New Zealand is a land of geologic wonders with stunning mountains and incredible waters. New Zealand is also knows for its “Kiwi” culture, which is a fascinating blend of Maori and European cultures. There are five components of this expedition beginning by being welcomed in a traditional Maori meeting place to learn about Maori art, history, culture, and life. We start our 8 day wilderness journey by spending 5 days backpacking in remote Kahurangi National Park exploring rugged peaks, honing our orienteering skills, traveling in varied environments, and experiencing the classic bush and alpine country. We meet our river guides to continue our journey down one of New Zealand’s most spectacular and remote rivers, the Karamea. After 3 days on this isolated and stunning Grade V River, we will complete our journey to the sea. Next, we meet our farm stay hosts and spend a couple of days exploring New Zealand agriculture practices. We conclude with a spectacular 4 day sea kayaking trip in one of New Zealand’s most famous national parks, Abel Tasman. Throughout this learning expedition, you will have a change to challenge yourself, meet new people, examine diverse landscape, and understand a complex and fascinating culture. We will also experience Christchurch by touring its acclaimed museum and visiting our “sister-university,” CPIT, for guest lectures and tours. This trip was incredibly popular, so sign up soon!
Additional Course Description and Information
May 11th to June 4th

Click here to to view additional New Zealand photos.
May 9th — June 3rd 2005

Students will spend over three weeks on an expeditionary learning adventure to the South Island of New Zealand. Components of the expedition include: an overnight Marae stay examining Maori traditions and culture; four days sea kayaking in Abel Tasman National Park; an eight day traverse of the Tasman Mountains in Kahurangi National Park incorporating trekking, exploring rugged peaks, and whitewater rafting to the west coast; an overnight farm stay in small groups with local family farmers; and learning opportunities from large cities to small villages including Christchurch, Nelson, Karamea, and Maruia Springs. During this expedition, students will be introduced to: the skills, judgment, and organization needed to successfully implement a multi-week international expedition; the complex historical and contemporary issues surrounding Maori and European cultures; and the environmental and cultural sensitivity issues related to this type of travel experience.
We will also spend some time with our “sister-university” in Christchurch for guest lectures on a range of topics including Maori studies and tourism development. While in Christchurch, we will take in some of the culture found in the largest city on the South Island. Visits to museums, galleries, and the theater will frame our experiences in “the most English of New Zealand’s cities”. Once we leave Christchurch, we will spend most of our time in backcountry or rural settings including two separate cultural immersion experiences, back country travel in beautiful and rugged national parks, and short stays in very small, rural New Zealand towns and villages.
This expedition is not a tour of New Zealand. Instead of driving the length of both the North and South Islands and seeing what we can along the way, we are going to immerse ourselves in the northern part of the South Island or the “top of the South”. By doing this, we can spend less time in the van and more time experiencing the “real” New Zealand - outside in beautiful and less-traveled areas.
During the spring semester, we will meet as a group on a regular basis to: cover academic material; examine maps; discuss equipment needs; view films; be actively involved in a series of presentations; and get to know one another before we depart in May. Below are brief summaries of the courses that are being offered for this expedition.

IDS 2530
Cultures and Landscapes: An Expeditionary Study of New Zealand’s South Island
3 credit hours
This experience will provide an interdisciplinary examination of the unique and diverse cultures and landscapes of New Zealand’s South Island. Historical and contemporary issues will be explored within the context of New Zealand’s Maori culture, European settlement, physical geography, and the variety of industries that support economic growth. This educational adventure is devoted to a holistic exploration of NZ that will bridge classroom teaching with expeditionary learning.
This expedition of discovery is intended to stimulate the individual on an intellectual, emotional, and physical level. Students are expected to commit to the ideals of collaborative and responsible group learning and participation. Students are also asked to recognize their responsibility in the learning process and be significant contributors to that process.
The in-class component of IDS 2530 is designed to complement and enhance the learning expedition to New Zealand.

RM 3531
Expeditioning in New Zealand
3 credit hours
The purpose of this course is to provide students with the skills and knowledge that pertain to the principles and practices of an extended group expedition abroad. This will be achieved through an examination of expeditioning theory and practice in the classroom followed by a 24-day expedition to New Zealand. On this expedition, students will: learn the fundamentals of implementing a major international expedition; gain a profound understanding of experiential education methodologies, practices, and principles; understand and embrace issues surrounding environmental and cultural sensitivity; and learn the wilderness skills necessary to safely and competently negotiate challenging and diverse landscapes. An expeditionary learning model will serve as the foundation for this course.


Expedition Leadership
After completing a NOLS Mountain Instructors course in 1991, Rich worked for a variety of outdoor education organizations leading and managing mountaineering, rock climbing, backpacking, sea kayaking, extended road and mountain bike tours, telemark skiing, and wilderness living expeditions. In 1996, Rich completed his Master's degree in Student Development so he could blend outdoor education practices with student development theory. Rich has led extended expeditions for Appalachian students in North Carolina, Georgia, West Virginia, Florida, Wyoming, Alaska and New Zealand. Rich has extensive international travel experience including trips to Europe, the Middle East, and the South Pacific. Rich has implemented two successful New Zealand study abroad programs in 2003 and 2004. Rich is committed to the continued development of an International Expeditions Program and is excited about the possibilities that await Appalachian students through this program. Rich has been leading trips for Appalachian students for 10 years and has been in the outdoor education field for 15 years.

Richard Campbell
Associate Director, Outdoor Programs
828-262-2475
campbllrh@appstate.edu

Other Details
The cost for the program is $3650 which includes airfare, all ground transportation, entry fees, lodging and camping fees, permits, insurance, instruction, technical equipment rentals (sea kayaks, wetsuits, etc.), all camping equipment (tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, stoves, fuel, cooksets, etc.) cultural immersion fees, and most food. Students will have to provide for personal costs such as souvenirs, film, laundry, postage, etc. Students are required to provide adequate footwear, good rain gear (both jacket and pants), appropriate warm layers for backcountry travel, and other personal items. Tuition is not included in the program cost. Students are required to pay $77 per credit hour (in state) or $97 per credit hour (out-of-state) for the courses they wish to take.
Students are required to complete an application, medical form, acknowledgement of risk consent form, code of ethics document, and must be active and positive contributing members to the expedition.
A New Zealand brochure is available at Outdoor Programs and we will begin accepting deposits after Fall Break to hold a space for you. We hope to have all participant spaces filled by the Thanksgiving holidays. Please contact Rich Campbell for additional information. Student and parent/legal guardian questions are welcome.
Appalachian State University reserves the right to cancel or alter the program format or to change the costs in case of conditions beyond the University’s control.
Thank you for your interest in this expedition.


Rich Campbell
Outdoor Programs
Appalachian State University
campbllrh@appstate.edu
828-262-2475

Quotes….
“I came. I saw. I was conquered. I was rebuilt. I am stronger.”

“Wow, what an intense three weeks. I feel like I have done more lately than I have my entire life. Soon it is going to end and I’m not going to know what to do with myself.”

“When I get back to the states, I won’t be able to explain this trip. Even with hundreds of pictures and all the words of the English language at my disposal, I cannot possibly convey the pure majesty of this place.”

“The sun blessed our group today as we paddled. The water was as calm as it gets in an ocean. An occasional swell reminded us that we were still in the ocean.”

“How does one describe a place like this? Set squarely on the most exposed headland in Able Tasman National Park, Shag Harbor retreats back into cracks and fissures of orange yellow granite that has been eroded by eons of tidal changes, storms, rain, and sun. Our group paddled slowly in this harbor accessible only by sea kayak: no tour boats or sail boats.”

“This trip has opened our hearts and minds as well as our eyes. I found myself on the verge of tears throughout my stay with this group of 21. I fell in love with this place and if I could put my feelings into words, they would not go unheard.”