Rooted Life Adventures offers an incredible gap year in New Zealand that combines adventure excursions, cultural immersion, volunteering, life skills learning, an internship, and mental health support. Our full-time wellness coaches live with the group, providing in-the-moment guidance and keeping the experience supportive, growth-focused, and fun.

We live in a beautiful country lodge, do an internship on a sheep farm, see the sights of the world-famous South Island of New Zealand, see glow worm caves in Te Anau, take a cruise through the Milford Sounds, go canyoning, rock climbing, mountain biking, white water rafting, luging, and a choose your own adventure day in the “Adventure Capital of the World.”

Program Dates:

 New Zealand Co-Ed Program – Fall Semester 2026

• 10-Weeks
• Sept 17 – Nov 25, 2026

New Zealand Co-Ed Program – Spring Semester 2026

• 10-Weeks
• February 17 – April 27, 2026

NEW PROGRAM – Australia for Women – Spring 2026

• 6 or 10-Weeks
• February 17 – March 30, 2026

Australia for Women – Fall 2026

• Sept 17 – Nov 25, 2026

Rooted Life Adventures offers an all-women’s gap year program for ages 18–24, set in the stunning coastal town of Byron Bay, Australia. This beachside experience combines sun, surf, and self-discovery as participants embark on a transformative journey guided by a live-in therapeutic coach.

Students will intern with a female entrepreneurship program at a local pottery studio, volunteer at a wildlife hospital, and be welcomed by Aboriginal elders for a cultural immersion experience. Adventure activities include surf lessons, horseback riding on the beach, snorkeling with sea turtles, and kayaking with dolphins.

This is a deep, soulful experience designed to help young women explore who they are, what they want, and where they’re headed next—all while living steps away from the sand and sea.