Overview
Take your ensemble on a thrilling performance tour through Australia and New Zealand. Your group can look forward to exploring iconic landmarks including the Auckland Sky Tower, the Sydney Opera House, the Taronga Zoo, and Bondi Beach. They’ll also perform for international audiences.
Itinerary
Day 1
Overnight flight to New Zealand (Auckland)
Day 2
Lose a day as you cross the International Date Line
Day 3
Arrive in Auckland
Meet your Tour Director
Your 24-hour Tour Director will meet you at the airport and remain with your group until your final airport departure.
Auckland Tour Director-led sightseeing
Take a walking tour of Auckland with our Tour Director. Hear about Aotearoa’s people and their place in the Pacific, the remarkable flora and fauna found from north to south, and the conflicts that have shaped the nation.
Sky Tower visit
The Sky Tower has stood tall at 328 meters as an icon of Auckland's sky line for 20 years. Here we will have Panoramic 360° views up to 80 kilometers in every direction. From high above the city, spot key landmarks, volcanoes and other historical locations within the greater Auckland area.
Day 4
Harbour conservation cruise
Kids are our eco-warriors of the future. They are ultimately the ones faced with a HUGE clean-up of our earth. Let’s get them out on the water, to learn the magnitude of the threats, to understand the fragility of the ecosystem, and ultimately the steps we may take to start getting things better. Join our passionate marine-scientists for expert education and interactive research studies as we head out on the beautiful Waitemata Harbour. This is a 2 hour learning session out on the water, aboard Dolphin Explorer. Tailored for any audience and age, we incorporate a multitude of visual teaching aids to express how things are out there in the oceans. This is a positive experience, where many kids will want to be marine biologists at its completion
Rangitoto Island visit
The youngest volcanic island located quite close to Auckland. It's symmetrical shape and location make it an icon of Auckland.
Auckland performance
Student ensembles—whether instrumental, vocal, theatrical, or dance—will have the chance to perform in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest and most diverse city. Surrounded by stunning natural beauty and rich in Māori and Pacific Island culture, Auckland offers memorable performance opportunities in both modern and historic venues.
Day 5
Hobbiton movie set guided sightseeing visit
Follow in the footsteps of Frodo and Bilbo Baggins into the miniature world of The Shire, the home of hobbits. Whether you have seen the Lord of The Rings trilogy or not, you will undoubtedly appreciate the efforts that went into the creation of this elaborate outdoor movie set from a still operational sheep farm. From a giant tree whose thousands of leaves were glued on to the tiny pottery of a hobbit craftsman, careful attention was paid to infinite details. Your guide entertains you with tales of what went on during filming, and how director Peter Jackson created illusions through the camera. At the end of the tour, you cross a stone bridge to the true-to-life Green Dragon Pub.
Day 6
Fly to Christchurch
Christchurch city walk
Day 7
Banks Peninsula excursion
On the South Island that was first inhabited by the Mori and spotted by Captain Cook in the 1700's. The area is well known for its waterways, scenery and abundant flora and fauna.
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve visit
Where we can experience the local animal life up close. See kiwis, kangaroos, and other native animals, heritage farming animals, and some exotic animals like lemurs and macaws.
Christchurch performance
Student ensembles will have the opportunity to perform in Christchurch, a city known for its resilience, creativity, and English heritage charm. As the cultural heart of New Zealand’s South Island, Christchurch offers inspiring venues and a welcoming arts community.
Day 8
Fly to Sydney
Sydney Tour Director-led sightseeing
Sydney Harbour Bridge walk, The Rocks, Royal Botanic Gardens
Day 9
Taronga Zoo visit
Set on Sydney Harbour, the Taronga Zoo is home to many of Australia's native animals. See kookaburras, koalas, dingoes, red pandas, platypuses, and other fuzzy (and not-so-fuzzy) critters in naturalistic settings, and enjoy a beautiful view of the harbor -- "Taronga" is believed to be an Aboriginal word meaning "water view."
Sydney Opera House guided visit
Tour the world-famous Sydney Opera House. The unique design has made it an iconic performance space.
Attend a Sydney Opera House performance
We will attend a performance at the famous Sydney Opera House. Exact performance subject to final confirmation after time of booking.
Day 10
Bondi Beach excursion
The Gap, Mrs Macquarie's Point, Explore Bondi Beach
Sydney performance
Student ensembles will have the exciting opportunity to perform in Sydney, one of Australia’s most iconic and culturally rich cities. With its world-renowned landmarks, diverse arts scene, and vibrant atmosphere, Sydney offers unforgettable performance experiences in both modern and historic venues.
Day 11
Return home OR Extend your stay
Board your flight home or choose to extend your trip with a three-day adventure in Cairns. Begin with a locally guided sightseeing tour featuring the Esplanade, Wharf Street, and the vibrant Cairns Night Market. Enjoy a relaxing half-day excursion to Palm Cove, known for its palm-lined beaches and tropical charm. Spend a full day exploring the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef on a cruise that includes lunch and time to snorkel or relax. Cap off your stay with a memorable performance in Cairns, set against the backdrop of Australia’s tropical north.
Already Included
Transportation to & from your destination
Hotel accommodations
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
Meals (unless otherwise noted on your itinerary)
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Free high school credit for students who choose to complete WorldStrides free online coursework post-program
Guided sightseeing tours & city walks (details in itinerary)
Tips for local guides and drivers
WorldStrides Tour Director: A dynamic destination expert who makes learning come to life by leading your group's activities and discussions
Adjudicated group performances and an optional solo/duo competition
Scenes from Australia and New Zealand
Health & Safety
Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details.
Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance
WorldStrides provides over $2.5 million in financial assistance each year to thousands of families. Families with annual adjusted gross incomes of less than $85,000 may qualify. One simple call to Customer Service and you’ll know how much may be available for your trip even before signing up. Please note: financial assistance is given on a first-come, first-served basis.
Payment Plans
Advantage Payment Plan
At program sign-up you can opt to pay in full, or break up the cost of your trip with the Advantage Payment Plan. This plan allows you to pay a small initial deposit, then have your remaining payments spread out into affordable monthly amounts.
EZPay
We offer an EZPay option, which is a simple way to pay for your WorldStrides program by scheduling hassle-free, automatic drafts from your checking account. With EZPay, you'll never be late or miss an installment.
Fundraising Tools
Our easy-to-use tools put students in the driver's seat of their own fundraising efforts. Students can send e-cards, share links on social media, and even send out printed letters through WorldStrides' Gift of Education program. In one click friends and family members can make a direct donation to the trip - with 100% of the money raised going to offset their trip price. Thousands of students pay for their entire trip each year through the Gift of Education.
Also, WorldStrides makes program-specific scholarships available as well as other scholarship resources. Ask your Account Manager for more information about scholarships and fundraising tools.