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Exercise & Sports Sciences Tour
Applied sport and exercise science through real-world adventure and terrain
New Zealand: Movement, Environment, and Culture Across Aotearoa
This 15-day faculty-led program takes students through the diverse landscapes and cultural richness of New Zealand’s South Island. With an emphasis on movement, environment, and cultural learning, the program blends academic exploration with hands-on activities – from glacier hikes and Māori-led paddling to cycling, conservation, and high-country trekking.
Designed for faculty in exercise and sport sciences, environmental science, cultural studies, and outdoor education, this credit-bearing program supports real-world learning in an immersive and physically engaging setting.
Milford Sound
Māori Welcome
Queenstown Bike Park
Explore Fiordland
Coastal Conservation
Wilderness Education
Outdoor Adventure
Expedition & Reflection
Day 1 – Arrival in Christchurch
Arrive and transfer to city accommodation. Free time to explore or take part in optional activities such as waka paddling or a scenic gondola ride.
Day 3 – Kayaking & Penguin Conservation
Full-day guided excursion to Pōhatu Bay with sea kayaking, hiking, and an evening penguin tour. Learn about conservation efforts and coastal ecology.
Day 5 – Coastal Drive & Moeraki Boulders
Drive south along the coast, stopping at geological landmarks like the Moeraki Boulders. Discuss land formation, erosion, and the intersection between natural science and outdoor travel.
Day 7 – Central Otago Wine Region
Travel through Central Otago with a stop at a vineyard. Explore how agricultural land use connects to environmental science, health, and food systems. Arrive in Fiordland National Park by evening.
Day 9 – Active Travel
Cycle the Queenstown to Arrowtown trail. Learn about the role of infrastructure in promoting health and outdoor learning.
Day 11 – Free Day in Queensland
Optional adventure activities include ziplining, mountain biking, paddleboarding, horse trekking, or a Dart River Funyaks tour.
Day 13 – Franz Josef & Fox Glacier Hike
Guided day hike through Glacier Country. Learn about glaciation, geology, and the surrounding rainforest ecosystem.
Day 15 – Departure
Depending on flight time, explore Christchurch’s art galleries, street murals, or relax before airport transfer.
Day 6 – Māori Welcome
Travel to Akaroa and settle in. Participate in a guided Māori cultural experiences. Discuss Indigenous approaches to health, movement, and land. Afternoon free to explore the harbor, walk the waterfront, or enjoy a relaxed group dinner.
Day 4 – Ōnawe Hike & Optional Marine Activities
Hike the culturally significant Ōnawe Peninsula, guided by both geological and Māori historical context. Optional dolphin cruise or swim offers insight into marine ecology, animal behavior, and tourism’s physical demands.
Day 6 – Botanic Gardens & Larnach Castle
Morning visit to the Dunedin Botanic Gardens. Afternoon high tea at Larnach Castle with time to explore the grounds and architecture.
Day 8 – Fiordland Adventure
Choose between a Milford Sound cruise or a high-speed jet boat on the Waiau River. Both options offer opportunities to examine environmental interpretation, risk management, and the impact of adventure tourism.
Day 10 – Ben Lomond Summit Hike
Full-day guided hike to the Ben Lomond Saddle or Summit with a gondola ride and packed lunch included. Afternoon free.
Day 12 – Lake Wanaka & Mou Waho Island
Transfer to Franz Josef with a scenic stop in Wanaka, including a boat tour to Mou Waho Island. Lunch on the go.
Day 14 – Hooker Valley Track & Return to Christchurch
Drive to Christchurch with a stop for a scenic hike on the Hooker Valley Track. Check in to accommodation by evening.
Travel Information
Below you’ll find key details about the program, including duration, ideal travel times, academic focus areas, and a breakdown of what’s included—and what’s not. This section is designed to help faculty assess whether the program aligns with their course goals, scheduling needs, and institutional requirements.
- 14 nights of accommodation in 3-star hotels and/or hostels
- Students in shared rooms; faculty in private rooms (subject to availability)
- Daily breakfast at all accommodations
- Private coach transportation for the entire tour
- Tour leader (Francesca) present throughout the program
- Entry fees and group coordination for all listed academic and cultural activities, including:
- Full-day sea kayaking, hiking, and penguin conservation tour at Pōhatu Bay
- Guided hike of Ōnawe Peninsula (optional)
- Visit to Dunedin Botanic Gardens
- High tea at Larnach Castle
- Choice of Milford Sound boat tour or jet boating on the Waiau River and glowworm cave visit
- Cycle trail from Queenstown to Arrowtown
- Guided summit hike of Ben Lomond
- Boat tour and hike on Mou Waho Island (Lake Wanaka)
- Full-day guided glaciology tour at Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers
- Hike the Hooker Valley Track in Mt. Cook National Park
- All entrance fees and activities listed in the itinerary
- All accommodation taxes and logistical coordination
- International flight
- All meals & beverages (unless specified in the itinerary)
- Travel Insurance
- Activities not listed
- Tips and gratuities
Have Questions? Let’s Connect.
Ready to start planning your faculty-led program – or just want to learn more about how it works?
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