Escape the Northern Hemisphere winter
for an incredible summer 'Downunder'...
2 months set amidst stunning mountain, forest and beach
environments. Gain insight into Maori and Aboriginal
cultures, historical and contemporary society, discover
some of the world's most livable cities, and experience firsthand the legendary Australasian welcome.
Try hiking, rock climbing, rafting, caving, backpacking, mountain biking, sea kayaking, dolphin swimming,
scuba diving, surfing...and more!

Program Overview...

Week One
Travel to Auckland, New Zealand, and on to Waitomo to stay in a traditional Maori village. Try blackwater rafting, rappelling, caving, and a good dash of 'Kiwi Culture'. Heading east we plunge into pure whitewater rafting fun on the Kaituna River, enjoy a Maori concert and hangi (earth cooked meal), and soak in natural outdoor hot springs. From Taupo we take an amazing day hike through scenic valleys, lava fields, volcanic craters and lush forest, an area highlighted in Lord of the Rings.

Week Two
Heading south, we camp enroute, rafting a section of the Rangitikei River, before arriving in Wellington, New Zealand's capital city. Time to explore the very contemporary and interactive National Museum, vibrant nightlife, excellent cafes, and try climbing, sailing or roller-blading along the water front boulevard. A ferry crossing and scenic drive take us to the fun-loving summertime city of Nelson, a swooping 3000 ft mountain bike descent on fantastic trails, and the option of sky diving.

Week Three
The golden sand beaches, balmy ocean and forested trails of Abel Tasman National Park are magical. Experience it sea kayaking, hiking, camping, and swimming. Our next stop, Kaikoura, is world renowned for its abundance of wonderful marine life. Kick start the day on a sunrise swim with wild dolphins and hike to a native seal colony. Then south to our eco-center base where we try a challenging high ropes course and a day whitewater kayaking down the Rangitata River.

Week Four
From our hostel base at Mt. Cook, glacial lake boating gives us a close-up look at Tasman Glacier and ice on the move. Then options of an overnight trek to a rustic mountain hut; heli-hiking, a hands-on mountain skills class high above the neve of the Mueller Glacier; or daytrips exploring the breathtakingly dramatic mountainous national park. Further south, in Queenstown, renowned as NZ's adventure capital, we luge trails high above the lake-side city. Adventure options abound here, and most try bungy jumping, hangliding, river surfing or jetboating.

Week Five
For many, the program highlight is our 3-day trek across the Southern Alps, following the famous Routeburn Track, through a pristine wilderness of lakes, rivers, waterfalls, ancient forest and alpine vistas. Conclude with a nature cruise on Milford Sound through glacial carved fiords to see dolphins, seals and cascading waterfalls. From Wanaka we go 'cragging' at favored rock climbing haunts and meet the ‘locals’ of this welcoming town. Our last destination in NZ, Christchurch, we rock climb, picnic by the sea, relax in the cities wonderful parks and soak up the ambience of the summertime festivals.

Week Six
A flight across the Tasman Sea lands us in Sydney, Australia - dynamic, exuberant, inviting! Kick start our arrival exploring the sights on Harleys, enroute to our beach front apartments, and bask in a few days of city culture, surfing, and swimming. Then out to the Blue Mountains where rappelling, jumping, scrambling and swimming through the jurrassic canyons on this ancient sandstone plateau awakens our appreciation of Australia's untamed beauty.

Week Seven
Into the rugged ranges of the Nymboida Plateau to mingle with the kangaroos. From our eco-centre base, a hands-on day in the rainforest and a day of whitewater rafting give you an exciting look at 'Wild Australia'. Heading back to the coast, Byron Bay is a town with distinctive cultural flair. We base ourselves by the beach, and learn to surf at one of Australia's top surfing spots.

Week Eight
Next stop, Australia Zoo, home of the animated Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin. Then on to incredible Fraser Island where we explore by 4WD...turtles, dingoes, and crystal clear lakes lapping white sand beaches, encircled by forest. Northwards to our favorite place in Australia, Great Keppel Island, poised on the southern reaches of the coral reef. Palm trees, azure seas and deserted beaches abound. Gear up for scuba diving, snorkeling and hiking. Nights are spent in our spacious beachside bungalow. Finally, back down the coast to Brisbane where some fly home, and others continue their journeys with independent travel or extensions.

Popular extensions at program conclusion
Independent travel
Diving/sailing week in the Whitsunday Islands
Surfing surfari week up the East Coast
Week exploring Tasmania
Fiji