Experience an unforgettable STEM and adventure journey through New Zealand’s South Island, featuring an inspiring 4-day Aerospace Academy in Christchurch, spectacular natural wonders, and cultural highlights from Christchurch to Queenstown with wonderful kiwi hospitality.
* A ride in the all-terrain Polar vehicle Hägglund. You will traverse steep mounds, a crevasse, and rough terrain! Note that there is a minimum height requirement of 1.2 m to ride the Hägglund.
*A 4D movie experience. This exclusive movie is enhanced with special effects, such as snow falling, bubbles, seat motion, and the occasional water spray.
This afternoon meet your walking tour guide and head on a journey through the past, present and future of The Garden City on a fully guided tour of Christchurch.
This unique 1.5 hour tour is guided by a Canterbury Museum guide and will showcase the incredible progress the city has made following the earthquakes that hit the city in 2010 and 2011 with a focus on new quake proof architecture.
Students will take part in an amazing 4-day Aerospace Academy. Lunch and morning tea included each day.
Day 1
Students arrive at the Air Force Museum and are welcomed to the program with a space suit fitting and orientation. They explore aerodynamics through hands-on experimentation, designing and testing Orion-style parachutes, and get up close with a real search and rescue aircraft. In the afternoon, they undergo aquanaut training at a local aquatic centre, simulating neutral buoyancy as part of their astronaut preparation.
Day 2
The focus shifts to aerospace innovation, with students gaining insights into cutting-edge companies such as Dawn and Kea Aerospace. Back at the museum, they continue their exploration of aircraft before designing, building, and—weather permitting—launching rockets. Alongside this practical work, they learn about the history of rocketry and New Zealand’s contributions to satellite technology. Visit The Star Dome, also known as "The Mars Blueberry" at the Rangatahi hub in Carterton, New Zealand, which is a portable planetarium. It offers a 20-30 minute journey through the universe, featuring audio-visual displays, storytelling, and information about space telescopes like James Webb and Hubble.
Day 3
The morning offers an opportunity to engage with a local aerospace organisation, providing real-world insights into careers in the field. Alternatively, students may take part in a school exchange with peers studying STEAM subjects. In the afternoon, teams design, construct, and present models of moon habitats, applying creative and critical thinking.
Day 4
Mars is the theme of the day. Students design and test Mars rovers and tackle a coding challenge, supported by feedback from a robotics expert. The program concludes with a choice of a simulated moonwalk or a high ropes ziplining challenge—both designed to strengthen collaboration and problem-solving under pressure.
One one of the days you'll get Flight Training – Learn the theory of flight, get inside RNZAF aircraft, then take control of the cockpit with an instructor at Canterbury Aero Club.
Please note: The itinerary is subject to change based on weather conditions and operational considerations.
Discover the Southern Skies in Lake Takapō, New Zealand
Experience an unforgettable stargazing adventure with the Crater Experience in Lake Takapō, New Zealand. Nestled in the heart of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, the purpose-built observation craters give you a fantastic view of the stars. Here, you'll see more, journey further, and understand the night sky like never before.
An exclusive stargazing spot
Your experience takes place in our secluded observation craters, sheltered from wind and light pollution. In this special place it's just you, the stars, and the best view of the endless southern skies.
A personal tour of the stars
Over 75 minutes, you'll explore the stars with both the naked eye and powerful telescopes. You're on a personal tour of the cosmos, without ever leaving the beautiful heart of the South Island.
Head out on one of the Tasman Glacier Explorer Boats.
Imagine a boat tour like none other. Surrounded by snow capped alps, you will be expertly guided through the ice age as you view the gigantic Tasman Glacier Ice wall, icebergs and the chance to embrace mother natures legacy.
This morning enjoy a stunning three hour drive to Arrowtown. Spend time exploring the historic gold mining town, Arrowtown, often known as the prettiest town in New Zealand. Take in the sights, grab a famous ice-cream and then head on to stunning Queenstown, known as the Adventure Capital of The World.
Often considered to be the “most fun” activity students have on tour, your group will ride the stunning Skyline Gondola and then access a downhill luge track which overlooks the Queenstown Lakes District and beyond. Three trips are included but may not seem enough for some! This is a fantastic adrenalin rush for both students and teachers.
This afternoon your are free to explore Queenstown, with its towering mountains and lakeside location, Queenstown is a hub of adventure, bursting with adrenaline and fun.
This morning take a coach to Te Anau where students will be taken on a guided journey into the enchanting Te Anau Glowworm Caves, where rushing underground streams and luminous glowworms create a magical experience unlike any other.
Your adventure begins with a scenic cruise across the tranquil waters of Lake Te Anau aboard one of their purpose-built vessels, taking you to the remote western shores.
At Cavern House, explore fascinating displays that uncover the caves’ geology and history before your guide leads you into the underground labyrinth. Along the way, knowledgeable guides will highlight the caves’ unique features and share captivating stories about their formation and discovery.
Step into a world of natural wonder. These geologically young caves, just 12,000 years old, are still being shaped by the powerful river carving through them. Marvel at twisting limestone passages, sculpted rock formations, swirling whirlpools, and a thundering underground waterfall.
The journey culminates in a hidden grotto, where you’ll drift silently by boat beneath a sparkling canopy of glowworms unique to New Zealand. In the stillness and darkness of this subterranean realm, their bioluminescent display is nothing short of extraordinary.
Return to Queenstown for a farewell meal to celebrate all your acheivements on this tour.
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Queenstown, New Zealand 
