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
• Thursday, Jan. 7: Moraga
  Class topic: NZ film history
  Activity: Travel prep
• Friday, Jan. 8: Depart from SFO
• Saturday, Jan. 9: Arrive at AKL (Auckland)

Week 2

• Sunday, Jan. 10: Auckland
  Activities: Check in to Haka Auckland. Get acclimated; relax after travel.
• Monday, Jan. 11: Auckland
  Activities: Weta Unleashed tour in the morning; Auckland Museum in the afternoon.
• Tuesday, Jan. 12: Auckland, Matamata, & Rotoroa
  Activity: Take the Hobbiton tour.
• Wednesday, Jan. 13: Rotorua
  Activities: Rotorua Rafting trip in morning; Maori cultural experience in evening.
• Thursday, Jan. 14: Rotorua & Taupo
  Activities: Light morning hike in Rotorua; Hang out in Taupo.
• Friday, Jan. 15: Waimarino
  Activities: Get up early; Tongoriro/Mordor hike all day.
• Saturday, Jan. 16: Waimarino & Wellington
  Activities: Driving day; stop off in Whanganui for lunch.

Week 3

• Sunday, Jan. 17: Wellington
  Activities: Weta Workshop in the morning; Roxy Cinema at night
• Monday, Jan. 18: Wellington
  Activities: Museum of Wellington; city walk..
• Tuesday, Jan. 19: Wellington & Christchurch
  Activities: Lunch along Kaikoura.
• Wednesday, Jan. 20: Christchurch
  Activities: Taking it easy in Christchurch; walking tour of the city or visit Willowbank Preserve.
• Thursday, Jan. 21: Christchurch & Lake Tekapo
  Activities: Hang out; Alpine Star Gazing.
• Friday, Jan. 22: Lake Tekapo
  Activities: Hike Mount Cook.
• Saturday, Jan. 23: Queenstown
  Activities: Shotover Jet Ride; visit Ford of Bruinen (LOTR).

Week 4

• Sunday, Jan. 24: Queenstown
  Activities: Glenorchy hike (LOTR).
• Monday, Jan. 25: Queenstown & Te Anu
  Activities: Visit Glowworms cave.
• Tuesday, Jan. 26: Te Anu & Milford Sound
  Activities: Guided kayak tour of Milford Sounds.
• Wednesday, Jan. 27: Te Anu & Queenstown
  Activities: Hang out in Queenstown; see a film.
• Thursday, Jan. 28: Depart from AKL 
• Friday, Jan. 29: Arrive at SFO.

Course Fee: $5,000-5,500

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.