New Zealand Orientation Excursion
From getting to know Maori culture during traditional ceremonies and meals, to journeying through Hobbiton and Rotorua’s unique geothermal landscape, TEAN’s Orientation Excursion is one exciting and educational introduction to New Zealand. Traveling from Auckland (the country’s largest city) to rural Rotorua, 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
4 Days
Hotels/Hostels
Auckland & Rotorua
Varies, check your program dates
Included for:
New Zealand Semester Study & Intern Abroad
New Zealand Summer Internship
Highlights
Visit a marae (a Maori meeting house) to experience a traditional welcome ceremony and hangi dinner
Stay in comfortable accommodation while getting to know your new study abroad friends and TEAN in-country staff
Visit the Hobbiton film set, including the famous Shire’s 44 hobbit holes, to see how this fascinating franchise put New Zealand on the global tourism map
Experience the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, discovering Rotorua’s unique geothermal wonders and exploring the volcanic landscape of Rotorua
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
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Note: Itinerary is subject to change dependent on when you study abroad.
DAY ONE
Arrive at Auckland International Airport in the morning and head out on a city walking tour before the ‘Welcome to New Zealand’ session. Afterward, you’ll have some free time to check into accommodation. The highlight of the first day comes in the evening when you visit a local Maori meeting house known as a marae, to take part in a traditional Maori welcome ceremony and hangi dinner, where meats and vegetables are cooked underground by heated rocks.
Day Two
In the morning, be introduced to Kiwi culture and what it will be like studying and living in New Zealand, including academic differences and expectations, program logistics, and more.
Next, leave Auckland and stop at the Hobbiton film set for a private tour and learn more about how significant the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies were in promoting New Zealand as an international destination. Afterward, continue to Rotorua, where you will have a free evening.
Day Three
Book additional activities this morning (see below) before rejoining the group in the afternoon to visit the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland. Experience the region’s geothermal activity by dipping into mud pools, hot and cold streams and learning how geothermal energy is used in New Zealand for health and recreation. In the evening, share a final group dinner spending time with your new TEAN friends before heading off to your respective host cities tomorrow.
Day Four
Start the morning by learning the words, actions, and postures of the All Blacks Maori Haka, a ceremonial Maori dance or challenge. After the lesson, you’ll have time for lunch on your own, then return to Auckland and fly to your host city.
Free Morning Options
Optional Activities
On Day 3, you’ll have a free morning to explore and book additional activities you want to do while in Rotorua. Some options include Zorbing, Skyline Gondola and Luge, white water rafting and more. Of course, you might just want to relax and spend time chilling out, which is okay too!