Geography New Zealand

Connecting space with place; tour the scenic South Island of New Zealand where students will learn first hand about a variety of geographic aspects.

Explore a variety of New Zealand’s geographical landforms across the scenic South Island.

New Zealand continues to be a popular destination for schools embarking on a geography trip. Take a tour of the scenic South Island of New Zealand which is crammed full of high-peaked mountains, beautiful coastline and a unique Maori Heritage. Some have described New Zealand as 'untouched' - with relatively recent settlement, there is also a magnitude of human, political and sociological phenomena to explore.

Visit Christchurch to learn about the cause and effect of earthquakes. See how the cities rebuild is incorporating new technology to better protect its infrastructure. Pay a visit Hanmer Springs to learn all about the creation of natural thermal hot springs caused by the Alpine Fault. And, see the towering alps in Queenstown which is situated next to one of New Zealand's deepest lakes. Discuss the events which led to the formation of such impressive natural features while zip-lining through the native beech forest.

New Zealand's booming tourism industry is largely thanks to its unique natural features and geography. On this fun school field trip, you will discover how and why New Zealand's geography is integral to its tourism and economy. Queenstown, ‘the adventure capital of the world’ has been at the heart of this increase, but there is so much more to explore. 

New Zealand is a safe, friendly country and its systems and infrastructure make it an excellent school group travel location. You can extend your tour further by heading up to the North Island to see some of the major city centres such as Auckland or Wellington. Check out some of the amazing national parks such as the Abel Tasman National Park or even visit the heart of middle earth, Milford Sound. With spectacular rock-formations and glacial-carved valleys, New Zealand’s geography is nature’s best. 

Trip highlights

  • Explore Mt Cook and take a boat ride up to the head of the glacier.
  • Swim in the warmth of the South Island’s natural hot springs.
  • Take an educational tour of the Christchurch city re-build.
  • Enjoy lectures from NZ leading conservation groups, meet with tourism leaders to discuss a wide range of subjects.

Trip inclusions

  • An all-inclusive package including flights, accommodation, transport, meals and activities.
  • Our full suite of tools, resources, checklists and support that will make your trip planning and advertising a breeze.
  • Free travel for teachers.
  • An EA tour representative on hand 24/7.

Trip inclusions

  • An all-inclusive package including flights, accommodation, transport, meals and activities.
  • Our full suite of tools, resources, checklists and support that will make your trip planning and advertising a breeze.
  • Free travel for teachers.
  • An EA tour representative on hand 24/7.

Trip highlights

  • Explore Mt Cook and take a boat ride up to the head of the glacier.
  • Swim in the warmth of the South Island’s natural hot springs.
  • Take an educational tour of the Christchurch city re-build.
  • Enjoy lectures from NZ leading conservation groups, meet with tourism leaders to discuss a wide range of subjects.

New Zealand geography and tourism itinerary

DAY 1: TRAVEL DAY AND CHRISTCHURCH DAY

Arrive in Christchurch and head to the Christchurch CBD for your Red Bus city tour. Following your CBD tour, attend an educational program at the University of Canterbury to learn about earthquake research work being done there.

DAY 2: TEKAPO AND GLENNTANNER

Today, transfer to Tekapo for an afternoon of fun at the Tekapo Hot Pools, ice skating and swimming. Enjoy a short hike up Mount John, and admire the gorgeous view of Lake Tekapo! Arrive at your accommodation in Glenntanner, and take in the best night skies in New Zealand!

Click learn more to get in touch with our team and access the full itinerary.

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What to expect on a geography tourism trip to New Zealand

The stunning South Island of New Zealand provides the perfect setting for students to learn about the tourism industry and a variety of geographical aspects. In Queenstown, you can see tourism in action all year round. Learn how the tourism industry is adapting to accommodate the growing international demand, and what the financial and environmental impacts are.

Trip activities

Give your students real-world learning experience in tourism and geography on a school trip to New Zealand with Educating Adventures.
Give your students real-world learning experience in tourism and geography on a school trip to New Zealand with Educating Adventures.
Give your students real-world learning experience in tourism and geography visiting Christchurch, Tekapo, Glenntanner, Mount Cook, Hanmer Springs and Queenstown on a school trip to New Zealand with Educating Adventures.

Natural thermal hot springs

Visit Hanmer Springs to learn about the Alpine Fault and the creation of natural thermal hot springs, one of Canterbury's most popular tourist destinations. Learn about the history of thermal water in the Hanmer mountains. Discover how the heat radiating from the Earth’s core raised the temperature of the rainwater in the underground reservoir, causing warm water to rise to the surface.

Tourism in Queenstown

Queenstown sits on the shore of crystal clear Lake Wakatipu among dramatic alpine ranges; it is New Zealand's most popular tourist destination. Queenstown is not only the location for the Lord of The Rings trilogy sets, but it is also home to many exciting activities and local attractions. Students can try canyon swinging, take a gondola ride, experience luging, jet boating, horse trekking or river rafting - all available all year round.

Cause and effect of earthquakes

Christchurch was devastated by an earthquake on 22 February 2011. There are many sites around the city that highlight the damage inflicted by the magnitude 6.3 earthquake. Learn about the cause and effect of earthquakes and see how the city has changed since the events that day. Study how scientists use a variety of techniques and instruments to determine the location and the nature of a quake.

Teachers at Universal on their school trip

"As a result of this trip, we have three students considering picking up mechanical engineering at university, and a host of students considering STEM-related A-Levels. An action-packed, awe-inspiring week away. I can't wait to go back next year!"

Teacher
Harris City Academy Crystal Palace, NASA STEM Trip, October 2018

"I believe the memories created on an international school trip can drastically enhance a student's entire learning experience. Being immersed in real-life learning is the most powerful educational experiences one can gain."

Teacher
Grace Lutheran College, China Business Trip, September 2018

"The experience for us was personalised, accessible and our consultant was interested in us. This makes the world of difference when you're travelling with students"

Teacher
Brigidine College Randwick, NASA STEM Trip, September 2018

“This trip has taken the top spot for my career highlights to date!  The experiences and the way in which the students conducted themselves and embraced opportunities, even when they were out of their comfort zone, will stay with me forever.  I don’t know if it gets better than this.”

Teacher
Barr Beacon School, NASA STEM Trip, February 2019

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