Fly into Queenstown and meet your Infuse Program Leaders who will be with you for the entirety of this New Zealand school trip. From the airport, your group will make their way to the town of Cromwell, arriving in time for dinner. Settle into your cabins for the evening and soak up the peaceful tranquillity of New Zealand’s rural atmosphere. Set on beautiful Lake Dunstan and surrounded by mountains, Cromwell will feel a world away from home.

Start the adventure on this international student tour with a morning of mountain biking from Omakau. You’ll ride along 30 km of the famous Central Otago Rail Trail, finishing in the township of Oturehua.

Then, drive to the coastal township of Karitane and spend the night in the local Māori Marae named Puketeraki. Your New Zealand school trip group will be welcomed traditionally by the elders of this small community. As is customary, the group will be expected to respond to the local speeches and singing with their own words and songs.

Today on the international student tour, you’ll explore the area around Karitane and learn about the region’s Māori culture and traditions. Discover the area's history, participate in local environmental initiatives and enjoy hiking the Huriawa Peninsula, a scenic coastal area rich in Māori history and known for its stunning landscapes and hiking trails.

This region was once home to a significant Māori fortress, ruled by Chief Te Wera, while the Te Puna Wai Spring sustained the people during sieges. Our local friends possess deep knowledge and a strong connection to their land, sea and the life it supports. Spend time learning from them and gaining insight into the challenges they face. This is a special day on the New Zealand school trip and we’re sure it’ll leave a lasting impression on you.

This morning head south to Dunedin for an unforgettable cruise through the Otago Harbour! The MV Monarch cruises the 22 km length of the harbour, passing vast tidal sand flats that are home to an astonishing diversity of bird species such as cormorants, terns, gulls and little blue penguins. Fur seals and sea lions can also be seen foraging along the sandbanks.

Once at the coast, the Monarch gives unrivalled access to the resident colony of the royal albatross, which can be seen gliding above, taking off and landing at the world’s only mainland colony of albatross!

Spend the night on Quarantine Island, which covers an area of 15 hectares (37 acres) and has a rich history, both for the Māori and early European settlers. The international student tour group will stay in the only remaining structure. Whilst very basic, it serves to give a sense of what life was like more than a century ago for newly arrived settlers to Southern New Zealand.

Start the day with a yoga session as you watch the sunrise over the Otago Peninsula. After breakfast, set to work helping with a range of project work around the buildings on Quarantine Island. The upkeep of these historic buildings is funded entirely by donations and the groups’ work this morning will be very much appreciated.

Once back on the mainland, enjoy a relaxing lunch overlooking the water before heading out of Dunedin and making our way back towards the historic gold mining town of Arrowtown.

Today, take the 20-minute drive over to Queenstown and take the famous gondola up 450 metres to the top of Bob’s Peak. From here, witness the incredible view of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables – it’s stunning! Enjoy racing on the luge course, a gravity-pulled go-kart that will have you racing down a range of tracks on the side of the mountain!

After lunch at the renowned Fergburger downtown, take a short hike along the shoreline of Lake Wakatipu. This afternoon of the international student tour will also be the last opportunity to gather any remaining supplies before commencing our hike tomorrow.

Over the next 3 days, you’ll embark on a small section of the famous Routeburn Track! Your New Zealand school trip will cover a section that is safe and accessible during winter.

From Queenstown, drive approximately 1 hour to the start of the track at Routeburn Shelter. The trail begins by gently winding alongside the crystal-clear Routeburn River. After passing Sugarloaf Stream, climb to Bridal Veil Waterfall and continue above the gorge. A swing bridge leads to open grassed flats and the Routeburn Flats Hut and Campsite. The track then climbs steadily through stunning beech forest, providing views of the Humboldt Mountains. End the day at Routeburn Falls Hut, on the edge of the bushline and close to the impressive Routeburn Falls cascade.

Start today’s hike by climbing steadily up the valley, through wetlands and tussock-covered flats before reaching the highest point on the track at Harris Saddle/ Tarahaka Whakatipu (1,255 metres). Take in the spectacular views of glaciated mountains such as Mount Crosscut, Sabre, Adelaide and Gifford.

If time and weather permit, you can extend today with a side trek to some other lookouts before returning to Routeburn Falls Hut this afternoon.

Finish your trek on this international student tour by packing up camp and hiking back out to our starting point. Congratulations on hiking a section of one of New Zealand’s most iconic trails! Return to Queenstown this evening and celebrate your achievement on this New Zealand school trip with a delicious, well-earned meal.

Today is your final day on this international student tour. Finish up your New Zealand school trip by exploring the shops around Queenstown and walking along the foreshore of Lake Wakatipu.
Your Infuse Program Leaders will take you to the airport to start your journey back home. We hope you’ve had a wonderful time in New Zealand!