Assemble in your departure city for your international flight to Auckland.
Wednesday, June 23 En Route Day 2
Lose a day as you cross the International Date Line en route to New Zea?land. During the flight prepare for your money exchange, which will occur upon arrival at your destination. Have $100.00 or multiples of $100.00 in either cash or signed travelers' checks in your hand luggage. You will have a chance to exchange money, so be sure you know how much you want to change.
Thursday, June 24 Auckland, New Zealand Day 3
Auckland and its suburbs spread generously over a narrow isthmus between the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea. Extinct volcanic cones characterize the landscape, while an unending procession of sails on the harbor typifies the relaxed outdoors lifestyle enjoyed by its largely European and Polynesian population. On your arrival in New Zealand, clear Customs and Immigration; and exit through the large doorway. Straight ahead is the friends/family/public waiting area. DO NOT go straight ahead. As soon as you exit the doorway, turn a sharp left and standing at the group desk will be a People to People representative to greet you and introduce you to your coach driver, who is also your delegation manager. You will have a chance to exchange money, so be sure you know how much you want to change. Then you are off to MERC, Marine Education and Recreation Centre for a variety of activities focusing on team
building and environmental activities. This afternoon, participate with New Zealand students in a sports game or club experience. Continue with an orientation to Auckland. Please have your swimsuit ready upon arrival for the activities at MERC.
Friday, June 25 Bay of Plenty, New Zealand Day 4
This morning, you will journey on the Southern Motorway through rolling farmland through Waihi towards the coast. Upon your arrival in Tauranga, you will meet the Action Stations team. Learn about the flora and fauna during a guided walk, participate in flax weaving that shows how natural resources can be used without depleting the source, and discover how ancient traditions may be a part of the solution for preserving the natural balance between man and the environment focal point of the Maori culture. Upon your arrival, the Maori People will formally welcome you in. This evening spend the night in a Marae! A Marae is an authentic Maori meeting house and a traditional ceremony. During the ceremony, a Maori Warrior will challenge your delegation. Who among you will be brave enough and accept the challenge? Don't forget to have a song ready, as you will be expected to respond! Dinner this evening is in the style of a Hangi. The traditional Hangi is prepared using steam or hot rocks in a pit oven. The oven is then left to steam until the meat is cooked. This evening, explore more of Maori culture through songs, stories, and dances.
Saturday, June 26 Rotorua, New Zealand Day 5
Today, continue on your journey to Rotorua. Rotorua is a spa town built around the hot mineral springs, which feed its lake. Experience boiling mud, geysers and silica deposits, which are often seen in this region. As an integral part of the People to People Student Ambassador program, you will receive a civic welcome at the Rotorua Council Chambers by a member of the Rotorua City Council. This is an opportunity for you to ask questions. Continue on to Mount Ngongataha for a bird's eye view of Rotorua aboard a Gondola. Then hang on tight during the exciting luge ride to the bottom! Later, discover the essence of Rotorua, at the Rotorua Museum of Art History located in the World Famour Rotorua Bath house building. There you will experience a life-like dramatization of Rotorua's remarkable geological, Maori and bicultural history.
Sunday, June 27 Rotorua, New Zealand Day 6
Visit Rainbow Springs for an introduction to New Zealand native animals. Then it is on to the Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland, a picturesque and mysterious area of thermal activity featuring a series of steaming crater lakes, between which threads the pretty and intriguing hot mineral stream of Waiotapu. Continue on to Taupo and get ready for the thrill of your life on board a Huka Jet Boat. Hold on as you skim along and feel the water's cool spray during your ride up the Waikato River to the magnificent Huka Falls.
Monday, June 28 Auckland, New Zealand Day 7
Today you will journey back to Auckland. Visit Kelly Tarlton's Encounter, you will experience Antarctica, which is the world's last untamed frontier. Additionally, explore the ocean's depths at Underwater World. See giant stingrays, moray eels, seahorses, and come face to face with sharks! This evening, a young Theatre Sports team entertains you.
Tuesday, June 29 Depart Auckland, New Zealand For Cairns, Australia Day 8
Make sure your bags are packed, and that you have everything you need for the flight in your hand luggage, it is time to board the coach for the Auckland International Airport for your flight to Australia. At the airport, you may have a chance to convert your currency into Aussie dollars. Otherwise, after clearing customs and meeting your delegation manager, you will exchange your money into Australian currency at the available booths in the airport. For security and convenience reasons $100.00 is the recommended amount to exchange at the airport. There will be further opportunities to exchange money during the course of the program. G'day mate, welcome to Australia! Today, your journey brings you to Cairns where your delegation manager and your coach driver will greet you. Cairns is located in the state of Queensland, known as the Sunshine State. In the afternoon, you will learn about Aboriginal culture, an integral part of Australian history and heritage. Some activities include musical and dance performances as well as boomerang and spear throwing demonstrations. Why not try throwing a boomerang - will yours come back? Get to hear a didgeridoo and prepare for your close encounter with Australia's unique fauna, such as koalas, kangaroos, crocodiles and wombats. This evening, kick up your heels to Australian folk songs and learn how to bush dance! Don't forget to pack your day bag for tomorrow - you will need sunscreen, hat, swimsuit and towel. An underwater camera will capture those magic moments on the Reef.
Wednesday, June 30 Cairns, Australia Day 9
Cruise to the magnificent Great Barrier Reef, one of the greatest natural phenomena the world has to offer and the only living thing visible from the Moon! The reef is rich in marine life, including 1500 species of fish. Experience the ecosystem and snorkel in the pristine aquamarine water, be amazed by the diverse colors and variety of the coral, and play with the fish as they dart in and out of their watery wonderland. There will also be semi-submersible boat rides to view the thousands of varieties of colorful fish and coral. It truly is a magical experience!
Thursday, July 1 Sydney, Australia Day 10
Experience a bird's eye view this morning on a scenic train to Kuranda, a mountainous Australian town surrounded by spectacular rainforest and tropical vegetation. Following your exploration of Kuranda, catch a flight to Sydney! Sydney is a unique city set on the natural harbor of Port Jackson and the largest city in Australia.
Friday, July 2 Sydney, Australia Day 11
Wake up! It is time for school! Today you have the opportunity to experience the Australian education system at a St. Columbus Catholic School.Learn all about the subjects and the classes, and best of all meet Australian students! Don't forget to bring your friendship cards.
Saturday, July 3 Bathurst Farm Stay, Australia Day 12
Today, See how the scenery changes on your way to your farm stay from coast to outback! Journey west through the Blue Mountains before arriving at an Aussie farm where you will learn about life on an Australian farming property.
Sunday, July 4 Bathurst Farm Stay, Australia Day 13
Experience Aussie hospitality, go horse riding, crack some whips, learn about the different breeds of sheep in Australia, eat damper (a type of bread) and feed the animals. Tonight, see if you can find the Southern Cross!
Monday, July 5 Sydney, Australia Day 14
Bid farewell to your hosts. Then go for the gold during an Olympic experience at Stadium Australia and the Aquatic Centre located at Homebush, the site of the 2000 Olympic Games. While there, go for a swim. Your explorations of Sydney continue at Mrs. Macquarie's Chair for a group photograph where Lady Elizabeth Macquarie (wife of a famous Governor) used to sit and wait for news from home via the tall ships entering the harbor. This promontory boasts fabulous views of the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. Once you have seen the Opera House, it is now time to go and have a look inside, with a guided orientation of the majestic Sydney Opera House complex. May we suggest comfortable walking shoes for your time in Sydney?
Tuesday, July 6 Sydney, Australia Day 15
Enjoy your last day in OZ by seeing Sydney's highlights during a cruise with Sydney Harbour as your spectacular backdrop. Once you regain your land legs, discover the historical Rocks area and relive the convict era in period costumes. This afternoon learn about Australia's national gemstone - the opal during your visit to an opal establishment where you will have a cutting and polishing demonstration. Finally, have a rockin and rollin good time at the Hard Rock Caf�, amidst its fascinating collection of music memorabilia.
Wednesday, July 7 Depart for the U.S.A. Day 16
After packing your suitcase for the last time, making sure you have everything you need for the flight in your hand luggage, it is time to board the coach for the airport for your return flight to the U.S. Be prepared to declare! You will need to declare your farm stay on your arrival card. This is an important precautionary measure to prevent the spreading of disease and pests. PLEASE NOTE: This itinerary may change at any time without prior notice. Overnight accommodation lists will be sent separately prior to travel.