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High School Program
Embark on an immersive journey through New Zealand, where Indigenous Māori culture, outdoor adventure, sustainable communities, and cultural workshops intertwine. Begin in Auckland, where you’ll immerse yourself in Māori traditions amidst the bustling cityscape. Travel to Rotorua to experience geothermal wonders and engage in cultural workshops that highlight Māori heritage and sustainable practices. Next, venture to Raglan, known for its world-class surfing and stunning black sand beaches, combining outdoor activities with insights into local environmental initiatives. This program offers a holistic exploration of New Zealand’s diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and dedication to sustainability.
New Zealand offers an unparalleled opportunity to learn about the Māori culture and its deep connection to the land through concepts such as Kaitiakitanga (guardianship of the environment) and Rāhui (protective measures). Students will experience firsthand how Indigenous knowledge shapes New Zealand’s approach to environmental conservation and community resilience. Through workshops, cultural exchanges, and visits to sacred Māori sites, participants will gain a deeper appreciation of how traditional values contribute to sustainable living.
Experience the incredible diversity of New Zealand through immersive student travel programs that blend Māori culture, environmental sustainability, and outdoor adventure. From the bustling city of Auckland to the geothermal wonders of Rotorua and the black sand beaches of Raglan, students will explore the nation’s unique landscapes while engaging deeply with the rich heritage of the Māori people. Through cultural exchanges, hands-on workshops, and environmental conservation activities, students will gain invaluable insights into Indigenous traditions and land stewardship.
At Insight, our program itineraries are as unique as your students. All our program itineraries are customized with teacher chaperones to ensure that it meets the needs of your students.
With the support of a variety of local vendors and NGO’s, we promise that your students will get an authentic, local experience.
All our trips include:
Traditional Māori Welcome: Participate in a Māori welcome ceremony, experiencing the culture’s customs, language, and storytelling.
Kaitiakitanga in Action: Learn about Indigenous environmental practices and conservation efforts in Auckland’s Waitākere Ranges.
Hands-On Workshops: Engage in traditional flax weaving and contribute to community and medicinal gardens at Māngere Mountain.
Redwoods Treewalk: Explore Rotorua’s breathtaking Redwoods Forest from above on a stunning suspension bridge eco-tour.
Surfing in Raglan: End your journey with a group surf lesson on Raglan’s iconic black sand beaches, known for world-class surfing spots.
Want to take your students outside the classroom? Review our program locations and suggested themes.
Connect with one of our High School Educators who will help custom design your program.
With our assistance, submit required paperwork and details to your Administration and School Board.
Announce the trip to your students! (We’ll provide all the materials you need).
Invite us to your school to host a Student & Parent Info Night! We will be there to answer questions and support student sign-up!
Arrive in the “City of Sails” and meet your local facilitator. After a city orientation, you’ll receive an authentic Māori welcome ceremony, introducing you to Māori culture, language, and traditions. Experience panoramic views from Whakakaiwhara Pā, and relax at the scenic Maraetai Beach on the Pōhutukawa Coast.
Dive into Indigenous environmental practices, including the cultural concepts of Kaitiakitanga (guardianship of the land) and Rāhui (conservation). Explore the lush Waitākere Ranges, visiting its famous black sand beaches and Kitekite Waterfalls. At the Arataki Visitor’s Centre, meet with local rangers to learn about ongoing conservation efforts.
Engage in hands-on workshops at Māngere Mountain, learning about sustainable environmental practices and traditional Māori lifeways. Participate in heritage garden projects and create your own piece of Māori craftsmanship through flax weaving using native harakeke plants.
Prepare for a school exchange with local students and experience Indigenous learning in action. Afterward, explore Maungawhau Mountain, delving into its significance to Polynesian history and learning about conservation efforts led by Māori co-governance.
Visit Rangiriri Pā, the site of 19th-century Māori fortifications, and learn about their spirit of resilience. Continue to the crystal-clear Blue Springs before concluding the day with the award-winning Redwoods Treewalk, an eco-tourism experience offering incredible views of the forest from suspension bridges.
Spend the day at Whakarewarewa Living Māori Village, learning about the history and hospitality (Manaakitanga) of the Māori people from descendants of the first guides. Enjoy a traditional Hangi lunch and then explore the geothermal wonders of Wai-o-tapu, marveling at New Zealand’s most colorful hot springs and volcanic formations.
Begin your day at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, gliding through a magical world of bioluminescence. Continue your exploration at the Aranui Caves, where stunning limestone formations await. In the afternoon, enjoy the natural beauty of Bridal Veil Falls, a breathtaking 180-foot waterfall surrounded by native forest.
Experience Raglan’s world-class surf with a group surf lesson on its black sand beaches. Learn key skills like board handling and surf safety while enjoying the natural beauty of the coast. Return to Auckland for a farewell dinner, where students will reflect on their journey and celebrate the memories made in New Zealand.
We take students out of the classroom and challenge them to learn about how the world really works in different places, delivering truly unique study abroad and student travel opportunities.