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High School Program
Delve into Te Tau Ihu’s diverse landscapes, embracing both western and te ao Māori worldviews. Through challenges and whanaungatanga, foster deeper connections with nature, peers, and the intrinsic link of all life.
Spanning thousands of years, Māori culture has endured through generations, preserving its unique customs, language, and traditions. Today, Māori culture continues to thrive, integrating with contemporary society, and serves as a testament to the resilience and enduring spirit of the Māori people. Our New Zealand Program explores this rich culture through traditional activities, like learning weaving, as well as modern adaptation, like paddling a waka.
Explore the environments of Te Tau Ihu (the Top of the South Island, NZ) through experiences that will connect you to the natural world through both western and te ao Māori (the Māori World) perspectives. You will be challenged to step outside your comfort zone to build confidence and resilience in a safe and supportive setting. The program is built around whanaungatanga – the building of relationships both with peers and the natural world – to understand more deeply the interconnectivity of all living things.
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:
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!
Welcome to New Zealand! Explore the local natural environment with a short but very beautiful native forest walk to the Riuwaka Resurgence, along the way you will learn as to why this place is significant from a Māori world view.
Head to a local marae. Your welcome will include taking part in a pōwhiri (traditional welcome). This includes a ceremony, and sharing of kai (food). Take part in cultural workshops with local guides such as cultural storytelling, mau rākau (traditional fighting sticks), harakeke weaving, waiata (singing) or rongoā (traditional medicine).
Take in Waikoropupu Springs, the largest freshwater spring in NZ, connected to the Riuwaka Resurgence via the underground cave network you have explored. This wahi tapu (sacred place) is considered a taonga (treasure) by local Māori and is held in high cultural and spiritual regard.
Climb the limestone cliffs for a fun and challenging adventurous activity that builds confidence and trusting relationships. Explore native forest en route to the beautiful Wainui Falls or explore the coastline (tides allowing) out to Taupō Pt – historic site of a Māori Pā (fortified village).
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.