The NOLS Semester in New Zealand is an exciting educational opportunity in a remarkable country. Your classroom will be New Zealand’s South Island, a varied region of alpine grasslands, snowfields, rainforests, rugged mountains, spectacular gorges and broad valleys with unique birds and plants found nowhere else in the world, like the mischievous Kea, the world’s only mountain parrot.

For 75 days, learn about the region’s natural history and culture as you travel through the island’s forests, called the “bush,” which contain ancient remnants of Gondwana Land, the prehistoric continent. Along the way, you’ll spend two days with the local Maori, who will teach you about their history, 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, a dramatic contrast to the environment of your hiking sections. 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 conditions 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 Alps. Most students find this section the most physically demanding, but also the greatest learning opportunity.

Cultural
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 warlike people with a deep and sacred connection to the land.

Canoeing
(optional dates) For two and a half weeks, you’ll follow the South Island rivers like the Clarence (Wai-au-toa), Hurunui or the 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, with 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. In two sailing yachts, you will cook and live aboard, rotating crew positions and learning the fundamentals of basic coastal cruising.

Semester in New Zealand Duration: 75 days Age: 18 and Over Tuition: Spring: $14,100 Fall: $14,350 (Tuition includes 12.5% New Zealand Goods and Services Tax) Dates: Spring Jan. 21- April 4, 2008 Backpacking, Cultural, Canoeing, Sea Kayaking Jan. 31-April 14, 2008 Canoeing, Cultural, Sea Kayaking, Backpacking Feb. 4-April 18, 2008 Backpacking, Mountain Skills, Cultural, Sea Kayaking March 2-May 15, 2008 Backpacking, Cultural, Sea Kayaking/Coastal Cruising Fall Sept. 11-Nov. 24, 2008 Mountain Skills, Canoe, Cultural, Backpacking Sept. 25-Dec. 8, 2008 Canoeing, Sea Kayaking, Cultural, Backpacking Sept. 25-Dec. 8, 2008 Backpacking, Mountain Skills, Cultural, Canoeing Oct. 2-Dec. 15, 2008 Backpacking, Canoeing, Cultural, Sea Kayaking Oct. 2-Dec. 15, 2008 Backpacking, Cultural, Sea Kayaking, Mountain Skills College Credit: (Optional) 16 Semester Credit Hours 2 Hours Biology 2 Hours Environmental Ethics 4 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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