auckland harbor skyline
Auckland, New Zealand

Photography & Culture

Arts & Culture

Dates

-

3 weeks

Costs

$6,950

Highlights

Career exploration

Creative portfolio

Daily activities and excursions

Hostel/hotel

Application Deadline

Enroll Now

Request Information

Dates

-

3 weeks

Costs

$6,950

Highlights

Career exploration

Creative portfolio

Daily activities and excursions

Hostel/hotel

Application Deadline

Enroll Now

Request Information

Overview
Chase the perfect shot across Auckland's cityscapes and New Zealand's epic natural world.

Turn your passion into real-world digital photography skills this summer and learn to craft powerful images that tell stories, whether you're using a DSLR or your phone. In hands-on classes taught by professional photographers and local artists, you'll master composition, lighting, and editing—alongside new friends who share your creative drive.

Classroom sessions lead into daily workshops and photo challenges across Auckland’s black sand beaches and volcanic peaks. One day, focus on street portraits at Viaduct Harbour with you and your fellow Global Navigators taking turns as models. The next day, you’re chasing golden-hour light along the coast for wildlife shots. You’ll curate your best work for a final gallery show and present an artist’s statement that reflects your growth and creative process.

Auckland is photogenic, to say the least, and so much more. On excursions beyond the city, capture the steaming geysers and bubbling mud pools of Rotorua and the towering waterfalls and crystal-clear lake views around Taupō. You’ll return home with a stand-out portfolio you can use for college applications—and a new understanding of your unique style as a visual storyteller.

A Summer for Fun, Friends, and Your Future

Explore

Have fun discovering New Zealand's iconic landscapes through your own lens.

Network

Meet new friends and professional photographers. Build your own community.

Get Inspired

Launch your future today! Train your eye and develop the skills and experience you need to kickstart a career in photography.

Destination
  • auckland-new-zealand-sky-shot.jpg
  • auckland-new-zealand-rural-shot.jpg
  • auckland-new-zealand-springs.jpg

The Destination

Welcome to Auckland, where island views, Māori heritage, and a vibrant food and art scene create endless inspiration.

Auckland's urban skyline rises between 50 ancient volcanic cones, a rare city where incredible modern architecture is folded into stunning nature. Explore neighborhoods like Ponsonby and Britomart, famous for food markets, live music, and street art. Known for its multicultural vibe, Auckland blends Pacific, European, and Māori influences.

Māori heritage is woven into daily life, from community art and architecture to traditional ceremonies and festivals. Food reflects the city’s global mix, with everything from classic Kiwi fish and chips to Pacific Island street food served in its bustling night markets. Music venues, art galleries, and colorful street performances are easy to find.

Adventure is always just a step away. Kayak to nearby islands, hike trails across vivid green landscapes, and venture outside the city in search of wildlife. Kiwi culture is all about welcoming newcomers, embracing the outdoors, and living life with a sense of adventure.

Cultural Awareness

CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. No matter where you choose to study abroad with CIEE, our staff will be on hand throughout your program to provide advice, resources, and support.

Itinerary

Sample Itinerary

Monday–Friday

Each day offers a balance between interactive instruction and cultural activities with time on your own, too. Morning classes and afternoon activities may swap places.

  • Breakfast at the hostel/hotel or a local cafe  
  • Hands-on classes with expert instructors and local activists  
  • Lunch with your fellow Global Navigators  
  • Out and about for a Cultural Activity  
  • Dinner at the study center or out in the city

Weekends

  • Overnight or day excursions to top sites  
  • Quality time with friends 

Housing 

Hostel/hotel, shared rooms with other Global Navigators

Activities
Auckland skyline

Sample Activities

  • Ride to the top of Auckland’s Sky Tower and capture panoramic views of the city’s skyline and volcanic peaks.
  • Visit a marae and learn how Māori communities preserve traditions through art, architecture, and storytelling.
  • Explore Auckland’s rugged west coast, photographing black sand beaches and dramatic wilderness trails shaped by the sea.
  • Take a ferry to Waiheke Island and search for wildlife while discovering its beaches, markets, and scenic vineyards.
  • Wander Viaduct Harbour’s bustling waterfront, snapping shots of sleek sailboats, modern architecture, and vibrant street life.
Testimonials
From CIEE

8 Reasons to Study Art in High School on a Summer Abroad Program

By High School Summer Abroad at CIEE

Studying art is all about developing your creativity and seeing the world in new ways. Did you know you can take your passion abroad and study art in another country... keep reading

From CIEE

How to Apply for Your First Passport

By High School Summer Abroad at CIEE

Prepare early for your study abroad adventure and apply for your first passport. Here’s how!

From CIEE

6 Ways to Help Your Teen Self-Advocate While Studying Abroad

By High School Summer Abroad at CIEE

Let’s look to the future. Your teen is already thousands of miles away from home, on their summer abroad program. They’re facing a challenge, maybe they’re struggling with a host... keep reading

Eligibility

Eligibility

Eligibility 

  • Participants must be 14 years old and above.
  • Program open to all current high school students: Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors.  
  • For scholarship eligibility requirements, please check our scholarship page

For more information, refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria

Dates & Fees

Dates & Fees

Application Fee  

$25  

Program scholarships and tuition include iNext Travel Insurance, but do not cover the cost of flights. Find additional details about what’s included with your tuition.     

More questions? Find answers, get application support, sign up for virtual presentations, or contact us

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Costs

Program Summer Session I 2026 3 weeks Start Date End Date Costs $6,950
Program Summer Session II 2026 3 weeks Start Date End Date Costs $6,950

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Program Balance $6,950
Total Fees $6,950

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Program Balance $6,950
Total Fees $6,950

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Ready to change your life?

What's Included

Interactive Classes

Housing

3 Meals/Day

(Dietary Needs Accommodated)

All Ground Transportation

(Once In-country)

Optional Flight Chaperone

(Flight Cost Not Included)

Pre-departure Advice and Orientation

Access to WIFI

(No international data plan or SIM card included)

All Cultural Activities and Excursions

Comprehensive Medical and Travel Protection

24/7 Emergency On-site Support

Staff

Our Staff

Brett Armstrong

Center Director

Brett’s passion for global education has been shaped by a lifelong connection to academia and travel. Raised in San Diego, California, by an academic family, his mother’s dedication as a...

Program Leaders guide and support our High School Summer Abroad participants through every step of their program.

Get Started Steps

Get Started

Here’s what you need to do to take the next steps:

1

Start an Application

You're on step closer to an amazing study abroad experience!

2

Connect with your Teachers or Parents

Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.

3

Contact Us

Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about enrolling.

Request Info