Adventure New Zealand

Backcountry living skills and outdoor leadership in an international context.

Trip Dates: May 9th - 26th, 2026

Trip Cost: $7,900

Visit the South Island of New Zealand for backpacking, sea kayaking, city visits, and interaction with local Maori culture.

Join Adventure WV for the 6-credit-hour opportunity and learn backcountry living skills, outdoor leadership, and immerse yourself in the unique cultures of New Zealand.

Course Dates: May 9th - 26th, 2026
Course Fee: $7,900

Inclusive of flights, lodging, a ll group and technical gear, most meals, and entry into each of our locations.

No outdoor experience is required, though a moderate level of fitness is essential. Potential participants should note that May in New Zealand is fall. Much like in WV, fall weather can be unpredictable—sunny, warm, raining, cold, snowing! We will help you pack and plan so you are comfortable…but know this is not a summertime program.

Start Your Application Now!

Program Includes

Undergraduate/graduate academic credits awarded through West Virginia University
International Airfare (round trip)
Lodging and most food are provided during the scheduled in-country portion of the program. Instructors will tell you in advance which meals you'll be responsible for.
All adventure-based activities, including the use of available equipment, such as backpacks and sleeping bags, through the Adventure West Virginia Program
All scheduled educational, adventure, and cultural activities and transportation in the country
Travel Insurance
Special course materials, including books, multi-media, online tools and experiential fees

Additional Costs

You will need to plan for travel-related expenses such as obtaining a passport (convenient passport processing available through WVU's Passport Acceptance Facility), visa fee ( NZeTA), and some personal gear.

Essential Eligibility

All Adventure WV program participants must meet Essential Eligibility Criteria. Many of the sites and venues for the activities included in Adventure WV’s program are challenging, remote and exposed to nature’s elements.
Visit our Essential Eligibility website to learn more about our requirements.

Previous years' itinerary highlights include:

3-day backpacking trip on New Zealand’s most popular Great Walk – The Routeburn Track
3-day sea kayaking the Abel Tasman National Park
Maori cultural program in Motueka
Experiencing the food & art scene in Nelson by bike
Touring Queenstown and Nelson

Please contact our office for more information:
Phone: 304.293.5221 | email: adventurewv@mail.wvu.edu