New Zealand Orientation Excursion
From getting to know Maori culture during traditional ceremonies and meals, or experiencing Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound which some call the eighth wonder of the world, TEAN’s Orientation Excursion is one exciting and educational introduction to New Zealand. The orientation sets you up for a successful experience abroad, introducing you to the local culture, your fellow TEAN students, and how to live and study like a Kiwi, all while having a memorable journey. Our in-country staff personally guide you throughout the four full days of activities. Come ready for an adventure!!
Snapshot
Orientation Program & Excursion
5 Days
Hotels/Hostels
Queenstown
Varies, check your program dates
Included for:
New Zealand Semester Study & Intern Abroad
Highlights
Get an introduction to Māori culture by experiencing a traditional welcome ceremony, and Kapa Haka lesson
Stay in comfortable accommodation while getting to know your new study abroad friends and TEAN in-country staff
Experience Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound to marvel at the stunning fiord surrounded by mountains and waterfalls that were created by glaciers millennia ago.
Attend orientation sessions designed to prepare you for your life abroad
Wrap up an adventure-filled week with a final group dinner before you depart for your host city, where you will receive an introduction by your local TEAN resident staff
Itinerary
SNEAK PEEK
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Below you can find a sample itinerary* of orientation.
QUEENSTOWN
DAY ONE
Arrive in Queenstown and check into your accommodation for the week. We’ll kick off with a welcome session followed by a Māori cultural experience and celebratory group dinner. Depending on your arrival time, you may also have some free time to explore Queenstown on your own.
DAY TWO
Today will be a series of interactive sessions and workshops to help prepare you for your semester in New Zealand. We’ll cover Kiwi culture, academic differences and expectations, semester logistics and more. You’ll also learn the words, actions, and postures of the All Blacks Māori Haka, a ceremonial Māori dance or challenge.
DAY THREE
Today will be a full day including an informative bus journey to Fiordland National Park and a cruise through the remote Milford Sound, to marvel at the stunning fiord surrounded by mountains and waterfalls that were created by glaciers millennia ago. Today’s excursions combine the best that New Zealand has to offer including out-of-this-world landscapes, rejuvenating nature and great company! Upon your return to Queenstown, you’ll have the chance to grab some dinner on your own and relax the rest of the evening.
DAY FOUR
This is a free day with the option to book additional activities. Take advantage of Queenstown’s adventure sports – this is the place where bungy jumping was invented – or rest and unwind before meeting as a group in the evening.
After making the leap from one of the world’s highest bungy jumps or enjoying a scenic hike, spend one last evening together as a group with a final dinner.
DAY FIVE
Fly to your host city.
*Itinerary is subject to change. A detailed orientation itinerary will be provided to you prior to departure.
Free Time Options
Optional Activities
During your orientation, you will have some free time to explore and book additional activities in Queenstown. Some options include scenic hikes, bungy, Skyline Gondola and Luge, rafting, kayaking and more. Of course, you might just want to relax and spend time chilling out, which is okay too!