to our world. - NOLS

SEMESTER IN
New Zealand
JOIN US FOR AN EXCITING EDUCATIONAL
opportunity in a remarkable country. New Zealand’s
South Island is a varied region of alpine
grasslands, snowfields, rain forests, rugged
mountains, spectacular gorges, and broad
valleys with unique birds and plants found
nowhere else in the world, such as the only
mountain parrot, the Kea. For 77 days, you’ll
learn about the region’s natural history and culture
as you travel through the island’s forests,
which contain remnants of Gondwanaland,
a prehistoric continent. Along the way, you’ll
Instructor Dave Pigott points out river features. Clarence River
Roo Riley
spend some time with the local Maori who will
teach you about their 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. And
no matter where this semester takes you, you’ll
experience the varied and unpredictable weather
of the “Roaring Forties”—an apt nickname for
the area between latitudes 40° and 50° south
known for strong and prevailing winds.
Tom Attwater
Your home for 10 days of coastal sailing. Queen Charlotte
Sound, South Island
Facing page: There’s a reason New Zealand’s latitude
is called the “Roaring Forties.” Ashburton Glacier,
Arrowsmith Range
BACKPACKING A common element to all New Zealand semesters, tramping (Kiwi
for backpacking) is where you will learn all the basics of backcountry travel. New
Zealand is known for its spectacular landscape, and during your semester you will
explore all it has to offer. Be ready for steep terrain and variable weather. Students
find this a physically demanding section but also the one with the greatest learning
opportunities.
CANOEING (optional dates) For three weeks, you’ll follow the South Island rivers like
the Clarence (Wai-au-toa), Hurunui, or 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) Set in the waters of the Marlborough Sounds, this
section will begin with basic maneuvering and move to 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 (fall only) 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: Arthur’s Pass National Park, the Arrowsmith Range, Ahuriri/Ruataniwha
Conservation Park, or Nelson Lakes National Park.
SAILING (spring only) This 10-day section takes place in the Cook Strait and Marlborough
Sounds regions. You will cook and live aboard two sailing yachts, rotating
crew positions and learning the fundamentals of basic coastal cruising.
DETAILS SPRING FALL
Age and Length: 18 & Over • Average Age: 21 • Duration: 77 days
Tuition: $16,100 (spring, includes New Zealand’s 12.5% Goods and Services Tax); $16,675 (fall, includes New Zealand’s
15% Goods and Services Tax)
Optional College Credit: 4 hours Biology, 2 hours Environmental Ethics, 2 hours Leadership Techniques, 6 hours
Skills Practicum, 2 hours Risk Management
Dates and Sections: page 107
92
www.nols.edu • (800) 710-NOLS • admissions@nols.edu