Study Abroad Orientation & Excursions in New Zealand

New Zealand Universities Program

Arrival and orientation
• Airport pick-up
• 4-day on-site orientation: Includes transportation, accommodation, outdoor activities, an overnight stay on a marae (a traditioanl Maori meeting house) and most meals
• Introduction to kiwi culture
• Discussion of academic differences and expectations
• IFSA-Butler staff walk students through everything from how to succeed academically to integrating socially in the host university
• Transportation to host university accommodation at conclusion of orientation

Cultural and sporting events
• Attend a theatre performance/arts festival event
• Visit a brewery or winery
• Attend a rugby match (seasonal)

Excursions
• Choice of 2-day adventure weekend or country life weekend
• Excursions and activities vary by program (see below). Click here to see the current student events and excursions on offer for your New Zealand university. Previous excursions included, but were not limited to:

University of Auckland and Massey University Auckland:
• Wild Waitomo weekend (black water rafting, abseiling, bush walks and New Zealand pioneer history)
• Wandering in the Waitakeres day trip: Hiking through canyons and warming up in hot pools afterward, plus BBQ dinner

University of Canterbury:
• Alpine Triangle: Mountain biking and hot pools in Hanmer, quad biking in Kaikoura
• A Day of Kiwi Classics: Surfing, kai (food) and Super 14 rugby
• A day out on Banks Peninsula with gondola, mountain biking and views of Akaroa

Massey University Palmerston North:
• Rafting, horse trekking and relaxing at River Valley Lodge, followed by a visit to the hot pools on the way home
• Day trip to Wellington: Sailing, a visit to Te Papa museum, pizza and rugby

University of Otago:
• Overnight boat trip on Doubtful Sound or Milford Sound in the heart of Fiordland, including kayaking, a visit to a bird sanctuary and a side excursion to a local farm
• Trip on the historical Taieri Train through the Taieri Gorge to Central Otago, BBQ and cycle ride along the rail trail

Victoria University and Massey University Wellington:
• Swimming with the dolphins and kayaking in the Marlborough Sounds
• Wairarapa day trip: Quad biking or horse trekking, lunch at a winery and a visit to hip Greytown

Other activities/extras
• T-shirt
• DVD of photos and videos from the semester
• Farewell meal