Global Leadership in Experiential Education
This program is designed for existing or aspiring school and university leaders, administrators, and curriculum designers and decision-makers who are seeking to globalize their curriculum and deepen their understanding of world-class experiential education.
11 - 20 February
US$4,500pp
Air New Zealand Scholarships Available
In partnership with Air New Zealand we have a limited number of scholarships available to cover the cost of return airfares flying economy with Air New Zealand. Apply by email request.
Program Description
Join Experiential Education New Zealand (ExpedNZ) for a transformative professional development program in Te Tauihu o Te Waka-a-Māui – The Top of the South Island, Aotearoa New Zealand.
Participants will learn alongside New Zealand experts in outdoor and place-based education, with an emphasis on:
- Global competencies and student wellbeing (hauora)
- Frameworks for managing risk in outdoor learning, under internationally recognized NZ safety regulations
- Incorporating indigenous perspectives (Te Ao Māori) into curriculum design
- Harnessing wilderness and the natural environment to foster resilience, connection, and strengths-based student development
Through a balance of interactive workshops, field visits, and hands-on experiences, participants will explore how experiential learning can transform teaching and leadership in their home contexts.
Learning Objectives
By the end of the program, participants will:
- Learn from NZ Experts in Experiential Education
Gain insight into frameworks, methodologies, and leading practices that position New Zealand as a global leader in outdoor and experiential education. - Risk Management & Safety Frameworks
Understand New Zealand’s internationally respected safety regulations and risk management systems, and how these can inform best practice in outdoor learning worldwide. - Place-Based & Indigenous Perspectives
Explore place-based learning that incorporates Māori values, tikanga (protocols), and mātauranga Māori (knowledge systems), highlighting kaitiakitanga (environmental guardianship) as a foundation for education. - Hauora & Holistic Student Development
Examine how wilderness and outdoor experiences support student wellbeing, connectedness, leadership, and resilience through a strengths-based approach. - Experiential Curriculum Design
Co-develop culturally inclusive, transferable lesson frameworks and leadership strategies that embed experiential learning into globalized education systems.
Accommodation
- Mix of single, twin-share, and shared-room options
- Unique marae stay in a traditional Māori meeting house
- Shared bathroom facilities in some locations (may be in a separate building)
- Designed to foster connection and cultural immersion
Program Highlights & Activities
Waka Ama
Experience a tradiational Māori canoe in the Abel Tasman National Park
Visits to Sites of Cultural Significance
An immersive story-telling experience in nature
Cultural Workshops
Experience a pōwhiri (traditional welcome) onto one of our active local marae (if available) and take part in tikanga (Māori protocol).
Day Hiking
Moderate day-hiking to local sights of natural beauty and informative sessions on our environment
Cost Inclusions
Full payment is required by Dec 21 2025. Cancellation policies will be detailed on the invoice.
- All in-programme transport & accommodation (incl. Nelson airport transfers)
- Shared meals and cooking experiences (some meals at own cost)
- Facilitation, specialist equipment & safety management
- Cultural workshops, environmental activities, and guided experiences
Not included: International flights*, NZ International Visitor Levy, insurance. (Direct daily flights are available from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, Chicago, JFK, and Vancouver to Auckland, with a short 90-minute connection to Nelson.)
*Scholarship recipients will have return international economy flights paid for by Air New Zealand
Not-for-profit
Ethical & Sustainable
