High School Study Abroad in New Zealand


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12 High School Trips to New Zealand
Travel For Teens
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Fly across the International Dateline and arrive in the Land Down Under! Our journey to Australia and New Zealand is a TFT favorite, combining adventure with cultural exploration and major travel destinations with little-known gems. In New Zealand, we will experience the country’s famed natural beauty and enjoy a boat cruise on picture-perfect Milford Sound in the mountains. During the cruise, we will watch for penguins, seals, and even dolphins! We will also take an exhilarating ride on the world’s fastest jet boat, zooming through rock canyons. To cap off our time in New Zealand, we will enjoy a traditional Maori ceremony and even have the chance to learn the dance and participate! After New Zealand, we’ll hop on a short flight for the ultimate Australian experience. Here, we will enjoy the best of Australia’s wildlife while completing service work with local organizations dedicated to protecting the country’s unique and diverse wildlife and natural habitat. Projects include working at a rehabilitation center where we will help care for injured and orphaned tree-kangaroos and reintroduce them back into the wild, and visiting an endangered ecosystem.
See All 5 ProgramsAFS-USA
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New Zealand's two islands are divided by Cook Strait. The North Island boasts volcanoes, hot springs, mud pools, geysers, and beaches, while the South Island has rugged Alpine mountains, glaciers, and access to activities like swimming with dolphins and whale-watching. By living with a host family and attending a local school in New Zealand (Aotearoa), you’ll get to know why this country is celebrated for its friendliness and breathtaking natural beauty. Experience the casual Kiwi culture and pass your days with plenty of time outdoors, having a family barbecue or hiking to the nearest beach. You’ll be totally immersed in New Zealand society and learn all about its rich and varied culture. This isn’t just a year abroad; it’s an adventure you’ll never forget!
GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization
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GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with award-winning and ethical programs selected by sustainable travel experts. Since 2006, tens of thousands of volunteers have taken part in projects and internships worldwide, focusing on wildlife and marine conservation, education, and medical initiatives. GoEco operates in over 50 countries, providing unique cultural immersive experiences that aim to make a positive impact on the environment and society. The organization also offers internships and academic programs for students. GoEco provides safe and meaningful experiences while promoting sustainable travel and reducing carbon emissions.
See All 2 ProgramsGreenheart Travel
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Spend an amazing trimester, semester, or year studying abroad as an exchange student in New Zealand. Dive headfirst into a friendly culture that inspires adventure. As a student abroad, you will live with a host family, attend a local high school, and have a full immersion experience that will make you stand out on college applications. Program at a glance: Host family accommodation provides full cultural immersion. No foreign language experience required — they speak English! Program fee includes accommodation, tuition, and so much more! Multiple cultural or outdoor activities per semester. Straightforward online application process.
Putney Student Travel
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Journey through the South Pacific on an immersive adventure that spans Fiji’s coral-rich waters, New Zealand’s alpine landscapes, and Australia’s rugged Outback and iconic reefs. Begin in a coastal Fijian village, where you experience island traditions, explore waterfalls, and snorkel alongside local dive experts. Ski New Zealand’s Southern Alps, join a welcoming Kiwi homestay, and then sail through Australia’s Whitsunday Islands as part of a working crew. Cap it off with time in Sydney and epic hikes around Uluru and Kata Tjuta.
Westcoast Connection
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Journey to the lands down under and immerse yourself in all this New Zealand and Australia travel program offers: incredible beauty, friendly culture, and thrilling adventure. Try a wide variety of activities you won’t see anywhere else: zorbing, waterfall rafting, and alpine trekking in New Zealand. Then, enjoy scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef, boomerang throwing lessons, and bridge climbing in Australia. Your summer program leaders will be there to create a fun, inclusive, and accepting family atmosphere. This is no ordinary high school summer tour; it’s an adventure of a lifetime! Teens on this trip participate in the first 21 days of the longer New Zealand, Australia & Fiji Adventure 28-day program.
See All 2 ProgramsA Guide to High School Programs Abroad in New Zealand
Locations
New Zealand has two main islands, though it encompasses many smaller islands off its coasts too. Divided into the North Island and the South Island, New Zealand’s South Island is known for its dramatic landscape while the North Island is known for its Maori culture and populous cities. Regardless of which island you decide on for your high school program in New Zealand, there are plenty of experiences to choose from!
Auckland is the most ethnically diverse cosmopolitan area in New Zealand, and has the world’s largest Polynesian population. The city straddles the Auckland Volcanic Field (volcanic field that is still active) and is home to 14 lava tubes. Auckland also lies on an isthmus, and therefore has two different harbors. Known as the “City of Sails,” Auckland is known for its sailing, and nearly every one in three families owns a sailboat. Whether you love to get out on the water or simply enjoy the view, students will have much to see on land and offshore during high school programs in Auckland.
Queenstown is a small city built around the Queenstown Bay inlet, along Lake Wakatipu. High school programs in Queenstown are ideal for students who enjoy hitting the slopes during the winter season, but it remains a paramount destination year round too. With views of Cecil Peak, Walter Peak, and The Remarkables, the town is surrounded by outstanding mountain scenery, and endless outdoor activities, whether imbedded in the program or enjoyed during free time. Mountain lovers will thrive in a city like Queenstown, because of the year-round exploration the mountains provide.
Wellington, this capital city is also known as Windy Wellington. This mid-sized city has a population of just over 200,000, making it the second most populous city in the country. Wellington is located on the southwest tip of the North Island, and rests between the Cook Strait and Rimutaka Range. Wellington enjoys a sunny, mild climate for most of the year, but the winter can get quite cold. This small, compact city is surrounded by hills, but also boasts sandy beaches, making it the perfect place for beach dwellers.
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