New Zealand’s 30-day backpacking course takes you into the South Island’s rugged interior: a land of mountains, rivers, waterfalls, tundra, and forests.
The routes here are demanding but the rewards great. Most backcountry travelers in New Zealand stick to the main tramping paths; we leave them behind. You’ll see few people as you explore the island’s tangled forests and cruise its rocky tops.
The length of this course allows you time to delve into New Zealand’s unique natural history. You’ll encounter plants and animals found nowhere else on Earth: strange trees that look like they’re straight out of Dr. Seuss’ imagination and large mountain parrots that live high in the alpine zones.
You can expect challenging travel. The mountains are precipitous, and the rivers are prone to sudden rises after a storm. You can also expect to learn the skills required to travel safely and comfortably in this environment— skills that will serve you later in life wherever you may go.
New Zealand Backpacking
Duration:
30 days
Age:
18 and over
Tuition:
$6,395
(includes 15% New Zealand Goods and Services Tax)
"The course began at the mouth of the
Hurunui River, where it empties into the Pacific Ocean.
We had a daylong presentation of the Maori culture and traditions
by two South Island Maoris, who performed a "Haka"
for us, a traditional Maori war dance."
Gary Morris
New Zealand Backpacking, 2002
EXPLORE NOLS NEW ZEALAND...
WHAT MAKES NOLS THE
LEADER?
Extended expeditions
in remote wilderness make NOLS leadership lessons real. Read more reasons...
