Marine Science Studies in New Zealand

Your adventure is off and away as you global travel to Christchurch. As your plane descends, look out your window to see New Zealand’s breathtaking mountains and valleys. A local guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to a lodge. 

The afternoon is yours to explore. Take a nature walk, stroll into town, or check out the lodge gift shop. In the evening, you will meet with your group and local guide for dinner. Take some time to get to know the people who will be your adventure companions for the next week.

Your first day will be one for the books as you travel to Akaroa Harbour, a waterway teeming with marine life. Embark on your cruise to spot penguins, seals, and of course, dolphins. When your captain has found a pod, jump in your wetsuit before jumping into the water. Duck beneath the waves to see and swim with these wild and playful creatures in their natural habitat. After much time in the water, you return to land for lunch and explorations of the town’s craft shops and colonial buildings. 

A professional oceanographer will accompany you on each of your water excursions to provide education on the physical and biological aspects of the ocean. You’ll learn about ocean waves, currents, and plate tectonics. New Zealand has a unique surrounding ocean, so be sure to ask lots of questions on your endeavors.

Toot, toot — all aboard! Today you are off on a train ride with towering mountains on one side and the wild Pacific ocean on the other. The views will be breathtaking, and offer an excellent way to learn about the sea from the land as your oceanographer will point out the unique features of the Pacific Ocean. Spot myriad sea and birdlife, and wind your way through lush native bush, charming towns, and dramatic seascapes. While on board enjoy champagne and a catered lunch. 

Make your way to the Waimakariri River, which flows into the Pacific Ocean. Here, you will saddle up your horse and trek through untouched land — marvel at remarkable alpine views. Halfway through the trek, stop for a picnic lunch. Following your ride, you’ll be transferred to the Waimakariri Gorge for an adrenaline-pumping jet-boat ride at the base of snow-capped mountains. Enjoy the thrills of twisting and turning at high speeds. It’s a day you won’t forget!

Calling all adventurers — today is for you. Make your way to Christchurch Adventure Park to be greeted by your zip-line guides. Next, harness up before heading up the mountain on New Zealand’s longest chairlift. Enjoy breath-taking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and Southern Alps before launching your first zip-line at incredible speeds. When you finally reach the bottom of the mountain, enjoy a well-deserved lunch at a local restaurant. You oceanography will conduct a lesson during this time.

It’s your last full day in New Zealand, and we want to make it extra special. Climb aboard your private boat to learn about New Zealand’s dark whaling history. Soon you’ll spot an abundance of whales in the Pacific Ocean, including blue whales, humpback whales, and pilot whales. Watch as the mammals breach, spout, and slap their powerful tails on the water. You’ll also spot the world’s rarest and tiniest dolphins, Hector’s dolphins. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before heading back to your lodge for free time.

It has been an educational and adventurous week in Christchurch, but the time has come to say goodbye. Enjoy one final breakfast with your group and guides. Reflect on your fondest memories of the trip and what you learned. Next, you’re off to the local airport for your departure flight.