FAQs

Travelling or living within another country is full of fantastic learning opportunities. To make the most of your time away its good to know what to expect and to be prepared.

To assist you we have listed below answers to some of the frequently asked questions we have about our programs.

You can also find more general information about what to expect in New Zealand by visiting newzealand.com. We look forward to welcoming you to Aotearoa New Zealand!

All accommodation is included within our programs. Where groups stay will depend on their specific itinerary.

Typically whilst in the outdoors you will be camping in tents or staying in a hut (basic accommodation with dorm beds).

Programs may include an overnight stay in a Marae (traditional Māori meeting house).

Food is provided but groups will need to prepare and cook food as a team.

Get in touch with our team if you have any questions: info@expednz.com

The cost of your program includes all planned learning activities, field trips, accommodation, food (which you cook for yourself), specialist outdoor equipment and transport within the program (from when you arrive in Nelson to when you leave).

Students may want to bring some extra spending money if, for example, they wanted to: buy personal snacks, have dinner out, take part in activities outside of the itinerary, or buy gifts / items to take home.

Get in touch with our team if you have any further questions: info@expednz.com

ExpedNZ programmes are delivered predominatley in the South Island of New Zealand. The ExpedNZ base is situated in Nelson, a small coastal city at the top of the South Island.

Most visitors arrive in New Zealand at either Auckland or Christchurch and then take a short (1-1.5 hours) connection flight to Nelson.

Our team will collect and drop you off at the Nelson airport.

Get in touch with our team if you have any more questions: info@expednz.com

We will send out a personal gear list that aligns with your program itinerary.

As a general guide participants are expected to bring the basics such as a good sleeping bag, raincoat, walking shoes and ‘active’ clothing.

There is no need to bring any specialist equipment (we provide all of that).

Get in touch with our team if you have any more questions: info@expednz.com

ExpedNZ is the international division of our parent organisation - Whenua Iti Outdoors (WIO). WIO is an approved provider of adventure activities with regular external audits and industry qualified educators.
We hold safety certification to deliver a wide range of adventure-based activities. These include but are not limited to: kayaking, hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, caving, abseiling.

On most programs, participants will also experience cultural and environmentally focused activities which could include mau rākau (traditional Māori martial art), marae (meeting house) visits, waka ama (traditional style canoe) journeys, story-telling sessions, tree-planting, trapping, rongoa Māori or harakeke (flax) weaving as examples.

ExpedNZ works with small groups - typically between 12 and 20 people.  Larger groups are possible and it's simply a case of determining staff capacity at the requested time of booking.

Get in touch with our team if you have any more questions: info@expednz.com

New Zealand has excellent, modern communication systems. The timings and expectations of keeping in touch with those at home is managed by the trip leaders.

When you are out in the field / NZ wilderness there will be limited access to mobile reception & internet coverage. Your ExpedNZ educators have a range of communication methods which they will use to contact our base or that can be used in emergency situations.

Get in touch with our team if you have any more questions: info@expednz.com

By international standards New Zealand is considered a safe and low risk country to visit.

ExpedNZ has 35 years of experience behind us for running outdoor and education focused programmes under our parent company - Whenua Iti Outdoors.

Our safety systems are robust and systematic.  We are a registered provider of adventure activities and hold NZ Outdoors Mark audit accreditation.  We are subject to regular external audits and safety of participants is always front of mind.  To find out more go to our Programme Design page.

Get in touch with our team if you have any more questions: info@expednz.com

With students' safety always front of mind we have Covid-19 policy and procedures in place. We are happy to share these and work with our partners to provide assurance and support in their travel arrangements.

For up to date information for travelers who are due to arrive in NZ and who are already in NZ see the Immigration NZ website - https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/covid-19 

What are the programs like?

At ExpedNZ we weave elements of cultural and environmental learning through engaging and adventurous experiences in the outdoors. Visit our Program Design page to find out more.

"I have been impressed with the quality and character of (ExpedNZ) instructors, attention to risk management, and infusion of cultural components into their programs. Our students and leaders have consistently described the (program) as a major highlight on their gap year journey...Highly recommended!"

James Simmons, Executive Director, Carpe Diem Education

Want to find out more about a program or have a question for us?
Talk to one of our friendly team - we're happy to help.