Teen Travel Program in New Zealand
Extreme adventure and eye-opening community service on this High School Summer Service Trip
Looking for a great balance of adventurous activities and immersive community service on your summer program? Get outside, get active, and expand your horizons on this environmental sustainability and community development teen service trip. Starting on New Zealand’s North Island, support reforestation efforts for the national Kiwi bird, learn the Maori Haka and dip underground while spelunking through the Waitomo Caves. This high school summer travel program has it all!
Itinerary
Our group flight crosses the international date line, makes a stop in Fiji, and finally lands in Auckland! We meet our Kiwi guides and travel to the rugged western coast of the North Island. After we arrive, our home in the beach community of Raglan provides us with an incredible backdrop for teambuilding activities, getting to know one another, and learning about the history and culture of “Aotearoa.” Here, we embark on a variety of environmental projects such as perma-culture, planting trees, and a community recycling project. When we are not working, we are hanging out with our new friends and enjoying New Zealand’s incredible beauty. Activities include learning to surf at the famous Raglan beach break, hiking on Mt. Karioi, and kayaking along the bay.
The next portion of our trip brings lots of adventure! We explore the world-renowned Waitomo Caves, home to glowworms and geological marvels. We even get the opportunity to rock climb and repel down waterfalls. On our way to the next destination, we stop to volunteer with the Kiwi Foundation and get a chance to see these endangered birds! We then head to the city of Taupo to explore the famous Huka Falls.
The next part of our New Zealand journey takes us to the geothermal wonderland of the central North Island to gain a true appreciation for the Māori people and their unique culture in Rotorua and the Te Puia Marae. The local community welcomes us– sharing the spirit, legends, dance, song, food, vitality, and warmth that are the essence of New Zealand’s native Māori culture. We drive along the beautiful landscape, getting a taste of the country that brought us ‘The Lord of The Rings’ (and a stop by the set of The Shire!). Our final New Zealand stop is Auckland, “the City of Sails.” On our last evening in New Zealand, we have time to explore, and reflect on this amazing journey.
Please note that, given the unprecedented nature of travel currently, this itinerary is subject to change.
Participants may be subject to additional expenses related to entry requirements to your destination and/or re-entry to your home country. Global Works does not cover these expenses. Additional costs may include, but are not limited to, COVID tests, insurance, or other. See our Covid-19 FAQ’s for more information. The most up to date requirements can be found via links on your login page on the Flight and Travel Day Instruction form after enrollment.
Community Service Projects

Environmental & Wildlife Conservation
Plant native trees volunteer with the Kiwi Foundation to support conservation efforts for the endangered Kiwi bird
Adventure & Cultural Activities

Challenge yourself with surf lessons in Raglan

Explore the world famous Waitomo caves

Kayak through a scenic New Zealand bay
Gallery
Accommodations
KARIOI LODGE, RAGLAN
An off the beaten track back-packers hotel, students stay in dorm-style rooms (private for Global Workers, not additional tourists). If lucky, you get a room with an ocean view! Hammocks, sun decks, ping pong and pool tables are popular with our group!
WAITOMO KIWIPAKA HOTEL
Two to six students share typical hotel rooms with private baths. This a great spot with meeting space for group reflection in a location close to activities.