Our weekend adventure began as we arrived in Te Anau mid-afternoon, just in time for an early dinner before embarking on a cruise across Lake Te Anau to the glowworm caves.

After an informative presentation from the NZ Real guides we were guided along ramps suspended above pristine, swirling waters before boarding a small boat that carried us into the darkness, where thousands of tiny glowworms illuminated the cave like a starry night sky. After an unforgettable experience, we returned to the campground for a light supper, ready for an early start the next day.

At sunrise on Saturday, we set off on a scenic 2.5-hour drive to the breathtaking Milford Sound. There, we boarded a fantastic cruise that took us through the towering fiords, past cascading waterfalls, and even close to a group of seals lazily sunbathing on the rocks. The stunning landscapes left the students in awe of New Zealand’s natural beauty.

On Sunday morning we took advantage of the beautiful weather with a visit to the township, where we enjoyed a classic Kiwi treat—a warm, hearty pie—before gathering snacks and beginning the 3.5-hour journey back.