YOUR O.A.T. PLANNING GUIDE®

Enhanced! A South Pacific Odyssey: Australia, the Outback &

2022

Small Groups: 8-16 travelers—guaranteed! (average of 13) Overseas Adventure Travel ® The Leader in Personalized Small Group on the Road Less Traveled 1 Dear Traveler,

At last, the world is opening up again for curious travel lovers like you and me. And the O.A.T. Enhanced! A South Pacific Odyssey: Australia, the Outback & New Zealand itinerary you’ve expressed interest in will be a wonderful way to resume the discoveries that bring us so much joy. You might soon be enjoying standout moments like these:

When I think back on New Zealand, I picture the unlikely mix of glaciers, geysers, beaches, and fjords. And, a cultural fabric that is as diverse as the landscape around it. European, Polynesian, and Maori origins are sewn together to form this one-of-a-kind country. You’ll experience age-old Maori traditions in Rotorua when you take part in a traditional welcome blessing in the native Maori language, savor a hangi—a traditional Maori feast that’s cooked in underground pits—and witness a performance of the haka powhiri, a tribal song and dance, before learning this traditional Maori dance yourself. Like me, you’ll see how the wonderous vistas of this nation inspired generations of Maori to create a spiritual bond with the natural world.

You’ll also experience the time-honored traditions of Australia’s indigenous peoples in and hear about the darker truths their community faces in the modern day. You’ll come away with a deeper knowledge and connection to their after delving into their long history and hearing firsthand the hardships this community is handling.

The way we see it, you’ve come a long way to experience the true culture—not some fairytale version of it. So we keep our groups small, with only 8-16 travelers (average 13) to ensure that your encounters with local people are as intimate and authentic as possible. It’s also why your O.A.T. Trip Experience Leader will be a resident “insider” who can show you the culture as only a local can.

To ensure that your adventure is truly unique, put your own personal stamp on it. You can arrive early and stay later, add a pre- or post-trip extension, spend time in a Stopover city, or combine two or more trips. Plus, your itinerary offers ample free time so you can pursue your own interests.

So until the day comes when you are off to enjoy your Enhanced! A South Pacific Odyssey: Australia, the Outback & New Zealand adventure, I hope you will relish the fun and anticipation that this O.A.T. Adventure Travel Planning Guide® will inspire. Should you have further questions, feel free to call our Regional Adventure Counselors at 1-800-955-1925.

Love and peace,

Harriet R. Lewis Vice Chairman, Overseas Adventure Travel

P.S. For further peace of mind, please know that we are EXTENDING our Risk-Free Booking Policy through 12/31/21. Learn more at www.oattravel.com/risk-free-booking.

USA Today “Best Tours” 10Best Readers’ Presented by Choice Awards Solo Traveler

2 CONTENTS

A Letter from Harriet Lewis ...... 2 The O.A.T. Difference...... 4 The Freedom to Personalize Your Experience ...... 6 Grand Circle Foundation...... 8 The Leader in Solo Travel ...... 9

A SOUTH PACIFIC ODYSSEY: AUSTRALIA, ABOUT YOUR DESTINATIONS: THE OUTBACK & NEW ZEALAND CULTURE, ETIQUETTE & MORE Your Adventure at a Glance: South Pacific Culture ...... 85 Where You’re Going, What it Costs, Shopping: What to Buy, Customs, and What’s Included ...... 10 Shipping & More ...... 89 Your Detailed Day-To-Day Itinerary ...... 12 Optional Tours ...... 46 DEMOGRAPHICS & HISTORY Pre-Trip Extensions ...... 48 Australia ...... 94 Post-Trip Extensions ...... 55 Facts, Figures & National Holidays ...... 94 Dates & Prices ...... 58 Australia: A Brief History ...... 95 New Zealand ...... 96 ESSENTIAL TRAVEL INFORMATION Facts, Figures & National Holidays ...... 96 New Zealand: A Brief History ...... 97 Travel Documents & Entry Requirements. . . 59 ...... 99 Visas Required ...... 59 Facts, Figures & National Holidays ...... 99 Flight Itinerary for Entry to New Zealand . . 61 Fiji: A Brief History ...... 99 Rigors, Vaccines & General Health ...... 62 Vaccines Required ...... 63 RESOURCES Money Matters: Local Currency & Tipping Guidelines ...... 66 Suggested Reading ...... 101 Tipping Guidelines...... 68 Suggested Film & Video ...... 103 Air, Optional Tours & Staying in Touch ..... 70 Optional Tours ...... 70 Communicating with Home from Abroad . . 71 Packing: What to Bring & Luggage Limits . . . 73 Suggested Packing Lists ...... 76 Electricity Abroad ...... 78 Climate & Average Temperatures ...... 80

O.A.T. Health & Safety Measures...... 107 Notes...... 108 ...... 111

3 EXPERIENCE THE O.A.T. DIFFERENCE in Australia & New Zealand

This adventure not only showcases iconic sights, but takes you beyond them to experience the culture through unique activities, engagement with the natural world, and authentic encounters with local people. Since our founding in 1978, O.A.T. has become America’s leader in personalized small group journeys on the road less traveled.

SMALL GROUPS: 8-16 TRAVELERS LOCAL MODES OF TRANSPORTATION (AVERAGE OF 13)—GUARANTEED To see the world like the locals, you should The world feels more intimate and engaging travel like one. Our small group size allows when your experience of it is also personal us to take the roads and waterways that are and genuine. That’s why our groups never less traveled, and we often follow them using exceed 16 travelers. This gives you access to the same unique modes of transportation people and places larger groups simply can’t that the locals use—be it a canoe, a camel or a reach. More authentic interactions. Deeper vintage cab. bonds with your travel mates. Personal service from your Trip Experience Leader. Smoother UNIQUE LODGINGS transitions. And a far more satisfying Our lodgings reflect the local character, experience than any traditional tour offers. from smaller family-run and historic manors to comfy . Occasionally, larger THE BEST TRIP EXPERIENCE LEADERS hotels closer to city centers are used. Wherever Your English-speaking, O.A.T. Trip Experience you stay, you’re assured fine comfort and Leader is a resident of the region you are visiting, hospitality. so you will get a true insider’s perspective that brings each place alive—the stories, , OUR WORLDWIDE OFFICES customs, hidden treasures and more. With 36 regional offices around the world, we are perfectly poised to leverage our local AUTHENTIC CULTURAL CONNECTIONS relationships to deliver an excellent experience Engage with local people through visits to and value. During this trip, you’ll be supported farms, factories, markets, and artisans’ by our team in Australia and New Zealand. studios; school visits; Home-Hosted meals; and more.

Explore the natural wonders of Australia in Uluru Get a taste of the Kiwi life at a local market

4 THE PILLARS OF DISCOVERY En riching. Inspiring. Unforgettable. These features form the foundation of your South Pacific Odyssey adventure.

GRAND CIRCLE FOUNDATION (GCF) VISIT Let’s find out during your O.A.T. A Day in the Life GCF was established in 1992 to help change , an exclusive, immersive experience people’s lives in the world where we live, that places you in the heart of a community work, and travel. To date, we have pledged or where you’ll meet various people where they donated $200 million worldwide. live, work, and play; visit the neighborhood school; lend a hand with daily chores; and By investing in the places we explore— break bread with our hosts. including local schools, cooperatives, or arts centers—we hope to give locals the skills and Perhaps you’ll join a local resident or confidence they need to become leaders of community leader for a guided walk through their generation and preserve their heritage the town, visit a market, or enjoy a unique for many years to come. We’re proud to play opportunity to meet teachers and students at a part in preserving precious locales like the a local school if school is in session. Bryggen waterfront district of Bergen, a living HOME-HOSTED EXPERIENCES example of the glory days of the Hanseatic Stories shared. Differences solved. Taste buds League, and supporting villages like Harmi in engaged. Good will extended. It’s amazing the Estonia, whose once-struggling school is now things that can happen across a kitchen table, a center of community life. so we’ll break into groups of 4-5 to join a local CONTROVERSIAL TOPICS family in their home for a snack or a meal. Every culture has its joys and achievements, This is a rare opportunity to witness family and we celebrate them all. But every place life, learn local customs, and taste some also has its challenges, and to gloss over them home-cooked fare. would not do justice to those whose stories For example, on our adventure in Scotland, need to be told—nor to you, as a traveler who we’ll get a taste of Scottish hospitality deserves more than a sugar-coated version of and sample traditional flavors when we things. So our Trip Experience Leaders will join a family for dinner in Glasgow; on lead frank discussions on controversial issues, our Baltic adventure, we’ll observe life and introduce you to people whose stories will from a communal Russian apartment in expand your understanding. St. Petersburg as we share lunch with the For example, we’ll meet with an indigenous residents; and, on our Adriatic adventure, guide in Melbourne to discuss the challenges share a meal with a Bosnian family who has facing the local indigenous community today. lived along Sarajevo’s “Sniper Alley,” since before the siege of the city. A DAY IN THE LIFE Do you ever wonder, “What would it be like to live here?” when you visit new lands?

5 You're in control with THE FREEDOM TO PERSONALIZE YOUR EXPERIENCE Exclusively with O.A.T. Your Choice. Your Adventure. Your Way.

It’s your adventure, so why not make it exactly what you want it to be? We offer an exclusive variety of options that let you tailor your adventure so it’s completely your own. In fact, O.A.T. is the only travel company to offer this level of flexibility and choice for a truly personalized experience.

PRE- OR POST-TRIP EXTENSIONS 2. Great value: All extensions include Every O.A.T. adventure offers at least one accommodations, daily breakfast, and optional pre-trip and one post-trip extension. airport transfers. Here’s why more than 55% of O.A.T. travelers 3. Continuity and camaraderie: You’ll usually choose to take a pre- or post-trip extension: travel with the same Trip Experience Leader who leads your main trip, enjoying 1. You’ll maximize your discoveries—often more of his or her insider expertise—and in an even smaller group than your main more time to bond with the group. adventure (on average, 6 travelers with a dedicated Trip Experience Leader)—and take advantage of your included airfare.

Optional Extensions offered with your South

Undiscovered Tasmania: Hobart, Cradle New! Adelaide & Kangaroo Island: Mountain & Launceston Australian Culture, Charm & Wildlife 6 nights pre -trip from $ 2295 5 nights pre -trip from $ 2895

C radle Mountain, Tasmania, Australia K angaroos, Kangaroo Island

New Zealand's Bay of Islands New! Fiji’s Tropical Splendor & 4 nights post -trip from $ 1395 Captivating Culture 5 nights post -trip from $ 3095

B ay of Islands, New Zealand V iti Levu, Fiji

6 ARRIVE EARLY, STAY LATER • Hong Kong: $1095 per person Extending your time abroad—with us or • Seoul: $1145 per person on your own—is the best way to broaden Other O.A.T. Stopovers are available. If the your experience. It’s also a practical way city you’re interested in is not offered, our to maximize the value of the international Regional Adventure Counselors can arrange airfare covered in your main itinerary. your airfare. Expand Your Discoveries Before COMBINE ADVENTURES or After Your Adventure You’re already overseas. Why not see more Arrive early in the first destination on your and maximize your value by avoiding the pre-trip extension or main adventure, or stay cost and length of another international later in the last city on your main adventure or flight? Here’s why 2,250 O.A.T. travelers post-trip extension. By coming early, you can combined two or more adventures in 2019: rest after your flight and adjust—with time to • Save a total of $600-$3000 per person when explore. By staying later, you have extra time you combine two adventures compared to to relax, pack, or continue exploring. the cost of taking each trip separately. This option lets you take advantage of our • Apply the 5% or 6% Frequent Traveler lower group rates, with prices from $75 per Credit you earn on your first trip to your person per night—including accommodations, second trip. private airport transfer, and daily breakfast. • Sir Edmund Hillary Club members save an • Arrive early in Melbourne on your main extra $250-$350 per person when booking trip for $75 per person, per night multiple trips in a calendar year. • Arrive early in Hobart on your Tasmania • Our Adventure Specialists make all the pre-trip extension or in Adelaide on arrangements for a seamless experience. your Kangeroo Island pre-trip extension Combine this trip with our Ancient for $75 per person, per night Kingdoms: Thailand, Laos, Cambodia & Vietnam • Conclude your main trip or your Bay of adventure—for a total cost of $12,185-$15,385 Islands post-trip extension with more time per person—and save $1500-$2200 per in Auckland for $125 per person, per night person versus taking each trip separately. • Stay later on your Fiji post-trip AIR PREFERENCES extension with more time in Port 54% of our travelers customize their air Denarau for $250 per person per night itineraries: Accommodations are at the same hotels where • Choose your departure city and airline you begin or end the main trip and optional extensions, so transitions will be seamless. • Depart from one city and return to another NEW! Stopover in any major international city • Upgrade to Premium Economy or Business Class Travelers with O.A.T. airfare have the opportunity to Stopover in popular cities. PERSONALIZED PRIVATE ADVENTURES Your price includes 3 nights accommodations, Travel on a private departure with as few as daily breakfasts, and roundtrip private airport five travelers and your own Trip Experience transfers. Here are a few popular destinations: Leader. An additional cost will apply depending • Bangkok: $945 per person on the number of travelers in your group.

7 GRAND CIRCLE FOUNDATION Changing people’s lives, one village, one school, one person at a time

GIVING BACK TO THE WORLD WE TRAVEL Dear Traveler, Since our inception in 1992, the Grand Circle In 1992 we established Grand Circle Foundation has pledged or donated more than Foundation, an entity of the Lewis Family $200 million to projects around the world. Foundation, as a means to give back to the world that had already given us so JOIN OUR GENEROUS TRAVELERS much. We’ve pledged or donated more We consider each and every one of our travelers than $200 million worldwide to support to be partners in our worldwide giving. the education of young people and the Some travelers, however, are so inspired by preservation of international treasures the schools and villages they visit, they are and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. compelled to give more. In fact, our travelers have donated more than $1 million in 2019 Of , none of this would be possible alone. And because we have no administrative without your help. A portion of the costs, 100% of donations are used to help proceeds of every adventure is donated to change people’s lives. Grand Circle Foundation—so just as your life will be enriched by the discoveries BETTER OUR OWN COMMUNITIES— you’ll make on your journey, you’ll also ALL AROUND THE WORLD help to enrich the lives of the people you’ll In addition to the destinations where we travel, meet along the way. we strive to better the communities where Thank you for traveling with us, and for we work—from our headquarters in helping to change people’s lives. to our 36 offices around the world. In Boston, more than 99% of our associates participate Love and peace, in community service each year. Worldwide, nearly all of our offices organize annual community service events of their own. Harriet R. Lewis Chair, Grand Circle Foundation How you can help To learn more about ongoing Foundation projects, you can sign up for our weekly e-newsletter, the Inside Scoop, at www.oattravel.com/community/the- inside-scoop. When you do, you’ll not only receive updates on Grand Circle Foundation, but the latest news and discoveries on all things Grand Circle and Overseas Adventure Travel.

SCAN ME See how Grand Circle Foundation is giving back in this video Open the camera feature on your mobile device, and hover the lens over this code to scan it. A pop-up notification will take you www.grandcirclefoundation.org directly to the video.

8 THE LEADER IN SOLO TRAVEL in Australia & New Zealand—and Around the World

ON THIS ADVENTURE … FREE Single Supplements: We don’t charge The leader in solo-friendly a single supplement on this adventure travel for Americans—by and optional trip extensions—a savings of the numbers $1800-$3099 per person compared to other travel companies. But single spaces fill quickly, so early reservations are advised. More than 50% of all O.A.T. travelers are women who travel solo One of our most popular trips for solo travelers. More than 750 solo travelers joined us on this adventure in the past three In 2022, we’re offering 30,000 years—either independently or sharing singles spaces across all O.A.T. a room with a mother, daughter, sister, adventures. That’s 86% more than or friend. offered in 2019 High ratings: More than 79% of these solo travelers rated their adventure excellent. 92% of our 30,000 single spaces On average, half of your group will also have FREE Single Supplements. The be traveling independently, so it’s easy remaining 8% have the lowest single to forge special bonds as you experience supplements in the industry. unforgettable moments together.

You’ll be in good hands, thanks to your In 2022, we’re offering 25 exclusive dedicated local Trip Experience Leader women’s departures on some of our (a resident of Australia and New Zealand), most popular itineraries and the expertise of our regional office team in Australia and New Zealand. Increased Single Space: In 2022, we have NEW! 101+ SCAN ME 45% more single spaces than in 2019, Tips for Solo with up to 6 single spaces per departure. Women Travelers See available FREE single space at www.oattravel.com/azo2022. This complimentary, 96-page booklet is a comprehensive Exclusive Women’s Departures: We are collection of savvy tips thrilled to offer a women-only departure of specifically for seasoned women travelers going solo. Learn about A South Pacific Odyssey: Australia, the Outback safety for solos, packing like a pro, & New Zealand: March 25, 2022. Space is the best travel apps, self-care on limited so don’t delay. Join our traveling the road, and more. Scan this code sisterhood today! to view an online copy or to request one by mail.

9 Our best value in 6 years—with a savings of up to $700 per person Enhanced! A South Pacific Odyssey: Australia, the Outback & New Zealand Small Group Adventure AustraliămāķðŋŽũłā̇ķĢóāœťũĢłėŭ̇ŶĞāzŽŶðÖóĴ̵̇Uluru̇”ŋũŶ'ŋŽėķÖŭ̇œƘùłāƘ̳Ά̳New Zealand: Christchurch, Hokitika, Queenstown, Rotorua, Auckland

Countries: 2 Ά!ĢŶĢāŭ̆10Ά1 Night In An Outback Tented Camp

Small groups: 8-16 travelers—guaranteed! (average of 13) It’s Included

FROM PER DAY DAYS • Explore in a small group of 8-16 • 54 meals—27 breakfasts, 13 lunches, $9490 $317 30 travelers (average group size of 13) and 14 dinners • International airfare, airport • 30 small group activities transfers, government taxes, fees, Including international airfare Services of a local O.A.T. Trip and airline fuel surcharges unless • Experience Leader FREE Single Supplement you choose to make your own air arrangements • Gratuities for local guides, drivers, and luggage porters • All land transportation and Maximize Your 6 internal flights • 5 % Frequent Traveler Credit toward your next adventure—an Accommodations for 27 nights Discoveries & Value • average of $608

Optional extension s : SCAN ME Undiscovered Tasmania: Hobart, Watch our #1 most popular video Cradle Mountain & Launceston for this adventure 6 nights pre-trip from $2295 Travel from only $383 per night Open the camera feature on your mobile device, and hover the lens over this code to scan it. A pop-up notification will New! Adelaide & Kangaroo Island: take you directly to the video. Australian Culture, Charm & Wildlife 5 nights pre-trip from $2895 Travel from only $579 per night New Zealand’s Bay of Islands 4 nights post-trip from $1395 Travel from only $349 per night New! Fiji’s Tropical Splendor & Captivating Culture 5 nights post-trip from $3095 Travel from only $619 per night PLUS, see Dates & Prices for Stopover city options

Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown, New Zealand

A South Pacific Odyssey: Australia, the Outback & New Zealand

10 Great Barrier Itinerary Summary Port Douglas Reef Cairns Paci POST-TRIP EXTENSIONS Garden of the fic Oc ean Hole in Malolo Sleeping Giant Pre-trip extensions: 6 nights in the Rock Lailai I. au Nadi Islands Denar Undiscovered Tasmania: Hobart, Cradle ay of Port FIJI Outback B Alice Springs Mountain & Launceston OR New! 5 nights VITI LEVU a Waitangi ok Russell Sigat in Adelaide & Kangaroo Island: Australian Uluru Paihia (Ayers Rock) NEW ZEALAND Pacific Ocean Sigatoka Culture, Charm & Wildlife AUSTRALIA TTo/Too/o/froffrroom Auckuucckcklanlalanand FFroFrroromAm Auckuuccckklanllaana d DAYS DESTINATION Sydney Pacific Ocean Great Australian 1-2 Fly to Melbourne, Australia Bight Auckland Melbourne Tasman Sea Rotorua Maungatautari Waimangu 3-5 Melbourne ToTo MelMlMeMelboubboouournernnnee PRE-TRIP EXTENSIONS Adelaide Hahndorf Arthur’s Pass

Cataract Gorge a AUSTRALIA Hokitika 6 Fly to Alice Springs Launceston e

S Arrowtown Christchurch I Cradle Mtn. N.P. n n Kingsc d Tasmania ote Milford Rubicon a i (AUSTRALIA) To/ToT/To/o/froffrrorom Q 7-8 The Outback a Kangaroo I. Sound u Valley To/From U.S. m e n Bonorong MeMelMelelboubobouournernrnnee ens s town O Internal flight a Pelican Lagoon Hobart Richmond S c T F e Land route e lin al B Great a der ay 9 Overland to Uluru (Ayers Rock) n Port Arthur s Cha Australian Cruise/ferry route (Optional Tour) se N.P. Bight 0Miles 500 10-13 Fly to Cairns • Transfer to Port Douglas What to Expect 14-16 Fly to Sydney 17-18 Fly to Christchurch, New Zealand

Pacing: 11 locations in 28 days with two 1-night stays 19-20 Hokitika Physical requirements: There is one 7.5-hour overland drive in Australia; 21-24 Fly to Queenstown five 4- to 8-hour overland drives in New Zealand; and six internal flights of up to 4 hours each. 25-27 Fly to Rotorua Flight Time: Travel time will be 19-27 hours and will most likely have one or 28-29 Auckland two connections 30 Return to U.S. View all physical requirements at www.oattravel.com/azo2022 Post-trip extensions: 4 nights in New Zealand’s Bay of Islands OR New! 5 nights in Australia & New Zealand : The O.A.T. Difference Fiji’s Tropical Splendor & Captivating Culture

Our Best Value in 4 Years: Save up $700 per person, and travel at the lowest Arrive Early, Stay Later price and per diems in the industry. Prices below include accommodations, daily People-to-People Experiences: Participate in a traditional smoking ceremony breakfast, and private airport transfer. led by an indigenous guide in Melbourne, and learn about the challenges faced • Arrive early in Melbourne on your main by Australia’s indigenous people today. You’ll also spend time with members trip for $75 per person, per night of a Maori community to learn about their history as well as their modern-day • Arrive early in Hobart on your Tasmania struggles; you’ll learn Maori weaving skills and share a hangi, a Maori feast that’s pre-trip extension or in Adelaide on your cooked in underground pits. Kangeroo Island pre-trip extension for $75 per person, per night O.A.T. Exclusives: Sleep under the stars in an Australian swag—a portable • Conclude your main trip or your Bay of bedroll for outdoor sleeping—during an overnight stay in the Outback. Plus, visit Islands post-trip extension with more a working sheep farm in New Zealand’s Rubicon Valley where you’ll witness the time in Auckland for $125 per person, close relationship between sheepdogs and their charges, enjoy a sheep shearing per night demonstration, and learn about Kiwi agricultural life. • Stay later on your Fiji post-trip extension with more time in Port Denarau for $250 per person per night

Information & Reservations 1-800-955-1925 www.oattravel.com/azo2022

11 A South Pacific Odyssey: Australia, the Outback & New Zealand

YOUR DETAILED ITINERARY

BEGIN YOUR ADVENTURE WITH AN OPTIONAL PRE-TRIP EXTENSION 6 nights in Undiscovered Tasmania: Hobart, Cradle Mountain & Launceston

Day 1 Depart U.S. Day 6 Hobart • Transfer to Cradle Mountain • Evening “Spotlighting” Tour Day 2 Cross International Date Line Day 7 Explore Cradle Mountain National Day 3 Arrive in Hobart, Tasmania, via Park • Overland to Launceston Sydney or Melbourne, Australia Day 8 Explore Launceston • Visit Day 4 Explore Hobart • Visit Bonorong Cataract Gorge Wildlife Sanctuary and Richmond Day 9 Fly to Melbourne • Begin main trip Day 5 Explore Hobart • Optional Port Arthur tour

Day 1 Depart U.S. Day 3 Arrive in Melbourne, Australia

Fly from the U.S. to Melbourne, Australia. • Destination: Melbourne • Accommodations: Jazz Corner Day 2 Cross International Date Line or similar Activity Note: Throughout your in You continue your flight from Australia and New Zealand, you’ll interact with to Melbourne, losing one day en route as you local residents—everyone from Aussies and cross the International Date Line. You regain Kiwis to Australia’s Aboriginal people and the this day when you fly back to the U.S. at the end local Maori. While you’ll find some similarities of the trip. between these different , you’ll also discover some distinct differences. We ask that you come to the South Pacific with an open mind to all of these new experiences.

Morning: Most travelers will arrive in Melbourne early this morning to begin your Australia and New Zealand travel experience.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

12 An O.A.T. representative greets you at the emergency procedures, and answer any airport and assists with your transfer to questions we may have. Afterwards, we’ll set our hotel. off on about a 30-minute orientation walk with our Trip Experience Leader, when they will Around 10am, we’ll check in at our hotel. explain the tram network and point out ATMs, Typically, each of the air-conditioned rooms the grocery store, and other helpful locations features a TV, telephone, wireless Internet near the hotel. access (for a fee), a safe, minibar, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and a private bath with a Dinner: On your own—your Trip Experience hair dryer. Hotel facilities may include a lounge, Leader will be happy to provide you with , outdoor swimming pool, and recommendations for dinner tonight. After, you fitness center. may search for a bakery that serves Pavlova, a traditional meringue cake topped with whipped With help from our regional office, we have cream and a variety of fresh fruits. made our first day in Melbourne a leisurely one, so that you can rest after the long flight Evening: Your evening is free to rest and relax here and before we begin exploring the city before our explorations begin tomorrow. tomorrow. To help you adjust to the time Freedom To Explore: During your three days difference, we spend three nights in Melbourne, in Melbourne, you have the freedom to explore the capital of Australia’s “Garden State” of this city on your own during your free time. Victoria, to give you plenty of time to recharge Below are a few recommended options for and truly enjoy the city. You’ll have the day free independent explorations: here. You can relax and make use of the hotel’s amenities, visit local shops, or find your own • Explore Queen Victoria Market: Peruse the ways to interact with the locals, who are not bustling food and gift stalls of the largest known for being shy. open air market in the Southern Hemisphere. With over 17 acres of produce, , food, Lunch: On your own upon arrival at the and gift stalls to discover, you may also want hotel—you can enjoy a meal at the hotel to consider a special 2-hour foodie tour to restaurant, or your Trip Experience Leader can really delve into the history and culture of this provide you with a recommendation. You may iconic market—as well as sample an array of choose to set off to find a local restaurant that its most popular food options. serves regional specialties like emu or balmain bugs—which are similar to lobsters. • How to get there: A 10- to 15-minute walk or 5-minute taxi ride, about $12 USD one Afternoon: Travelers who chose to take our way. Undiscovered Tasmania: Hobart, Cradle Mountain • Hours: 9:30am-5pm, Thursday-Sunday & & Launceston or New! Adelaide & Kangaroo Tuesday. Island: Australian Culture, Charm & Wildlife • Cost: Free. The optional 2-hour market pre-trip extensions will meet us at the hotel, tour is $69 USD per person and around 3:30pm, we gather for a Welcome • Discover the Melbourne Museum, a natural Orientation briefing. During this briefing, and cultural history museum located in the we will introduce ourselves and review our Carlton Gardens in Melbourne—adjacent to itinerary in more detail (including any changes the Royal Exhibition Building, The largest that may need to occur). Our Trip Experience museum in the Southern Hemisphere, the Leader will also discuss logistics, safety and

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

13 Melbourne Museum is also ranked as one of Day 4 Explore Melbourne • Witness Australia’s most popular attractions and is indigenous smoking ceremony a place where education and history come • Destination: Melbourne together in a contemporary setting, It is also home to the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Centre—a major exhibition that celebrates • Accommodations: Jazz Corner Hotel the history, culture, achievements and sur- or similar vival of Victoria’s indigenous people. Activity Note: If you ride the trams today, • How to get there: A 10-minute taxi ride, please remember to use caution when getting about $12 USD one way. on and off the cars. They are a fantastic, • Hours: 10am-5pm, daily. romantic way to see the city, but mind the • Cost: $12 USD per person. steps, which can be steep or difficult for some travelers to navigate. • See the penguins at St. Kilda: On the doorstep of the busy city of Melbourne, you can witness Breakfast: Served at the hotel beginning at the sunset roosting ritual of the little pen- 6:30am, featuring hot and cold dishes. guin, the world’s smallest penguin, which can only be found in Australia and New Zealand. Morning: After yesterday’s leisurely start, Travel by tram, then take a pleasant stroll we board our motorcoach and set off around just before sunset out along the historic St. 9:15am. We’ll start our city tour at the Royal Kilda Pier and breakwater where these unique Botanic Gardens just before 9:30am where little birds—also known as fairy penguins an indigenous guide will lead us through the or blue penguins—can be seen every night 19th-century English garden of more than of the year, feeding their chicks, molting, or 8,500 flora species, including cacti, roses, and looking for a mate, depending on the season a variety of herbs. Along the way, our guide will and weather. Viewing platforms and barriers share some insights on the native vegetation protect the penguins and provide visitors a and their significance to the indigenous people. good opportunity to observe them up close— This knowledge fresh in our minds, we’ll next just remember these are wild creatures, so participate in a traditional smoking ceremony they may be shy. Sunset and dusk is the best that will last around 20 minutes. This tradition time to spot them. is an indigenous custom in which plants are burned to pay respect to the people’s ancestors How to get there: A 30- to 45-minute tram • and the land. Then around 10:15am, we will ride, about $4 USD one way. sit down with our guide to discuss challenges Hours: Daily, beginning at sunset. • facing the local indigenous community Penguins are not visible during the day. today. We’ll have around 30 minutes to Cost: Free. • take part in this conversation, wrapping up around 10:45am.

We’ll have a little free time before back onboard our private motorcoach and departing the Royal Botanic Gardens around 11:30am.

Lunch: Around 12pm at a local restaurant, featuring typical Australian cuisine.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

14 Afternoon: Around 1pm, our Trip Experience Day 5 Melbourne • Optional Dandenong Leader will lead us on about a 40-minute Ranges tour discovery walk. During our , we’ll • Destination: Melbourne stroll down narrow laneways to get unique views of the city. • Included Meals: Breakfast • Accommodations: Jazz Corner Hotel Our walk will end around 2pm at Bourke or similar Street, a bustling shopping street lined with Breakfast: Served at the hotel, featuring hot chic stores and small cafés. For the remainder and cold dishes beginning at 6:30am. of the afternoon, you are free to explore the city on your own. Melbourne is a city of Morning: Make your own independent broad boulevards, green parks, and Victorian discoveries during our last day in Melbourne. architecture, whose growth in the late 19th Perhaps you’ll venture to the Melbourne century was fueled by a gold rush. Public Museum to trace the natural history of the trams on rails criss-cross the city, as area. Here, you can view dinosaur fossils distinctive a symbol of Melbourne as cable cars and taxidermy animals. Or, if you are more are of San Francisco. interested in contemporary art, you can visit the Justin Art House Museum where the owners Perhaps you’ll take a boat ride on the Yarra have been collecting pieces for around 40 years. River from Princes Walk, or hop on a tram to the suburb of Fitzroy and stroll along Or, join us on an optional tour to the lively Brunswick Street with local artists and Dandenong Ranges. A natural oasis located just musicians. Cross the Yarra to Southbank to an hour outside of Melbourne, the Dandenong shop and dine. Stroll more of Melbourne’s Ranges offer visitors a tranquil escape from magnificent parks, like Flagstaff Gardens, the bustling city with its fern gullies, mountain Carlton Gardens, and the King’s Domain. Or ash forests, quaint artists’ villages, and unique simply return to the hotel to relax if you wish. gardens. We’ll depart the hotel via private motorcoach at around 9am, arriving at around Around 5:45pm, we’ll reconvene at the hotel to 10am. Once we arrive, we’ll delve into the walk about 15 minutes to a local restaurant. sprawling park’s delights—beginning with an Dinner: At about 6pm, we’ll enjoy a Welcome exploration of the magical William Ricketts Dinner. This is a great chance for you to Sculpture Sanctuary. mingle with your travel companions at a local Along with a local guide, we’ll wander through restaurant serving modern Australian cuisine. fern-blanketed glades and lush woodlands, Evening: Free for your own discoveries. You discovering the sculptures of artist William can take some time for yourself, explore the Ricketts—92 in all—which blend seamlessly surrounding area, or meet up with fellow into their natural surroundings, some even travelers to discuss the day. covered in moss. Born in 1898, Ricketts found his inspiration in the natural world around him as well as the Aboriginal people whom he spent time with during his in Central Australia. He believed all people should be stewards of the Earth—a role he felt the native people exhibited perfectly.

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15 Next, around 11:30am, we’ll ascend 2,077 Day 6 Fly to Alice Springs feet above sea level to Dandenong’s Sky High • Destination: Alice Springs Lookout for a sweeping view of the region • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch below. Then, depending on your departure, we’ll take our private motorcoach back down • Accommodations: DoubleTree by Hilton to either Olinda or Sassafras, each small town a Hotel Alice Springs or similar haven for local artists. Activity Note: As we journey into the Australian Outback, be prepared for extreme Lunch: On your own—your Trip Experience temperatures, which can exceed 100°F during Leader can recommend some of their favorite the day and drop dramatically at night, options. You may want to search for an sometimes reaching as low as 40°F. Aussie-style hamburger, which is similar to a western-style burger except locals add beetroot Breakfast: Served at the hotel featuring hot and as a topping. cold dishes beginning at 6:30am.

Or, if you have embarked on the optional Morning: Around 7am, we’ll board our coach tour, enjoy an included lunch at a local café for the 1-hour transfer to the airport where around 1pm. we’ll catch a nearly 3-hour flight to Alice Springs, located in the Outback. As we fly over Afternoon: On your own—perhaps you’ll visit Australia’s “red centre,” we’ll see a sprinkling Cook’s Cottage to see where James Cook lived. of remote towns, and an arid expanse of red dirt Considered to be one of Australia’s oldest and desert flora from above. During our time in buildings, this charming structure was built by the Outback, our local Trip Experience Leader Cook’s parents in the 18th century in , will provide their expertise on the region to and was transferred to Melbourne in the early help us see how the geography and culture 20th century. Or, you may step aboard the Polly differ from that of Australia’s big cities. Woodside, a ship that has seen more than a million miles of travel since its construction in We arrive around 11:30am and then begin the 19th century. our transfer to Telegraph Hill with a stop at ANZAC Hill Lookout. From this vantage point, Or, if you have joined our optional tour, you’ll we’ll enjoy sweeping panoramic views of continue to explore the small artist’s village Alice Springs and the beautiful surrounding after lunch concludes around 2:30pm. Then ranges. Afterwards, we’ll continue on our way, around 3pm we’ll board our private motorcoach stopping first for lunch. and drive back to the hotel, arriving around 4pm. Lunch: We’ll enjoy an included lunch around 12:15pm at Telegraph Station, which offers a Dinner: On your own—ask your Trip selection of sandwiches, coffee, desserts, and Experience Leader for suggestions. Perhaps other café staples that are made daily on-site. you’ll try a traditional Australian-style meat pie, served alongside a simple green salad. Afternoon: Afterwards, we set off on a tour of the Telegraph Station. Our tour will begin Evening: The remainder of the evening is around 1pm and last about 45 minutes. The free. Ask your Trip Experience Leader for station marks the European settlement of recommendations if you’d like to experience Alice Springs at the inception of the Overland this city at night.

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16 Telegraph Line, which was established in Evening: You’ll continue enjoying your free 1872 to relay messages between Adelaide and time into the evening. Perhaps you’ll take a Darwin, its neighboring town. dip in the hotel pool or enjoy a drink with your small group. Following our tour, we depart for our hotel. Along the way, we will have the opportunity to stop and buy any last-minute provisions Day 7 Overland to the Outback • Controversial Topic: for our overnight stay in the Outback. At about Systemic 3pm, we’ll check in to our hotel where you Victimization of Aboriginal Australians will have some time to relax for a little over an with Lindsay Watson • Begin remote hour. Typically, each of the air-conditioned Outback Camping experience rooms has a balcony, refrigerator, minibar, and • Destination: The Outback private bath. Amenities may include a 24-hour • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner fitness center, pool, sauna, tennis court, and • Accommodations: Private Tented Camp three on-site eateries. Exclusive O.A.T. Activity: Today we will At about 5:30pm, we’ll reconvene in the hotel discuss the Controversial Topic of systemic for an approximately 1-hour lesson on how victimization against Aboriginal Australians to play the didgeridoo, an indigenous musical with Aboriginal elder Lindsay Watson. Mr. wind instrument, with local musician Andrew Watson will share his family’s and his own Langford—known internationally as an expert personal experiences of discrimination at the in didgeridoo history and performance. The hands of “white fellas,” or non-indigenous first didgeridoos, played by indigenous people Australians, as well as tell us the history of in northern Australia approximately 40,000 atrocities his people have faced for generations. years ago, were made from fallen eucalyptus This difficult conversation will give us a fuller branches that had been naturally hollowed picture of Australia and bring us closer to out by termites. Today, these instruments are those who call it home. Read more about this typically made of eucalyptus, bamboo, or agave. topic below.

During this lesson, we will learn about the Activity Note: Today, our transfer from Alice differences in contemporary and traditional Springs to our O.A.T. Private Tented Camp will sounds and techniques. Andrew will also share involve a long bus ride, covering approximately with us his passion for the didgeridoo, and 270 miles, over roads that may be bumpy, how his commitment to his practice has led uneven, and winding. Our total transfer time is him to become one of the most sought-after up to nine hours, with stops along the way. As didgeridoo players in the world. we journey deeper into the Australian Outback, temperatures will remain extremely hot, often Dinner: On your own around 6pm—you exceeding 100°F during the day and dropping may try one of the hotel’s or dramatically at night, sometimes reaching as venture into the town center for a local dining low as 40°F. experience. Ask your Trip Experience Leader for suggestions. Breakfast: Served at the hotel beginning at 6am, featuring hot and cold dishes.

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17 Morning: Around 8am, we board our bus to Australians, resulting in the murder of over begin our journey deep into the Australian 60 Aboriginal people throughout the Central Outback for our remote camping experience—a Desert region. This history of racism still feels recently added feature. Including stops along very raw for Aboriginal people like Mr. Watson, the way, the entire transfer will take about nine whose mother-in-law was a victim of the hours. Our first stop, around 8:30am, brings us Stolen Generation—a period between 1910 to Simpsons Gap, one of the most prominent and the 1970s when Aboriginal children were gaps piercing the West MacDonnell Mountain removed from their families by force as part of Range. We will have about an hour to explore Australia’s former policy of assimilation. Some this scenic area, where towering red cliffs of her family members died in the Coniston surrender to an open waterhole, and rust-hued Massacre as well. As for his own experiences, paths lead us through large stands of Mr. Watson was born and raised in Kingston mulga trees and witchetty bushes. SE yet lived the first years of his life in what was known as Blackford Reserve—about ten Joining us for our explorations is Lindsay miles out of town as “black fellas” (Aboriginal Watson, elder of the Aboriginal Meintangk people) were not allowed to live in town. He people of South Australia. During our visit, was 4 years old when they were finally allowed we will have a discussion with him about the to move into Kingston SE itself. Today, he lives cultural significance this gap has within his in Alice Springs with his partner Tanya who is community, and how storytelling—known one of the Arrernte people, an Aboriginal group as Dreamtime stories—is strongly woven from the Central Australia region. into their culture. In a group as small as ours, this is a great opportunity to ask questions, From Mr. Watson’s perspective, discrimination and come away from the discussion with an against Aboriginal Australians is still happening in-depth understanding of this region’s history today—as seen in the way the local Arrernte and culture. people are treated by the community’s police force, justice department, and welfare system. We will also delve into the Controversial Recent data has shown that since 1991, 434 Topic of systemic victimization against Aboriginal inmates have died custody, yet Aboriginal people by “white fellas”—slang for agencies such as police watch-houses, prisons, non-Aboriginal Australians. As Mr. Watson will and hospitals failed to follow all of their own tell us, the relationship between indigenous and procedures in 41% of cases where Aboriginal non-indigenous Australians was and continues people died. to be fraught and complex. In fact, Aboriginal Australians continue to fight for equal rights Still, there is cause for hope for the future: In and respect to this day. While the government the 1990s, Australia set up a ten-year policy is working to improve these issues, they can be of reconciliation aimed at developing a better complicated and daunting, and can be traced relationship between Aboriginal people and back to the arrival of the First Fleet to Australia. the wider Australian community. Then in 2008, the Closing the Gap campaign was Mr. Watson will share his views on created for the Australian governments to work discrimination by speaking of past atrocities together to deliver better health, education, such as slavery; the Stolen Generation; and and employment opportunities for Aboriginal the Coniston Massacre of 1928, the last known people, and to eliminate the gap between officially sanctioned massacre of indigenous Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

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18 Mr. Watson meanwhile has spent the majority Upon arrival at our around 4:30pm, of his life working for and with his fellow we will be greeted by a camp host to welcome indigenous countrymen, such as acting as us to our home for the night. There will be manager of Language Education and Training snacks, such as cheese, crackers, fruit, and wine for local Aboriginal people. He also raises available. You may choose to sit with fellow awareness of his culture through his art and travelers to enjoy the views and snacks, or has been conducting cultural tours for the past retire to your tent to unpack. 17 years. Our campsite is exclusive to our O.A.T. group During our one-hour conversation, we’ll and is set among the natural bush. At the have about 40 minutes to ask Mr. Watson any camp, you’ll stay in a walk-in canvas tent, questions we may have. Afterwards, we will complete with two cots. There are shared board our bus again around 9:30am to set off toilet and shower facilities with running water for our transfer to our next stop, Ormiston and a dining area in the common space. The Gorge, arriving around 11:15am. These red cliffs accommodations are simple, yet comfortable, are dotted with dense flora and fauna, making and as night falls, the paths to our shared it a natural sanctuary for regional plant and bathrooms will be illuminated by lights. animal species. In fact, the central rock-rat, a Around 6pm, we will gather for a viewing of mouse native to the MacDonnell Range and first the sunset. As the sun goes down, you have scientifically recorded in 1896, was seemingly the possibility of viewing native species, nonexistent for a century until its rediscovery such as dingoes, black cockatoos, and other here in 1997. regional bird species. Temperatures will We will spend about 45 minutes here, exploring fall dramatically as night approaches, and the wildlife, or perhaps going for a swim following our viewing, we will gather for dinner in the waterhole—which may be ideal as under the stars. temperatures tend to reach their highest point Dinner: We will enjoy a traditional Australian around this time of day. barbecue dinner at the main dining area Lunch: A picnic-style lunch around noon will around 6:30pm. be served at Ormiston Gorge, featuring an Evening: The evening is free for you to enjoy assortment of picnic . the starry desert sky. Perhaps you’ll sit around Afternoon: Around 12:30pm, we will depart the bonfire with your fellow travelers, or our picnic site to complete the longest part of maybe retire to your tent. Tonight, you will our transfer. The remainder of our drive will have the opportunity to sleep under the stars take up to four hours with comfort stops as in an authentic Australian swag—a portable needed along the way, as we are getting deep bedroll for outdoor sleeping—to experience a into the true Australian Outback. Far removed one-of-a-kind Australian Outback experience. from the tourists and big cities, we’ll drive The stars you’ll witness are quite different from past flat, sweeping desert vistas with native the night sky at home—here you’ll be treated bush fringing the red-dirt road. This is a great to views of the Southern Hemisphere, including opportunity to spot animals endemic to the scores of constellations only visible from this region, such as emus or kangaroos. side of the world, including the Southern Cross.

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19 Day 8 Outback • Kings Canyon • Overland seem to collide with the canyon floor, this hike to Uluru (Ayers Rock) offers views that stretch across the desert and showcase the diversity in this landscape. • Destination: Yulara/Ayers Rock • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner For those looking for an easier walk, there • Accommodations: Desert Gardens Hotel are other trails along the base of the canyon, or similar which lead you through ferns and eucalyptus to towering views of the canyon walls. Activity Note: Our morning in Kings Canyon features along trails for three Around 9:30am, we depart Kings Canyon and hours or more (weather dependent) and drive about 30 minutes to Kings Creek Station, a involves walking up and down hills. Suitable for working cattle station. people looking for and capable of a strenuous Lunch: Around 10am at the station featuring hike, the first half of the Rim Walk is the most sandwiches, salads, and fruit. challenging with uneven and sometimes steep rocky inclines, but the view from the top is what Afternoon: Following lunch, around 11am, will really take your breath away. Travelers who we’ll board our private motorcoach and begin do not wish to participate may opt for easier our drive to Ayers Rock. Our transfer today will hiking trails. If you are unsure whether or not take up to 4 hours, but we have built in stops to you should participate, please speak with your break up this long transfer. Around 1pm, we will Trip Experience Leader and your local guide, stop at Curtin Springs Station, a cattle ranch, as they can give you further insight into this to stretch our legs for about 20 minutes before demanding activity. continuing our journey.

Our transfer to Uluru will involve a 3- to We’ll arrive around an hour later in the small 4-hour bus ride over roads that may be bumpy town of Yulara, just a short drive from Uluru or uneven at times. We will break up the long National Park. This accommodation reflects transfer with stops along the way. sensitivity toward the environment with its landscaped desert setting and offers a Breakfast: Around 5am at our campsite, swimming pool, restaurant, and bar. Each featuring assorted options, such as croissants, air-conditioned room features coffee- and cereal, fruits, coffee, and tea. tea-making facilities, in addition to a Morning: We will depart our campsite early refrigerator, minibar, and private bath. We will around 6am to take advantage of the cooler check in to the hotel around 2:30pm, and you temperatures before the sun rises and drive will have some time to settle in and relax from approximately 30 minutes to Kings Canyon. our overland transfer. Upon arrival, we will set out on a 3-hour Dinner: Around 6pm at our hotel. guided walk of Kings Canyon. It’s a challenging hike up the high sandstone walls of the Evening: Your evening is free to walk the hotel canyon—particularly the first half which grounds or take advantage of its amenities. consists of uneven, rocky and sometimes steep inclines, but we’ll be rewarded for our efforts: From rugged ranges of desert terrain hugging forests of palms, to plunging chasms that

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20 Freedom To Explore: During your three days • Observe the artistic expressions of indigenous in Yulara, you have the freedom to explore on communities at Wintjiri Arts & Museum: your own during your free time. Below are a This art gallery and exhibit displays the few recommended options for independent works of an indigenous Artist in Residence, explorations: as well as a collection of Anangu jewellery, postcards, cushions, textiles, kitchenware, • Enjoy panoramic views during a Camel and more. Anangu is an umbrella term used Ride in the Outback: Experience the rugged, to describe members of several Aboriginal rust-colored terrain of this wild territory atop Australian groups in the Western Desert, these desert-dwelling mammals. Witness the including the Ngaanyatjarri, Pitjantjatjara, vast, arid expanse of land that surrounds you and Yankunytjatjara tribes. During your and the flora and fauna which evolved over visit, watch the artist at work, peruse the art millions of years to thrive in it. You have the and , and perhaps even opt to take option to depart before sunrise and catch the something home with you to remember your first light illuminating the desert, followed discoveries. Wintjiri is conveniently situated by a traditional breakfast of freshly baked adjactent to the Desert Gardens Hotel. beer bread, quandong jam (a peach, apricot, and ginger variety), and your choice of a cup • How to get there: A 1-minute walk. of billy tea or coffee. Or, you may wish to ride • Hours: 8:30am-5:30pm, daily. later in the morning, and then proceed to • Cost: Free entry. the camel farm where you’ll learn about the history of these working animals here in the Day 9 Uluru (Ayers Rock) • Kata Red Center. The duration of these activities Tjuta National Park • Sunrise and ranges from 1.5-2.5 hours. sunset viewings • How to get there: A 10-minute taxi ride, • Destination: Yulara/Ayers Rock about $12 USD one way. • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch • Hours: 10am-5pm, daily. • Accommodations: Desert Gardens Hotel • Cost: From $95 USD per person. or similar • Discover Uluru on a desert Bike Ride: Early Morning: Rise early this morning to Experience the immensity and grandeur witness Uluru in the light of dawn, a dramatic of Uluru by bike. Trace the ancient rock art sight seen by far fewer travelers than at sunset. at your own pace and stop as long as you’d like to explore the life-giving waterholes Breakfast: Served at the hotel featuring hot and around the base of this world-famous rock. cold dishes beginning at 6am. This 3-hour allows you to become Morning: Around 9am, we’ll depart the hotel intimately familiar with this legendary region by motorcoach to discover Kata Tjuta National and take notice of the myriad living organ- Park. While Uluru is the centerpiece of Kata isms that call it home, despite its inhospitable Tjuta, the park also includes the spectacular conditions. Your bike rental includes a helmet rock formations nearby called the Kata and transfer to and from Uluru. Tjuta. Our Trip Experience Leader will give • How to get there: A 25-minute shuttle us more insight into the spiritual symbolism ride, included in rental cost. of this natural wonder and the history of • Hours: Upon request. • Cost: $70 USD per person.

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21 the indigenous people’s rights to the land. one rugged place and where one might freely Following our guided tour, we will drive back to describe it as “the middle of nowhere,” you can the hotel, departing around 11:15am. find a variety of life prospering.

Lunch: We’ll arrive back in Yulara around 12pm This viewing will provide us with a deeper and get a “take-away” lunch from the Kulata understanding of the indigenous heritage Academy Café, an establishment that employs that runs deep in this land and all of young indigenous people as trainees to prepare Australia. During our explorations, our local them for a career in the . Trip Experience Leader will put things into perspective and help us understand the Afternoon: After lunch, we’ll walk 5 minutes connection the indigenous people have to this back to our hotel to enjoy a few hours of leisure sacred site. Much of the area around Uluru is time to settle in or explore on your own. We’ll open for public visitation, but parts of this site then reconvene in the hotel lobby around are still so important to the Anangu that they 4:30pm to board our private motorcoach and remain off-limits. drive 15-minutes to a sunset viewing area. Here, we’ll enjoy a traditional sunset toast as After our sunset viewing, we will drive back to the last daylight paints the massive monolith of the hotel. Uluru into a kaleidoscope of colors. Our private Dinner: On your own—you may choose to guide will lead our small group around areas venture out in search of a traditional restaurant. of the base of the massive sandstone monolith Or, you may dine in the hotel’s restaurant, that are rarely visited by tourists. As we explore, which features dishes that showcase indigenous our guide will point out the effects of millions flavors, like native spices, seeds, grains, and of years of erosion by rain and wind. fresh local produce. Early European settlers named it Ayers Rock, Evening: Your evening is free to walk the hotel but it is called Uluru by the Anangu indigenous grounds or take advantage of its amenities. people who serve as its spiritual caretakers. In spite of—perhaps even in defiance of—the negative effects of European settlement, some Day 10 Fly to Cairns • Transfer to 50,000 years of Australian indigenous culture Port Douglas and spirit have strongly endured in art, dance, • Destination: Port Douglas Uluru and music. is the most fitting symbol of • Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner that endurance. • Accommodations: Oaks Port Douglas The local Anangu people attach paramount or similar spiritual significance to Uluru. As the Outback Breakfast: Served at the hotel featuring hot and sun descends on the monolith (whose cold dishes beginning at 6am. red-orange hue shifts fluidly throughout the day) the rock seems to glow eerily, as if lit Morning: At leisure. You may wish to relax, use from within. For centuries, people have felt the hotel’s amenities, or prepare for the next the ancient spirituality of Uluru. The Anangu leg of our journey. consider Uluru a literal giver of life as it attracts Lunch: On your own. Dine in the hotel’s animals in abundance to its waterhole and restaurant, or ask your Trip Experience Leader provides shelter and firewood to visitors. All in for a local suggestion.

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22 Afternoon: Around 12:45pm, we’ll transfer visitors for 30 years. Whether you’ve spent to the airport by motorcoach for our a year meditating on a mountain in India approximately 3-hour flight to Cairns. We’ll or or never set foot in a yoga studio, the arrive in Cairns around 5:30pm and travel professionally-trained staff will provide you about 1.5 hours to our hotel in Port Douglas (a with their expert guidance to ensure that distance of approximately 40 miles). Depending you learn some proper techniques in their on where we stay, amenities may include a beautiful tropical location and have some fun full-service day spa, fitness center, restaurant, along the way. and bar. Each of its air-conditioned rooms may • How to get there: A 5-minute cab ride, $5 feature a minibar, safe, and private bath. Upon USD one way. arrival around 7:30pm, we will head to the • Hours: Classes are available daily (except hotel’s restaurant for dinner. Sundays). Ask your Trip Experience Leader Dinner: At the hotel around 7:45pm, featuring to schedule a class if you are interested. a classic Australian barbeque dinner or • Cost: Varies depending on class. two-course set menu. • Hop over to the Iron Bar for the Cane Toad Races: There’s nothing more local in Port Evening: You are free to explore Port Douglas Doublas than wagering on the toad races at on your own this evening, or make use of the the Iron Bar, a popular restaurant and bar. hotel’s amenities. The cane toad was introduced to Australia Freedom To Explore: During your three days in last century to help control the cane beetle. It Port Douglas, you have the freedom to explore didn’t work out too well for the local wildlife this northern city on your own during your but the cane toad thrived. Instead of trying free time. Below is a recommended option for to get rid of all the cane toads, Northern independent exploration: Queensland thought it would be far more fun to use them for events. Don’t worry, • Check out the local wildlife at Hartley’s no toads are injured during this beloved local Crocodile Adventures: With over a mile of tradition. And you should arrive early to easy boardwalks and pathways to follow, you secure your ticket to enter the limited spaces can discover the five distinct wildlife zones of in the racing arena. this innovative and wildlife • How to get there: A 10-minute taxi ride, park. A multi-faceted eco-adventure facility, about $15 USD one way. most areas of Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures • Hours: Races begin at 5:45pm daily (except can be explored independently, while other Mondays & Wednesdays). areas do require special and a • Cost: $5 USD. wildlife park . • How to get there: A 25-minute cab ride, $50 USD one way. • Hours: 8:30am-5pm, daily (except Christmas day). • Cost: About $34 USD. • Take a deep breath and visit Port Douglas Yoga: This popular establishment has been offering classes to the local community and

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23 Day 11 Port Douglas • Controversial Morning: Around 9:30am, we’ll depart the Topic: The conflicting reports of coral hotel via motorcoach for Cooya Beach, a bleaching with a Quicksilver marine traditional fishing hotspot located at the mouth biologist • Mossman Gorge • Optional of the Mossman River. Upon arrival around Atherton Tablelands Hot Air Balloon Ride 10am, we’ll begin our discoveries as we follow a local guide on a tour. We’ll be introduced to the • Destination: Port Douglas authentic fishing and gathering methods of the • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch region, and even try our own hand at • Accommodations: Oaks Port Douglas Resort for crabs, mussels, and sea snails on the beach or similar using traditionally-crafted spears. Then, we’ll learn about the intricacies of fishing in this Exclusive O.A.T. Activity: This afternoon, we’ll region and the long history of the area with sit down for an enlightening conversation the brothers while in their traditional beach about the Controversial Topic of the bleaching palapa—a home-made dwelling made of dried of the Great Barrier Reef. This global problem palm leaves. triggered by climate change causes vibrant coral to lose their color—but that doesn’t mean Afterwards, we’ll set off by coach for our lunch the coral is dead. In fact, there is a good chance location at about 11:45am. most bleached corals will recover. We’ll speak with a marine biologist from the Quicksilver Lunch: At a local restaurant in Mossman cruise team who will break down fact and around noon. Our selection will include fiction for us regarding this topic. traditional hot and cold dishes.

Early Morning: If you are taking the Atherton Afternoon: Around 12:45, we’ll take a 5-minute Tablelands Hot Air Balloon optional tour, drive to Mossman Gorge, gateway to the then you will be picked up at the hotel around Daintree Rainforest, a region of sparkling 5am for a roughly 1-hour transfer by bus to waterfalls, lush waterfalls, and towering the balloon departure site, near the Atherton mountain peaks. The oldest rainforest in the Tablelands. The Atherton Tablelands are a world, Daintree has been home to the Kuku sub-tropical haven spread over an area larger Yulanji people for more than 50,000 years. than the state of Tasmania, with low, rolling We’ll meet with a local Kuku Yalanji to learn hills favorable that offer sweeping views about their culture and legends before setting of the area. Upon arrival, we may have the off on a nature walk led by our Trip Experience opportunity to watch a professional team Leader to take in some of the region’s scenic inflate the hot air balloon. As we ascend with beauty. Then, at around 2:15pm, we’ll leave our expert pilot, we will take in vast views of Mossman Gorge for the 15-minute drive back to the landscape at dawn. With a minimum of 30 our hotel for a couple of hours of leisure time. minutes flying time, we’ll float high above the At about 5pm, we’ll gather outside at the tablelands, and watch as the sun slowly edges hotel’s colorful tropical gardens for today’s over the flat horizon. Controversial Topic surrounding the mass Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel coral bleaching events that have occurred beginning at 6:30am featuring hot and between 1980 and 2020. cold dishes.

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24 It’s hard to think of the crystalline waters off cruise. 20 years later, she now works for the the Queensland coast without thinking of the company as a professional marine biologist and bright-colored Great Barrier Reef. One of the enjoys sharing her passion with travelers. most complex natural phenomena on Earth, Regardless of whom we speak with today, the reef makes up about 10% of all the world’s we’ll get a sense of the growing bleaching coral ecosystems, comprised of nearly 3,000 problem—and its potential solutions—through individual corals. The radiant reef brings an approximate 20-minute presentation. travelers from around the world to witness its In the last 30 years, Great Barrier Reef has beauty, making it integral to the Australian experienced ten significant coral bleaching economy—the Marine Park brings in over $6 events, with some locations suffering severe billion every year and employs around 64,000 damage of up to 90% coral mortality. As you’ll Australians. discover, mass coral bleaching is caused by But the danger of climate change and human overheated ocean water destroying the algae impact has become increasingly apparent. that covers the coral. These colorful algae are Overfishing has resulted in a decrease in the source of up to 90% of the coral’s energy, water quality; coastal development projects and thus, when they break down, the coral is have introduced noise pollution; and extreme reduced to a pale white color and begins to weather—like cyclones and flooding—has starve. Glen or Hayley will provide more detail created lasting damage. These are just a few of on the relationship between the coral polyps the threats experienced by this once thriving and the algae, as well as climate change’s ecosystem. effects on this dynamic.

Quicksilver, founded in 1979, has operated But there is hope for the Great Barrier Reef and cruises, snorkeling, and other activities in the ecosystems like it. As you’ll learn, a bleached Great Barrier Reef for locals and tourists over coral doesn’t necessarily mean a dead coral. In several decades. Aboard their catamaran on fact, if only mildly or moderately bleached, it’s every journey is a team of marine biologists, likely the coral can bounce back. And there are one of whom we’ll be chatting with today. steps locals can take—especially in terms of Depending on your departure date, we’ll either agricultural practices—to ensure that happens. meet Dr. Glen Burns or Hayley Brien, both Glen or Hayley will outline some sustainable experts in coral reef science. practices in terms of how locals might help preserve Great Barrier Reef, from conserving Glen has honed his knowledge in the field for water, to preventing overfishing, and beyond. over 30 years, traveling to , Southeast Perhaps most importantly, these practices can , Central and , and beyond to be applied not just here in Australia, but to coral study tropical marine ecosystems. He has been ecosystems around the world. an integral part of the Quicksilver crew since 2012, and his goal is to educate students and After the presentation, we’ll have the chance travelers on sustainable practices surrounding to ask any questions we may have during a coral reef systems. Hayley’s love for the Great 40-minute Q&A session, such as the conflicting Barrier Reef first began when she witnessed reports in the media about the health of it as a child with her family on a Quicksilver the Great Barrier Reef and the difficulties convincing people of the reality of climate change. We’ll wrap up our conversation by 6pm.

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25 Dinner: Dinner is on your own this evening. temperatures that cause corals to turn white. Feel free to ask your Trip Experience Leader for Today, you can ask our marine biologist more a recommendation. about the effects of rising temperatures on the Reef. Evening: You have the evening to yourself to continue exploring Port Douglas. We’ll re-board our vessel around 11:30am to head for a second snorkeling destination.

Day 12 Port Douglas • Cruise to the Great Lunch: We’ll enjoy lunch onboard the Barrier Reef catamaran around 12pm with sandwiches and • Destination: Port Douglas fruits available. • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Afternoon: Around 1:40pm, we’ll once again • Accommodations: Oaks Port Douglas Resort be briefed on the best areas to snorkel before or similar we dive once again into the crystalline waters. Breakfast: Served at the hotel from around There’s no one “right” way to explore the 6:30am-10:30am featuring hot and cold dishes. Reef, so we’ll be given a choice. You can swim or snorkel among the fish and wide Morning: We’ll depart the hotel around 7:45am array of corals. Or, if you wish to observe for a 15-minute drive to today’s exploration: this spectacular underwater world without The Great Barrier Reef. submerging yourself, you can view parts of We board our catamaran around 8:15am the Reef from a semi-submersible vessel. An and sail for about an hour to a private island experienced marine biologist will point out encompassed by the expansive Reef, enjoying the astonishing tropical fish and giant clams tea and light breakfast options along the way. here. We will spend roughly 1-hour exploring Possibly the best description of the Great before climbing back onboard around 2:30pm. Barrier Reef we’ve ever heard comes down Afternoon tea will be served as we sail back to to five simple words: “the world’s largest the marina. living thing.” Its nomination for World Upon arrival at around 4:30pm, you will be able Heritage status stated, “The Reef supports to choose between an approximately 15-minute the most diverse ecosystem known to man ... drive back to the hotel or a quick drive to the an ecosystem which has evolved over millions center of town to enjoy dinner on your own. of years.” Dinner: You may try the hotel’s restaurant or Around 10:15am, the catamaran will anchor, venture into Port Douglas for a local dish on and we will begin our discoveries. Alongside a your own. Perhaps you’ll relax at a local café local marine biologist, we’ll take our first peek with a cup of Daintree Lemon Myrtle Tea, or through diving masks or a semi-submersible seek out a restaurant serving fresh barramundi, vessel. The Reef is a true sensory explosion, an a favorite fish specialty. azure scene of non-stop activity. We’ll witness tropical fish darting about amid sea fans and Evening: After a long day on the water, you anemones swaying with the waves. And it’s may choose to use your evening to relax all mere inches from the water’s surface. As and refresh—or experience Port Douglas at we explore the Reef today, we may also come night with a recommendation from your Trip across signs of coral bleaching—a natural Experience Leader. occurrence that is a result of warmer water

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26 Day 13 Port Douglas • Optional Koala Afterwards, we will make the approximately Gardens Visit 1-hour drive back to our hotel, arriving around 2:30pm, and enjoy the remainder of the day on • Destination: Port Douglas your own. • Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner • Accommodations: Oaks Port Douglas Resort Dinner: At the hotel around 6pm, featuring a or similar three-course set menu as well as coffee and tea.

Breakfast: Served at the hotel from Evening: The evening is free to continue 6:30am-10:30am featuring hot and cold dishes. exploring Port Douglas on your own.

Morning: Relax at the hotel this morning and enjoy some time on your own. The day is yours Day 14 Fly to Sydney to explore Port Douglas independently. • Destination: Sydney • Included Meals: Breakfast Or, perhaps you’ll join us for a half-day • Accommodations: Novotel Sydney Darling optional tour to the Koala Gardens to enrich Square or similar your Australian experience. We’ll board our coach around 8:30am for a little over Breakfast: Served at the hotel featuring hot and an hour drive to the gardens. On a guided, cold dishes beginning at 6:30am. behind-the-scenes tour—exclusive to Morning: Around 9:30am, we board a bus for O.A.T.—of the gardens, we’ll be able to hold our 1-2-hour transfer to the Cairns airport. and feed breakfast to native Australian animals, Our three-hour flight to iconic Sydney will such as koalas, wombats, and quokkas. take off around noon. As we fly over the city, Lunch: If you choose not to take the optional make sure to glance out the window to see tour, your Trip Experience Leader will be happy the Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, to provide a recommendation for where to eat and other landmarks from above. During our on your own after arriving in the town center, explorations here, we’ll see the city from or ask one of the locals about their favorite a couple of different vantage points as we places to eat. Or, for those on our optional discover Sydney’s highlights on foot and during tour, lunch will be at a local restaurant around a ferry ride. 11:45am featuring regional specialties. Lunch: Consider sitting down to lunch at the Afternoon: For those not on the optional tour, airport before our flight or getting lunch on the remainder of your afternoon is free for you your own in the morning to bring on the flight. to explore independently. Afternoon: We arrive in Sydney around Or, following lunch on our optional tour, we 4pm and transfer by coach to our hotel. This will board our bus and head to Barron Falls. We centrally-located hotel offers easy access to will arrive at the falls around 1pm, and you will city sites including the Hyde Park green space have about 30 minutes to explore. Depending and the Darling Harbour shopping district, on the time of year and rainfall, the water could both within walking distance. Complimentary be rapidly thundering down from this steep wireless Internet access is available throughout cliff, or gently cascading down the side. the hotel, and each air-conditioned room may feature amenities such as coffee- and tea-making facilities and a private bath with

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27 hair dryer. We’ll have about an hour to settle in the world—the Sydney Fish Market offers into our rooms or explore the surrounding visitors a peek at the frenetic world of seafood area on our own before we enjoy an orientation sales. Approximately 55 tons of fresh seafood walk with our Trip Experience Leader is auctioned here every day. Immerse yourself around 6:15pm. in the buzz of activity as an expert guide takes you behind the scenes to explore all the Dinner: On your own. During the orientation facets of this exciting market—explaining the walk, ask your Trip Experience Leader for a Dutch auction system, viewing the different recommendation for dinner. Consider trying varieties of seafood for sale, witnessing oyster a local favorite or one of Sydney’s foodie shucking, and more. hotspots. • How to get there: A 5-minute taxi ride, $15 Evening: You have the evening free to get USD one way. acquainted with this world-famous city. • Hours: 6:40am-8:30am, Monday-Friday. Experience nightlife in Sydney, take a walk • Cost: About $30 USD per person. around the neighborhood of the hotel, or get a • Savor High Tea at the Tea Room in the Queen look at the iconic sights after dusk. Victoria Building: Whether sipping tea or Freedom To Explore: During your three days Champagne, the art of the High Tea has been in Sydney, you have the freedom to explore this enjoyed since the 1700s. Preserving both the world-class city on your own during your free tradition and style, it is celebrated with great time. Below are a few recommended options for pleasure every day here at Sydney’s Queen independent explorations: Victoria Building Tea Room. The Tea Room offers morning tea and traditional afternoon • Embrace local culture at Sydney Opera House high tea service tea in luxurious surroundings Performance: The iconic venue set in Sydney that celebrate the cultural significance of the Harbour hosts more than 1,600 performances historic building’s ballroom. a year in its various concert halls and the- • How to get there: A 15-minute walk from atres, everything from world-class opera to the hotel. classical and modern music performances to • Hours: Opens 10am, Monday-Sunday. intimate comedy shows. If there’s a specific • Cost: Tea services range from $12 to $32 performance you’re interested in, you can USD per person. ask your Trip Experience Leader to make arrangements as advance reservations are Day 15 Explore Sydney • Sydney recommended. Opera House • How to get there: A 10-minute taxi ride, • Destination: Sydney $30 USD one way. • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch • Hours: Box office is open Monday- Saturday, 9am-8:30pm; Sundays, • Accommodations: Novotel Sydney Darling 9am-5pm Square or similar • Cost: Varieds depending on performance Breakfast: Served at the hotel starting at from $30 to $300 USD per person. 6:30am. The breakfast buffet features an • Get an insider’s view of the Sydney Fish array of options, from continental items like Market: The largest of its kind in the croissants to hot dishes like eggs and pancakes. Southern Hemisphere—and the third largest

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28 Morning: Leaving our hotel by private use of the hotel’s amenities or further explore motorcoach around 9:15am, we’ll drive to one Sydney’s many wonders. Perhaps you’ll venture of the city’s most iconic sights: The Sydney back to the Rocks District and explore the Opera House. We’ll arrive around 9:45am and winding streets on foot. begin our discoveries with a 1-hour guided tour Dinner: Ask your Trip Experience Leader of the Sydney Opera House, whose distinctive for suggestions or discover for yourself an architecture has made it the city’s signature interesting spot for dinner on your own this attraction. This architectural masterpiece was evening. Perhaps you’ll be brave enough to made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007, try pan-fried kangaroo or savor a traditional and you’ll see firsthand why it deserves this meat pie. title. This visually spectacular performance facility boasts four auditoriums that host Evening: You are free this evening to continue symphony concerts and theater as well as exploring on your own, catch up with fellow opera. Following our visit around 11am, we travelers at the hotel, or perhaps see a show at will enjoy about a 30-minute walk, taking the Sydney Opera House. in the Opera House from a more distant vantage point, as we make our way to our next Day 16 Sydney • Sunset Dinner Cruise destination—The Rocks. • Destination: Sydney Upon arrival around 11:30am we’ll begin a • Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 1-hour of the historic Rocks • Accommodations: Novotel Sydney Darling District, exploring the winding streets on foot Square or similar to get a true feel for the neighborhood. The Rocks boasts some of the oldest buildings in Breakfast: Served at the hotel from Sydney. Some of the original European settlers 6:30am-10:30am. The breakfast features an camped here amidst the rocks of the sandstone array of options, from continental items like ridges, giving rise to the area’s name. Because croissants to hot dishes like eggs and pancakes. many of the first Europeans to arrive were Morning: Today, conclude your Australia travel exiled convicts, part of this area’s history was experience by exploring Sydney on your own. (to put it mildly) unusually colorful. Imagine You can relax, visit local shops, return to the a Wild West-like collection of bars and houses seashore to visit any of the several beaches that of ill repute where drunken brawls were are accessible by public transportation, or you common. Today, this is a safe place that invites may choose to take a tour of Sydney Tower, an visitors to stroll its cobblestone lanes and take enormous structure that stands at around 1,000 refreshment in its tea rooms. feet, to take in panoramic views of the city. Our walking tour concludes around 12:30pm Lunch: Ask your Trip Experience Leader to near our lunch spot. suggest a new or unusual restaurant to try on Lunch: In the Rocks District at a local café your own today. overlooking the Harbour Bridge around Afternoon: Continue exploring on your own 12:30pm, featuring modern Australian cuisine. this afternoon. Perhaps try one of our suggested Afternoon: Around 1:45pm, we’ll each be given activities; go behind the scenes at the Sydney an Opal Card to return to the hotel by public transit, where you are free to relax and make

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29 Fish Market, or explore the Art Gallery of NSW a more relaxed day today before we set off to (New South Wales)—a museum dedicated to explore Christchurch, a NEW destination for international and Australian fine art. 2021, tomorrow.

Around 4:15pm, we’ll reconvene at the hotel to Lunch: On your own—you may get something walk about 5 minutes to the local train station, before our flight, on the plane, or upon arrival where we’ll hop aboard for a quick ride to in New Zealand. Wynyard Station. Then, we’ll take a short walk Afternoon: We land in Christchurch around to Darling Harbour to begin our sunset dinner 2:45pm New Zealand time, and transfer cruise. by coach to our hotel. Upon arrival around Dinner: Around 5pm, we’ll say goodbye to 4:30pm, we’ll check in and receive our Australia—and gain a new perspective of room assignments. We will be staying at a Sydney’s iconic skyline—as we cruise around hotel conveniently located in the heart of the harbor aboard a sunset dinner cruise. Our Christchurch, with easy access to the city’s meal will feature three courses of modern offerings. No matter where we stay, you’ll enjoy Australian cuisine and a complimentary glass of an on-site restaurant, bar, and fitness center. wine, beer, or soda as well as a tea or coffee. Room amenities may include coffee- and tea-making facilities, TV, wireless Internet, Evening: Around 7pm, we’ll disembark at and an en suite bathroom. Darling Harbour and catch the train back to our hotel. You might use the evening to pack and Our Trip Experience Leader will lead a Welcome rest before we head to the second country on Briefing around 5pm to discuss logistics, safety our itinerary tomorrow morning: New Zealand. and emergency procedures, and answer any questions you may have. We’ll then set off to Day 17 Fly to Christchurch, New Zealand acquaint ourselves with the area during an orientation walk. • Destination: Christchurch • Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Dinner: Around 6:30pm, we’ll return back to • Accommodations: Distinction Christchurch the hotel for a dinner to welcome us to New Hotel or similar Zealand. We will have a selection of local hot and cold dishes to choose from. Activity Note: We will rise early today for our flight to Christchurch. Also, we will lose two Evening: Your evening is free to begin hours when we fly to New Zealand, which is two exploring Christchurch, or refresh before the hours ahead of Sydney. second half of our adventure.

Breakfast: A boxed breakfast will be served at Freedom To Explore: During your two days in the hotel before leaving for the airport. Christchurch, you have the freedom to explore this coastal city on your own during your free Morning: This morning around 6am, we depart time. Below are a few recommended options for our hotel by coach and drive about half an independent explorations: hour to the Sydney airport. Departing around 9:15am, we’ll take a 3- to 4-hour flight to • Take a stroll through the Botanic Gardens: Christchurch, New Zealand where we’ll enjoy Located in the heart of the city, walk through 21 acres of rock gardens, plants, and tree collections, and learn about New Zealand’s

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30 flora, as well as flora from every continent. Margaret Mahy Playground, The Terrace, Founded in 1863 with the planting of an Cashel Street & Riverside Market, Arts Centre English Oak tree, the gardens have grown and New Regent Street. to a well-loved site for locals and visitors. • How to get there: A 5-minute walk. Discover over 3,500 species of plants, from • Hours: 9am-6pm, September-May; 10am- coniferous woody, deciduous woody, roses, 5pm, May-September. herbs, medicinal plants, and more. The • Cost: About $16 USD per person. gardens are also a wonderful place for peo- ple-watching and mingling with locals who Day 18 Explore Christchurch • bring their families here to enjoy the flora, as Home-Hosted Dinner well as to picnic. Plan to spend approximately • Destination: Christchurch 2-3 hours here. • Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner • How to get there: A 5- to 10-minute taxi • Accommodations: Distinction Christchurch ride, about $7 USD one way. Hotel or similar • Hours: 7am-9pm, daily. • Cost: Free; 1.5-hour guided tour, $7 USD Exclusive O.A.T. Activity: Today you’ll savor per person. an authentic slice of New Zealand life during a Home-Hosted Dinner with a family in • Enjoy an afternoon of tranquility in a Punting Christchurch. In smaller groups of no more on the Avon River: Punting on the Avon than 5, you’ll dine on traditional, homemade River is an iconic Christchurch activity. These cuisine and enjoy spirited conversation about handcrafted, flat-bottomed boats are driven local customs and lifestyles. Read more about by Punters, who steer with a pole from the this activity below. rear end of the boat. As you glide along the water, admire the expansive Christchurch Breakfast: Served at the hotel beginning at Botanic Gardens or the busting city center. 6:30am with hot and cold dishes available. Tours depart from the Antigua Boat Sheds and the Worcester Bridge (closed until 2021). Morning: Around 9:15am, we’ll depart the Please note that standard Punt rides are hotel and head out to discover Christchurch shared and last 30 minutes. on foot with our Trip Experience Leader. The largest city in New Zealand’s South • How to get there: A 10-minute walk. Island, Christchurch is also a city in • Hours: 9am-5:30pm, daily. Winter hours transition as it is still recovering from two may apply. deadly earthquakes—one in 2011 and an • Cost: About $20 USD per person. even more severe 7.8 magnitude quake in • Experience the Christchurch Tramway: 2016. Undeterred, the citizens here rose to Enjoy a day of sightseeing and stepping back the challenge of coping with these two epic in history as you ride fully restored heritage disasters, rebuilding and re-imagining their trams. Your day ticket allows you to hop on city center, as well as maintaining their and hop off at leisure, offering a plethora welcoming Kiwi spirit. Our Trip Experience of stops en route, such as: the Canterbury Leader will share stories of Christchurch’s Museum & Botanic Gardens, Turanga and revival as you walk around and see the city renewed—many buildings and structures created with the help of Matapopore, a

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31 charitable trust that has ensured the city whether we’re sharing our favorite travel retains its English heritage while incorporating stories, or discussing issues that affect life in more Maori representation as well. Christchurch—like the earthquake that rocked the city in 2011. We’ll end our walking tour around 11:45am at Riverside Market, central Christchurch’s new Our meal and conversation wrap up around essential destination for both local and visiting 7:45pm, at which point we’ll make the foodies alike. After the earthquakes, many approximate 15-minute transfer back to local families lost their businesses—from little the hotel. cafes to restaurants. Undaunted, these creative Evening: Enjoy a free evening. Perhaps you’d business owners helm most of the popular food be interested to see a show at the historic Isaac trucks you’ll see in Riverside Market today. Theatre Royal, a heritage building erected in Lunch: On your own—your Trip Experience 1908. It is the only Edwardian-style theater Leader can suggest their favorite food truck, or remaining in New Zealand. Check with your sample small bites from a few different ones. Trip Experience Leader to learn what’s playing.

Afternoon: Around 1pm, we’ll head back to our hotel. The remainder of the afternoon is free for Day 19 Discover local farm • Controversial Topic: your own discoveries. How pure is New Zealand? Opposing environmental views Dinner: Around 6pm, we’ll break up into with local livestock farmers Chris and Del smaller groups of no more than 5 and wait at Lowe • Transfer to Hokitika our hotel to be greeted by local families who • Destination: Hokitika will drive us to their Christchurch residences for a Home-Hosted Dinner. Our hosts are likely • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch to be retired middle- to upper-class citizens of • Accommodations: Stopforths Premium European descent who have spent their golden Accommodation or similar years traveling the world and pursuing hobbies Exclusive O.A.T. Activity: Today will feature the such as sailing, theater, gardening, and golf. Controversial Topic of New Zealand ’s slogan, “100% Pure New Zealand,” and the Together we’ll share a traditional three-course environmental concerns that were sparked by meal, composed of typical Kiwi cuisine that this “100% Pure” claim. We’ll learn about the local families would enjoy in their day-to-day negative impacts of over-farming contrasted lives. Our hosts will choose the menu, but we’re with the views of sheep farmers Chris and Del likely to enjoy local favorites such as roast Lowe, who we’ll visit at their family-run farm. lamb, seasonal vegetables like kumara (sweet potato), and perhaps a taste of sweet pavlova Breakfast: Served at the hotel starting for dessert—New Zealand’s iconic meringue at 6:30am. confection. Morning: Around 9am, we will board our bus As we dine, we’ll also enjoy lively conversation for an approximately 1-hour drive to Rubicon about life in New Zealand, an intimate Valley’s working farm. The farm is nestled opportunity for cultural exchange made in the Southern Alps and home to more than possible only by O.A.T.’s small group size. As 3,000 sheep. As we begin our Back Country our hosts are likely to be fellow world travelers, exploration of the farm around 10:30am, we’ll we’re sure to have much to talk about,

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32 first have the opportunity to see the impressive the stress on New Zealand’s natural resources, teamwork of sheepdogs and sheep. We will get impacting soil, water, and air quality. New an in-depth look at the entire process of this Zealand’s total greenhouse gas emissions are farm—from the dogs rallying the sheep in the also significant—over 50% from agriculture paddock and shuffling them from pen-to-pen compared to the global average of 14%. to watching these long-haired Romney sheep Dairy farms are one of the main culprits of the being shorn. While here, we’ll also meet effects of over-farming. New Zealand produces some of the farm’s other furry residents, approximately 3% of the world’s milk, with including alpaca. roughly 5 million dairy cows providing the After our look into the process as a whole, we’ll supply. Over the last few decades, traditional board a 17-seater, four-wheel-drive vehicle sheep farming has declined in New Zealand, and set off on the backroads of the property and dairy farming has become more prevalent, for one of the sheep shearing sheds where due to shifting prices and demand. But because we’ll learn about the work that takes place of the sharp increase in dairy farming, many here, including the wool-grading process. Our waterways in rural New Zealand have become small group will gain a deeper understanding polluted with nitrates. Because of this, of farm life and the importance of sheep environmentalists have lobbied for restrictions in New Zealand when we speak to the local that would lessen these negative impacts. farmers, Chris Lowe and his wife, Del. Chris is a On the other side of the coin, many farmers third-generation livestock farmer—primarily believe they have been unfairly targeted by sheep, but sometimes cattle and crops as these emission and run off restrictions that well—and continues the tradition today with make farming financially unsustainable, and his family-run operation which includes Del argue that the need to provide food should be and their adult children. seen as a priority. Chris and Del will explain As we get to know Chris and Del, we’ll their own farm’s best practices, and how they also engage in a Controversial Topic believe that many farms in New Zealand can with them—the validity of New Zealand become more environmentally friendly without Tourism’s slogan “100% Pure New Zealand” sacrificing their own economic survival. During and the effects the debate it caused has this hour-long conversation, we’ll have around had on farmers like the Lowes. What 40 minutes to ask the Lowes any questions we began as a piece of marketing touting New may have about their first-hand experiences Zealand’s world-famous natural beauty, has with this complex issue. sparked a country-wide debate. Scientists, Lunch: Around 12:30pm, we’ll gather for an environmentalists, and New Zealand’s included local lunch at the sheep station. Green Party see the “100% Pure” brand as an environmental statement as well and Afternoon: Around 1:45pm, we will continue argue that the country’s intensification of our journey to Hokitika via motorcoach. agriculture is threatening this “pure” status. Hokitika is a small farming community with a Farming has long been the backbone of New rich history. It boomed in the 1860s with the Zealand’s economy, and is a significant gold rush, and was, at that time, the busiest part of its cultural and aesthetic landscape. port in the country. A sandbar at the mouth Around 70,000 farms cover about half of the of the Hokitika River proved a dangerous country’s land, and over-farming increases impediment, claiming many ships and lives,

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33 but still the port bustled and was a major point • Meet glassblowers at the Hokitika Glass of entry during the gold rushes of the 1860s and Blowing Studio: Talk to the professional 1870s. Today, it’s home to a coastal community, glassblowers while you browse the unique and author Eleanor Catton recently used the pieces of art, or look on as they create a piece town as the setting for her Man Booker-award made to order for you. winning novel, The Luminaries. • How to get there: A 5- to 10-minute walk. Upon arrival around 4:30pm, we will check in • Hours: 9am-6pm, daily. to our small, family-owned hotel and receive • Cost: Free. room assignments. Our hotel may include • Visit the Hokitika Craft Co-op: Admire the a dining and lounge area. Room amenities painting, carving, sculpture, and other art on include TV, wireless Internet, bathroom, and display as you ask the artists about their work air-conditioning. and inspiration. Prices of art vary.

You will have a little over an hour to settle in • How to get there: A 5- to 10-minute walk. before we set out on an orientation walk around • Hours: 9:30am-5pm, Monday-Friday; the vicinity with our Trip Experience Leader 9am-4pm, Saturday; 9am-3pm, Sunday. around 5:30pm. Following our 30-minute walk, • Cost: Free. we will return back to the hotel. You will have • Get a bird’s-eye view at West Coast Treetop about an hour of free time to relax at the hotel. Walk: View native trees and the myriad of Or, perhaps you’ll choose to discover more bird species along a steel platform elevated in of Hokitika with our Trip Experience Leader the tree tops. during a 30-minute walk to the local beach. • How to get there: A 15- to 20-minute taxi Dinner: On your own. Your Trip Experience ride, about $20 USD one way. Leader will be happy to suggest some local • Hours: 9am-4:15pm, September restaurants. through May; 9am-3:15pm May through September. Evening: Your evening is free to enjoy Hokitika. • Cost: About $22 USD. Perhaps you’ll discover something interesting off the beaten path as you wander the streets Day 20 Discover Hokitika • Controversial on your own. Topic: The use of 1080 poison on the surplus possum population with local Freedom To Explore: During your two days in Hokitika, you have the freedom to explore possum hunters Peter and Carol Gray • this coastal city on your own during your free Meet local artists time. Below are a few recommended options for • Destination: Hokitika independent explorations: • Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner • Accommodations: Stopforths Premium Accommodation or similar

Exclusive O.A.T. Activity: Today we will discuss the Controversial Topic of the use of 1080 poison—a method banned in many countries—to eradicate New Zealand’s possum population. We’ll meet with local possum hunters Peter and Carol Gray who believe the

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34 poison is not only a financial strain on the the local art collective and view the works country but a danger to the environment as in the gallery, ranging from paintings and well. Read more about this topic below. woodcarvings to ceramics and clothing.

Breakfast: Served at the hotel featuring hot and Then around 2pm we’ll walk about 15 minutes cold dishes beginning at 7am. to visit Possum People, a New Zealand furrier business established in 1969. Here we’ll meet Morning: Around 9:30am, we’ll set off for the self-proclaimed “Possum People” Peter Hokitika Gorge, arriving around 10am after a and Carol Gray who will talk to us about 30-minute private motorcoach ride. Depending the Controversial Topic of the government’s on the weather, the water of the gorge may be use of 1080 poison to eradicate New Zealand’s an illuminating turquoise hue surrounded by surplus possum population. lush forests. Long sleeves and pants are highly recommended for this visit as sand flies can We may not think of these shy nocturnal be present, especially the closer you get to the marsupials as a pest, but here in New Zealand, water. Then, we’ll depart around 11:30am for possums are an invasive species. They were our hotel, arriving about 30 minutes later in first brought here from Australia in 1837 with time for lunch. the intension of starting a profitable fur trade. However, with no natural predators in New Lunch: On your own in Hokitika around noon. Zealand, the possum population exploded. You can ask your Trip Experience Leader for Possums eat leaves, bark, and even eggs, so dining recommendations. as their numbers rose unchecked, they began Afternoon: At about 1:30pm, our small to seriously affect the native flora and bird group will set out either on foot or by coach, populations. Today, the possum population is depending on the weather, to discover Hokitika. estimated to be between 50-70 million. The Sights will include Hokitika Theatre, Carnegie government officially declared them a pest and Library Building, and Seddon House. We’ll also decided to take action—attempting to control enjoy a private visit to a local gallery where the surging possum population by using a we’ll have the opportunity to meet with the poison called 1080. owner. He’ll give us a glimpse into his life in This highly controversial poison sounds like New Zealand and we’ll see the world through something out of a thriller. It is odorless, his eyes as he explains some of his photos to us. colorless, and tasteless, and is banned in most He will discuss his decision to leave Germany countries—including the U.S.—due to its about thirteen years ago, and the challenges negative impacts on native mammals. However, he’s faced while starting a business in a 1080 poison is still used in six countries foreign land. including New Zealand, who uses roughly 80% Then around 1:45pm, we’ll walk about 10 of the world’s supply. Organizations such as minutes to visit a local jade shop where we’ll The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to see a jade carving demonstration, and we’ll Animals have expressed their concern over learn about the symbolism of this art to the the use of 1080, arguing that the animals local Maori. Afterwards, we’ll visit the Hokitika die in pain. Plus, despite possums being the Craft Gallery to meet an artist who is part of poison’s main target, 1080 has been known to kill domestic animals like dogs and livestock. And not only is 1080 a cruel poison, but it’s an

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35 expensive one as well. The government spends improvements to the possum fur industry can approximately $10 million (USD) a year for help to solve New Zealand’s possum problem tons of noxious poison to be dropped into the without the use of a dangerous poison. environment. So, while 1080 poison may be During our hour-long conversation, we’ll have an efficient means of eradicating pests, its use around 40 minutes to ask Peter and Carol any comes with significant negative side effects. A questions we may have about the fur industry solution is needed. or the impacts of 1080 poison they have Enter “Possum People” like Peter and Carol. personally witnessed. We’ll bid them goodbye Life-long possum hunters and furriers, the around 3:45pm and walk back to our hotel. The Grays have debated this issue with many remainder of the afternoon is on your own. government agencies, offering alternative We’ll walk about to the hotel around 3:30pm; ideas to control the possum boom. They believe the rest of the afternoon is at your leisure. that continuing and improving the tradition of possum hunting is still the best way to both Dinner: We’ll enjoy a BBQ dinner with Sonja reduce the animal’s population and provide and Phil at their lodge beginning at around employment opportunities in the industry. 6:30pm. Our hosts will serve an authentic lamb The couple has organized meetings between roast dinner. While here, we’ll discuss our local hunters and members of New Zealand’s hosts’ long family history in the region and Parliament to discuss these options. The their daily life. possum fur industry is estimated to bring close to $100 million (USD) per year to New Zealand’s Evening: Your evening is free to enjoy Hokitika. economy. However, it hasn’t helped to Perhaps you’ll relax at the hotel, or enjoy a significantly decrease the number of possums drink with fellow travelers at a local bar. over the last 70 years. Peter and Carol hope that before they retire, they can help find a solution Day 21 Fly to Queenstown that does not involve 1080 poison. • Destination: Queenstown Peter and Carol have worked in the possum fur • Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner industry for over 50 years and bring decades of • Accommodations: Crowne Plaza or similar experience to this issue. Peter began hunting Activity Note: Today, our transfer from possums as a boy in Reefton, around 1955. Back Hokitika to Queenstown will involve a bus ride then, the government paid a bounty for possum of up to five hours, with stops included, over fur—an early effort to try and reduce possum roads that may be bumpy or uneven at times, numbers. When Peter and Carol married in the and about a 1-hour flight. mid-1960s, they moved back to the coast where Peter continued to hunt for profit. As prices Breakfast: Served at the hotel beginning at began to fluctuate, Peter realized he could begin 7:30am featuring hot and cold dishes. manufacturing fur items himself to sell in the Morning: We will check out of our hotel this growing tourist trade. Since then, Peter has morning to begin our journey to Queenstown. traveled across the country, networking with We will depart via motorcoach around 8:30am fellow hunters and wholesale fur customers. for an overland transfer to the Christchurch The Grays have even exported large quantities airport. Our transfer will take up to 5 hours of luxurious possum coats to Germany and with stops included. First, we make the 1- to Italy. It is the couple’s strong belief that

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36 2-hour drive to Arthur’s Pass. We will stop Freedom To Explore: During your three days in here for about 30 minutes to enjoy the massive Queenstown, you have the freedom to explore peaks and take pictures. Then, we will drive to this scenic city on your own during your free a local town in the Canterbury Plains, arriving time. Below are a few recommended options for around noon. independent explorations:

Lunch: On your own. There will be local café • Hit the open road with Queenstown Bike options for you to choose from, ranging Tours: Witness the stunning natural environ- from sandwiches to sweeter options like pies ment of the region from the comfort of a bike and cakes. along trails designed for all levels of fitness. Pedal through alpine forests, wind the shores Afternoon: Around 1pm, we will drive about of pristine rivers, and take in the fresh, crisp 45 minutes to the Christchurch airport. Our air, all while having the freedom to stop and 1-hour flight to Queenstown will take off go as you please. Plan to spend a half day around 3pm. Upon arrival, we’ll transfer touring by bike. to our centrally-located hotel. Depending on where we stay, our hotel may feature an • How to get there: A 20-minute shuttle bus, on-site restaurant, lounge, and fitness center. about $5 USD. Room amenities include wireless Internet, • Hours: September-July; daily hours of TV, air-conditioning, and private bathroom. operation vary. Following check-in around 5:30pm, we will • Cost: About $45 USD. set out on an orientation walk with our Trip • Board the TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak Experience Leader to familiarize ourselves with Station: Cruise across the picturesque lake to the surrounding area. the station to enjoy tea at the homestead and learn about the area’s pioneering women. The city has gained notoriety for being the “adventure capital of the world,” attracting • How to get there: A 5-minute walk. skiers, white-water rafters, and other • Hours: 9am-4pm, every 2 hours. thrill-seekers who are drawn to its rapids and • Cost: About $62 USD for full experience, peaks. Yet it can also be seen as a rejuvenating about $45 USD for cruise only. retreat for those in need of some fresh • Relax and rejuvenate after the day’s adven- mountain air. Following our orientation walk, tures at Onsen Hot Pools: Treat yourself to we will walk to dinner near our hotel. a soak in one of these traditional Japanese- style, cedar-lined tubs and enjoy a soothing Dinner: At a local restaurant around 6pm experience for both the mind and body. Each featuring modern New Zealand specialties. indoor tub offers spectacular views of the Evening: On your own. Perhaps you’ll step out Shotover River and the mountains beyond. into the city for some nighttime exploring. Complimentary snacks and beverages are For star gazers, Queenstown is quite a delight. In fact in wintertime, the southern lights or “aurora australis” can often be seen from here.

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37 provided. You may also wish to indulge in laden in gold mining history and also quaint one of the many treatments offered by the shops. Upon arrival around 1:45pm, our Trip onsite spa. Experience Leader will bring us on a brief • How to get there: A 10-minute compli- walking tour, and then, we will have about 2 mentary shuttle bus from the hotel, please hours to explore the shops or discover local call ahead to reserve history on our own. We will board our bus back • Hours: Daily; 9am to 11pm. to Queenstown a little before 4pm. • Cost: From $87.50 USD for daytime visits Dinner: On your own following our return from and $107.50 USD for evening visits. Arrowtown. Perhaps you’ll try local favorites like the pork belly sausage roll from Fergbaker Day 22 Explore Queenstown • Arrowtown restaurant or the Southland cheese roll—white • Destination: Queenstown bread with a mix of cheeses, French onion soup • Included Meals: Breakfast powder, and evaporated milk rolled and fried • Accommodations: Crowne Plaza or similar in butter.

Breakfast: Served at the hotel beginning at Evening: The remainder of the evening is free 7am, and featuring a selection of hot and for you to explore on your own. Relax and retire cold dishes. to your room, or join fellow travelers at the hotel bar to recap your day’s discoveries. Morning: Around 9am, we will depart on a 1.5-hour walking tour of Queenstown with our Trip Experience Leader to orient ourselves Day 23 Travel to Milford Sound • Cruise with this vibrant city. Our tour concludes Milford Sound at the gondola, where our small group will • Destination: Queenstown take a scenic 10-minute ride to the top. This • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch panoramic vantage point offers sweeping views • Accommodations: Crowne Plaza or similar of Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Walter and Activity Note: Today’s excursion to Milford Cecil Peak and, of course, the city. You will have Sound will involve about eight hours of driving about 2 hours of free time once we reach the roundtrip. top. Maybe you will have a hot chocolate, and take in the views, or go for a stroll on the many Breakfast: Served at the hotel beginning at walking trails. 7am, and featuring a selection of hot and cold dishes. Lunch: On your own near the viewpoint. Perhaps you’ll dine and take in more of the Morning: We rise early this morning for a full view at the Stratosfare Restaurant and Bar day of adventure, leaving the hotel at about featuring Kiwi and international options. Or, 7:30am. Then, we travel by motorcoach to for something lighter, venture to the Market Milford Sound—dubbed the “Eighth Wonder Kitchen Café. of the World” by Rudyard Kipling—situated in the heart of Fiordland National Park. Our Afternoon: Following lunch around 1pm, journey will last approximately eight hours and we will reconvene to depart for a 45-minute will take us through dense forests, past Lake drive via local bus to Arrowtown, an enhanced Te Anau, and through the Homer Tunnel, a feature for 2021. An old gold rush town, three-quarter-mile engineering wonder drilled this charming destination offers streets through pure rock.

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38 Halfway to our destination, we’ll take a even further by taking advantage of the city’s 30-minute break. Then around 1:15pm, our many exciting activities, including zip-lining small group will arrive and board our ship and . for a cruise of Milford Sound. We’ll marvel at Lunch: Set off on your own to try one of towering cliffs and the perfect cone of Mitre Queenstown’s local restaurants. You may ask Peak, and view thundering waterfalls, thick your Trip Experience Leader for their favorite. beech forests, and unique flora and fauna as we Perhaps you’ll stroll along the lakefront cruise along the sound’s famous fjords. in search for a sweet snack at Patagonia Lunch: A picnic lunch of a sandwich, fruit, Chocolates. juice, and snack is included onboard the ship Afternoon: Continue exploring Queenstown around 1:30pm. on your own, or consider joining a half-day Afternoon: We’ll continue cruising until around optional tour for a jet-boat ride on the Dart 3:45pm and return to our hotel, stopping along River. We begin around 12:40pm by traveling the way again for a break. We arrive back at the for an hour overland along the shores of Lake hotel around 7:45pm. Wakatipu to Glenorchy, a frontier town at the base of the Southern Alps. Here, we board a Dinner: Upon arrival, you may enjoy dinner on mini-coach for a 20- to 30-minute journey your own at the hotel or try something new in through forests with huge snow-capped Queenstown. mountain backdrops made internationally Evening: Take the evening to refresh after our famous by movies such as The Lord of the Rings. day’s journey, or head out into the city for some When the road comes to an end, we take a short nighttime exploring. walk through the forest and board our jet-boat. The Dart River wends within a historic valley Day 24 Queenstown • Optional Dart River that has fascinated explorers for centuries, and as we head upstream, we’ll enjoy views in an Jet-boat area so remote that few ever get a chance to • Destination: Queenstown experience it. On the downriver journey, our • Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner driver will demonstrate the maneuverability of • Accommodations: Crowne Plaza or similar the New Zealand-designed jet boat and show you how this unique craft can spin and turn. Breakfast: Served at the hotel from 7am-9am, and featuring a selection of hot and cold dishes. After returning to Glenorchy, we ride back to Queenstown, arriving at the hotel around 6pm. Morning: Let Queenstown truly awaken your sense of adventure when you spend the day Dinner: Around 6:30pm, we will enjoy an making your own discoveries. Perhaps you’ll included dinner at a local restaurant featuring choose to venture up the narrow roads of Kiwi dishes. Skippers Canyon in a four-wheel-drive vehicle to take in incredible views of the Shotover Evening: This evening, you are free to explore River and learn about the importance of this Queenstown’s quaint streets—perhaps meeting landscape to gold miners in the 19th century. some local people along the way. Thrill seekers may want to push themselves

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39 Day 25 Queenstown • Fly to Rotorua Following our behind-the-scenes tour, we will depart for our hotel, stopping en-route • Destination: Rotorua to stroll through the Rotorua Lakefront • Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner and Government Gardens around 3:15pm. • Accommodations: Distinction Rotorua Hotel We will arrive at our hotel around 4:30pm, or similar and, depending on the hotel that we stay at, Breakfast: Served at the hotel beginning amenities may include four restaurants, a bar, at 6am, featuring a selection of hot and a heated outdoor swimming pool, and a private cold dishes. grotto spa. Typically, the hotel’s rooms feature coffee- and tea-making facilities, wireless Morning: Today we check out of our hotel Internet, TV, and a private bath. and drive to the airport around 7am. We will depart the Queenstown airport around 8:30am Dinner: Around 6:30pm at one of the hotel for a connecting flight of up to an hour in restaurants, which serves a selection of Christchurch. Then, our 1- to 2-hour flight traditional New Zealand dishes. from Christchurch to Rotorua will arrive Evening: You’ll have the freedom to explore on around noon. your own this evening—whether wandering Located on New Zealand’s North Island, through the surrounding city, enjoying Rotorua is a center for Maori culture. It’s the atmosphere of the hotel, or retiring believed that New Zealand’s Maori people early to rest. settled on the North Island about a thousand Freedom To Explore: During your two days years ago, and they have held on firmly to their in Rotorua, you have the freedom to explore identity and traditions. Nearly a quarter of a this lakeside city on your own during your free million indigenous Maori still maintain their time. Below are a few recommended options for unique lifestyle and culture, adding to the rich independent explorations: heritage of New Zealand. Upon arrival, we board a motorcoach and head into the city for lunch. • Explore The Buried Village: Founded as a Maori and European settlement in 1848, this Lunch: Your Trip Experience Leader can point village was destroyed by the eruption of the out potential lunch spots for you to enjoy on volcano Mount Tarawera on June 10, 1886. your own around 1pm. More than one hundred people died in the Afternoon: Following lunch, we depart for the eruption, including those from neighboring Nest Egg Kiwi Conservation Project, arriving villages. Today, the village is an archaeolog- around 2pm. While here, we learn from the ical site and museum which houses a sizable staff about how the team breeds and raises baby collection of artifacts excavated over the last kiwis, and witness adult kiwis—the national century. Visitors will also have an opportunity bird—in a specially-created environment. Kiwi to learn about the early settlers here. comes from the Maori language and means • How to get there: A 15- to 20-minute taxi “hidden bird.” One of only a few bird species ride, about $25 USD one way. with no tail feathers, they are now nearly • Hours: 9am-4:30pm, daily. extinct in the wild, which is why the nation has • Cost: About $35 USD. doubled down on conservation efforts, with nest egg teams across New Zealand.

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40 • Cycle across Rotorua on a Happy Ewe Then, at about 10:15am, we’ll drive over to Tour: This bicycle excursion tours 27 loca- Ohinemutu, a Māori village on the shores of tions that posses historical, geological, and Lake Rotorua that is home to members of the cultural significance to Rotorua. Ngāti Whakaue tribe, who have been sharing • How to get there: 10-minute taxi ride. their Maori heritage with visitors for more than • Hours: 8am-4pm, daily. 200 years. A resident of the community will • Cost: $35-$65 USD per person. accompany us on a stroll through the village, where we’ll notice the intricate carvings on • Indulge in the soothing geothermal waters the outside of the Marae, the the community’s of Polynesian Spa: New Zealand’s original meeting house, and gain a better understanding geothermal bathing experience is the perfect of the Maori way of life. We’ll also see that the way to relax and unwind after a day of ad- lakeside setting was chosen for its abundant venturing, offering sweeping views over Lake geothermal energy, with hot water vents used Rotorua while you soak. for cooking, bathing, and heating. Then, our • How to get there: A 5-minute taxi ride, $10 Maori host will join us for lunch at one of the USD one way. local establishments owned and operated by • Hours: Daily; 8am to 11pm. Ngāti Whakaue. • Cost: From around $14 USD for a private pool and from around $50 USD for exclu- Lunch: Around 12pm at a local venue in sive bathing packages. Ohinemutu, where we’ll try out some Maori specialties and have an opportunity to ask our Day 26 Rotorua • Redwoods Treewalk • host questions about Maori traditional culture. Maori village Afternoon: After lunch, 1:30pm we’ll re-board • Destination: Rotorua our private motorcoach for the short ride back • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch to our hotel. The remainder of the afternoon is • Accommodations: Distinction Rotorua Hotel free for your own discoveries. Perhaps you will or similar refresh during a soak in the thermal waters at a nearby spa. Or, if you choose to explore more Breakfast: Served at the hotel starting of this lakeside city, ask your Trip Experience at 7:30am. Leader for their favorite activities. Morning: Around 9:15am, we’ll take a Dinner: On your own—explore downtown 15-minute drive to the Whakarewarewa Forest, Rotorua or dine at one of the hotel’s an area where exotic tree and plant species restaurants. were planted in the early 1900s and includes a stand of 27 majestic Redwood trees. At Evening: Explore on your own this evening Redwood Treewalk, we’ll enjoy stunning views by relaxing in the hotel or perhaps you’d like while we walk along a series of suspension to rent a bike and take a peaceful night ride bridges set high above the forest floor between through the city. the Redwoods. The walkway was specially designed to preserve the gentle giants and the surrounding environment.

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41 Day 27 Explore Waimangu Volcanic Valley your Trip Experience Leader for suggested • Optional Canopy Tour activities. Or, you may join our optional Canopy Tour experience. We will depart the hotel on • Destination: Rotorua a shuttle to this tour. We will venture deep • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner into the ancient New Zealand forest on swing • Accommodations: Distinction Rotorua Hotel bridges and ziplines to learn about flora and or similar fauna from a personal resident guide. This Breakfast: Served at the hotel beginning company has an eco-focus, so we will also at 7am, featuring continental and hot learn about their endeavors in regenerating the breakfast options. forest in the region. We will return to the hotel around 5:30pm. Morning: Rotorua is often called a thermal wonderland because of its volcanic activity. We’ll depart the hotel around 6:15pm and walk The region is replete with bubbling mud pools, to a nearby local restaurant for dinner geothermal geysers, and steam vents—a Dinner: Around 6:30pm at a local restaurant. place where it’s not at all unusual to spot the occasional small vapor stream rising from a Evening: This evening will be free to explore crack in the pavement. Here, on the Volcanic at your own pace. If you fancy dessert, perhaps Plateau, it simply comes with the territory. you’ll savor some ice cream at Lady Jane’s Ice Cream Parlour, a local favorite, or join fellow Around 9am, we’ll drive via coach for about travelers for a drink to recap your adventures 25 minutes to the Waimangu Volcanic Valley, in Rotorua. approximately a 15-mile journey. This relatively young geothermal site was created by nearby Mount Tarawera’s last eruption in 1886. Day 28 Explore Sanctuary Mountain Upon arrival around 9:30am, we take a leisurely Maungatautari • Auckland 1-hour hike alongside a local guide who will • Destination: Auckland provide us with their insider knowledge of the • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch landscape as we descend into the lush valley of • Accommodations: Heritage Auckland green vegetation, pink silica terraces, and blue or similar waters. We’ll discover the Inferno Crater, filled Activity Note: Today’s transfer by coach will with brilliant turquoise water, and Frying Pan take approximately 4.5 hours, with stops along Lake, the world’s largest hot spring. Our small the way. One of today’s activities will include group will also embark on a 45-minute cruise a 1.5 hour, easy-to-moderate walk over trails on Lake Rotomahana around 10:30am, where with loose gravel. our captain explains more about the history of Rotorua and shows us more geothermal sites Breakfast: Served at the hotel beginning that aren’t accessible by land. at 7am, featuring continental and hot breakfast options. Lunch: En route to the hotel, we’ll enjoy a picnic-lunch at the Waimangu Volcanic Café. Morning: We’ll begin our 4.5-hour journey to Auckland around 8:30am. Along the Afternoon: Around 1pm, we’ll depart the way, we’ll stop for about 20 minutes at the valley to continue our drive back to the hotel. Arapuni Suspension Bridge, stretching nearly Upon arrival, you may choose to relax, or set 500-foot-long suspension bridge, and hangs off to do some exploring on your own. Ask

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42 over the Waikato River. Arriving around Freedom To Explore: During your two days in 9:45am, we’ll have the opportunity to walk Auckland, you have the freedom to explore New across the bridge and take in the views of our Zealand’s “City of Sails” on your own during surroundings before we depart for a short drive your free time. Below are a few recommended to Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari, known options for independent explorations: locally as “The Maunga.” This conservation • Cruise to Devonport: Just a 15- to 20-minute project aims to reintroduce endangered ferry ride from Auckland’s Central Business species and rare plants back into a controlled District, you can explore this relaxed seaside habitat that closely resembles a prehistoric village. As home to New Zealand’s Naval Base, environment. Covering more than 8,000 acres this village is steeped in maritime history. of land, this project has helped to grow the For a fisthand look into the historic roots populations of rare tuatara lizards, endangered of the area, explore the Naval Museum and Hamilton’s frogs, long-tailed bats, and North Head’s old bunkers and tunnels. You indigenous dactylanthus plants. Upon arrival can also peruse the many boutique shops, around 10:15am, we’ll set off on a 1.5-hour selling everything from designer jewelry to guided bushwalk to learn more about the efforts Kiwi handicrafts, and glimpse the restored to save these native species of flora and fauna. Victorian villas. After you’re done exploring, After the conclusion of our discoveries at treat your taste buds in one of Devonport’s Maungatautari, we’ll take a short drive to our many restaurants. The village is known for next stop in Cambridge. its café culture and specialty foods, like Devonport’s famous chocolatiers. Lunch: We’ll enjoy lunch around 12:15pm at a local café with a menu of fresh seasonal fare. • How to get there: A 15- to 20-minute ferry ride, about $11 USD one way. Afternoon: We’ll continue on to Auckland for • Hours: 9am-4pm, daily. another three hours, arriving around 4pm. • Cost: Free. We’ll check into our hotel and set off on an • Delve into New Zealand’s history at the orientation walk with our Trip Experience Auckland War Memorial Museum: With daily Leader. Depending on where we stay, our Maori cultural performances and interna- hotel may feature an on-site restaurant and tionally significant Maori and South Pacific swimming pool. Your room may also include collections to explore, the Auckland War a telephone, wireless Internet access, and Memorial Museum is a must-see destination private bath. to experience the country’s rich culture. Dinner: Seek out a local favorite restaurant Housed in an historical building within a to enjoy on your own or sit down at the hotel tranquil park with beautiful views of the restaurant to eat. harbor, the museum is a place to discover and learn about New Zealand’s stories, its place Evening: The evening is free for you to get in the South Pacific, and its people. Whether acquainted with Auckland, the final city on our adventure “Down Under.” Perhaps you’ll set out to enjoy the city by night or make use of your hotel’s amenities.

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43 you spend an hour or a whole day, you will Lunch: Around 12:15pm, we’ll enjoy lunch gain a deep understanding of New Zealand’s on our own. Try any one of the waterfront fascinating culture and heritage. restaurants, or ask your Trip Experience Leader • How to get there: 10-minute taxi ride from for a recommendation. You may also venture to hotel, or Hop On, Hop Off bus (fee varies another part of the city to try a local specialty. subject to number of stops). Afternoon: The afternoon is yours to make • Hours: 10am-5pm, daily. your own discoveries. Perhaps you’ll visit the • Cost: $15 USD per person. War Memorial Museum, which houses the • Discover the exhibits at the Auckland City Art largest collection of Polynesian artifacts in Gallery: Admire historical and modern New the world, and a volcano exhibit that explores Zealand art, including pieces focused on con- these wondrous landscapes that have existed troversial and ground-breaking themes. This for more than 250,000 years. Additionally, gallery boasts the most extensive collection of Auckland also has many beautiful parks, trendy national and international art in the country restaurants, and a revitalized waterfront area and frequently hosts rotating international that contains the America’s Cup Village for exhibitions. Notable New Zealand artists visitors to enjoy. represented here include Gretchen Albrecht, Around 6pm, we’ll regroup at the hotel to walk Marti Friedlander, C.F. Goldie, Alfred Henry to dinner. O’Keeffe, Frances Hodgkins, Gottfried Lindauer, and Colin McCahon. Dinner: We’ll reminisce about our New Zealand • How to get there: A 15- to 20-minute walk. and Australia travel discoveries during a • Hours: 10am-5pm, daily. Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant tonight • Cost: About $13 USD. around 6:30pm featuring a selection of New Zealand’s dishes. Day 29 Auckland Evening: You’ll have the freedom to make some • Destination: Auckland final discoveries in Auckland tonight. Perhaps • Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner you’ll head back down to the waterfront to sip • Accommodations: Heritage Auckland a cocktail in a bar, wander through the gardens or similar by moonlight, or relax at the hotel with your fellow travelers before tomorrow’s travel. Breakfast: Served at the hotel featuring hot and cold dishes beginning at 6:30am. Day 30 Depart for U.S. • Begin optional Morning: At about 9am, we’ll set off for post-trip extension a 3-hour tour of the city via motorcoach. During this tour, we’ll learn about the • Destination: U.S. early settlements of New Zealand, and the • Included Meals: Breakfast history and controversial issues confronting Breakfast: Served at the hotel featuring hot and modern-day Maori. We’ll see sights like cold dishes between 6:30am-9am. the Auckland Harbour Bridge, the Wynyard Quarter, Bastion Point, the Grafton Bridge, and Morning: We check out of the hotel around the Auckland Domain. Our tour will conclude 11am, and then transfer to the airport by coach around 11:30am at the Auckland Waterfront, a for your flight home. If you are taking either popular area with bars and restaurants. our New Zealand’s Bay of Islands or New! Fiji’s

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44 Tropical Splendor & Captivating Culture post-trip extension, you’ll instead continue to your next destination.

END YOUR ADVENTURE WITH AN OPTIONAL POST-TRIP EXTENSION 4 nights in New Zealand’s Bay of Islands

Day 1 Arrive in Paihia Day 4 Bay of Islands to Auckland Day 2 Catamaran Cruise to Bay of Islands Day 5 Return to U.S. Day 3 Tour Waitangi Treaty House

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45 OPTIONAL TOURS

During your trip you will be able to book optional tours directly with your Trip Experience Leader. He or she will ask you to confirm the payment for these tours by filling out a payment form. Optional tours can only be purchased with a credit or debit card. We accept Visa, MasterCard, and Discover credit cards. We also accept Visa and MasterCard debit cards, but it must be a debit card that allows you to sign for purchases.

In order to correctly process these charges, there can be a delay of 2-3 months from the date of your return for the charges to be posted to your account. Therefore we ask that you use a card that will not expire in the 2-3 months following your return.

Please note: Optional tour prices are listed in U.S. dollar estimates determined at the time of publication and are subject to change. Optional tours may vary.

Dandenong Ranges motorcoach back down to either Olinda or (Days 3, 5 $140 per person) Sassafras, where we will enjoy lunch before exploring the small village. A natural oasis located just an hour outside of Melbourne, the Dandenong Ranges offer visitors a tranquil escape from the bustling Atherton Tablelands Hot Air Balloon Ride city with its fern gullies, mountain ash forests, (Day 11 $170 per person) quaint artists’ villages, and unique gardens. While there, we’ll delve into the sprawling On this morning tour, you’ll set out to discover park’s delights—beginning with an exploration the Atherton Tablelands by hot air balloon. of the magical William Ricketts Sculpture We’ll begin our day early with a departure Sanctuary. Along with a local guide, we’ll from the hotel to our balloon launch site. The wander through fern-blanketed glades and Atherton Tablelands are a sub-tropical haven lush woodlands, discovering the sculptures of spread over an area larger than the state artist William Ricketts—92 in all—which blend of Tasmania, making the low, rolling hills seamlessly into their natural surroundings, favorable for sweeping views of the area. Upon some even covered in moss. Born in 1898, arrival, we may have the opportunity to watch Ricketts found his inspiration in the natural a professional team inflate the hot air balloon world around him as well as the Aboriginal right in front of us. As we ascend into the air people whom he spent time with during his with our expert pilot, we’ll take in vast views of travels in Central Australia. He believed all the landscape at dawn. With a minimum of 30 people should be stewards of the Earth—a role minutes flying time, we’ll float high above the he felt the native people exhibited perfectly. tablelands, and watch as the sun slowly edges over the flat horizon. Next, we’ll ascend 2,077 feet above sea level to Dandenong’s Sky High Lookout for a sweeping view of the region below. Then, depending on your departure, we’ll take our private

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

46 Koala Gardens this is a thrilling way to view some of the country’s finest alpine scenery. After returning (Day 13 $120 per person) to Glenorchy we ride back to Queenstown. On this half-day tour, you’ll set out to discover one of Australia’s best-known indigenous creatures: the koala. We’ll begin our day at Canopy Tour 8:30am when we set out on a drive to the (Day 27 $95 per person) Kuranda Koala Gardens, arriving at around We will depart the hotel on a shuttle around 9:45am. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to 2pm for this half-day optional Canopy Tour cuddle a koala and even have your photo taken experience. Venturing deep into the ancient with your new furry friend. Keep an eye out for New Zealand forest, we’ll walk on swing the Gardens’ other residents, such as wombats bridges and cruise on ziplines. Also, we’ll learn and quokkas, during your visit. After lunch at about flora and fauna from a personal resident a local restaurant around 11:45am, we’ll drive guide. This company has a huge eco-focus, 15 minutes to Barron Falls, a scenic waterfall so we will also discover their endeavors in cascade that flows into the Barron Gorge. You’ll regenerating the forest in the region. We will have about 30 minutes to explore the falls return to the hotel around 5:30pm. and feel its spray. We’ll return to our hotel by mid-afternoon.

Dart River Jet-boat Safari (Day 24 $145 per person)

On this half-day optional excursion, we’ll explore the Dart River on jet-boats in Mount Aspiring National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We travel overland along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Glenorchy, a frontier town at the base of the Southern Alps. Here we board a mini-coach for a journey through forests with snowcapped mountain backdrops featured in The Lord of the Rings. When the road comes to an end, we take a short walk through the forest to board our jet-boat and ride upstream on the Dart River, enjoying an area so remote that few ever get a chance to experience it. On the return trip to Glenorchy, our driver will put our jet-boat through its paces, showing how it can make high-speed precision turns and 360-degree spins. Jet-boats were invented in New Zealand for shallow, braided rivers like the Dart, and

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

47 PRE-TRIP Undiscovered Tasmania: Hobart, Cradle Mountain & Launceston

INCLUDED IN YOUR PRICE

» Airfare from Launceston to Melbourne » 5 small group activities » Accommodations for 3 nights in Hobart at » Services of a local O.A.T. Trip Mantra Collins Hotel or similar, 1 night in Experience Leader Cradle Mountain at Cradle Mountain Hotel » Gratuities for local guides, drivers, and or similar, and 2 nights in Launceston at luggage porters Best Western Plus Launceston or similar » All transfers » 10 meals—6 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 3 dinners

PRE-TRIP EXTENSION ITINERARY

One hundred and fifty miles off the southeastern coast of mainland Australia sits Tasmania—a land of pristine natural beauty with a history that is equally well-preserved. From charming Hobart to Cradle Mountain National Park, Australia’s only island state abounds with stunning scenery and vibrant culture.

Day 1 Depart U.S. Day 3 Arrive in Hobart, Tasmania, via Sydney or Melbourne, Australia Depart the U.S. today on an overnight flight to Tasmania. • Destination: Hobart, Tasmania • Included Meals: Dinner Day 2 Cross International Date Line • Accommodations: Mantra Collins Hotel or similar Continue on your journey to Tasmania. You lose Activity Note: Upon arrival on the Australian a day as you cross the International Date Line mainland—either Sydney or Melbourne, and gain it back upon your return home. depending on your departure date—you will need to transfer to the domestic terminal to catch your connecting flight of approximately 1.5 hours to Hobart, Tasmania. There, you will be greeted by your Trip Experience Leader. Travelers who have purchased their own airfare will meet the group once they arrive in Hobart.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

48 Afternoon: We’ll arrive in Hobart from the here offer haunting insights into the plight of Australian mainland by mid-afternoon. Then, thousands of women and their children early we’ll check in to our hotel and receive our room in the 19th century. assignments. Depending on where we stay, • How to get there: About a 5- to 10-minute our hotel should be conveniently located in the taxi ride. city center and offer easy access to local shops • Hours: 9:30am-4pm, daily. and restaurants. Typical room amenities will • Cost: About $8 USD. include minifridge, flatscreen TV, wireless • Check out the exhibits at the Tasmanian Internet, and coffee- and tea-making facilities. Museum & Art Gallery: Gain insights into We’ll gather for a Welcome Briefing around Tasmania’s rich history at this small museum 4:30pm, during which we will introduce featuring Tasmanian colonial art, relics from ourselves and review our itinerary in more “the First Peoples,” and wildlife displays. detail (including any changes that may need to occur). Our Trip Experience Leader will • How to get there: About a 15- to 20-min- also discuss logistics, safety and emergency ute walk, or a 5- to 10-minute taxi ride, procedures, and answer any questions we about $12 USD one way. may have. Around 5:45pm, we’ll depart the • Hours: 10am-4pm, daily. hotel and walk to a local restaurant for our • Cost: Free. Welcome Dinner. • Explore an oyster, abalone, and ginger beer farm: Learn about the oyster farming Dinner: At about 6:15pm, we’ll get to know process—from collecting oysters to shucking each other better during a Welcome Dinner at a them, and serving them. You may sample local restaurant. some of these oysters served with ginger beer. Evening: You’re free to explore Hobart by • How to get there: About a 20- to 25-min- night, enjoy a cocktail with fellow travelers at ute taxi ride. the hotel bar, or retire early to rest up before • Hours: 9:30am-4pm, daily. tomorrow’s discoveries. • Cost: About $28 USD. Freedom To Explore: During your three days in Hobart, you have the freedom to explore the Day 4 Explore Hobart • Visit Bonorong seaside Tasmanian capital on your own during Wildlife Sanctuary and Richmond your free time. Below are a few recommended • Destination: Hobart options for independent explorations: • Included Meals: Breakfast • Accommodations: Mantra Collins Hotel • Visit the Cascades Female Factory: Learn or similar about the largely untold story of female convicts who were taken to this prison work- Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel house to be punished beginning in 1828. Now beginning at 6:30am and featuring hot and cold a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the exhibits selections.

Morning: At around 8am, we’ll meet in the hotel lobby and set off on a walking tour of historic Hobart that will last approximately one hour. With the help of a local guide, we’ll learn about Hobart’s rich history as we tour the city

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49 center, Salamanca Place, and its surrounding Dinner: On your own—your Trip Experience areas. This rather small city is the capital of Leader can provide you with restaurant the Australian State of Tasmania, the largest recommendations. You may ask them where offshore island in the country. It is a seaport you can find a traditional Tasmanian scallop where you are never far from the water, while pie, which is similar to a meat pie with scallops on its landward side Mount Wellington rises featured as the main ingredient. more than 4,100 feet above the ocean’s edge. Evening: This evening is also free to explore Hobart has a fascinating blend of the “First Hobart on your own or retire early to rest up Peoples,” colonial, and maritime history that before tomorrow’s discoveries. includes a wealth of Georgian architecture dating from its colonial period in the 1830s. Day 5 Explore Hobart • Optional Port After our walking tour ends at about Arthur tour 9:30am, we’ll take about a half-hour drive • Destination: Hobart out to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. This is Tasmania’s most popular wildlife park and a • Included Meals: Breakfast haven for injured and orphaned animals. Here, • Accommodations: Mantra Collins Hotel we may see species that are extinct everywhere or similar but Tasmania, such as the eastern quoll, the Activity Note: For travelers taking our optional Tasmanian pademelon, the shy Tasmanian tour to Port Arthur, there will be a drive of bettong, and the famous Tasmanian devil. approximately two hours each way. Then, at around 11:30am, we’ll depart Bonorong on about a 30-minute drive to the historic town Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel from of Richmond. 6:30am-9:30am with a variety of hot and cold selections. Lunch: We’ll arrive in Richmond around noon, and you’ll have lunch on your own. Morning: The day is yours to continue Your Trip Experience Leader can offer some exploring Hobart on your own. Perhaps you’ll recommendations. We’ll spend about 1.5 hours visit the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens. at this picturesque locale that was once a Or, maybe you’ll join us for an optional tour of military post and convict station (it’s also home Port Arthur, one of Australia’s most historic to Australia’s oldest gaol, or jail), taking in the sites. A visit to Port Arthur is a must for anyone wealth of its 19th-century buildings. seeking a greater understanding of the history of Australia, as it played a significant role in Afternoon: We depart Richmond to head back the building of this island nation. Port Arthur to Hobart around 1:30pm. Upon arrival to served as a prison colony for Australia between our hotel around 2pm, your afternoon is free 1830 and 1877 when some 12,000 convicts for independent exploration in Hobart. You were confined here; in fact, a whole network may wish to relax at the hotel, visit some of of prisons once dominated the island. This was the nearby shops, head to the waterfront, or Australia’s largest and most notorious prison perhaps stroll through the lush landscapes colony. This full-day optional tour will depart and exotic plants of the Royal Tasmanian the hotel at about 8:45am (except on Saturdays, Botanical Gardens. when the tour will begin at about 10am). Upon arrival in Port Arthur, we’ll start by exploring

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50 the , where an interactive gallery Day 6 Hobart • Transfer to Cradle will help explain much of the history of the Mountain • Evening “Spotlighting” Tour penal colony. • Destination: Cradle Mountain Lunch: On your own—whether you join our • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Port Arthur optional tour, or choose to explore • Accommodations: Cradle Mountain Hotel Hobart on your own, your Trip Experience or similar Leader will be happy to suggest some Activity Note: Our overland transfer today lunch options. will take about 6.5 hours, with a stop for lunch Afternoon: If you are not taking the optional on the way. tour, you have the afternoon free for your Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel own discoveries. Maybe you’ll visit the oldest beginning at 6:30am. operating brewery in Australia, Cascade Brewery, or discover the penal history of Morning: At 8am, we’ll depart our Hobart hotel women at the Cascades Female Factory Historic and board our motorcoach for an overland Site. For those taking our optional tour, we’ll transfer to Cradle Mountain. To break up our take a guided walking tour that will bring us journey, we’ll stop to visit Ross, arriving at to some of the restored buildings and ruins this picturesque town at around 10am. Awash that were part of the prison system. We’ll with colonial charm, Ross is noted for a also have some free time to stroll around the 19th-century bridge that was built to ford the well-maintained grounds before returning Macquarie River. At the center of town, there to our hotel at approximately 5pm (except is a famous crossroads known as the Four on Saturdays, when we return to the hotel at Corners of Ross, where one’s soul can be led in about 6pm). four directions: temptation (the Ross Hotel), salvation (the Catholic Church), recreation (the Dinner: You’re free to enjoy dinner on your own town hall) or damnation (the old jail). With our for our last night in Hobart. You may choose soul’s hopefully intact, we’ll depart Ross at to dine at the hotel’s restaurant. Or, you might about 10:45am and continue our journey with choose to head out in search of a popular dish a lunch stop at Deloraine, a scenic Tasmanian amongst locals, such as oysters. town along the Meander River. Evening: You are free to explore Hobart on Lunch: Along the way to Cradle Mountain, we’ll your own this evening or retire early to rest stop for an included lunch at a local restaurant up before tomorrow’s overland journey to in Deloraine around noon. Cradle Mountain. Afternoon: Following lunch, we will board our motorcoach and continue our journey to Cradle Mountain. At around 2:45pm, we’ll arrive at our lodgings, which (depending on where we stay) are nestled on the edge of Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park with typical room amenities featuring a small fridge, fireplace, coffee- and tea-making

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

51 facilities, and private bath. We will have a few you close to the sights and sounds of the park. hours to settle in to our rooms and explore the Arriving around 9am, we will have about three surrounding area. hours to explore all the park has to offer.

Dinner: At our hotel’s restaurant We’ll board our motorcoach and leave the park beginning at 6pm, featuring a selection of grounds at around noon to continue our journey regionally-inspired options. to Launceston (about a 4-hour trip), with a stop in Sheffield along the way. Located near Mount Evening: At about 7:15pm we’ll set off on an Roland, Sheffield is known as the “Town of hour-long “spotlighting” tour where we’ll Murals” for the spectacular paintings that the enjoy a nature drive, spotting nocturnal town’s history and landscape inspire. animals like wombats and wallabies in the wild, returning to our hotel around 8:15pm. Lunch: We’ll stop in Sheffield at about 1:15pm for lunch on your own. Your Trip Experience Day 7 Explore Cradle Mountain National Leader can offer dining suggestions. Park • Overland to Launceston Afternoon: At around 4pm, we’ll arrive at our • Destination: Launceston hotel in Launceston, which may be located • Included Meals: Breakfast near the city center. Typical hotel amenities • Accommodations: Best Western Plus include a restaurant and bar, with rooms that Launceston or similar feature TV, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and private bath with hair dryer. You’ll have Activity Note: Our morning in Cradle Mountain the remainder of the afternoon to explore on National Park features hiking along nature your own. trails for up to an hour or more (weather dependent) and may involve walking up and Dinner: On your own for your first night in down hills. Travelers who do not wish to Launceston. participate may remain on the coach. Evening: You’re free to explore Launceston Breakfast: Served at our hotel’s restaurant at your own pace, perhaps to visit some of the beginning at 6:30am with a variety of hot and local shops, relax in your room, or enjoy a drink cold buffet selections. at the hotel’s lounge with some fellow travelers.

Morning: After checking out of our rooms, Freedom To Explore: During your two days in we’ll depart our hotel at about 8:30am. Then, Launceston, you have the freedom to explore we’ll enjoy the morning exploring Cradle the vibrant Tasmanian city on your own during Mountain National Park, part of Tasmania’s your free time. Below is a recommended options World Heritage area. Cradle Mountain is for independent explorations: Tasmania’s best-known national park, and • Explore the National Trust Old Umbrella you will quickly see why. This is an area of Shop: Get a taste of Tasmania’s retail heri- lush natural vistas—high mountains towering tage at this charming Launceston shop from over gorges and lakes, and with unusual wild moorlands that stretch for miles beyond the park. There are several excellent walking and hiking trails to choose from that will bring

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

52 the early 1900s that features rare umbrellas along the banks of the South Esk River. We’ll on display and a variety of Tasmanian-made cross the gorge over the Alexandra Suspension products for sale. Bridge and enjoy sweeping views.

• How to get there: A 5- to 10-minute walk. Then, at about 10am, we’ll head back to town • Hours: 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday; 9am- and meander through the city itself, where 12pm, Saturdays; closed Sundays. 19th-century houses and Victorian-era • Cost: Free. warehouses still stand. We pass by Princes • Explore more of the Cataract Gorge Reserve: Square and City Park, where an excellent In addition to discovering this spot on Day collection of exotic trees, gardens, and 8 of this optional extension, you can spend fountains enliven the landscape. We’ll also more time here by following the reserve’s visit the Platypus House wildlife center around trails and riding on the longest single-span 11am, a 30-minute drive outside of Launceston, chairlift in the world. for a guided tour of its platypus ponds—where • How to get there: A 15- to 20-minute taxi we’ll witness its duck-billed occupants playing ride, about $15 USD one way. and feeding—and we’ll stop by the echidna (or • Hours: 9am-5pm, daily. spiny anteater) room. • Cost: Free. Lunch: On your own in Launceston starting • Visit James Boag Brewery: Take a guided tour shortly after noon. Your Trip Experience Leader of this historically-rich brewery, sampling a will be happy to offer suggestions about nearby variety of beers along the way. If you would dining options. like to take a tour, you need to reserve a space Afternoon: The remainder of your day is free in advance. for independent discoveries in Launceston and • How to get there: A 10- to 15-minute walk. your Trip Experience Leader can offer a variety • Hours: Three tours are available every day of activities for you to enjoy such as heading starting at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm. off to the beautiful City Park, visiting the • Cost: About $24 USD. Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, and many others. Day 8 Explore Launceston • Visit Cataract Gorge Dinner: At a local restaurant in Launceston beginning at 6:30pm. • Destination: Launceston • Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Evening: Tonight you are also free to explore • Accommodations: Best Western Plus the charms of one of Australia’s oldest and Launceston or similar most charming cities at your own pace, or to relax in your room to prepare for Breakfast: Served at our hotel’s restaurant tomorrow’s flight. beginning at 7am with a variety of hot and cold buffet selections.

Morning: At 8:30am, we’ll depart our hotel to enjoy a half-day tour of Launceston and its scenic surroundings. First, we’ll take a 15-minute drive out to Cataract Gorge, a wild, rocky spot where high vertical cliffs stretch

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

53 Day 9 Fly to Melbourne • Begin main trip Morning: Shortly after 9am, we’ll transfer by bus to the airport for a 1- to 2-hour flight • Destination: Melbourne to Melbourne to begin our New Zealand and • Included Meals: Breakfast Australia travel experience. In Melbourne, Breakfast: Served at our hotel’s restaurant we begin a new series of explorations and beginning at 7am, with various hot and cold discoveries, arriving on Day 3 of A South Pacific buffet selections. Odyssey: Australia, the Outback & New Zealand.

OPTIONAL TOUR

Port Arthur (Day 5 $140 per person) Spend the day exploring one of Australia’s most historic sites. Port Arthur served as a prison colony for Australia between 1830 and 1877 when some 12,000 convicts were confined here; in fact, a whole network of prisons once dominated the island. Our tour starts at the Visitor Center, where an interactive gallery will help explain much of the history of this former penal colony. Then a guided walking tour will bring us to some of the restored buildings and ruins that were used as part of the prison system. Afterward, we’ll enjoy a walk around the charming and well-maintained grounds, which offer great views of Pirates Bay and Eaglehawk Neck.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

54 POST-TRIP New Zealand’s Bay of Islands

INCLUDED IN YOUR PRICE

» Airfare from Wellington to Auckland » 3 small group activities » Accommodations for 3 nights in Paihia at » Services of a local O.A.T. Trip the Copthorne Hotel and Resort or similar Experience Leader and 1 night in Auckland at Naumi Hotel » Gratuities for local guides, drivers, and Auckland Airport or similar luggage porters » 6 meals—4 breakfasts and 2 dinners » All transfers

POST-TRIP EXTENSION ITINERARY

Discover New Zealand’s exotic Bay of Islands—a historical crossroads of European and Maori cultures and a unique subtropical ecosystem. In this archipelago of nearly 150 islands, revel in the pristine natural environment and stunning coastal scenery as we cruise along crystal-clear turquoise waters, keeping watch for whales, dolphins, marlins, and penguins.

Day 1 Arrive in Paihia and oldest trees. We will continue our bus tour and will arrive in Whangarei after about • Destination: Paihia 1.5 hours. • Included Meals: Dinner • Accommodations: Copthorne Hotel & Resort Lunch: Around noon, your Trip Experience Bay of Islands or similar Leader can recommend some interesting local restaurants for lunch on your own. Activity Note: Today, our transfer from Auckland to Paihia will involve about a 4.5-hour Afternoon: At about 1pm, we will depart for bus ride, including stops along the way. Paihia with some more quick stops along the way, such as the Hundertwasser Toilets, a Morning: After bidding farewell to the rest of public toilet and international work of art. We our group, we’ll board our bus at around 9am will arrive at our destination at around 1:30pm. to begin our journey to Paihia, in the Bay of Our Trip Experience Leader will then lead a Islands. After around 30 minutes, we will make short orientation walk to introduce us to this a quick stop in Orewa where we can take a stroll quaint coastal town. along the beach. After about a 30-minute drive, we will arrive at Parry Kauri Park where we We will check in and receive our room will walk on boardwalks under the shade of the assignments around 2pm. We stay for three mighty kauri tree, one of the world’s largest nights in a centrally-located hotel. Depending on which hotel you stay at, your amenities may include outdoor dining, a swimming

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55 pool, and an herb garden. Typical rooms • Sail the Bay of Islands with R. Tucker include air-conditioning, satellite TV, wireless Thompson Tall Ship Sailing: Built in the Internet, a safe, coffee- and tea-making tradition of a 100-year-old Northland facilities, and a private bath. schooner, travelers can get the full sailor experience on this ship. They can hoist the Dinner: At around 6pm, we gather for a sails, relax on board, or take a swim while the Welcome Dinner, where you’ll learn how ship is anchored in the bay. to cook your own dinner on a “hot rock” and—weather permitting—enjoy your meal at • How to get there: A 15- to 20-minute ferry the pool. ride, free of charge. • Hours: 10:00am-3:00pm, daily. Evening: The evening is free for you to explore. • Cost: About $100 USD. From our hotel you can take a short stroll to the beach and a brief walk will take you right into Day 2 Catamaran Cruise to Bay of Islands the town center of Paihia. • Destination: Paihia Freedom To Explore: During your three days • Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner in the Bay of Islands, you have the freedom to • Accommodations: Copthorne Hotel & Resort explore this beautiful area on your own during Bay of Islands or similar your free time. Below are a few recommended Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel from options for independent explorations: 7:30am-9:30am. Visit the Pompallier Mission: Explore New • Morning: You’re free to explore the Bay of Zealand’s oldest industrial building, a print Islands on your own this morning. shop built in 1842, which used to serve as a printing and bookbinding place for church Lunch: On your own. Consider asking your Trip texts being translated from Latin into the Experience Leader for lunch recommendations. Maori language. Afternoon: At around 1:30pm, we will leave • How to get there: A 15- to 20-minute ferry Paihia and explore the beauty of the Bay ride, about $8 USD one way. of Islands aboard a catamaran. Weather • Hours: 10am-4pm, daily. permitting, we make a passage through the • Cost: About $7 USD. naturally sculpted Hole in the Rock. We may • Get a stunning view on the Haruru Falls spot local marine wildlife including dolphins, Walk: Take a walk from Paihia along the which inhabit these waters year-round, as well Waitangi River, through native bush and end as seals, penguins, and even whales. up with an impressive view of the waterfall. In At approximately 5pm, our cruise will end at Maori, Haruru translates to “roar, continuous the peninsula town of Russell, New Zealand’s noise” since the waterfall can get fierce first capital. Russell, a community with early during the heavy rains. ties to , boasts many historic buildings • How to get there: A 2-hour walk, or a such as the Christ Church, which is the oldest 20- to 30-minute taxi ride, about $10 USD church in New Zealand. one way. • Hours: 6:30am-6:30pm, daily. Dinner: At about 5pm, we’ll have dinner at a • Cost: Free. local restaurant before returning to the ferry.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

56 Evening: Around 8pm, we’ll take the ferry back Evening: You’re free to unwind after the day’s to Paihia. activities, or relax with your fellow travelers in the common areas. Day 3 Tour Waitangi Treaty House • Destination: Paihia Day 4 Bay of Islands to Auckland • Included Meals: Breakfast • Destination: Auckland • Accommodations: Copthorne Hotel & Resort • Included Meals: Breakfast Bay of Islands or similar • Accommodations: Naumi Hotel Auckland Airport or similar Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel, beginning at 7:30am. Activity Note: Our bus transfer today will take about 5 hours, with a stop for lunch on the way. Morning: At around 8:45am, we will take a short ride to the grounds of the Waitangi Treaty Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel House where we will tour this historic site at beginning at 7:30am, offering a continental around 9:30am. The house was originally built breakfast. as a simple four-room cottage in 1834 but has Morning: We depart our hotel around 9am and been restored and altered several times since head back to Auckland today. then. It was here that representatives of the British Crown and many leading Maori chiefs Lunch: Lunch is on your own, and your Trip of the North and South islands signed the Experience Leader will be happy to provide Treaty of Waitangi in 1840. The Treaty is seen some recommendations. as the founding document that transformed the homeland the Maori called Aotearoa into Afternoon: We’ll arrive back in Auckland at the nation of New Zealand. The Treaty Grounds approximately 4pm. include period homes and a war canoe so large Dinner/Evening: You are free to make your own it is capable of carrying more than 80 warriors. discoveries in Auckland, spend time with your Lunch: We will return back to the hotel at fellow travelers at the hotel, or retire to your around 12pm where you can have lunch on room to relax before tomorrow’s departure. your own. You are free to set off to find a spot yourself or ask your Trip Experience Leader for Day 5 Return to U.S. recommendations. • Destination: U.S. Afternoon: You have the afternoon free to • Included Meals: Breakfast continue exploring this delightful seaside area. Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel, You can choose to visit a museum, browse a starting at 5am. bookstore, or just savor the quiet nature of a local walk. Outdoor activities include , Morning: Board a shuttle bus with your luggage snorkeling, golf, and swimming in the surf on and take a drive to Auckland airport for your one of the spectacular beaches. You can also return flight home. follow one of the many enticing walking trails that lead you to views that will encourage you to linger.

Dinner: On your own.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

57 A South Pacific Odyssey: OUR SMALL GROUP ADVENTURE COVID-19 VACCINATION POLICY To ensure the safety of all of our travelers, we are requiring that all travelers Australia, the Outback & joining us on one of our Small Group Adventures must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at least 14 days prior to departure of their adventure— New Zealand and provide proof of their vaccination on-site. For more details, please visit www.oattravel.com/covid-update. 2022 Dates & Prices

JAN 4-10; FEBRUARY- M A Y ; OCTOBER- DEPART FROM MARCH JAN 12-30 APRIL SEP 1-17 SEP 19-29 DECEMBER NOVEMBER

Los Angeles $ 10,390 $10,190 $9990 $9490 $9790 $10,690 $10,890

Phoenix, San Diego, San Francisco $ 10,690 $ 10,490 $ 10,290 $ 9790 $ 10,090 $ 10,990 $ 11,190

Chicago, , , Houston, $ 10,790 $ 10,590 $ 10,390 $ 9890 $ 10,190 $ 11,090 $ 11,290 Portland, , Baltimore, Boston, Detroit, Miami, Minneapolis, New York, $ 10,890 $ 10,690 $ 10,490 $ 9990 $ 10,290 $ 11,190 $ 11,390 Newark, Orlando, , Tampa, Washington, DC

Additional departure cities are available. Upgrade to Business Class may be available for the international portion of your flight. Call for details.

JAN 12-30; F E B R U A R Y - O C T O B E R ; JAN 4-10 DEC 12-20 MARCH APRIL MAY SEP 1-17 SEP 19-29 DEC 4, 8 NOVEMBER Without international airfare $ 8390 $ 8690 $ 8890 $ 8490 $ 7990 $ 7890 $ 8090 $ 8990 $ 9390

AZO2022

NEW! STOPOVERS All O.A.T. Stopovers include 3 nights in a centrally- RISK-FREE BOOKING POLICY: RESERVE WITH CONFIDENCE— located hotel, daily breakfasts, and roundtrip NOW THROUGH 12/31/21 private airport transfers. We will waive any change fees if you transfer to another departure date for any Bangkok: $945 per person reason—up until 24 hours prior to departure. See details at www.oattravel.com/ riskfree-booking. Hong Kong: $1095 per person Seoul: $1145 per person Prices are per person. Airfare prices include government taxes, fees, and airline fuel Other O.A.T. Stopovers are available. If a city you surcharges. All prices and availability are effective as of the date of this publication, and are interested in is not offered, we can arrange are subject to change without notice. Standard Terms & Conditions apply, please visit our your airfare for that, too. website: www.oattravel.com/tc. Every effort has been made to produce this information Call your Regional Adventure Counselor for full accurately. We reserve the right to correct errors. details at 1-800-955-1925.

For specific departure dates, current availability, and detailed pricing, visit www.oattravel.com/azo2022 pricing

SAVE UP TO 10% WITH FREE SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS SHARE YOUR LOVE OF TRAVEL OUR GOOD BUY PLAN We offer FREE Single Supplements on all New travelers you refer will instantly save The earlier you reserve your departure of our adventures and pre- and post-trip $100, and you’ll earn increasing rewards— and pay in full, the more you’ll save—up extensions. up to a FREE trip! to 10%—plus, you’ll lock in your price. Each departure has limited solo space For details, visit www.oattravel.com/va For details, visit www.oattravel.com/gbd available—call today to reserve.

Publication Date 6/23/21

Information & Reservations 1-800-955-1925 www.oattravel.com/azo2022

58 TRAVEL DOCUMENTS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Your • Must be in good condition

• Must be valid for at least 6 months after your scheduled return to the U.S.

• Must have the required number of blank pages (details below)

• The blank pages must be labeled “Visas” at the top. Pages labeled “Amendments and Endorsements” are not acceptable

Need to Renew Your Passport? Contact the National Passport Information Center (NPIC) at 1-877-487-2778, or visit their website at www.travel.state.gov for information on obtaining a new passport or renewing your existing passport. You may also contact our recommended visa service company, PVS International, at 1-800-556-9990 for help with your passport

Recommended Blank Pages Please confirm that your passport has enough blank pages for this .

• Main trip only: You will need 3 blank passport pages

• Pre-trip extension to Tasmania: No additional pages needed.

• Pre-trip extension to Adelaide: No additional pages needed.

• Post-trip extension to Bay of Islands: No additional pages needed.

• Post-trip extension to Fiji: You will need an additional blank passport page.

• Stopover in Bangkok: You will need to add 2 additional pages to the applicable total listed above.

• Stopover in Denpasar, Hong Kong, or Seoul: You will need to add an additional page to the applicable total listed above.

Visas Required We’ll be sending you a detailed Visa Packet with instructions, application forms, and fees about 90 days prior to your departure. In the meantime, we’re providing the information below as a guideline on what to expect. This info is for U.S. citizens only. All visas and fees are subject to change.

59 • Australia (base and pre-trip extensions): An Australian Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) is required. Unlike New Zealand, the process for Australia is handled free of charge through our computer system at Overseas Adventure Travel. However, we will still need you to confirm the necessary information, so please fill out and return your visa forms once you receive them.

• New Zealand: A New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) is required. Note that this is a digital process only—you must apply online or via an app (we will send instructions), and you will not receive a visa sticker in your passport. In addition, all travelers should bring an extra copy of their air itinerary on the trip in case local officials ask for it at Passport Control.

• Fiji (post-trip extension): A visa is not required for U.S. citizens for stays of four months or less.

• South Korea (optional stopover only): An Electronic Travel Authorization is required. Note that this is a digital process only and you must apply online or via an app (we will send instructions). You will not receive a visa sticker for this ETA in your passport.

• Thailand, Indonesia, and Hong Kong (optional stopovers only): No visas required. A visa is not required for U.S. citizens for stays of 30 days or less.

Traveling Without a U.S. Passport? If you are not a U.S. citizen, or if your passport is from any country other than the U.S., it is your responsibility to check with your local consulate, embassy, or a visa services company about visa requirements. We recommend the services of PVS International, a national visa service located in Washington D.C.; they can be reached at 1-800-556-9990 or www.pvsinternational.org.

Traveling With a Minor? Some governments may require certain documentation for minors to enter and depart the country or to obtain a visa (if applicable). For further detail on the required documentation, please contact your local embassy or consulate.

Emergency Photocopies of Key Documents We recommend you carry color photocopies of key documents including the photo page of your passport plus any applicable visas, air itinerary, credit cards (front and back), and an alternative form of ID. Add emergency phone numbers like your credit card company and the number for your travel protection plan. Store copies separate from the originals.

If you plan to email this information to yourself, please keep in mind that email is not always secure; consider using password protection or encryption. Also email is not always available worldwide. As an alternative, you could load these documents onto a flash drive instead, which can do double-duty as a place to backup photos during your trip.

60 Overseas Taxes & Fees This tour may have taxes and fees that cannot be included in your airline ticket price because you are required to pay them in person onsite. All taxes are subject to change without notice and can be paid in cash (either U.S. or local currency). If applicable, you will receive a list of these fees with your Final Documents.

Flight Itinerary for Entry to New Zealand You will need to bring an extra copy of your flight itinerary for New Zealand in case local officials ask for it at Passport Control.

• If you purchased airfare as part of your trip, we will give you an extra copy of your flight itinerary in your Final Documents booklet for this purpose.

• If you made your own international air arrangements, you’ll need to bring your own copy of your air itinerary and ticket numbers with you on the trip.

61 RIGORS, VACCINES & GENERAL HEALTH

Is This Adventure Right for You? Please review the information below prior to departing on this adventure. We reserve the right for our Trip Experience Leaders to modify participation, or in some circumstances send travelers home, if their condition would adversely affect the health, safety, or enjoyment of themselves or of other travelers.

PACING • 11 locations in 28 days with two 1-night stays; 6 internal flights of 1-4 hours each; 6 drives of 4-8 hours

• International flights from Los Angeles to Melbourne depart around midnight, losing one day en route as you cross the International Date Line, regained on the return trip

Please note: Due to the length, location changes, long land transfers, distances covered, and both internal and international flights, this is a particularly challenging trip.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS • Not appropriate for travelers using wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility aids; agility required for embarking boats

• You must be able to walk 2-3 miles unassisted and participate in 4-6 hours of physical activities each day

• Some walks may be in areas of high heat and humidity in Australia and snow and cool temperatures in New Zealand

• We reserve the right for Trip Experience Leaders to restrict participation, or in some circumstances send travelers home, if their limitations impact the group’s experience

CLIMATE • Daytime temperatures range from 40-100°F

• Northern Australia is warm and humid, and temperatures in the Outback can exceed 100°F during the day, and drop dramatically at night

• New Zealand’s climate is temperate and weather conditions change quickly

TERRAIN & TRANSPORTATION • We’ll travel over city streets on foot, with occasional uphill walks along uneven glacial and rocky mountain terrain, sandy beaches, and rugged Outback trails

• Travel by 21-passenger minibus (no toilet onboard) and 20-120 passenger boats

62 • 1 overland drive 7.5 hours long in Australia; 5 overland drives 4-8 hours long in New Zealand; 6 internal flights of up to 4 hours each

• 3 cruises of 1.5-3 hours, one 7-hour cruise to the Reef

FLIGHT INFORMATION • Travel time will be 19-27 hours

• International flights from Los Angeles to Melbourne depart around midnight, losing one day en route as you cross the International Date Line, regained on the return trip

• Airport transfers in Melbourne take approximately 1 hour

ACCOMMODATIONS & FACILITIES • Hotel rooms are smaller than those in the U.S., offer simple amenities, and feature private baths

• Some hotels do not have air conditioning

Steps to Take Before Your Trip Before you leave on this adventure, we recommend the following:

• Check with the CDC for their recommendations for the countries you’ll be visiting. You can contact them online at http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel or by phone at 1-800-232-4636.

• Have a medical checkup with your doctor at least 6 weeks before your trip.

• Pick up any necessary medications, both prescription and over-the-counter.

• Have a dental and/or eye checkup. (Recommended, but less urgent)

Vaccines Required

COVID-19 Overseas Adventure Travel requires that all travelers are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and are able provide proof of their vaccination upon arrival at their destination. A full vaccination is defined as having been inoculated at least 14 days prior to departure by an approved vaccine. This requirement is not contingent on the countries the tour visits, but a strict company policy due to the nature of the pandemic.

No Vaccines Please note, New Zealand’s Ministry of Health is currently advising those with travel plans to Auckland to make sure they have been vaccinated against measles prior to commencing travel (although this is not a requirement for entry). You very likely have already had this vaccine in the past, but we recommend confirming this with your doctor. Should your doctor recommend you get the vaccine, please be aware that it takes two weeks to become effective.

63 Medication Suggestions • An antibiotic medication for gastrointestinal illness

• Prescription pain medication in the unlikely event of an injury in a remote location

Traveling with Medications • Pack medications in your carry-on bag to avoid loss and to have them handy.

• Keep medicines in their original, labeled containers for a quicker security screen at the airport and a better experience if you get stopped by customs while overseas.

• Bring copies of your prescriptions, written using the generic drug name rather than a brand name to be prepared for any unforeseen loss of your medications.

We recommend checking with the State Department for medication restrictions by country: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel- Country-Information-Pages.html. (Pick the country and then follow the links to “Local Laws & Special Circumstances”; if you don’t see any medications specifically mentioned, then you can presume major U.S. brands should be OK).

Staying Healthy on Your Trip Jet Lag Tips

• Start your trip well-rested.

• Begin a gradual transition to your new time zone before you leave or switch to your destination time zone when you get on the plane.

• Attempt to sleep and eat according to the new schedule.

• Avoid heavy eating and drinking caffeine or alcoholic beverages right before–and during– your flight.

• Drink plenty of water and/or fruit juice while flying

• Stretch your legs, neck, and back periodically while seated on the plane.

• After arrival, avoid the temptation to nap.

• Don’t push yourself to see a lot on your first day.

• Try to stay awake your first day until after dinner.

Allergies

If you have any serious allergies or dietary restrictions, we advise you to notify us at least 30 days prior to your departure. Please call our Traveler Support team at 1-800-221-0814, and we will communicate them to our regional office. Every effort will be made to accommodate you.

64 Water • Australia and New Zealand are healthy places, but it still pays to take care in what you eat and drink.

• Tap water is safe to drink but always beware of natural stream water.

• Take a bottle of water with you on outdoor to stay hydrated.

Food • Food in Australia and New Zealand should not really cause any health problems—salads, fruit, and dairy products are fine.

• Be careful with food that has been cooked and left to go cold, which might happen in some self-service places.

Sun Exposure & Insects The sun is stronger in Australia and New Zealand than it is in most of the U.S., so the effect of intense sunlight is an important health consideration. Be prepared with sunblock (SPF 50 or higher), sunglasses, a hat or other head covering, and lightweight loose-fitting clothing for covering up even when it is warm.

Using insect repellent is advisable while you are out in the bush during the warmer months (November through April), especially in tropical northern Australia, or in southern New Zealand. Also, a head net is advisable for Ayers Rock in the summer due to the number of flies; this can be purchased in Australia or brought from home.

65 MONEY MATTERS: LOCAL CURRENCY & TIPPING GUIDELINES

Top Three Tips • Carry a mix of different types of payments, such as local currency, an ATM card, and a credit card.

• Traveler’s checks are not recommended. They can be difficult to exchange and are rarely accepted in shops and restaurants.

• You will not be able to pay with U.S. dollars on this trip; you will need local currency.

Local Currency For current exchange rates, please refer to an online converter tool like www.xe.com/ currencyconverter, your bank, or the financial section of your newspaper.

Australia The official currency of Australia is the dollar, though its value differs from the U.S. dollar and the New Zealand dollar. The Australian dollar is divided into cents. Banknote and coin denominations are as follows:

• Banknotes: 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 dollars

• Coins: 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents; 1 and 2 dollars

U.S. dollars are not legal currency in Australia and are not accepted for payment.

New Zealand The official currency of New Zealand is the dollar, though its value differs from the U.S. dollar. The New Zealand dollar is divided into cents. Banknote and coin denominations are as follows:

• Banknotes: 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 dollars

• Coins: 10, 20, and 50 cents; 1 and 2 dollars

U.S. dollars are not legal currency in New Zealand and are not accepted for payment.

Fiji The Fijian dollar is the official currency, although its value differs from the U.S. dollar so you will have to calculate the applicable exchange rate. Fiji’s dollar is divided into cents. Banknote and coin denominations are as follows:

• Banknotes: 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 dollars

• Coins: 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents; 1 and 2 dollars

66 How to Exchange Money If you want to exchange money before your trip, you can usually do so through your bank or at an exchange office. Your departure airport in the U.S., a travel agent, or an AAA office are also possible outlets. Or you can wait and change money on the trip instead—but it might be helpful to arrive with some local currency in case you run into a bank or an “out of order” ATM.

On your trip, the easiest way is to withdraw funds from a local ATM. The ATM will give you local money and your bank at home will convert that into U.S. dollars.

You can also exchange cash at some hotels, large post offices, and money exchange offices. To exchange cash, you’ll usually need your passport and bills in good condition (not worn, torn, or dirty). New bills (post 2004) are best. Never exchange money on the street. All exchange methods involve fees, which may be built into the conversion rate; ask beforehand.

ATMs When using the ATM, keep in mind that it may only accept cards from local banks, and may not allow cash advances on credit cards; you might need to try more than one ATM or more than one card.

Many banks charge a fee of $1-$10 each time you use a foreign ATM. Others may charge you a percentage of the amount you withdraw. We recommend that you check with your bank before you depart.

Lastly, don’t forget to memorize the actual digits of your card’s PIN number (many keypads at foreign ATMs do not include letters on their keys—they only display numbers.)

Australia: ATMs are widely available throughout large cities and small towns in Australia.

New Zealand: ATMs are widely available throughout large cities and small towns in New Zealand.

Fiji: ATMs are widely available throughout large cities in Fiji, but we recommend that you bring some cash to cover expenses when visiting rural areas.

Credit & Debit Cards Even if you don’t plan on using a credit card during your trip, we still suggest that you bring one or two as a backup, especially if you are planning a large purchase (artwork, jewelry). We also suggest that you bring more than one brand of card (i.e. Visa, MasterCard, American Express) if possible, because not every shop will take every card. For example, although the Discover card is accepted in some countries outside the U.S., it is not widely adopted, so other brands will work at a much larger range of stores, restaurants, etc.

Australia: Credit and debit cards are widely accepted throughout Australia. Some hotels may charge additional fees for credit card payments on supplementary charges (such as bar bills, room service, etc.). Australian shops and banks use a PIN-based credit card systems. You may

67 be able to authorize a payment by signature if your card was issued by an overseas provider, but this is becoming rare. A PIN is usually required so keeping varied payment options available makes sense.

New Zealand: Credit and debit cards are widely accepted throughout New Zealand, though American Express and Diners Club may be more limited than some of the other majors credit card providers (such as MasterCard or Visa). Some hotels may charge additional fees for credit card payments on supplementary charges (such as bar bills, room service, etc.). New Zealand shops and banks use a PIN-based credit card systems. Depending on your credit card provider, you may or may not need a PIN to use your card. Please consult your credit card provider for more details.

Fiji: Credit and debit cards are widely accepted throughout Fiji. Some hotels may charge additional fees for credit card payments on supplementary charges (such as bar bills, room service, etc.). Shops and banks in Fiji are moving to PIN-based credit card systems. You should still be able to authorize a payment by signature if your card was issued by an overseas provider. However, a PIN may be required in some instances, depending on the payment terminal and bank. Keeping varied payment options available makes sense.

Notify Card Providers of Upcoming Travel Many credit card companies and banks have fraud alert departments that will freeze your card if they see suspicious charges—such as charges or withdrawals from another country. To avoid an accidental security block, it is a good idea to notify your credit card company and/or bank you will be using your cards abroad. You can do this by calling their customer service number a week or two before your departure. Some banks or credit card companies will also let you do this online.

You should also double-check what phone number you could call if you have a problem with a card while you are abroad. Don’t assume you can use the 1-800 number printed on the back of your card—most 1 800 numbers don’t work outside of the U.S.!

Tipping Guidelines Of course, whether you tip, and how much, is always at your own discretion. But for those of you who have asked for tipping suggestions, we offer these guidelines.

• O.A.T. Trip Experience Leader: It is customary to express a personal “thank you” to your Trip Experience Leader at the end of your trip. As a guideline, many travelers give $8-$12 USD (or equivalent in local currency) per person for each day their Trip Experience Leader is with them. Please note that these tips can only be in cash. If you are taking any of the optional extensions, your Trip Experience Leader during the extension(s) may not be the same as the one on your main trip.

• Reminder about Trip Experience Leaders: On this adventure, you’ll have the services of two Trip Experience Leaders. A resident Aussie Trip Experience Leader will be with you in Australia, and then a resident New Zealand Trip Experience Leader will take over during the

68 time in New Zealand. This means that if you do choose to tip, each Trip Experience Leader would be tipped for the number of days you spend with him or her, not the length of the whole trip.

• Waiters: Restaurants do not generally add a service charge. It is common practice in Australia to tip approximately 10% of the bill for good service. However, this is at your discretion, and not expected by the staff. In New Zealand, it is not customary to tip but you may choose to leave a 10% tip if you have outstanding service.

• Taxi drivers: If you are taking a taxi by yourself, keep in mind tipping is not common practice, but many people simply let the driver keep the change by rounding up the fare to the next whole number.

• Included in Your Trip Price: Gratuities are included for local guides, drivers, and luggage porters on your main trip, extensions, and all optional tours.

Please note: For your convenience, tips to O.A.T. staff can be paid in U.S. dollars or local currency (Australian dollars or New Zealand dollars). Tips to non-O.A.T. staff—waiters, taxi drivers, etc.—should be in local currency. Please do not use personal or traveler’s checks for tips.

69 AIR, OPTIONAL TOURS & STAYING IN TOUCH

Land Only Travelers & Personalized Air Quick Definitions

• Land Only: You will be booking your own international flights. Airport transfers are not included.

• Air-Inclusive: You booked international air with us. Airport transfers are included as long as you didn’t customize your trip’s dates (see next bullet).

• Personalized Air: You booked international air with us, and have customized it in some way. If you have customized your trip’s dates to arrive early, stay longer, or stop on your own in a connecting city, airport transfers will NOT be included. You must also arrange your own accommodations for any additional nights. For your convenience, a preliminary list of your included hotels is available on your My Account at www.oattravel.com/myaccount under “My Reservations”.

Airport Transfers Can Be Purchased For eligible flights, airport transfers may be purchased separately as an optional add-on, subject to availability. To be eligible, your flight(s) must meet the following requirements:

• You must fly into or fly home from the same airport as O.A.T. travelers who purchased included airfare.

• Your flight(s) must arrive/depart on the same day that the group arrives or departs.

Airport transfers can be purchased up to 45 days prior to your departure; they are not available for purchase onsite. To learn more, or purchase airport transfers, please call our Traveler Support team at 1-800-221-0814.

If you don’t meet the requirements above, you’ll need to make your own transfer arrangements. We suggest the Rome to Rio website as a handy resource: www.rome2rio.com.

Optional Tours Optional tours are additional add-on tours that allow you to personalize your adventure by tailoring it to your tastes and needs. And if you decide not to join an optional tour? Then you’ll have free time to relax or explore on your own—it’s about options, not obligations.

What You Need to Know • All optional tours are subject to change and availability.

70 • Optional tours that are reserved with your Trip Experience Leader can be paid for using credit/debit cards only. We accept MasterCard, Visa, and Discover credit cards; we can also take MasterCard or Visa debit cards as long as the card allows you to sign for purchases. (You won’t be able to enter a PIN.)

• To ensure that you are charged in U.S. dollars, your payment will be processed by our U.S. headquarters in Boston. This process can take up to three months, so we ask that you only use a card that will still be valid three months after your trip is over. The charge may appear on your credit card statement as being from Boston, MA or may be labeled as “OPT Boston”.

• Your Trip Experience Leader will give you details on the optional tours while you’re on the trip. But if you’d like to look over descriptions of them earlier, you can do so at any time by referring to your Day-to-Day Itinerary (available online by signing into My Account at www.oattravel.com/myaccount).

Communicating with Home from Abroad

Cell Phones If you want to use your cell phone on the trip, check with your phone provider to see if your phone and service will work outside of the U.S. It may turn out to be cheaper to rent an international phone or buy a SIM card onsite. If you want to use a local SIM, just make certain your phone can accept one.

Calling Apps Another option is to use a smartphone app like Skype or FaceTime. These services are usually less expensive than making a traditional call, but you’ll need a Wi-Fi connection and the calls may count towards your phone plan’s data allowance. Many smartphones—and some tablets or laptops—come with one of these apps pre-installed or you can download them for free from the appropriate apps store.

Calling Cards and 1-800 Numbers When calling the U.S. from a foreign country, a prepaid calling card can be useful because it circumvents unexpected charges from the hotel. Calling cards purchased locally are typically the best (less expensive, more likely to work with the local phones, etc.).

One reminder: Do not call U.S. 1-800 numbers outside the continental United States. This can result in costly long distance fees, since 1-800 numbers do not work outside the country.

Internet Many hotels in Australia will offer some sort of complimentary WiFi, while others will charge approx $20-25 AUD for 24 hours. Keep in mind that many places limit the amount of usage, even if you pay extra for internet access, so you may not be able to stream videos or other high-usage

71 content. In New Zealand, Internet speeds are comparable to the U.S. but hotels may charge for a high-speed connection. Generally travelers report that they have enough WiFi to keep in touch with folks back at home without having to buy an expensive package from their service provider.

How to Call Overseas When calling overseas from the U.S., dial 011 for international exchange, then the country code (indicated by a plus sign: +), and then the number. Note that foreign phone numbers may not have the same number of digits as U.S. numbers; even within a country the number of digits can vary depending on the city and if the phone is a land line or cell phone.

Australia: +61 Fiji: +679

New Zealand: +64

72 PACKING: WHAT TO BRING & LUGGAGE LIMITS

Luggage Limits

MAIN TRIP LIMITS

Pieces per person One checked bag and one carry-on per person.

Weight restrictions Varies by airline. The current standard is 50 lbs for checked bags and 15 lbs for carry-ons.

Size Restrictions Varies by airline. Measured in linear inches (length+width+depth). Generally, 62 linear inches is the checked bag limit; carry-on limit is 45 linear inches. These sizes are OK if the weight limit is followed.

Luggage Type A soft-sided suitcase is preferred.

TRIP EXTENSION(S) LIMITS

Same as main trip.

73 REMARKS/SUGGESTIONS

Luggage rules: Luggage rules and limits are set by governmental and airline policy. Enforcement of the rules may include spot checks or may be inconsistent. However one thing is the same across the board: If you are found to have oversized or overweight luggage, you will be subject to additional fees, to be assessed by—and paid to—the airline in question.

Size restriction: Some of Australia’s domestic airlines have size restrictions on suitcases as well as weight limits. For example, both Qantas Airlines and Virgin Australia state that your suitcase should not be more 54 linear inches total. This is a bit smaller than the largest suitcase most U.S. airlines allow (62 linear inches). In practice, this size restriction is rarely enforced as long as you do not go over the weight limit. Therefore, you can bring a U.S.-sized suitcase on this adventure, but if you do so, we strongly recommend that you stay within the weight limit.

TIP from our regional office: Our staff in the South Pacific have found that the airlines in New Zealand and Australia can be surprisingly strict about enforcing weight limits. There have been incidences of travelers being asked to re-pack their suitcase at the airport. While you might be able “to get away with” more, we encourage you to stay within the limit whenever possible.

Luggage handling: On arrival, you must pass through immigration/passport control and then take your luggage off the baggage carousel and load it onto a complimentary cart, which you then move through customs. When you exit customs, your driver will load your luggage onto your coach. You will need to handle your own luggage at all airports, but your Trip Experience Leader will pay for a baggage cart. Porterage at all hotels is provided for one bag per person.

Don’t Forget: • These luggage limits may change. If the airline(s) notify us of any changes, we will include an update in your Final Documents booklet.

• It’s a good idea to reconfirm baggage restrictions and fees directly with the airline a week or so prior to departure. For your convenience, we maintain a list of the toll-free numbers for the most common airlines on our website in the FAQ section.

• Baggage fees are not included in your trip price; they are payable directly to the airlines.

• The luggage limits above are based on your regional flights, which may be less than your international flights. Even if your international airline offers a larger weight limit, you will need to pack according to the lower restrictions.

Your Luggage • Checked Luggage: One soft-sided suitcase. Look for one with heavy nylon fabric, wrap-around handles, built-in wheels, and a heavy duty lockable zipper. Due to loading procedures, we prefer soft-sided suitcases.

74 • Carry-on Bag: You are allowed one carry-on bag per person. We suggest a tote or small that can be used as both a carry-on bag for your flight and to carry your daily necessities—water bottle, camera, etc—during your daily activities.

• Locks: For flights that originate in the U.S., you can either use a TSA-approved lock or leave your luggage unlocked. Outside of the U.S. we strongly recommend locking your luggage as a theft-prevention measure.

Clothing Suggestions: Functional Tips As you will experience a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions, we suggest several layers of clothing. If you like to hand-wash your clothes, look for fabrics that will dry out overnight. You can buy clothing designed especially for travel, with features like wrinkle- resistant fabric or built-in sun protection.

• Laundry: You will have access to laundry service at most hotels during your trip. (As hotels are subject to change, the facilities are not listed here; please refer to your Trip Experience Leader for details.)

• Warm clothes for the year-round volatile weather in the : “Be prepared” is the best maxim for travel to the South Island, where every kind of weather imaginable is possible—all within one day! Cold, wet weather is more likely to occur near the island’s Southern Alps, where there may even be some snow. Winter lasts from May through September, but all the elements of that season—ice, hail, snow, sleet—can happen any time of year. An insulated jacket with hood (preferably waterproof), fleece pullover or wool sweater, gloves, and waterproof shoes are recommended for your comfort. Your outer jacket should be roomy enough to comfortably fit over your sweater or fleece top. Since spurts of very warm weather are equally common, dress in layers so you can easily adjust to any sudden temperature shifts.

• Footwear: You’ll be on your feet a lot during the trip, and walking over some rough and slippery surfaces. Look for shoes with excellent ventilation as well as arch and ankle support. Sport sandals, boating shoes, or beach footwear are useful in some locations like Sydney beaches.

Style Hints • Australia and New Zealand are essentially sportswear countries, with dress on our trip being functional and casual.

• Don’t forget a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses for protection against the sun. Good walking shoes are a must.

• Smart casual clothing is accepted wear for Sydney Opera House performances.

75 Suggested Packing Lists We have included suggestions from Trip Experience Leaders and former travelers to help you pack. These lists are only jumping-off points—they offer recommendations based on experience, but not requirements. You may also want to consult the “Climate” chapter of this handbook.

And don’t forget a reusable water bottle—you’ll need it to take advantage of any refills we offer as we are working to eliminate single-use plastic bottles on all of our trips.

Recommended Clothing ‰Shirts: A mixture of short and long-sleeved shirts in a breathable fabric, like cotton or cotton-blend. Polo shirts are more versatile than T-shirts.

‰Trousers and/or jeans: Comfortable and loose fitting is best. ‰Include one or two changes of smart casual clothing for restaurant dining ‰Walking shorts for summer (summer in the Southern hemisphere is winter in the U.S) ‰Shoes and socks: Comfortable walking/ running shoes or low-cut hiking shoes, with arch support.

‰Wide-brim sun hat or visor for sun protection ‰Warm rain jacket or lined windbreaker with hood ‰Light cotton or wool sweater, as motor coach air conditioning can be cold ‰Warm clothing for the South Island – see “Functional Tips” for details ‰Underwear and sleepwear ‰Swimsuit

Essential Items ‰Daily essentials: toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, hairbrush or comb, shaving items, deodorant, etc. Our hotels will provide the basics like soap and shampoo, but if you are sensitive to fragrances or new products, you may wish to bring your preferred brands.

‰Spare eyeglasses/contact lenses ‰Sunglasses ‰Sunscreen, SPF 50 or stronger

76 ‰Insect repellent with DEET (35% strength) – can also be purchased in Australia or New Zealand

‰Light folding umbrella ‰Moisturizer and sun-blocking lip balm ‰Pocket-size tissues ‰Moist towelettes and/or anti-bacterial hand cleanser ‰Flashlight ‰Electrical transformer & plug adapters ‰Camera gear with extra batteries or battery charger

Medicines & First Aid Gear ‰Your own prescription medicines ‰Travel first aid kit: Band-Aids, headache and pain relief, laxatives and anti-diarrhea tablets, something for upset stomach. Maybe a cold remedy, moleskin foot pads, antibiotic cream, or allergy medication.

‰An antibiotic medication for gastrointestinal illness ‰Optional: A strong prescription pain medication for rare emergency purposes

Optional Gear ‰Travel alarm clock ‰Lightweight binoculars (essential if birding) ‰Hanging toiletry bag ‰Hand-wash laundry soap and possibly plastic hang-up clothespins ‰Reading materials ‰Travel journal/note pad and pens ‰Home address book ‰Small gift for Home-Hosted visit

77 ‰Folding walking staff, sold in most camping stores ‰Calculator for currency conversion ‰Fly net for Ayers Rock in summer (can be purchased in Australia)

TIP: If you forget something, or run out of space, many of the basics listed above—daily toiletries, insect repellent, moisturizer, lip balm, moist towelettes—can be purchased in Australia or New Zealand. So can many of the over-the counter medicines that follow.

Home-Hosted Visits Many of our adventures feature a visit with a local family, often as part of the A Day in the Life experience. It is customary, though not necessary, to return your hosts’ generosity with a small gift. If you do bring a gift, we recommend that you bring something the whole family can enjoy, or something that represents your region, state, or hometown. Get creative and keep it small—peach jelly from Georgia, maple sugar candy from New England, orange blossom soap from California; something that can be used or used up is best. When choosing a gift, be certain to consider the local culture as well. For example, we do not recommend alcohol in Muslim countries because it is forbidden in Islam, and your hosts may be religious. Not all O.A.T. adventures include a Home-Hosted Visit; please check your final itinerary before you depart.

Electricity Abroad When traveling overseas, the voltage is usually different and the plugs might not be the same shape.

Voltage Electricity at hotels in Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji is 230-240 volts. In the U.S. it is 110 volts. Most of the things a traveler will want to plug in—battery chargers, MP3 players, tablets or computers—can run off both 110 and 220-240. But you should check the item or the owner’s guide first to confirm this before you plug it in. Plugging a 110V U.S. appliance into 220/240V 50/60Hz service will ruin the motor. If you have something that needs 110 volts—like a shaver or a hairdryer—you can bring a transformer to change the current. (But transformers tend to burn out, so it might be better to leave whatever it is at home.)

Plugs The shape of plugs will vary from country to country, and sometimes even within a country depending on when that building was built. To plug something from the U.S. into a local socket you’ll need an adapter that fits between the plug and the socket. Although you will only need one type of plug on this trip, it may be easier to purchase an all-in-one, universal adapter/converter combo. Versatile and lightweight, these can usually be found at your local electronics goods or hardware stores. Sometimes you can buy them at large retailers too, like Target or Walmart. If you forget to bring an adapter, you might also find them for sale at the airport when you arrive at your destination.

78 Different plug shapes are named by letters of the alphabet. Standard U.S. plugs are Type A and Type B. Here is the list of plugs for the countries on this trip:

Australia: I (some may not have a grounding pin)

New Zealand: I (some may not have a grounding pin)

Fiji: I

Type I

Availability Barring the occasional and unpredictable power outage, electricity is as readily available on this adventure as it is in the U.S.

79 CLIMATE & AVERAGE TEMPERATURES

Melbourne, Australia: These cities are in the temperate zone. As a result, temperatures are generally in the 50s-70s throughout the year, although highs in the 80s are common in summer and lows in the 40s are normal in the winter. Occasionally, heat waves will spike the highs up even more—to as much as 100 degrees—but this is the exception, rather than the rule. Rainfall can occur at any time of year. Snow is fairly rare, but can happen in Melbourne. Melbourne is also subject to a “bay effect” which causes sudden temperature drops and rainstorms, especially in spring and summer.

Alice Springs, Australia: Located in the desert outback, Alice Springs is generally hot and dry. Daytime highs will be roughly 10 degrees higher than other cities we visit—so if it is a pleasant 80 degrees in Melbourne or Sydney, expect 90 degrees in Alice Springs. Nighttime lows can also be more severe compared to other cities. The desert doesn’t retain heat well, so lows in the 50s are common, even if it was very hot earlier that day. In winter, lows can dip down into the 30s and 40s. Heat waves are more common here than other parts of the country—and more extreme— with temperatures of 110 degrees or even more. On the plus side, there is very little rainfall.

Port Douglas, Australia: As part of the northeast tropical zone, Port Douglas is warm and wet year-round. The seasons here could be classified as rainy season and dry season rather than winter, spring, summer, and fall. Rainy season would be January-March and part of April; dry season is June-October; and the other months would be transitional shoulder seasons.

New Zealand: The winter season runs from May to September, but since weather in New Zealand is changeable throughout the year, especially in the South Island, all types of weather conditions can occur during any season. All months are at least moderately wet; though extended periods of settled, sunny weather can occur at any time of the year. Overall, the country has more sunshine than might be expected in such a variable climate. Weather conditions on the milder North Island differ from those on the tempestuous South Island.

• North Island: The northern region of New Zealand and its eastern coast tend to be sunnier and drier than the southern half of the country. While snow can occur almost anywhere at sea level in New Zealand, it is very rare in the extreme north of the North Island. Here the climate is almost subtropical with gentle winters and warm, humid summers. Rain is quite frequent in the northern part of the North Island and you should come prepared with adequate rain gear. Temperatures become cooler as you move south toward New Zealand’s second major island.

• South Island: Known as the South Pacific’s “Gateway to Antarctica,” the South Island is equally famous for its unpredictable weather shifts. At any time of year, it’s not unusual for a day to start with bright sunlight, turn to wind-driven rain, intensify to snow and sleet, and then miraculously go back to dazzling sunshine. Temperatures may soar into the 80s and 90s, then plummet into the 40s and 30s, all within a few hours.

80 Tasmania, Australia: Overall, Tasmania’s climate is similar to the Atlantic Seaboard in the U.S.—mild in spring and fall, warm and humid in the summer, and cold in winter. Snowfall is mostly in the mountains, although towns like Hobart and Launceston might get a dusting every now and then.

Fiji: This island has a tropical climate, with sunny skies and warm temperatures year-round. The weather is most pleasant April through October, when there is less humidity and sea breezes are constant. Fiji does experience a wet season (November to April), but much of the Fiji’s rain falls in heavy, brief local showers.

NOTE: If you are taking one of our optional stopovers before or after your OAT adventure, please be aware the climate and temperatures might be different from what you experienced during your tour. To prepare for weather differences and pack appropriate clothing, we recommend the following world weather sites:

• www.intellicast.com

• www.weather.com

• www.wunderground.com

Climate Averages & Online Forecast The following charts reflect the average climate as opposed to exact weather conditions. This means they serve only as general indicators of what can reasonably be expected. An extreme heat wave or cold snap could fall outside these ranges. As your departure approaches, we encourage you to go online to www.oattravel.com/myaccount for your 10-day forecast.

81 Average Daily High/Low Temperatures (°F), Humidity & Monthly Rainfall

MONTH MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA ALICE SPRINGS, AUSTRALIA

Temp. High-Low % Relative Monthly Rainfall Temp. High-Low % Relative Monthly Rainfall Humidity (pm) (inches) Humidity (avg) (inches) JAN 79 to 56 52 1.8 97 to 70 35 1.4 FEB 80 to 57 49 1.6 95 to 69 40 1.6 MAR 75 to 55 48 1.4 90 to 63 35 1.5 APR 68 to 51 54 1.9 82 to 55 40 0.5 MAY 62 to 47 62 1.9 73 to 47 50 0.7 JUN 56 to 43 69 1.6 68 to 41 55 0.6 JUL 55 to 41 69 1.5 67 to 39 50 0.6 AUG 57 to 42 62 2.0 72 to 43 40 0.4 SEP 61 to 44 58 1.8 80 to 50 30 0.3 OCT 66 to 47 55 2.3 87 to 59 30 0.8 NOV 71 to 50 56 2.4 92 to 64 35 1.0 DEC 76 to 53 49 1.9 96 to 68 35 1.4

MONTH PORT DOUGLAS, AUSTRALIA CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND

Temp. High-Low % Relative Monthly Rainfall Temp. High-Low % Relative Monthly Rainfall Humidity (am-pm) (inches) Humidity (am-pm) (inches) JAN 86 to 74 78 to 73 15 73 to 53 -- 2.1 FEB 86 to 74 81 to 76 16 71 to 53 -- 1.8 MAR 85 to 73 81 to 75 16 69 to 49 -- 2.1 APR 82 to 70 78 to 72 8 63 to 44 -- 2 MAY 80 to 67 77 to 72 2 58 to 39 -- 2.7 JUN 77 to 63 77 to 71 1 53 to 34 -- 2.6 JUL 76 to 62 75 to 69 1 52 to 33 -- 2.6 AUG 77 to 62 73 to 66 0 54 to 36 -- 2.1 SEP 80 to 65 69 to 64 1 59 to 39 -- 1.8 OCT 82 to 69 70 to 65 1 62 to 43 -- 1.8 NOV 85 to 72 71 to 67 3 66 to 46 -- 1.9 DEC 86 to 73 72 to 68 7 70 to 51 -- 2.2

82 MONTH QUEENSTOWN, NEW ZEALAND AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND

Temp. High-Low % Relative Monthly Rainfall Temp. High-Low % Relative Monthly Rainfall Humidity (avg) (inches) Humidity (am-pm) (inches) JAN 71 to 49 66 3.2 75 to 61 77 to 62 2.8 FEB 70 to 48 70 2.9 75 to 62 80 to 63 3.4 MAR 67 to 46 72 3.0 73 to 59 81 to 66 3.1 APR 59 to 40 77 2.9 68 to 55 83 to 69 3.8 MAY 52 to 35 80 2.6 63 to 51 86 to 73 4.5 JUN 46 to 30 81 2.2 59 to 47 88 to 76 5.0 JUL 46 to 29 82 2.2 58 to 46 88 to 76 5.2 AUG 50 to 32 77 2.5 59 to 47 86 to 74 4.4 SEP 55 to 36 70 2.6 62 to 50 82 to 72 3.7 OCT 59 to 40 68 3.0 64 to 52 79 to 71 3.7 NOV 64 to 43 66 2.5 67 to 55 77 to 67 3.2 DEC 68 to 47 65 2.4 71 to 59 77 to 65 3.1

MONTH HOBART, AUSTRALIA WHANGAREI, NEW ZEALAND

Temp. High-Low % Relative Monthly Rainfall Temp. High-Low % Relative Monthly Rainfall Humidity (avg) (inches) Humidity (avg) (inches) JAN 71 to 53 56 1.9 75 to 60 78 2.7 FEB 71 to 53 59 1.5 75 to 61 77 8.2 MAR 68 to 51 61 1.8 73 to 59 81 7.1 APR 63 to 48 66 1.9 69 to 54 83 6.1 MAY 58 to 44 70 1.8 64 to 51 84 8.6 JUN 53 to 41 75 2.2 61 to 47 88 6.8 JUL 52 to 40 75 2.1 59 to 45 92 8.1 AUG 55 to 41 68 1.9 60 to 46 81 10.1 SEP 59 to 43 63 2.1 62 to 48 84 5.3 OCT 63 to 46 60 2.3 65 to 51 80 6.9 NOV 66 to 48 57 2.4 69 to 54 75 4.2 DEC 69 to 51 56 2.1 72 to 57 75 5.4

83 MONTH ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA NADI, FIJI

Temp. High-Low % Relative Monthly Rainfall Temp. High-Low % Relative Monthly Rainfall Humidity (am-pm) (inches) Humidity (avg) (inches) JAN 82 to 60 67 to 43 0.7 89 to 72 80 12.7 FEB 82 to 60 68 to 43 0.7 88 to 72 80 10.0 MAR 78 to 58 71 to 47 0.8 88 to 73 83 15.1 APR 72 to 53 75 to 51 1.5 88 to 71 82 6.8 MAY 65 to 49 80 to 59 2.3 86 to 68 78 5.3 JUN 61 to 45 84 to 64 2.1 83 to 65 78 4.3 JUL 59 to 44 84 to 66 2.5 83 to 64 74 0.5 AUG 60 to 46 82 to 63 2.0 85 to 66 73 1.4 SEP 64 to 48 78 to 57 1.7 85 to 67 73 3.7 OCT 70 to 51 75 to 51 1.4 86 to 68 75 5.5 NOV 75 to 54 71 to 47 1.0 86 to 69 73 2.8 DEC 78 to 58 68 to 46 0.9 87 to 71 78 4.7

84 ABOUT YOUR DESTINATIONS: CULTURE, ETIQUETTE & MORE

O.A.T. Trip Experience Leaders: A World of Difference During your adventure you’ll be accompanied by one of our local, expert Trip Experience Leaders. All are fluent in English and possess the skills, certification, and experience necessary to ensure an enriching adventure. As locals of the regions you’ll explore with them, our Trip Experience Leaders provide the kind of firsthand knowledge and insight that make local history, culture, and wildlife come alive. Coupled with their unbridled enthusiasm, caring personalities, and ability to bring diverse groups of travelers together, our Trip Experience Leaders ensure that your experience with O.A.T. is one you’ll remember for a lifetime.

Points to Know This trip combines both our Ultimate Australia and Pure New Zealand adventures into an extended tour of this stunning region. Some passengers may join this tour as they travel the individual itineraries, while others may travel only the complete combined itinerary, and you may journey with a changing group of travel mates. No matter which tour you’re on you’ll enjoy the chance to share the adventures of like-minded travelers as your experiences intersect.

South Pacific Culture Due to Australia’s natural isolation as an island continent, the indigenous peoples developed their own culture and community over about 40,000 years—in which they had little contact with other societies. This remoteness is what attracted British settlers to New South Wales where they established a penal colony in 1788. Until about the mid-20th century, Australian culture was almost exclusively Anglo-Celtic. Efforts by the government over the previous two centuries helped to maintain the island’s prominent homogeneity, including persecution of the indigenous population and the 1901 White Australia policy, which halted all non-European immigration into the country. In the latter half of the 20th century, immigration laws became more relaxed, and the country saw a large influx of immigrants and refugees from eastern Asia, the Middle East, and other parts of Europe. At the same time, the Australian government began addressing past wrongs against the indigenous peoples. In 1967, following the example of the American Civil Rights Movement, the indigenous peoples of Australia began fighting for equal rights. As a result, a referendum was passed to allow indigenous Australians the right to vote, officially recognizing them as citizens of Australia. While indigenous people are still fighting for full equality today, these progressive measures allowed the indigenous people to claim their identity and culture again. The influx of multiculturalism in the late 19th century has left a lasting imprint on the cultural fabric of Australia.

Akin to Australia’s indigenous history, European settlers began to arrive in New Zealand after James Cook mapped the country in 1770 and native Maori traditions began to die out as settlers tried to assimilate the Maori to European culture, including converting them to Christianity. Maori culture suffered greatly in the years of colonization and into the 20th century as many were torn between the pressure to assimilate and the desire to preserve their own culture. Since

85 the 1950s, there has been a cultural revival and preservation of Maori traditions. First held in 1972, the biennial Te Matatini festival celebrates Maori culture and history, especially the tribal dance and song performances—known as kapa haka. The festival is held over several days and culminates in the national kapa haka championship. Maori waiata (songs) and dances have become increasingly popular in recent years. While 67% of Kiwis (an affectionate term for New Zealanders) are of European descent, waves of immigration brought a mix of cultures that are celebrated in New Zealand. Among the 19th-century settlers were Scandinavians, Chinese, Italians, and Indians. Today, there are large communities of Pacific Islanders and Asians. These cultures are celebrated in a variety of ways, including the Lunar New Year, the Lantern Festival, and Diwali. One of the major holidays in New Zealand is Waitangi Day (February 6), where the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi is remembered. The treaty promised Maori ownership of their land and rights as British citizens. Celebrations of this day include Maori ceremonies, sporting events, music, and parades. Waitangi Day is also used as a day of reflection on the historical effects of European settlement on Maori tribes.

Broadly, egalitarianism strongly underpins interpersonal values in Australia and New Zealand—commonly referred to as a “fair go” among locals. Australians typically show disdain for pretentious behavior and are often described as being informal or laid back—an impression cultivated through their iconic greeting “g’day mate” or “g’day sheilas.” Adding to their laid- back demeanor, Australia celebrates a large number of public holidays, making long weekends a frequent custom. In New Zealand, there is a strong individualistic attitude among Kiwis, which is believed to stem from their relative isolation in the South Pacific and the rugged terrain that surrounds them.

Despite the stereotypical image of Crocodile Dundee roaming the remote Outback, the majority of Australia’s population is concentrated in urban areas. Around 85% of Australia’s 25 million people live within about 30 miles of the coast and 10 million live in the two biggest cities, Sydney and Melbourne. While about 52% of Australians identify as Christian, there is no official state religion in Australia. In fact, the fastest growing religious affiliation is “no religion,” as 30% of the population nominated this category in the 2016 census. This nomination comprises many subcategories like agnostic, atheist, and other spiritual beliefs. Among young Australians aged 18-34, this was the most common choice. In New Zealand, Christianity is the largest religion; however, in the 2018 census almost half of New Zealanders reported they had “no religion,” which is the first time the number of people who are religiously unaffiliated exceeded the number of Christians in the country.

Australian Cuisine Two of the most popular cooking styles in sunny Australia are Mediterranean and Southeast Asian, though every type of cuisine can be found in its plethora of fine city restaurants, including Indian, Japanese, American, and French. The fresh local seafood is especially good, and the colorful regional vegetables are cooked up a hundred tasty ways to accompany traditional game dishes made with duck, beef, lamb, or kangaroo. Other items to be on the lookout for include:

86 • Meat pies: A relic from their English heritage, Aussies love a good meat pie, which is a savory pie with meat, vegetables, and gravy inside (similar to a chicken pot pie, but usually made with beef or lamb)

• Mushy peas: Peas that have been boiled and then lightly mashed—goes great with a meat pie

• Sausage roll: Think an oversized “pig in a blanket”, and you’re not far off

• Chicken Parmigiana: Yes, this dish has Italian roots, but it is well-loved throughout Australia (as is other Italian-Aussie cooking) and you’ll find it in many pubs

• Fish and chips: Fried fish with a side of French fries

• Barramundi: A type of sea bass that is often served grilled or pan-seared; a healthy alternative to fish and chips

• Beetroot: A popular vegetable that is often put in sandwiches and burgers

• Vegemite: This one’s an acquired taste, but while you’re in Australia you may wish to try this savory spread made from yeast extract, which is typically spread as a thin layer on toast

• Pavlova: A much-loved dessert made with layers of meringue, fruit, and whipped cream.

• Lamingtons: Quite possibly Australia’s national dessert, a lamington is a square of cake dipped in chocolate and then rolled in coconut flakes

• Cherry ripe: A candy bar only sold in Australia—cherry and coconuts in dark chocolate

• Drinks: Australia has both a vibrant wine industry and a plethora of brew houses. Local beers to look for are Coopers, Carlton Draught, Victoria Bitter, and Tooheys; while Shiraz (red), Cabernet Sauvignon (red), and Chardonnay (white) are popular wines.

New Zealander Cuisine Major cities in New Zealand offer cosmopolitan dining and a wide range of restaurants that serve every choice of international cuisine and are renowned for their excellent quality. In rural areas, menus often still reflect the traditional English-style of cooking—a meat and two vegetables. New Zealand specialties include:

• Lamb: This is one of the country’s major exports and not to be missed if you like red meat

• Venison: New Zealand claims to be the first country to farm deer, and as a result, you’ll find venison on the menu at both high-end restaurants and burger joints (often humorously referred to as a “Bambi burger”)

• Hangi: A traditional Maori dish of meat and vegetables slow-cooked in an underground oven or fire pit (a bit like a luau). Some restaurants recreate the dish by cooking the same ingredients in a clay pot.

• Kumara: A type of sweet potato that is often used in hangi

87 • Green-lipped mussels: Served European-style as steamed mussels in broth, these larger- than-average mussels are native to New Zealand’s waters

• Oysters: Pacific oysters served on the half shell are a popular starter, especially the succulent, white-shelled Bluff oysters, available from March to about July

• “Lobster”: Actually crayfish, but just as tasty! You may see this on the menu as crayfish, rock lobster, or spiny lobster.

• Whitebait fritters: Deep-fried patties or balls of batter made with small whitebait fish

• Hokey Pokey: Whenever a dessert includes caramelized honeycomb on top, it can be referred to as “hokey pokey flavor”—ice cream and cakes are the most common

• Manuka honey: A product on NZ that is renowned for its medical properties. It can be eaten or used in skincare products.

• Lemon & Paeroa: A lemon soda similar to—but stronger than—Sprite

• Wines: New Zealand produces some excellent wines, and is particularly known for its citrusy Sauvignon Blanc (white), dense Pinot Noir (red), and some light and refreshing rosés

Fijian Cuisine Due to their nearby influences, two of the most popular cuisines found in Fiji are Indian and Chinese, with Western fast food coming in a close third. Other cuisines, such as Italian and Japanese, are more commonly found in major cities like Nadi or Denarau and in resort restaurants. Local foods are split into two distinctions: the traditional indigenous Fijian dishes and those from Indo-Fijians, who were brought over as indentured servants when the island was a British colony. The introduction of Indian influences to the island added curries and chilies to the local cuisine. Common staples in the Fijian diet are root vegetables (such as taro, cassava, and sweet potatoes), coconuts, and seafood. Dishes to be on the lookout for include:

• Lovo: A traditional meal cooked in an underground oven, this dish has meats, such as chicken and fish, surrounded by root vegetables and wrapped in banana leaves. Once wrapped , the meal is placed in the underground oven and covered in dirt until smoking hot.

• Kokoda: The Fijian version of ceviche, kokoda is made with lemon-juice soaked fresh fish (usually mahi mahi), spring onions, red onions, chilies, capsium, tomatoes, and coconut milk. At a restaurant, this dish is often served in a coconut shell, bamboo, or a pineapple.

• Fijian curry: With the high Indo-Fijian population in Fiji, the inclusion of curry in the island’s cuisine is only to be expected. Fijian curry has its differences from Indian curry, however, with Fijian curry being made with coconut milk, tomatoes, and plantains, served with a side of dahl soup and roti.

• Rourou: A Fijian soup made from daro (taro leaves), cooked in coconut milk and can be served with chicken or left as is.

• Topoi: A sweet Fijian dessert dumpling made with grated cassava, coconut milk, and sugar

88 Manners Kiwis and Aussies are famous for their friendliness. You won’t have to work hard to strike up conversations.

The etiquette of photographing most people in Australia and New Zealand is about the same as it would be on the streets of your hometown. You need permission to take a close-up, but not for a crowd scene. For cultural reasons, some Maori and Aboriginal people usually do not want their photographs taken, even from a distance. You should not assume that it is OK to photograph them. Ask your intended subject first or ask your Trip Experience Leader for advice.

Safety & Security As you travel, exercise the same caution and awareness that you would in a large American city. Don’t be overly nervous or suspicious, but keep your eyes open. If you are venturing out after dark, go with one or two other people.

Carry a one-day supply of cash in your pocket. Carry most of your money, and your passport, in a travel pouch or money belt under your shirt. Replenish your pocket supply when you are in a safe and quiet place, or in our vehicle. Don’t leave valuables unattended in your hotel room. Most hotels will offer use of a hotel safe at the front desk or an electronic in-room safe (for which you can set your own personal number). Please utilize them.

Pickpockets may create a sudden distraction. In any sort of puzzling street situation, try to keep one hand on your money belt. If an encounter with a local turns out to be long and complicated and involves money or your valuables, be very careful. Con artists sometimes target travelers.

Shopping: What to Buy, Customs, Shipping & More There may be scheduled visits to local shops during your adventure. There is no requirement to make a purchase during these stops, and any purchase made is a direct transaction with the shop in question, subject to the vendor’s terms of purchase. O.A.T. is not responsible for purchases you make on your trip or for the shipment of your purchases.

Returns If you discover an issue with an item, you should contact the vendor directly and expect that any resolution will take longer than it would in the U.S. We recommend that you keep a copy of all your receipts, invoices, or contracts, along with the shop’s contact information. Keep in mind, local practice may vary from U.S. standards, so don’t assume that you have a certain number of days after the purchase to speak up or that you are guaranteed a refund.

89 Crafts & Souvenirs

Australia You can find craft items and screen-printed garments made by Aboriginal craft cooperatives throughout Australia—especially around Alice Springs and Ayers Rock (Uluru). The opal is Australia’s national gem, and is used in many different types of jewelry. Items with typically Australian symbols like koala bears, kangaroos, boomerangs, etc. can make fun gifts, while items made out of eucalyptus leaf are lightweight and durable. In addition, both Australia and New Zealand produce distinctive wines that make fine gifts or souvenirs.

New Zealand New Zealand has a strong sheep herding industry, so quality woolens shouldn’t be hard to find—possum fur and merino wool blend garments can be found in most places. Jewelry made from greenstone (a type of jade found on the South Island), pearls, or paua shells are popular buys. Traditional Maori crafts include carvings in wood, stone, or bone; and flax weaving. Less obvious—but still typically New Zealand—souvenirs include t-shirts for the national rugby team or beauty products like the Evolu or Living Nature lines.

Fiji Fiji has creations of its local artisans available for purchase, including jewelry, handcrafts, a wide-ranging assortment of baskets, and various types of art.

U.S. Customs Regulations & Shipping Charges For all things related to U.S. Customs, the ultimate authority is the U.S. Bureau of Customs & Border Protection. Their website, www.cbp.gov has the answers to the most frequently asked questions. Or you can call them at 1-877-227-5511.

The top three points to know are:

• At time of writing, your personal duty-free allowance is $800 for items brought with you. Items totaling more than $800 are subject to duty fees.

• Items shipped home are always subject to duty when received in the U.S. Even when the shop has offered to include shipping and duties in the price, this typically means shipping to the nearest customs facility and payment of the export duties—not door-to-door shipping or payment of the import duties. All additional duties or shipping charges would be your responsibility. Unless an item is small enough to send by parcel service (like FedEx), chances are you will need to arrange shipping or pick-up once the item is in the U.S. and will need to pay customs duties.

• It is illegal to import products made from endangered animal species. U.S. Customs & Border Protection will seize these items, as well as most furs, coral, tortoise shell, reptile skins, feathers, plants, and items made from animal skins.

90 Australian Customs Regulations Please keep in mind that Australian Customs Regulations apply when you enter Australia and that all regulations are subject to change without notice. In general, travelers are allowed to bring $A900 (approximately $818 U.S.) worth of goods into Australia free of duty and sales tax, not including alcohol or tobacco, when the goods accompany the passenger. The limit is $A450 (approximately $409 U.S.) for travelers under 18 years of age. The maximum amount of alcohol allowed per person is 2.25 liters. The maximum amount of tobacco allowed per person is 50 cigarettes or 50 grams of cigars. Food items of any kind—even ones that are allowed into the country—must be declared. For more information, you may want to contact the Australian Customs Service.

Security: In addition to their customs restrictions, the Australian government has security measures to limit the amount of liquids, aerosols, and gels that can be taken through the screening point for people flying to and from Australia. All containers with drinks, creams, perfumes, sprays, gels, toothpaste and similar substances should not exceed 100ml (3.3 ounces) each and will have to be carried in a re-sealable clear plastic bag, no larger than 20cm x 20cm, and be inspected separately. There is a limit of one bag per person. Any sharp items (i.e. nail scissors) should be in your checked luggage.

Telephone from the United States: 011-612-9313-3010 or on the web: www.customs.gov.au.

TIP: Our regional office would like to remind you that you should NOT bring fruit of any kind into Australia. It will be confiscated and you will be fined.

Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS): The TRS enables you to claim a refund, subject to certain conditions, of the goods and services tax (GST) and wine equalization tax (WET) that you pay on goods you buy in Australia. To claim a refund you must:

• Spend AUD$300 (GST inclusive) or more in the one store and get a single tax invoice. (You can submit paperwork from more than one store provided that you spent AUD$300 at each store.)

• Buy goods no more than 60 days before departure

• Wear or carry the goods on board the aircraft and present them along with your original tax invoice, passport and international boarding pass to a Customs Officer at a TRS facility

• Claims at airports are available up to 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure of your flight

The refund only applies to goods that you take with you as hand luggage or wear onto the aircraft when you leave Australia It does not apply to services or goods consumed or partly consumed in Australia, such as wine, chocolate or perfume. However, unlike other tourist shopping schemes, most of the goods, such as clothing and cameras, can be used in Australia before departure.

You can collect your refund through one of the following methods:

• Check

91 • Credit to an Australian bank account

• Payment to a credit card

Customs will aim to post check refunds within 15 business days. Bank and credit card refunds will be issued by Customs within 5 business days, however, payment will be subject to processing by your bank or card issuer.

New Zealand Customs Regulations The following regulations were taken from New Zealand’s government customs website: www. customs.govt.nz

All regulations are subject to change without notice.

Before you arrive in New Zealand, you will receive a New Zealand Passenger Arrival Card. You must tick (check) “Yes” in the Customs section of your arrival card if you are bringing any of the following into New Zealand:

• Goods that may be prohibited or restricted, such as weapons, hookah/shisha pipes, other ornamental pipes, objectionable (indecent) materials, wildlife products or illicit drugs.

• Goods in excess of the $700 allowance and the tobacco and alcoholic beverages allowance. At time of writing, $700 NZD was roughly $500 U.S. The duty-free allowance for tobacco was 50 cigarettes, or 50 grams of tobacco, or 50 cigars, or a mixture of all three weighing not more than 50 grams. You could also bring up to 4.5 liters of wine, or 4.5 liters of beer, or three bottles each containing not more than 1,125ml of spirits, liqueur, or other spirituous beverages duty-free.

• Goods carried on behalf of another person

• NZ $10,000 or more, or the equivalent in foreign currency (please have purchase receipts available)

• Food items of any sort, whether restricted or not. This includes food given to you during your flight.

• You will be fined on the spot (around NZD400) for anything that you do not declare on this form.

TIP: Our regional office would like to remind you that you should NOT bring fruit of any kind into New Zealand. It will be confiscated and you will be fined.

You do not have to declare your clothing, footwear, jewelry, or toiletries. These are regarded as personal effects if they are intended solely for your own use. Important Note: If you have recently worn your shoes in rural or natural areas, please wash your footwear prior to entering New Zealand.

92 Unlike other Customs administrations, there is no provision for travelers to obtain a refund of Goods and Services Tax (GST) on their purchases when they leave the country. In order to purchase goods without payment of GST, travelers are required to purchase from a duty-free shop.

93 DEMOGRAPHICS & HISTORY

Australia

Facts, Figures & National Holidays • Area: 2,988,902 square miles

• Capital: Canberra

• Language: English is the official language.

• Ethnicity: Australian: 25.4%, English: 25.9%, Irish: 7.5%, Scottish: 6.4%, Italian: 3.3%, German: 3.2%, Chinese: 3.1% Greek: 1.4%, Dutch 1.2%, other 15.8%, unspecified 5.4%

• Location: Australia is bordered by three oceans and four seas.

• Geography: Situated in the Southern Hemisphere and south of Asia, Australia is an island continent surrounded by three oceans and four seas. It is about 7,700 miles from Los Angeles. Australia is roughly the same size as the continental United States, measuring 2,500 miles from east to west, and 2,000 miles from north to south. The Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral reef, lies a short distance off the northeast coast and extends for over 1,240 miles. Australia is Earth’s flattest continent. Eastern Australia is marked by the Great Dividing Range, although the name is not strictly accurate, since parts of the range consists of low hills. The western half of Australia consists of the Western Plateau, which rises to mountain heights near the west coast and falls to lower elevations near the continental center. This is the arid landscape commonly known as the Outback.

• Population: 22,751,014 (estimate)

• Religions: Protestant 30.1%, Catholic 25.3%, Orthodox 2.8%, other Christian 2.9%, Buddhist 2.5%, Muslim 2.2%, Hindu 1.3%, other 1.3%, unspecified 9.3%, none 22.3%

• Time Zone: Australia has three primary time zones, four when Daylight Savings Time is in effect. Time in Canberra is 14 hours ahead of U.S. EST. When it is it is 6am in Washington D.C., it is 8pm in Canberra.

94 National Holidays: Australia

In addition to the holidays listed below, 01/01 New Year’s Day Australia celebrates a number of national 01/26 Australia Day holidays that follow a lunar calendar, such as Easter. Each state in Australia also has a 04/25 Anzac Day certain latitude in setting its own holidays. To find out if you will be traveling during these 12/25 Christmas Day holidays, please visit www.timeanddate.com/ 12/26 Boxing Day holidays.

Australia: A Brief History Australia’s indigenous peoples believe that their tribes have lived here since the dawn of time—the Dreamtime—when their spiritual ancestors brought the land into being with song. Anthropologists believe that indigenous peoples have lived in Australia for at least 40,000 years, developing their culture largely free from outside influence. During this immense span of time, the ancestors of many groups now lumped together under the term “Australia’s First Peoples” developed over 200 different languages and many local traditions. The Wathaurong, Arrente, Walpiri, and Anangu cultural groups, which are roughly like tribes or clans, are among those still present today. In addition to passing along spiritual practices that are still observed, ancient Aborigines mastered the challenges of living in a harsh environment. There is evidence that they planted crops, diverted streams, and maintained grasslands by deliberate burning in order to attract game for food. During the last several thousand years, the population increased, and different groups of indigenous people traded with each other across the continent. After thousands of years of independence from outside influence, indigenous life changed dramatically with the arrival of Europeans.

Although people in Europe imagined the existence of a Terra Australis in late medieval times, they knew nothing of the real Australia until the 17th century. The first European to actually set foot on Australian soil was probably the Dutch sailor Dirk Hartog in 1616. In 1642, Abel Tasman of Holland explored the southern coast, which is why the Tasman Sea and Tasmania now bear his name. English Captain James Cook landed at Botany Bay on Australia’s eastern coast in 1770, establishing an English claim that eventually led to colonization. Another Englishman, Matthew Flinders, circumnavigated the continent at the beginning of the 19th century. These early explorations revealed the coast, but Australia’s inland geography remained a mystery. When England could no longer send colonists or exiled convicts to America, Australia became a new destination for them. On January 26—the date now celebrated as Australia Day—in 1788, English Captain Arthur Phillip founded Sydney as a penal colony. From its inception, Sydney has been the capital of New South Wales, then a colony and now the most populous of Australia’s six states.

Before England ended the practice in 1853, more than 150,000 convicts were sent to New South Wales and Tasmania; one-fifth of them were women. From the 1820s to the 1880s, increasing numbers of free colonists also settled in Australia. First in New South Wales, and later in the

95 other colonies, governance became more democratic with power increasingly vested in legislative councils. Indigenous people were not included, and it was not until the 1960s that they were granted full citizenship in the group of British colonies that had come to occupy their native land.

In 1851 Edward Hargraves struck gold in New South Wales, an event that led to the tripling of Australia’s population during the next 11 years. Australia remained a collection of distinct colonies until the dawn of the 20th century. In some ways, each colony’s ties to Great Britain were closer than they were with the other Australian colonies.

After some earlier attempts at establishing greater unity had failed, the Commonwealth of Australia became a reality on January 1, 1901. A true national identity was forged only in the aftermath of World War I. Anzac Day, celebrated on April 25, commemorates the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps’ landing at Gallipoli in the First World War, a milestone in the growth of national consciousness. World War II compelled Australians to look beyond their traditional ties to Great Britain, forge the new ANZUS alliance with the U.S., and see themselves anew as a Pacific Rim nation. Australia celebrated its bicentennial in 1988, and Aussies took great pride in having Sydney selected as the site for the 2000 Summer Olympics.

Recently Australia has been on the forefront of environmental activism, especially in regards to the question of water management, which came under scrutiny during a severe drought in 2005-2006. On the other end of the spectrum, Queensland had too much water a few years later, resulting in dramatic flash floods at the end of 2010. Another recent struggle has been the question of how to handle asylum seekers; this issue has been in the forefront of public debate and generated some controversial policies.

New Zealand

Facts, Figures & National Holidays • Area: 103,363 square miles

• Capital: Wellington

• Language: English

• Ethnicity: European 71.2%, Maori 14.1%, Asian 11.3%, Pacific islander 7.6%, other 2.7%, unspecified 5.4%

• Location: New Zealand, consisting of two main islands (the North Island and South Island, plus some smaller offshore isles), is situated about 1,250 miles southeast of Australia and surrounded by the South Pacific Ocean, the Tasman Sea, and the Southern Ocean.

• Geography: The Cook Strait, a rather turbulent waterway, separates the North Island from the South Island. From tip to tip, the whole country measures about 1,000 miles. Despite its generous length, its widest point is only 174 miles across. The South Island is divided along its length by the Southern Alps and the Fiordland’s steep mountains and deep fiords record the extensive ice age glaciation of its south-western corner. The North Island is less mountainous, but its geography is marked by ancient volcanic activity.

96 • Population: 4,438,393 (estimate)

• Religions: Christian 44.3%, Hindu 2.1%, Buddhist 1.4%, Maori Christian 1.3%, Islam 1.1%, other 1.4%, none 38.5%, not stated 8.2%, objected to answering 4.1%

• Time Zone: New Zealand is on New Zealand Standard Time, 17 hours ahead of U.S. EST. When it is 6am in Washington D.C., it is 10pm in Wellington.

National Holidays: New Zealand

In addition to the holidays listed below, New 01/02 Day after New Year’s Zealand celebrates a number of national 02/06 Waitangi Day holidays that follow a lunar calendar, such as Easter, the Queen’s Birthday, and Labor 04/25 Anzac Day Day. To find out if you will be traveling during these holidays, please visit www. 12/25 Christmas timeanddate.com/holidays. 12/26 Boxing Day 01/01 New Year’s Day

New Zealand: A Brief History New Zealand’s history is divided into two distinct phases: Pre-European settlement by the Maori and their ancestors, and European settlement from the 18th century onward. The first wave of settlement was by Polynesians from the Marquesas, Society, and Cook Islands. Their landing on the beaches of the North Island in about 1300 A.D. signaled the end of the 5000-year migration of these “Vikings of the Pacific” across the vast ocean. Over time, farming took on a more important role. Since the crops would not grow in the cooler southern areas, the emerging Maori culture settled predominantly in the warmer North Island and began a “golden age” of agricultural settlement.

Villages sprang up, often with a central marae (village common) and elaborately carved whare runanga (meeting houses). The arts began to flourish: wood carvers, medicine men, tattooists, and priests were employed by a people who no longer had to spend all their time hunting and gathering food. But as the population increased, so too did the desire for good farmland. Inevitably, warfare broke out amongst the different iwi or tribes. These iwi, each linked by a different ancestral canoe, began to specialize in warfare and thus the Maori became a nation of warriors.

Between 1769 and 1777, British Captain James Cook made three voyages to the islands aboard the Endeavour. While he met with some initial hostility from the islands’ residents, Cook was able to forge a peaceful relationship with the Maori—but he soon claimed the islands for the British Crown without their consent.

The incursion with the most far-reaching and damaging consequences resulted from the introduction of liquor and European diseases, against which the Maori had no immunity. Thousands died from epidemics of what would be considered minor ailments today, such as influenza and measles. By 1830, New Zealand’s Maori population had been dramatically

97 reduced. By the late 1830s, the Maori were beginning to accept Christianity. As more and more Maori embraced Christianity, fewer aspects of the centuries-old Maori society were observed. Traditional Maori culture began to dissolve.

On February 6, 1840, representatives of the British Crown and various Maori chiefs signed the Treaty of Waitangi. In the English-language version, the treaty grants the Maori land rights and the right of British citizenship in exchange for ceding the sovereignty of New Zealand to the British crown. But in the Maori-language version, the word for sovereignty is weaker, suggesting governship or the right to make the first offer on land for sale, rather than ownership. Add a hasty translation to different cultural understandings of land rights, and the result is a controversy that continues to this day. By 1858, the decline in land sales combined with the pressure on the British government to allow more settlers into New Zealand resulted in a dangerous imbalance. The government responded by using a falsified story about an attack on the settlement of Auckland as the justification for launching an all-out war against the tribes of the North Island. Outnumbered, the Maori were forced to concede over 4 million acres of the best farmland to the settlers.

While the land wars raged on—in some parts of the country until 1865—colonists continued to arrive. They turned sheep farming, which remains a vital part of New Zealand’s economy. The discovery of gold in the mid-1800s brought bright new economic prospects, and a surging population, to the South Island. With the invention of refrigeration, New Zealand suddenly assumed a much greater role in the world economic scene, as it could now export perishable products like meat, butter, and cheese. As New Zealand become more visible to the rest of the world, the native Maori population continued to decline precipitously. By 1900, fewer than 42,000 Maori remained.

New Zealand achieved complete independence from Britain in 1947. The economy soared following World War II, as agricultural prices rose dramatically. Soon, the country could boast one of the highest per-capita incomes in the world. Politically, New Zealand has been in the forefront of social welfare legislation for over a century. In 1893, it was the world’s first country to grant women the right to vote. It also adopted old age pensions (1898); a national child welfare program (1907); social security for the aged, widows, and orphans (1938); and minimum wages, a 40-hour workweek, and unemployment and health insurance (also in 1938). Socialized medicine went into effect in 1941.

On May 29, 1953, Edmund Percival Hillary, along with Nepalese Sherpa Tenzing Norgay, made history by ascending Mount Everest. Together, these two men went where no men had ever been. The 1970s saw a revival of Maori culture, driven by a demand for recognition and participation in economic prosperity. In 1985, the Treaty of Waitangi was amended to include claims dating back to the original signing of the treaty in 1840. Financial reparations were made to several Maori tribes whose lands were unjustly confiscated.

Major events taking place in New Zealand in recent years include the 1996 eruption of Mount Ruapehu, whose ash clouds made air travel problematic all across the country. On the political front, Jenny Shipley became the nation’s first female prime minister in 1997. She was succeeded

98 by Helen Clark in 1999 and by John Key in 2008. The Christchurch earthquakes of February 2011 drew international outreach and support. Many countries—the U.S. included—sent search and rescue teams or other aid.

Fiji

Facts, Figures & National Holidays • Area: 7,054 square miles

• Capital: Suva

• Language: English is the official language; Fijian and Hindustani are also spoken.

• Location: The Fiji Islands consist of some 300 bits of land ranging in size from Viti Levu (“Big Fiji”), one of the largest South Pacific islands, to tiny atolls that barely break the surface of the sea. With a total land area of 7,054 square miles, Fiji is slightly smaller than the state of New Jersey. Viti Levu has 4,171 of those square miles.

• Population: 918,675

• Religions: Christian, 52%; Hindu, 38%; Islam, 8%; other, 2%.

• Time Zone: Fiji, like New Zealand, is 17 hours ahead of New York’s time; 16 ahead during Daylight Savings Time.

National Holidays: Fiji

In addition to the holidays listed below, Fiji 06/26 National Sports Day celebrates a number of national holidays that 09/07 Constitution Day follow a lunar calendar, such as Easter and the Queen’s Birthday. To find out if you will 10/10 Fiji Day be traveling during these holidays, please visit www.timeanddate.com/holidays. 12/25 Christmas

01/01 New Year’s Day 12/26 Boxing Day

Fiji: A Brief History The first known European to sight Fiji was Abel Tasman in 1643. His accounts of dangerous waters kept seamen away until, 131 years later, Captain James Cook stopped there in 1774. But probably the most famous visitor—albeit inadvertently—was Captain William Bligh, who had been ousted from his ship, HMS Bounty, and set adrift in a small boat. His passage between the islands of Vanua Levu and Viti Levu is still called “Bligh Water.”

Fiji’s history is a long and sometimes violent one. Inhabited for over 2,500 years, the original Melanesian settlers were invaded by Polynesians from Tonga and Samoa. Intertribal wars forced the people into fortified villages, and cannibalism became so common that Fiji became infamous as “The Cannibal Isles.” Further Tongan invasions in the 1800s added to the volatile atmosphere,

99 while American, Australian, French, and British interests vied for supremacy. Levuka became so lawless that it eventually was destroyed by fire in 1847. When Fiji was annexed by the British, indentured labor was imported from India. By the time this system was abolished in 1919, more than 60,000 Indians lived in Fiji, creating tension between Fijians and Indians and leading to racial segregation.

In 1970, Fiji gained its independence, although the political parties were organized by race. Violence against Indians destabilized the new government until 1987, when Col. Stiveni Rabuka seized power in a bloodless coup. He was formally elected in 1991. In 1999, Fiji elected its first Prime Minister of Indian descent, Mahendra Chaudhry, whose government was overturned by a coup in 2000. Fiji is now a Democratic Republic governed by President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, elected by the Great Council of Chiefs.

100 RESOURCES

Suggested Reading

General South Pacific Kon-Tiki, Across the Pacific by Raft by Thor Heyerdahl, with F. H. Lyon, Translator (Exploration) On April 28, 1947, Heyerdahl and five other adventurous souls set themselves adrift on a raft off the coast of Peru. When they arrived in Tahiti five months later, they not only had a great tale of adventure on the high seas, but also changed the way historians viewed the migration of early humans.

Tales of the South Pacific by James Michener (Short Stories) Set during WWII in Polynesia, this series of loosely related short stories won the 1948 Pulitzer Prize and was the basis for the Rogers and Hammerstein musical South Pacific.

The Happy Isles of , Paddling the Pacific by Paul Theroux (Travel Narrative) When noted travel writer Paul Theroux decided to tour the South Pacific, he figured that kayaking would be the way to go. In the end, he explored the coastlines of 51 different islands from New Zealand to Hawaii. This book is a terrific introduction to the region, combining history, anecdote, and acutely observed detail on people and place.

The Journals of Captain Cook by James Cook (Exploration) Cook’s narrative of his expeditions between 1768 and 1779. Includes his explorations of Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Hawaii, and a host of other previously unheard-of Pacific locales.

Australia Lane’s End by Jill Paterson (Mystery) Part of the Fitzjohn Mystery Series set in Sydney, this novel sees Inspector Fitzjohn trying to solve a murder at a cocktail party in the Sydney Observatory.

Picnic at Hanging Rock (Fiction) It is 1900 and four school friends go on a picnic with one of their teachers. Only one person returns—what happened to the other four? Not a traditional mystery but very mysterious nonetheless.

Grit and True Grit by David Hunt (History) The strange and quirky side to the history of Australia told in two volumes with lots of sarcasm and humor.

Chasing Kangaroos by Tim Flannery (Natural History) Part road-trip, part natural history, this book is an ode to Australia’s national animal combined with the author’s search to trace when and how the kangaroo first developed.

Dirt Music by Tim Winton (Literature) A powerful and suspenseful story about the tragic passion between two vulnerable people—an alcoholic woman stuck in a broken relationship and a grief- stricken poacher.

In a Sunburned Country by Bill Bryson (History) Lots of history mixed in with the best-selling author’s comedic observations about Australia, its people, and its cultural institutions.

101 Road from Coorain by Jill Ker Conway (Memoir) A beautifully written narrative of Conway’s girlhood on an isolated sheep farm in the grasslands of Australia prior to her departure for America. She eventually went on to become the first women president of Smith College.

The Fatal Shore by Robert Hughes (History) An immensely readable yet scholarly account of Australia’s tragic origins. Hughes combines thorough research with a compelling narrative in this splendid work.

The Songlines by Bruce Chatwin (Cultural Portrait). In this unusual book, Chatwin combines straightforward reporting, history, dream-time stories, and a heady mix of quotations from his notebooks. This book may not be in stock at your local store, but it can still be found online.

The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough (Fiction) One of the most beloved novels of all time—a saga of dreams, struggles, dark passions, and forbidden love that has enthralled readers the world over. The Thorn Birds is a chronicle of three generations of the Cleary family with a love story at its heart.

True History of the Kelly Gang by Peter Carey (Historical Fiction) Undoubtedly Australia’s most potent legend, Ned Kelly is a mythic hero and Wild West-style outlaw. This is a breathless adventure, with many angles, such as a boy’s defense of his mother, and a man’s confiding letter to a daughter whom he will never meet. Winner of the 2001 Booker Prize.

New Zealand The Bone People by Keri Hume (Fiction) An acclaimed novel from a New Zealand author about a three people—a female artist in exile from her family, a mute boy, and the boy’s foster father— that was praised by critics for its unconventional writing and provocative depictions alcoholism and abuse.

The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton (Fiction) In Victorian New Zealand a young gold prospector stumbles into a strange meeting of 12 local men who are there to discuss some even stranger events: a disappearance, a death, and a fortune.

A Concise History of New Zealand by Philippa Mein Smith (History) The title says it all. Travelers interested in a more detailed, scholarly history should look for the works of Anne Salmond, such as Between Worlds: Early Exchanges Between Maori and Europeans and The Trial of the Cannibal Dog (about Captain Cook’s voyages).

Come on Shore and We Will Kill and Eat You All by Christina Thompson (Memoir/History) An unusual mix of personal memoir and history that bounces between the story of the arrival of the European settlers in New Zealand and the American author’s courtship and marriage to a Maori man. And the title? It comes from a famous story about the Maoris’ reaction when they first saw the Europeans.

Once Were Warriors by Alan Duff (Literature) The controversial best-selling novel about the disintegration of Maori culture in contemporary New Zealand, and how the lack of a clear cultural identity can lead to strife and violence.

102 Tutira: The Story of a New Zealand Sheep Station by W.H. Guthrie-Smith (Natural History) Originally published in 1921, and a classic in New Zealand, this book follows the daily work and ecological impact of a sheep station by Lake Tutira. A bit scholarly, but still relevant considering today’s environmental concerns.

Fiji Tears in Paradise: Suffering and Struggles of Indians in Fiji, 1879-2004 by Rajendra Prasad (2010, History). A detailed and intensely researched publication on the treatment of Indian indentured servants, called Girmitiyas, in Fiji by the British from 1879-2004. As the grandson of Girmitiyas, Prasad graphically describes the treatment of those under the Girmit system, as they worked on sugar-cane plantations until 1920. The second half of the book outlines the history and uncertain future of Indo-Fijians.

Kava in the Blood by Peter Thomson (1999, Autobiography). Thomson describes his time as the secretary to the governor of Fiji during the coup d’état in 1987 as well as his childhood as a fifth generation Fijian born to a British colonial administrator.

Getting Stoned with Savages: A Trip Through the Islands of Fiji and Vanuatu by J. Maarten Troost (2007, Nonfiction). A travelog of Troost and his wife’s time on Vanuatu and Fiji, Getting Stoned with Savages follows the couple as they experience typhoons, giant centipedes, nudity, and parenthood.

Dodging Machetes by Will Lutwick (2012, Biography). Lutwick, as young Peace Corp member stationed in Fiji, struggles with Fijian culture and taboos surrounding interracial dating when he falls for Rani Gupta, a young woman from a traditional Hindi family.

Suggested Film & Video

Australia A Cry in the Dark (1988, Drama) Based on the true story of a woman accused of the murder of her child, but who maintains that the child died in an animal attack. Although famously associated with the line “the dingo ate my baby,” the real quote is actually “the dingo’s got my baby”.

Animal Kingdom (2010, Thriller) A gritty Australian family-crime drama about an innocent young man who, when his mother dies, turns to his uncles for guidance. Too bad the uncles are a crew of hardened Melbourne bank robbers who are nearing the end of the line. Critically acclaimed film with an ensemble cast that features Guy Pierce playing the good cop for a change.

Australia (2008, Adventure) An English lady inherits a cattle ranch in Australia and works with one of the ranch hands to organize an immense cattle drive across the Outback, but then gets caught up in the events leading to WWII.

Crocodile Dundee (1986, Comedy) A comedic “fish out of water” story that has an American reporter hosting an engaging, but eccentric, Australian crocodile hunter in .

103 Lion (2016, Drama) A five-year old boy is separated from his family in India and adopted by a couple in Tasmania. Later as an adult, he searches for his birth mother using a few memories and Google Earth. Based on a true story.

Muriel’s Wedding (1994, Comedy) Muriel deals with the boredom of life in a small Australian town by listening to ABBA and planning her dream wedding. There’s only one small problem—she’s never been on a date.

Mutiny on the Bounty (1935, Drama) A dramatic retelling of the historic mutiny led by Fletcher Christian against Captain William Bligh.

The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994, Comedy) If you liked The Birdcage, this one’s for you. When three performers are hired to set up a drag show revue at a resort in the middle of the Outback, comedy ensues.

Rabbit-Proof Fence (2002, Adventure) Molly, Daisy, and Gracie are part of the “stolen generations”, aboriginal children forcibly removed from their families by the Australian government and placed in re-education camps. But the girls escape, and by following one of the lengthy rabbit-proof fences that crosses the country, try to make their way home on foot. Based on true events.

Red Dog (2011, Comedy) Set in the late 70’s and early 80’s, this film tells the story of a rascally stray dog, named for the color of his coat, and how he brings the local community together. The story, which is based on a well-known book, showcases the new Australia that developed from the wave of immigration after World War II.

Sapphires (2012, Drama) Based on a true story, the movie follows four young Aboriginal women who become a soul singing group that entertain troops in Vietnam. A moving story that incorporates historical events, such as how the White Australia Policy and Stolen Generation affected mixed race families in the 60s and 70s.

Strictly Ballroom (1992, Comedy) A sweet romantic comedy set in the world of Australia’s ballroom dancing championships. Scott, the odds-on favorite, feels constrained by rules that will not let him create new dance steps. Fran, the new dancer, is repeatedly overlooked despite her talent. If they dance together, they might have to choose between winning and creative freedom.

General South Pacific South Pacific (1958, Romance) A Rogers and Hammerstein musical set on a tropical island during WWII. Will young the American nurse fall for the sophisticated French planter? Or will she wash that man right out of her hair?

The Endless Summer (1966, Documentary) The primary focus of this documentary is two young surfers searching the world for the perfect beach. But with scenes in Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, and Hawaii, it also captures the rise of surfer culture in the South Pacific during the 1960’s.

104 New Zealand Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016, Comedy) Written and directed by Taika Waititi this charming, off-beat comedy follows a mixed-up 13-year-old named Ricky Baker and his cankerous, yet highly skilled foster father Hec as they hide in the woods from a manhunt launched by mistake.

The Lord of the Rings (trilogy comprising of The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King) (2001-2003, Adventure) An epic retelling of the classic works of J.R.R. Tolkien, set in the legendary world of Middle Earth, which was loosely based on old Norse and Celtic myths. When director Peter Jackson needed to find diverse locations from craggy peaks, to lush hills, to peaceful meadows, he turned to his home country—the plot might be pure fantasy, but the scenery is real New Zealand.

The Piano (1993, Drama) A mute woman, who only expresses herself through her piano and in sign language to her young daughter, is sent to New Zealand for an arranged marriage. But soon after her arrival, a potential romance with a local worker leads to dramatic consequences.

The World’s Fastest Indian (2005, Drama) A biographical film based on the life of New Zealand speed bike rider Burt Munro, and his attempts to break the land speed record on his Indian Scout motorcycle.

Whale Rider (2002, Drama) A young Maori girl fights for a chance to lead her tribe. But will her grandfather consider a girl for their next leader?

Once Were Warriors (1994, Crime) This film adaptation keeps intact the book’s gritty and realistic view of the violence and societal problems that can plague the urban Maori in New Zealand.

Fiji Reel Paradise (2005, Documentary). John Pierson, a New York film programmer, moves to Fiji with his wife and daughter for a year, and opens a movie theater.

The Land Has Eyes (2004, Drama). The first feature film made in Fiji, The Land Has Eyes is about Viki, a young Fijian woman, who uses the myth of the Warrior Woman as inspiration while she searches for justice for her wrongfully accused father.

An Island Calling (2009, Documentary). This movie examines the murder of John Scott, the head of Fiji’s Red Cross, and his gay partner, who helped hostages during the 2000 Fijian coup in an increasingly conservative and hostile country.

105 Useful Websites

Overseas Adventure Travel World Weather www.oattravel.com www.intellicast.com www.weather.com Overseas Adventure Travel Store www.wunderground.com www.oatshop.com Basic Travel Phrases (80 languages) Overseas Adventure Travel Frequently www.travlang.com/languages Asked Questions www.oattravel.com/faq Packing Tips www.travelite.org International Health Information/CDC (Centers for Disease Control) U.S. Customs & Border Protection http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel www.cbp.gov/travel

Electricity & Plugs Transportation Security www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/ Administration (TSA) plugs-and-sockets www.tsa.gov

Foreign Exchange Rates National Passport Information Center www.xe.com/currencyconverter www.travel.state.gov www.oanda.com/converter/classic Holidays Worldwide ATM Locators www.timeanddate.com/holidays www.mastercard.com/atm www.visa.com/atmlocator

106 VACCINATIONS NOW REQUIRED FOR ALL TRAVELERS, SHIP CREW, TRIP EXPERIENCE LEADERS, AND COACH DRIVERS Plus, updated Health & Safety Protocols for our Land Tours

The health and safety of our travelers is always our #1 priority, and we understand travelers are concerned about exploring the world in light of the unprecedented crisis we are currently facing. To ensure your safety and give you peace of mind, we have worked with our regional team and listened to government guidance and feedback from our travelers to create these health and safety protocols for our trips. As we continue to make changes, we will keep our website updated with the latest information.

VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS • All travelers, ship crew, and Trip Experience AND UPDATED HEALTH & SAFETY Leaders will have their temperature checked PROTOCOLS FOR SMALL SHIP every time they return to the ship using a non- ADVENTURES contact infrared temperature scanner. • All travelers must be fully vaccinated against • All meals are served by the dining staff— COVID-19 at least 14 days prior to departure buffets are no longer available. and provide proof of vaccination upon VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS AND boarding the ship. If you are unable to UPDATED HEALTH & SAFETY PROTOCOLS provide proof of vaccination upon arrival at FOR SMALL GROUP ADVENTURES ON LAND your destination, you will have to return • All travelers must be fully vaccinated against home at your own expense. COVID-19 at least 14 days prior to departure. If To meet this requirement, please bring your you are unable to provide proof of vaccination original COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card upon arrival at your destination, you will with you on your trip. The white card must have to return home at your own expense. display your name, type of vaccine, and the To meet this requirement, please bring your date(s) the vaccine was administered. We also original COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card with suggest taking a picture of this card to keep for you on your trip. The white card must display your records as a backup. your name, type of vaccine, and the date(s) • All local Trip Experience Leaders, the vaccine was administered. We also suggest fully ship staff, and crew will be taking a picture of this card to keep for your vaccinated against COVID-19. records as a backup. fully • All coach drivers will be • All local Trip Experience Leaders will be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. vaccinated against COVID-19. • All public areas will be sanitized nightly and • All coach drivers will be fully vaccinated all ships are equipped with High Efficiency against COVID-19. Particulate Air (HEPA) filters.

Help us ensure travelers’ safety and health while on our trips. Please follow best health and hygiene practices to prevent the spread of illness—wash your hands regularly and cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing. Together, we can create a safer travel experience for everyone.

Learn more at www.oattravel.com/covid-update

107 Notes

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109 Notes

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111 YOUR TRIP EXPERIENCE LEADER

Your O.A.T. Trip Experience Leader is an insider who lives in the destinations you are exploring. They are not just knowledgeable, but personable and personal—eager to understand your own interests, and happy to share their own. This makes all the diff erence between just visiting a place, and experiencing its true spirit.

For your A South Pacific Odyssey: Australia, the Outback & New Zealand adventure, your Trip Experience Leaders have earned an overall “Excellence” rating of 77% in post-trip surveys completed by our travelers.

The Leader in Personalized Small Group Adventures on the Road Less Traveled

CONNECT WITH US: 1-800-955-1925 | www.oattravel.com

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