The Summit, is a two-day professional development summit for high school educators pursuing excellence in Outdoor Education and EOTC in international and experiential contexts. This event is also a key component of our pre-departure program for getting Expedition ready.
Dates
16-18 June 2026, Queenstown (no spaces)
18-20 November 2026, Queenstown
18-20 November 2026, Fiji
27-28 May 2027, Queenstown
Cost to Educators
Free of Charge. Attendees are required to meet personal travel, and some meal costs.
Some specific, optional, networking and social events, or activities, may incuradditional cost.
SUMMIT OVERVIEW
Taking place in Queenstown and Fiji , the summit brings together teachers for two days of keynote sessions, workshops, panels, and practical experiences. With dual learning streams - educational travel and outdoor education - it focuses on experiential, overland journey & expedition based learning and how these approaches can enhance curriculum delivery, student development, and school programming.
Attendees will deepen their understanding of risk management, global citizenship, experiential facilitation, and curriculum integration while connecting with like-minded professionals from across Australasia.
This is a chance to build skills, share ideas, and lead change in how learning happens beyond the classroom.
What's Included:
- Access to all keynote speakers, panels, and workshops
- Choice of breakout sessions tailored to your professional goals
- Evening networking events and hosted activities
- Practical skill-sharing sessions and facilitation training
- Case studies and sessions from international and local experts
- Resources and take-home materials
- Light catering and hosted social sessions
- Discounted accommodation options arranged by Unearthed Education
- Certificate of completion for professional development records
FAQs
Who is the Summit for?
High school teachers, EOTC coordinators, Outdoor Education teachers, international trip leaders, and school counselors from NZ and Australia.
Is accommodation provided?
Yes, with Single Supplement, or upgrades available.
What type of sessions can I expect?
Keynotes, panels, workshops, outdoor practical sessions, and networking events - with a focus on experiential learning, risk management, and cross-curricular design.
Can I choose my own sessions?
Yes, you’ll choose from a selection of 2–3 session options during each breakout period to suit your development goals.
Is this aligned to PD hours or teacher appraisal requirements?
Yes, participants will receive a certificate of completion and session summaries for professional development documentation.
How are attendees selected?
Places are limited Teachers for each Summit. Preference is made for Educators from Partner Schools.
What’s the application process?
Submit a simple application form via the website.
Can I bring a colleague or friend?
Yes - multiple educators from one school are welcome and encouraged to apply.
How much does it cost?
The event is free to attend; this includes the summit, activities, and some meals. However, you are required to organise your own flights to/from Queenstown, some meals, transport and charges for some activities in the optional experience schedule, and some networking or social events.
Who will be the facilitators?
- Ivor Levin, Master of Economics, Field Educator & Expedition Leader, specialising in mountain, altitude and Instruction.
- Zach Johnston, CEO EDA Group, Experiential Education and Developmental Program Design in international overland journeys
- Jess Thomas, Master of Sustainable Development, Community Development in the Developing World and its intersection with Service Learning
- Guest Expert - Travel & Remote Medicine. One of our associated medical experts for Remote Medicine and Expedition Medicine.
- Guest Expert - One of our experienced associated Secondary Educators, will facilitate educational topics related to curriculum.