New Zealand & Fiji Summer Program | Pacific Discovery

Pacific Discovery will always have a special place in my heart. I learned so much about myself as well as other places and other people. I was pushed out of my comfort zones and became a better person because of it.

I've traveled a lot in my life, before and after my experience with Pacific Discovery. I've gone on sight-seeing trips in Europe with my family, I've lived a year in Russia for a teaching opportunity, and I was immersed in a rural Senegalese village for 3 months through a college program. I say all this not to boast, but to prove the uniqueness of Pacific Discovery. Pacific Discovery New Zealand gave me something I would have never found without it, something I'll likely never find again. For me, this trip provided the perfect 4 weeks to turn strangers into a lifelong soul-family. A spirit of sheer adventure flowed through our group, and we were quickly bonded by adrenaline. Rainy, strenuous work in the beautiful countryside and cooking delightful meals together brought us all the closer. Years later, I look back at these 4 weeks with both complete gratitude and unbearable nostalgia. I can confidently say that only the family at Pacific Discovery could have provided the memories I love to call my own.

Pacific Discovery was an amazing experience. I was afraid that I would get homesick being on the other side of the world for a month, but it went by so fast, and when it was over, I didn't want to leave. I made friends that will last a lifetime, and participated in activities from skydiving to mountain biking, that I will never forget. I was fully immersed in the culture of New Zealand, it was absolutely incredible. I would strongly recommend this program to anyone who wants to learn lots , both about the world around them and themselves, and have an amazing travel experience.

"Be the hummingbird" - do our best, however small it may seem, in kaitiakitanga (guardianship) of the earth. This was our mantra while planting a seemingly endless parade of flax, cabbage trees, and manuka at Mimiwhangata Coastal Park and Abel Tasman National Park. Though we were hot, cold, tired, wet, and ready to quit at times, I wouldn't trade those days for anything. The New Zealand and Fiji Summer B 2016 program included two weeks of outdoor conservation work, one week of adventures in New Zealand (caving, skydiving, mountain biking, sea kayaking, hiking, ocean swimming, visiting Hobbiton), and one week of relaxing & reflecting time in Fiji (cave swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, hiking, crafting, fishing). The program felt like a year's worth of personal growth squeezed into one month. I came away with a broader sense of purpose in life, a deeper appreciation of people, and keener insights on life. I wholeheartedly recommend Pacific Discovery to everyone. It is a meaningful, well-thought-out, enrichment, and educational program.

I went on the New Zealand, Fiji trip this summer and it was absolutely incredible, so much better than I could have expected! I managed to do so many activities, which I look back on and can't believe that I actually did, such as caving, skydiving, swimming with wild dolphins, and white water rafting. The leaders were so encouraging, positive, knowledgeable and just great! We visited so many amazing places and I made so many memories that I will always remember, and I am so glad that I got to experience it all with such a great group of people. I've only been home a week and I miss it and wish I was back already, honestly couldn't recommend Pacific Discovery enough!

This review is long over-due, as I participated in the 2010 New Zealand summer program. I had the absolute best time of my life with Pacific Discovery. I went on the trip expecting a bit of hiking and some amazing scenery (which I did in fact enjoy), however what I did not expect was to gain so much more global curiosity and self assurance. Throughout my time spent in New Zealand, PC provided the perfect setting for me to push myself, to try new things (um, hello - skydiving?!), and to really explore. I not only decided to extend my stay after the trip ended, but I also returned back to classes with a more vivid drive to learn about the world - a quality that was surely enhanced by Pacific Discovery and their outstanding program.

The most memorable 4 weeks of my life! New Zealand was incredible - I had such an amazing time. Being taught about the beautiful country by so many passionate residents was brilliant. It really provided a true insight into life. The Voluntary aspect of the tour was fantastic and really provided a sense of achievement in helping out! The travelling and adventure aspects of the programme was also fantastic - eye-opening and great fun! Programme is run by such a fantastic company, so friendly, organised and really work hard to provide a fantastic experience.