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New Zealand

New Zealand: South Island Glacier Adventure — Custom School Trips

Groups of 8+ | Custom Dates | Fully Supported | 4.9 on GoOverseas

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Explore the highlights of New Zealand’s South Island! Learn about the glacial history as you explore crystal clear rivers and hike stunning mountain vistas. Experience the jaw-dropping thrills that make Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world. Take on the luge, go jet boating, and zip line through lush forest. Choose between three commercial bungee jumps, including one of the highest in the world!

Custom School Trip

Contact us for a custom quote

Custom dates & duration. Groups of 8+.

Response within 1 business day

Anna Beckerman

Anna Beckerman

Head of School Group Travel

Dartmouth · 15 years at Rustic

321+ school partners since 2010

Not sure yet?

Email Rustic Pathways

Talk to a personal travel advisor: +1 (440) 975-9691

Schedule a call

View program itinerary

What Does a 8-Day Program Include?

A typical program. Daily activities are subject to change based on group logistics and weather.

1

Welcome to New Zealand!

Arrive into Queenstown Airport (QZN) and meet your Program Leaders who will be with you for the duration of the program. Head to the hostel and settle in, relaxing after your long flight. Join the group for an orientation discussion about the week ahead, expectations for your adventure, and an introduction to the local culture. Go downtown to enjoy a famous Fergburger for dinner. Watch the sunset on the Queenstown mountain range of the Remarkables that stand above Lake Wakatipu.
2

Luge and Zip Line

Head straight up the Queenstown gondola for a day experiencing the luge and zip line! Race your friends around the bends and enjoy the awesome views. Burn it up on the advanced track or cruise down the scenic track. Fly from tree to tree as you zip line on an eco-adventure through the forest.
3

Jet Boating Around Wanaka

Travel to the other side of the Crown Mountain Range to spend the afternoon zipping around Lake Wanaka in a high-speed jet boat. Get your adrenaline pumping as you speed through the water, sliding around turns through this shallow rocky river system. Optional helicopter Rides (at an additional cost) are available for those looking to land near a glacier with an incredible view of Mount Aspiring.
4

Journey to Franz Josef and Lake Matheson

Spend the afternoon at Lake Matheson where the famous crystal waters create a mirror image of New Zealand’s highest peaks, Aoraki (Mount Cook) and Mount Tasman. Relax in the glacier hot pools before settling in for the evening with a traditional Kiwi barbeque for dinner. Join your group for a mid-trip discussion where you'll begin to reflect on what you’ve experienced and learned so far.
5

Glacier Valley Hike

Walk along the Waiho Riverbed as you follow the path of Franz Josef’s glacial retreat. Learn about the history of one of New Zealand’s fastest moving glaciers and observe the firsthand effects of climate change. Journey to the rock scree below the glacier through the rainforest and over river rocks. Finish hiking and then head back to Queenstown.
6

Bungee Jumping Adventure

Skydive, bungee jump, paraglide, hang glide, or take a ride in a stunt plane (all optional at an additional cost)! Take on the birthplace of commercial bungee jumping with three to choose from in Queenstown—the freestyle bungee, the original Kawarau Bridge bungee, or Nevis Highwire, one of the highest bungee jumps in the world at 440 feet!
7

Explore and Reflect

Take time to explore town in the morning, buy souvenirs, and hike along Lake Wakatipu before a big final Kiwi dinner. At the end of each program, students reflect on their experiences and the issues they engaged with, and talk about how to apply this new understanding to their own worlds. During or after their closing discussion, groups participate in Rustic Ties, a unique and powerful activity that allows students to capture the memories and learning moments of their program to process and share with their communities back home.
8

Goodbye, New Zealand!

Finish packing and head into the city to explore Queen Street and the marina. Your Program Leaders will take you to the airport for your departure as you say goodbyes and reflect on your adventure.

Total: 8 calendar days / 7 nights. International flights are not included.

How Does Rustic Pathways Handle Safety?

24/7 Support

In-person staff + US emergency line

Trained Program Leaders

Background-checked, first-aid certified, deep local knowledge

Licensed & Insured Transport

Risk management plans for every program

Customizable Itinerary

Custom dates and duration

Learn more about Rustic Pathways safety protocols.

New Zealand

What Do School Organizers Ask?

Flights & Cost

How do flights work?

School groups can arrange their own flights, or Rustic Pathways can arrange them as an optional add-on. In either case, teachers fly with students, and Rustic Pathways coordinates airport pickup and handles all in-country logistics.

What's included in the price?

Included: Lodging, all meals, in-country transport, all activities, 24/7 staff.
Not included: International airfare, travel insurance, personal spending ($150–200).

Is travel insurance required?

Travel insurance is not included in the program fee. Rustic Pathways recommends that families purchase travel insurance. Get a quote from our recommended provider →

Supervision & Safety

Who supervises the students?

Rustic Pathways Program Leaders complete a four-month vetting process, and programs maintain a 7:1 student-to-staff ratio. All Program Leaders are first-aid certified, and most have led multiple Rustic Pathways programs. Leaders range from 25 to 35 years old.

Are rooms gender-separated?

Yes. Students room with same-gender peers. Staff stay in adjacent rooms.

What about medical emergencies?

All Program Leaders are first-aid certified. Nearest hospitals are mapped out in all locations. Our health & safety team reviews all medical forms before departure and works with families to plan medications, allergies, and dietary needs.

Communication

Can students contact home?

Yes. Rustic Pathways’ policy is that students can call, text, or WhatsApp anytime. Rustic Pathways is happy to defer to established school policies instead.

How do families stay informed?

Rustic Pathways sends daily photo updates throughout the program.

Group & Logistics

How big is the group?

Group size varies based on the school’s needs. Contact Rustic Pathways for a custom quote.

Can friends room together?

Yes. Rustic Pathways provides a room list prior to travel. Schools can assign rooming allocations or allow students to choose their roommates.

Program Details

Will students have unsupervised time?

Structured independence with staff nearby. No unsupervised time in public areas.

Can Rustic Pathways accommodate food allergies? 

Yes. Dietary needs are collected during enrollment and shared with all meal providers.

How much spending money should students have?

$150–200 recommended. Tipping is included, no extra cash needed.

Support

What if a student gets homesick?

Homesickness can be common during the first few days; Rustic Pathways is well-prepared. See how staff support students through homesickness

Does Rustic Pathways support neurodiverse students?

Rustic Pathways welcomes all students. Read how Rustic Pathways supports neurodiverse students.

What Should Teachers Know?

Which students thrive on this program?
Students who are curious, adaptable, and open to new experiences. No prior travel experience is required.
What will students do each day?
Each day includes a mix of structured activities, cultural experiences, and group time. See the itinerary above for a day-by-day overview.
New Zealand offers a unique combination of cultural richness, safety, and meaningful engagement opportunities for student groups. Rustic Pathways has operated programs here for years and maintains strong local partnerships.
How Do Flights Work?
School groups can arrange their own flights, or Rustic Pathways can arrange them as an optional add-on. In either case, teachers fly with students, and Rustic Pathways program leaders meet the group at the arrival airport and manage all in-country logistics from there.
What Meals Are Included?
All meals included. Dietary needs accommodated.
Included:
  • All lodging
  • All meals
  • In-country transport
  • All activities and excursions
  • 24/7 staff support
Not Included:
  • International airfare
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal spending money

What Other Program Types Are Available?

New Zealand Oceania Adventure
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