Kia ora, Gaels! Come follow in the footsteps of intrepid hobbits and indigenous Maori natives in a road-trip course that explores the history, culture and natural beauty of New Zealand through the lens of its cinema. Traveling by minibus and staying in hostels throughout the country, you will participate in a mix of urban (museums, cinemas, film studios) and rural (hiking, kayaking, boating) experiences. You will learn about how early Kiwi cinema wrestled with the legacy of colonialism, and how locally-made blockbusters like The Lord of the Rings supercharged the nation’s film industry. Note: the course includes a few strenuous day-hikes (Mordor!) and a fair bit of driving (approx 90 minutes/day, with a few longer days). Second-breakfast is included in the course fee.

Week 1

• Monday, Jan. 4: Moraga
  Activities: Course overview; student intros; travel prep
• Tuesday, Jan. 5: Moraga
  Class topics: NZ history & culture
• Wednesday, Jan. 6: Moraga
  Class topic: NZ film history up to 1995
• Thursday, Jan. 7: Moraga
  Class topic: NZ film history 1995 to present
  Activity: Travel prep
• Sunday, Jan. 10: Depart from SFO

Week 2

• Tuesday, Jan. 12: Arrive at AKL (Auckland)
• Wednesday, Jan. 13: Aukland
  Activities: Weta Workshop Unleashed in the morning; Auckland Museum in the afternoon.
• Thursday, Jan. 14: Aukland
  Activities: West Coast Beaches & Hike
• Friday, Jan. 15: Murupara
  Activities: Hobbiton Movie Set; Marae and Hangi Cultural Experience
• Saturday, Jan. 16: Tongariro
  Activities: Explore Maori Rock carvings, Huka Falls 
• Sunday, Jan. 17: Tongariro
  Activities: Tongariro Crossing (“Mordor Hike”)

Week 3

• Monday, Jan. 18: Wellington
  Travel day
• Tuesday, Jan. 19: Wellington
  Activities: Weta Workshop; Roxy Cinema
• Wednesday, Jan. 20: Wellington
  Activities: Te Papa Museum
• Thursday, Jan. 21: Murchison
  Activities: Ferry to the South Island, Marlborough hike
• Friday, Jan. 22: Christchurch
  Activities: Ports Hills, Sumner Beach, Lyttleton Harbour
• Saturday, Jan. 23: Christchurch
  Activities: University of Cantebury’s Koawa Studios
• Sunday, Jan. 24: Lake Tekapo
  Activities: Hike Mount Sunday (“Edoras Hike”), Dark Sky Stargazing

Week 4

• Monday, Jan. 25: Queenstown
  Activities: Hike Mount Cook
• Tuesday, Jan. 26: Queenstown
  Day trip to Glenorchy
• Wednesday, Jan. 27: Te Anu
  Activities: Glowworm Caves
• Thursday, Jan. 28: Queenstown
  Activities: Milford Sound Kayak Trip
• Friday, Jan. 29: Queenstown
  Activities: Visit with NZ filmmaker Chris Chase
• Saturday, Jan. 30: Depart from AKL, Arrive at SFO

Course Fee: $5,750

This fee includes:
Airfare, Local Transportation, Lodging, Meals, Excursions (e.g., museums, tours, etc.), Gratuity, Travel Insurance ($35/student - international classes only)

Estimated cost outside of course fee:
The Course Fee plan accounts for most breakfasts, lunches and dinners, but student travelers should expect to purchase at least a few of their own meals at a cost of $200.