Gap Year Abroad in New Zealand
Are you looking for an epic gap year abroad? Imagine starting your journey in the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand! You'll hike through lush native beech forest, explore iconic locations and become immersed in the local Kiwi culture. Queenstown is known for its endless activities, lively resort town vibes and the best part is, it will become your base during the New Zealand Adventure Guide Program.
Download the New Zealand Program Brochure
Program Overview
Are you looking for an epic gap year abroad? Imagine starting your journey in the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand! You'll hike through lush native beech forest, explore iconic locations and become immersed in the local Kiwi culture. Queenstown is known for its endless activities, lively resort town vibes and the best part is, it will become your base during the program.
This journey is designed to provide you with a diverse range of experiences that go beyond your wildest dreams. You'll connect with fellow travellers, make lifelong friends and create memories that will last a lifetime. New Zealand offers unique cultural encounters and exciting activities making it the perfect gap year destination. No two days are the same on the Adventure Guide Program, prepare to participate in a truly immersive travel experience that will broaden your horizons.
Program Testimonials
Our Alumni
"The New Zealand Adventure Guide Program was literally life changing! Not only was it a ton of fun, but we learned a lot, setting us up nicely to jump right into a job in the outdoor adventure industry. I’m leaving the program with bush leader and rock leader qualifications and an awesome new group of friends!"
Erin G. United States.
Program Itinerary
- Pick up in Queenstown Central with your program instructor.
- Meet your fellow adventure buddies and head to the house for orientation.
- Māori Pōwhiri (welcoming)
- Safety briefing, community orientation, program guidelines and overview
- Start the week off with your advanced outdoor first aid course - setting you up nicely for the next few months of adventuring
- Complete your first multi-day hike somewhere epic like the Matukituki Valley, Mt. Aspiring National Park or Fiordland National Park (weather dependant)
- Travel to Wānaka to begin your introduction to climbing
- Learn the fundamentals and technicalities to climb safely outdoors
- It's time to journey through Fiordland National Park
- Cruise alongside Hector Dolphins in Milford Sound
- Hike parts of the famous Routeburn Track
- Camp beneath the stars at a local DOC campsite
- Visit a range of locations and rock types as you learn how to lead climb
- Spend a day volunteering with the local climbing club
- Time to visit Aoraki Mt. Cook National Park and hike among the beauty beneath New Zealand's highest mountain
- Return to Queenstown and complete a two day pack rafting course while gaining your SWIFT Water Rescue 3 certification
- Dive into the heart of Mt. Aspiring National Park as you explore the remote wilderness of the Gillespie Pass
- Venture up the wild west coast of the South Island as you explore Hokitika, Franz Josef and climbing at above the Tasman Sea at the Charleston Sea Cliffs
- Hike to the natural hot springs on the Copeland track and spend the night listening for Kiwi birds at the DOC hut
- Venture to Dunedin and explore Tunnel Beach, watching the Albatross soar high above
- Climb the famous basalt rock on Long Beach
- It's time to practise the skills you have learned on real clients
- Taking them outdoors under the guidance of your program instructor as you dial in your guiding skills
- With your skills dialled and client practise under your belt it's time to complete your NZOIA Bush Leader and NZOIA Rock Leader qualifications
- Gaining internationally recognised qualifications that will take you all over the world working as a guide
- Finish up the program with a farewell dinner and friendly good byes