Nature Quest is one of few local companies who offer a comprehensive New Zealand educational study programme for universities, colleges and schools. Your outdoor classroom will be the enchanting and inspirational mountains, forests, fiords, tussock-lands and coasts of New Zealand.
Over the past fifteen years we have developed a series of environmental education and study abroad packages for students visiting New Zealand. Through lectures, discussions and field study, students will gain an understanding and greater appreciation of island ecology, communities and threats to sustainability.
Why study in New Zealand?
- Isolated from anything that couldn’t swim, float or fly; New Zealand evolved a composition of native plants and animals unlike anywhere else in the world
- It provides perfect examples for students to study the patterns, processes and conflicts that occur in the natural environment
- New Zealand exhibits a myriad of easily accessible habitats and landscapes that have experienced human impact for a relatively short period of time
- As a destination for young travellers, New Zealand is a safe and friendly country
NZ Study Tours for Schools
We have designed a number of modules that are a combination of lectures, field work, group problem solving, recreational activities and active participation in habitat restoration.
These are:
- Ancient Realms of Gondwanaland – The native forests of New Zealand
- Amaranthine Shores – New Zealand’s marine environment
- Stranded in Paradise – The natural history of New Zealand
- In Cloud-Piercing Splendour – New Zealand’s alpine regions
- Out on a Limb – Ornithology in New Zealand
- The Insular Garden – New Zealand’s vegetation
- Healing the Wounds – Conservation and sustainability in New Zealand
Field trips and excursions include; day treks into the forests and mountains, collection of field data in rainforest and the rocky coastline, viewing whales, seals, dolphins, penguins and many spotting rare and unusual birds. As well as habitat restoration work.
Study Tours for Universities and Colleges
We can provide an inspiring and unforgettable experience for young scholars as well as a deeper understanding and appreciation for our natural world.
Nature Quest has developed a variety of study abroad programmes in conjunction with universities and colleges for more than 20 years.
In our Ecology and Natural Resource Management module, of nine weeks, students spend the first two weeks being introduced to New Zealand, its natural history, culture and beauty.
Following this students study the ecology of a diverse range of communities and specific resource management issues in the various areas of New Zealand that they are travelling in.
Students can study from a range of issues including:
- The preservation of habitats and impacts of introduced predators
- The Treaty of Waitangi (an agreement signed by the Maori and European settlers)
- Land rights and use by Maori people
- Cultural/traditional harvest of native species
- Marine reserves and the fisheries management quota system
- The impacts of tourism on the environment
In addition to these regional issues, students chose a topic for intensive personal study. Throughout the trip they research the background information, current issues, opinions of local people and seek specialist advice on their chosen topic.
Topics could include:
The plight of the endangered kakapo, the life history of wetas, the takahe captive breeding programme, pest management, impacts of tourism on the environment, the management of natural resources by indigenous people, amongst many more.
Recreational activities can also be incorporated into the adventure such as jetboating, hiking, sea kayaking, dolphin swimming, farm visit and many more. In keeping with Nature Quest’s philosophy, cultural and environmental sensitivity is promoted throughout the trip, in all activities.
Study tours are led co-operatively by lecturers from the institution alongside a trip manager from Nature Quest. The majority of the course work is taught by institute staff with input from Nature Quest New Zealand naturalists where appropriate.
What an amazing guide you have been to the wonders of your native land - birds, plants, people, geology, history and more. We’ve learnt so much and enjoyed so much. Thank you so much for opening our eyes to your wonderful country and its exquisite nature.
2014
