tourism
Causes:
  • Agriculture
  • Animal Welfare
  • Community Development
  • Conservation
  • Culture
  • Eco-Tourism
  • Environment
  • Marine Conservation
  • Organic Farming
  • Reforestation
  • Trail Building
  • Tree Planting
  • Wildlife
Types:
  • Adventure Travel
  • Animals
  • Experiential Learning
  • Self-Discovery
  • Study Abroad
  • Volunteering
  • Wilderness
GuidelinesAll Nationalities
Inquire about this program

Updated May 20, 2026

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Blue Mountains, Australia
  • Brisbane, Australia
  • Byron Bay, Australia
  • Crescent Head, Australia
  • Fraser Island, Australia
  • Sydney, Australia
  • Auckland, New Zealand
  • Nelson, New Zealand
  • Queenstown, New Zealand
  • Rotorua, New Zealand
  • Wellington, New Zealand
  • Multiple Countries

Fields & Subjects

  • Ecology
  • Culture
  • Travel & Tourism
  • Sustainable Development
  • Conservation & Preservation
  • Marine Biology
  • Australian Studies
  • Independent Study

Available Terms / Availability

  • Years Offered: 2026, 2027, 2028
  • Duration: 9-12 Weeks
  • Terms Available: Fall, Spring
  • Gap Year Timing: After College, Post High School, During College

Eligible Nationalities

  • All Nationalities
  • This Program is also open to Group

Education Levels & Language

  • Language: English
  • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

Accommodation Options

  • Group living
  • Other

Application Procedures

  • Phone/Video Interview
  • Online Application
  • Written Application
  • Other

Age Requirement

18-20

Duration

9-12 Weeks

Starts At

$1500-2000

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about Pacific Discovery

4.7
40 reviews

Rating breakdown

5
26
4
14
3
0
2
0
1
0

Top categories

Itinerary
4.7
Satisfaction
4.7
Program Administration
4.7
Living Situation
4.6
Cultural Immersion
4.5
Health & Safety
4.5

Participated in this program? Share your experience now.

Review this Program

Showing 1-20 of 40 reviews

Brianna CamposNovember 2025

Made some unforgettable memories

This program is perfect for someone that loves and appreciates the outdoors and is very active. I had an amazing experience and made some unforgettable memories. I also made amazing new friendship with the other people on the program.

Noah WagnerNovember 2025

An amazing experience

Pacific Discovery was an amazing experience! I formed amazing friendships and did countless bucket list activities. This program allowed me to grow as a person and push past my comfort zone. You won’t regret signing up for one of their trips.

Natalie DunnApril 2025

The group experience allowed him to travel to a new country in a safe environment without family.

The New Zealand and Australia trip was a wonderful experience for our son. The group experience allowed him to travel to a new country in a safe environment without family. He wanted to travel independently but we wanted him to learn within a safe environment first. Pacific Discovery has given him the skills knowledge to now go out and travel on his own.

Julien TulpApril 2025

Changed my life in a positive way!

I have been on the Australia/New Zealand gap semester, had an amazing time here did so many cool tings, had amazing instructors and learned so much about a lot of things and it also changed my life in an positive way! I can really recommend it for people how really love to travel and learn and enjoy doing outdoor activity’s

Sophia GidwaniUnited States · December 2024

Just do it

The 70 days I spent pacific discovery in Aus/NZ were absolutely unforgettable. My instructors were absolutely incredible people. Both were so knowledgeable and so qualified to lead us. The program was the perfect mix of freedom and structure. It was a great mix of camping/hostels. I learned so much about myself and the world I live in. I gained more than I could have ever imagined. New Zealand is the most incredible place I have ever been and you will never want to leave. If you are at all considering this program, DO IT. There is so much joy on the other side of the fear holding you back

Ander SanchezNovember 2024

One of the most unforgettable experiences of my life

Pacific Discovery gave me one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life. The 10-week gap year program was a perfect mix of adventure, learning, and personal growth. The staff were very knowledgeable, and always there to encourage us. I left with lifelong friends and memories, plus a newfound appreciation for nature and different cultures. If you're looking for a meaningful, eye opening adventure, I can't recommend Pacific Discovery enough!

Ander SanchezNovember 2024

One of the most unforgettable experiences of my life

Pacific Discovery gave me one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life. The 10-week gap year program was a perfect mix of adventure, learning, and personal growth. The staff were very knowledgeable, and always there to encourage us. I left with lifelong friends and memories, plus a newfound appreciation for nature and different cultures. If you're looking for a meaningful, eye opening adventure, I can't recommend Pacific Discovery enough!

William BerglandNovember 2024

The most amazing trip i’ve ever been on!

The Australia and New Zealand semester was the most amazing trip I’ve ever been on! From the beautiful beaches of AUS to the stunning southern alps of New Zealand, every single activity and view on this trip was amazing. There is nowhere I would rather have spent the last 70 days, and no group I would rather have been with!

William BerglandNovember 2024

The most amazing trip i’ve ever been on!

The Australia and New Zealand semester was the most amazing trip I’ve ever been on! From the beautiful beaches of AUS to the stunning southern alps of New Zealand, every single activity and view on this trip was amazing. There is nowhere I would rather have spent the last 70 days, and no group I would rather have been with!

Noa HeinrichNovember 2024

Live and travel more sustainably

I had an amazing time with amazing people on the Australia New Zealand Gap semester! It was an incredible program that showed us how to live and travel more sustainably, make the most of our time with every experience, and learn from others we meet along the way! I definitely recommend this program!!

Noa HeinrichNovember 2024

Live and travel more sustainably

I had an amazing time with amazing people on the Australia New Zealand Gap semester! It was an incredible program that showed us how to live and travel more sustainably, make the most of our time with every experience, and learn from others we meet along the way! I definitely recommend this program!!

Jacob WiczykApril 2024

These 10 weeks truly were life changing

I came into this program with different circumstances than most people. I didn’t necessarily feel like I needed a gap year, but my top choice college offered me admission for the class of 2028, meaning I would have to take a year off. I liked this program when I looked at it and I signed up, but I didn’t really come with any major or specific plans or goals in mind. I ended up growing not just in areas I knew I was going to be challenged in, but in so much more that I didn’t even know about myself. I am leaving this program as someone who is much more thoughtful about myself and my action, and I am more motivated than ever to focus on being the best I can in things that I am interested in, even if that means facing you do challenges along the way. These 10 weeks truly were s life changing experience and I am extremely grateful I was pushed into taking the year off and am very glad I signed up for pacific discovery. Thank you!

Katie MayerApril 2024

This trip was like no other

This trip was like no other. I did things I never dreamed of doing and loved every second. I accomplished things I didn’t think were possible and grew so incredibly independent, confident, and free spirited.

Bella Chan-MacRaeApril 2024

I gained a lot of good travel skills

I gained a lot of good travel skills, such as flying on a plane by myself, cohabitation with others, conflict management, etc. I would recommend this program because you get two countries out of it and you get to explore cultures that school didn’t really teach you about!

Mare de WitApril 2024

Step out of your comfort zone

Being on a PD program is a cool experience, because this environment teaches you a lot about how to deal with future struggles. For example: how to deal with people, who are really different than you are. I would recommend this program, because it offers more than just gap year/ travel experience. It taught me a lot about my own personality, abilities and my growth. I think this program challenges you to step out of your comfort zone, and led me to being more confident. This is an opportunity to learn about nature, culture, yourself, new physical activities, hoe to approve certain situations and personality trades.

Sophia AuredenApril 2024

I learned so much about myself

Going on the New Zealand and Australia gap semester program with Pacific Discovery was one of the best decisions of my life. I learned so much about myself, the world around me, and made lifelong friends.

Jack ClellandApril 2024

Became more comfortable with being uncomfortable

Became more comfortable with being uncomfortable. A good opportunity to have reflection time and work on finding yourself. Lean into the negative things more and use your positivity to help others when they need it. A perfect way to distance myself from my normal home life. Great opportunity to explore myself and my values. Loads of time to reflect.

Jamie HerfortApril 2023

I became more invested in nature and being outdoors

I became more invested in nature and being outdoors. This trip has inspired me to become more aware of how I affect the planet and how I can help change my own life. This trip also helped me overcome my fears and had me try new things I ended up loving.

Amelia CarrApril 2023

This was an incredible trip

This was an incredible trip and I highly recommend it to any prospective students. I made such amazing friends, saw so many amazing places, and did so many cool activities. It was the experience of a lifetime and I would do it 1000 times over.

Colin BennettApril 2023

I feel like I have become more independent

I feel like I have become more independent. I would recommend it to others because it was a once in a lifetime experience. I felt like I came into the program with an open mind which I think was the best decision for me.

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Recognitions & Awards

Awards and accreditations earned by this provider

GoAbroad Top Rated Provider 2025 - Gap Year
2025 Finalist - Innovation in Diversity
GoAbroad Top Rated Provider 2024 - Gap Year Abroad
Top Rated Provider 2023 - Gap Year
People’s Choice Award 2023 Finalist
Innovation in Sustainability 2023 Finalist
Innovation in Sustainability 2023 Winner
Top Rated Gap Year Provider 2022
Innovative New Program – Volunteer Abroad Finalist 2022
Innovation in Marketing & Digital Media Finalist 2022
Top Rate Organization 2021 - Gap Year
Innovative Student Video 2021 Finalist
Innovative New Program – Volunteer Abroad 2021 Finalist
Year Out Group
American Gap Association

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