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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, 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 month-long 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 the traditions, art, and mythology of a once warlike people whose connection to the land remains deep and sacred.
Canoeing
(optional dates) For two and a half 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’ll spend two weeks sea kayaking 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
(optional dates) 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: Arthurs Pass National Park, the Arrowsmith Range, the Ahuriri/Ruataniwha Conservation Park, or the 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: |
77 days |
| Age: |
18 and Over (Average Age: 21) |
| Tuition: |
$15,450
(Tuition includes 12.5% New Zealand Goods and Services
Tax) |
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| Dates: |
Spring
January 22-April 8, 2009
Section 1: Mountain Skills, Canoeing, Backpacking, Culture
January 22-April 8, 2009
Section 2: Canoeing, Mountain Skills, Backpacking, Culture
February 5-April 22, 2009
Section 3: Wilderness First Aid, Sea Kayaking, Backpacking, Sailing, Culture
February 5-April 22, 2009
Section 4: Wilderness First Aid, Backpacking, Canoeing, Sea Kayaking, Culture
February 19-May 6, 2009
Section 5: Backpacking, Culture, Sea Kayaking, Sailing
Fall
September 17-December 2, 2009
Section 1: Canoeing, Mountain Skills, Culture, Backpacking
September 24-December 9, 2009
Section 3: Backpacking, Culture, Mountain Skills, Canoeing
October 1-December 16, 2009
Section 4: Backpacking, Canoeing, Culture, Sea Kayaking
October 1-December 16, 2009
Section 5: Backpacking, Culture, Sea Kayaking, Mountain Skills
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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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