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The NOLS semester in New Zealand is an exciting educational opportunity in a remarkable country. New Zealand’s South Island is a varied region of alpine grasslands, snowfields, rain forests, rugged mountains, spectacular gorges, and broad valleys with unique birds and plants found nowhere else in the world, such as the world’s only mountain parrot, the Kea.
For 77 days, you’ll learn about the region’s natural history and culture as you travel through the island’s forests, which contain remnants of Gondwana Land, a prehistoric continent. Along the way, you’ll spend two days with the local Maori who will teach you about their culture and connection to the land.
Then, whether you choose to canoe, sea kayak, or sail, you’ll practice technical skills along New Zealand’s coastlines or rivers. And no matter where this semester takes you, you’ll experience the varied and unpredictable weather of the “Roaring Forties”—the apt nickname for the rain and cold temperatures often found at these latitudes.
Backpacking
This monthlong section will be the core of your semester as you learn the basics of backcountry travel amidst the steep and spectacular landscape of New Zealand’s southern alpine ranges. Most students find this section the most physically demanding, but also the greatest learning opportunity.
Culture
You’ll visit a local marae (meeting site) for a two-day cultural experience with a community of Maori, the original human inhabitants of New Zealand. You’ll learn about their traditions, art, mythology, and connection to the land that remains deep and sacred.
Canoeing (optional dates)
For three weeks, you’ll follow the South Island rivers like the Clarence (Wai-au-toa), Hurunui, or Waiau. You’ll learn the essentials of canoe expeditioning as you paddle through some of New Zealand’s most classic hill country.
Sea Kayaking (optional dates)
You will sea kayak in either the Marlborough Sounds or around Bank Peninsula. This section will begin with basic maneuvering and move to additional classes on paddling techniques. You’ll also have classes on navigation, tides and currents, marine weather and communications, and other aspects of seamanship.
Mountaineering Skills (fall only)
Up to three weeks long, this section provides a solid foundation of mountaineering skills that build on the skills you learn backpacking. You will travel in the challenging and dramatic alpine environments of one of several areas: Arthur’s Pass National Park, the Arrowsmith Range, Ahuriri/Ruataniwha Conservation Park, or Nelson Lakes National Park.
Sailing (spring only)
This 10-day section takes place in the Cook Strait and Marlborough Sounds regions. You will cook and live aboard two sailing yachts, rotating crew positions and learning the fundamentals of basic coastal cruising.
Semester in
New Zealand
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| Duration: |
Fall, Spring: 77 days
Summer: 68 days |
| Age: |
18 and Over (Average Age: 21) |
| Tuition: |
2010
Fall: $15,890
2011
Spring: $16,100
Fall: $16,315
(Tuition includes 12.5% New Zealand Goods and Services
Tax) |
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| Dates: |
2010 Fall
September 16-December 1, 2010
Section 1: Canoeing, Sea Kayaking, Culture, Backpacking
September 16-December 1, 2010
Section 2: Backpacking, Culture, Mountain Skills, Canoeing
September 23-December 8, 2010
Section 3: Canoeing, Sea Kayaking, Culture, Backpacking
September 23-December 8, 2010
Section 4: Backpacking, Culture, Sea Kayaking, Mountain Skills
September 30-December 15, 2010
Section 5: Backpacking, Culture, Sea Kayaking, Mountain Skills
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2011 Spring
January 27-April 13, 2011
Section 1: Canoeing, Backpacking, Culture, Sea Kayaking
January 27-April 13, 2011
Section 2: Sailing, Backpacking, Culture, Sea Kayaking
February 6-April 23, 2011
Section 3: Canoeing, Backpacking, Culture, Sea Kayaking
February 6-April 23, 2011
Section 4: Sailing, Backpacking, Culture, Sea Kayaking |
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2011 Fall
September 15-November 30, 2011
Section 1: Mountain Skills, Sea Kayaking, Culture, Backpacking
September 15-November 30, 2011
Section 2: Sea Kayaking, Mountaineering, Backpacking, Culture
September 22-December 7, 2011
Section 3: Canoeing, Mountain Skills, Culture, Backpacking
September 29-December 14, 2011
Section 4: Backpacking, Culture, Sea Kayaking, Canoeing
September 29-December 14, 2011
Section 5: Backpacking, Culture, Sea Kayaking, Canoeing |
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College Credit:
(Optional) |
16
Semester Credit Hours
4 Hours Biology
2 Hours Environmental Ethics
2 Hours Leadership Techniques
6 Hours Skills Practicum
2 Hours Risk Assessment |
| Course start/end: |
Christchurch, New Zealand |
| Equipment Deposit: |
$600 |
| Fly in/out: |
Christchurch, New Zealand |
| Downloads: |
Course Description (pdf)
Equipment List (pdf) |
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Next Steps
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Related Courses
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