PACIFIC HORTICULTURE PACIFIC ISLANDS TOUR Prepared by Pacific Pathways November 1 – 19, 2009

Join us as we visit 3 fascinating islands of Australasia—Norfolk Island, New Caledonia, and Lord Howe Island.

Norfolk Island is a self-governing overseas territory of Australia nearly 1000 miles east of there and includes the main island and two smaller ones, Nepean Island and Philip Island. Of volcanic origin, before clearing by the British colonists it was covered by dense subtropical forest, a remnant of which remains protected in Norfolk Island National Park, surrounding Mt. Bates and Mt. Pitt, the island’s highest points. Of the 174 native plants, 51 are endemic, including the iconic Norfolk Island Pine ( Araucaria heterophylla ). The flora of Philip Island was nearly exterminated by introduced animals; the stunning Philip Island Glory Pea ( Streblorrhiza speciosa ) is now extinct and Hibiscus insularis is reduced to just a few remaining plants.

New Caledonia is another isolated oceanic island but is a fragment of the ancient supercontinent Gondwana that separated from Australia about 65 million years ago. Its long isolation and unusual metal-rich soils have resulted in a unique flora. Of the estimated 3137 species of higher plants, 79% are endemic, with 14% of the genera and 3% of the families endemic. New Caledonia is especially rich in the conifer family Araucariaceae and also hosts several primitive flowering plants that are important in the study of plant evolution.

A United Nations World Heritage site, the Lord Howe Island group comprises the main island (Lord Howe) and several smaller rocky islets, all remnants of an ancient extinct volcano. Lord Howe Island is 435 miles northeast of Sydney, Australia, is 6 miles long by 1¼ miles wide, and the world’s southernmost true coral reef is found off its west coast. It is home to distinctive flora and fauna including the Lord Howe Island Woodhen, one of the world’s rarest birds. A total of 240 plant species occur there, of which 75 are endemic, including the well-known Kentia Palm ( Howea forsteriana ) whose seeds are an important export industry on the island.

NOVEMBER 2009 Sun 01 DEPART LOS ANGELES in the evening. Dinner and breakfast will be served on your flight.

Tue 03 ARRIVE SYDNEY early morning. After completing customs transfer to your flight to Brisbane. Upon arrival in Brisbane you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Remainder of the day free. Accommodation: The Chifley on Lennons x 1 night (Deluxe Room)

Wed 04 BRISBANE TO NORFOLK ISLAND (B,D) Breakfast will be served in the hotel restaurant this morning. Transfer to the airport by private charter coach for your 9:45am flight to Norfolk Island. Arrive Norfolk 1:20pm. Afternoon Tour – Norfolk Island Botanic Gardens This is a viney subtropical rainforest kept close to its natural state and is the only reserve on the island showcasing the many endemic and native species of the viney rainforest. These include trees and shrubs such as Celtis paniculata, Pouteria costata, Lagunaria patersonia, Meryta latifolia, Meryta angustifolia, Cyathea australis, Baloghia inophylla, Nestegis apetala, Melicytus ramiflorus ssp. oblongifolius, and Dysoxylum patersonianum supporting vines such as Milettia australis, Capparis nobilis, Melodinus baueri, Zehneria baueriana, and Calystegia affinis.

The entrance area of the garden, more manicured than natural, is planted with natives not usually found in this area, including Achyranthes arborescens, Achyranthes margaretarum, Euphorbia norfolkianum, Abutilon julianae, Dianella intermedia, Hibiscus insularis, Myoporum obscurum, Boehmeria australis, Coprosma baueri, and Phormium tenax , around an original stand of Cyathea australis, Cyathea brownii, and one Marattia salicina.

Dinner – proposed for a clifftop setting amongst Araucaria heterophylla Accommodation: All Seasons Colonial Hotel x 4 nights

Thu 05 MORNING – NORFOLK ISLAND NATIONAL PARK – walk from the summit of Mt Pitt on the (B) southern side of the mountain slopes through forest, some natural and some rehabilitated, to Palm Glen on the southern side of the mountain slopes. A mostly downhill walk through aromatic and other plants such as Dysoxylum patersonianum, Lagunaria patersonia, Nestegis apetala, Achyranthes arborescens, Meryta angustifolia, Coprosma pilosa, and Freycinetia baueriana with vines Melodinus baueri, Zehneria baueriana, Calystegia affinis, Clematis cocculifolia. As we lose altitude more of the palms Rhopalostylis baueri are encountered, and ferns such as Asplenium dimorphum, Arachnoides aristatum, Arthropteris tenella, Pyrrosia confluens, and orchids including Dendrobium macropus and the rarer Dendrobium brachypus . Some very old and large Araucaria heterophylla are encountered on the lower steep slopes, remaining today only because their removal was too difficult. We’ll also see moss-covered Ungeria floribunda , large Pittosporum bracteolatum, and some pockets replanted following weed removal, with cohorts such as the colonising Dodonaea viscosa and many self-sown Cordyline obtecta . Turning off the main track toward Palm Glen, the forest changes from an Araucaria /hardwood combination to a much greater concentration of Rhopalostylis baueri , with occasional Zanthoxylum pinnatum, Exocarpos phyllanthoides, Pouteria costata, and many (weedy) Psidium cattleianum.

Lunch at Palm Glen picnic area, adjacent to a large Eleaodendron curtipendulum and a short way from a very large old Ungeria floribunda.

AFTERNOON – TOUR THE KINGSTON/ARTHURS VALE HISTORIC AREA , recently nominated for World Heritage Listing. This is a tour with a historical rather than botanical focus, but remnants of the swamp species Excoecaria agallocha are in the area, and some smaller plants such as Calystegia soldanella may sometimes be found in the grass, or Euphorbia obliqua on the rocky shoreline. Phlox, escaped from convict-era gardens, is still found amongst the rocks around beautiful Emily Bay on occasion. The lily Crinum asiaticum still occurs naturally in this area, and a visit to the house museum at No 10 Quality Row could be included, where a specimen garden presenting many of the island’s smaller native species is kept. Dinner – On your own tonight. Many local restaurants.

Fri 06 MORNING – NORFOLK ISLAND NATIONAL PARK – Red Road to Cooks Monument via Bird (B,D) Rock (northeast side). A more strenuous walk, when including the Bird Rock loop, which drops down to the coast and back up. Starting from Red Road a gentle incline gradually increasing takes the walker past large Norfolk Island Pines and a mixed hardwood forest. At a junction where 3 tracks meet is an area unlike any other on the island (botanically) with many Ungeria floribunda, Alyxia gynopogon, Meryta angustifolia, and Euodia (Melicope ) littoralis . A short way on at a knoll the Bird Rock Track drops off toward the coast. Much of the forest is similar to that experienced on previous walks but a greater number of Exocarpos are found in this area, and also the most occurrences of the Climbing Lily Geitonoplesium cymosum. After regaining the main track it breaks out of the forest and wends along the island’s northeast coast where offshore stacks are seen a few hundred metres away with many nesting seabirds on them.

Lunch – at Cooks Monument where the walk ends.

AFTERNOON - HUNDRED ACRES RESERVE A shorter walk through an area which was originally used by the settlers (circa 1860) as an experimental farm to test the suitability of certain ornamental and food plants for propagation on the island. Most of the exotic species are now gone, and the Araucaria forest there is mainly plantation style.

Older trees may include some remnants of original forest and the entire area is used now as a rookery by the seabirds White-capped Noddy (Anous stolidus) and the White Tern (Gygis alba) which should be breeding there at the time of your visit. Many weeds thrive in this area which is gradually being cleared and planted with a mix of native species. Much of the ground is inundated with a weed known as Coral Berry Rivina humilis , but in parts there are otherwise fairly rare native species such as Parietaria debilis which thrives on the guano from the birds high above in the pine trees.

Dinner – Island food and culture show (including dancing, singing and demonstrations in the use of native plants for making hats, baskets etc.)

Sat 07 MORNING –PHILIP ISLAND TOUR (B,D) Once almost totally denuded by pigs, goats, and rabbits the island is now recovering its vegetation cover partly with assistance and a great deal through the rapid growth of weed species such as African Olive Olea europaea , Wild Tobacco Solanum mauritinaum , Brazilian Pepper Schinus terebinthifolius and others. This is the only place where the genetic integrity of Coprosma baueri can be assured as the Norfolk Island plants are becoming hybridized with the New Zealand Coprosma repens , used widely on the island for windbreaks. Philip Island is the home of Hibiscus insularis which can be seen in its original stand, and the place where the new species Achyranthes margaretarum was discovered a few years after the removal of the rabbits in 1988. During November there should be a great many seabirds on the ground and in the air as this is a rookery for 16 seabird species and is inhabited by a further 14 landbirds as well. NB This is a very strenuous day and is dependent on the weather for the boat trip. A landing from a boat onto a wave washed rock platform is followed by an ascent up a 40 foot cliff face assisted by ropes. The terrain is rough and it is hot and dry. There is hardly any flat ground on Philip Island so almost every step is either up or down a slope. OR, if conditions do not favor this trip take a boat trip around the offshore islands with short walks onshore, or, off track walks to remote parts of Norfolk Is National Park, or tour local gardens.

AFTERNOON – FREE Options include the Glass-bottom Boat, horse-riding, time to shop, swim, snorkel, or visit the Cyclorama.

Farewell Dinner – Island home

Sun 08 NORFOLK ISLAND TO NEW CALEDONIA Depart Norfolk Island at 3:25pm. Arrive Brisbane (B) at 6:10pm. Depart Brisbane at 8:30pm. Arrive Noumea at 11:40pm. Transfer to your accommodation.

Accommodation: Ramada Plaza (2 nights)

Mon 09 AROUND NOUMEA After breakfast in your hotel study plants in the area south of Noumea. Visit (B,L,D) Madeleine Falls botanical reserve. Picnic lunch included. Plants to be seen include Garcinia amplexicaulis , Nothofagus codonandra , Exocarpos pseudocasuarina , Geissois magnifica , and many endemic conifers including Neocallitropsis pancheri , Dacrydium araucarioides , Dacrydium guillauminii , Podocarpus novae-caledoniae , Retrophyllum comptonii , Retrophyllum minor, and Agathis ovata .

Tue 10 NOUMEA TO POINDIMIE Depart Noumea after breakfast, travelling to Poindimie on the northeast coast. (B,D) The east side of the island is open to the trade winds so is wetter, with lush tropical vegetation. Around Amieu Mountain and the Poro area you’ll appreciate the humid forest with Araucaria bernieri , Araucaria biramulata , and Amborella trichopoda , one of the the most ancient flowering plants. Accommodation: Tieti Hotel deluxe garden room

Wed 11 POINDIME TO HIENGHENE Still on the east coast, plants we’ll stop and see along the route include (B,D) Dubouzetia confusa , Dubouzetia elegans , Styphelia floribunda , Styphelia veilloni , Elaeocarpus spp., Baloghia anisomera , Baloghia brongniartii , Pittosporum gracile , Basselinia pancheri (palm), Araucaria scopulorum , Agathis lanceolata , Amyema scandens (a mistletoe), and many Cunoniaceae. Accommodation: Koulinoe bungalows

Thu 12 HIENGHENE TO KOUMAC We’ll travel past the Panié Massif on our way to study plants at Amos (B,D) Mountain, including the endemic palm Cyphophoenix elegans . Plants near the sea include Calophyllum inophyllum, Barringtonia asiatica, Gymnostoma webbianum, Fagraea berteroana , Pandanus tectorius, Geissois racemosa , and Mucuna spp. We’ll cross over to Koumac on the northwest side of the island, which is in a rainshadow and much drier. From Koumac we’ll take a side trip up the coast to Poum (or the following morning if no time today). Accommodation: Monitel Koumac Chalet

Fri 13 KOUMAC TO KONE Travelling down the drier west coast, we see a different kind of vegetation at (B,D) Maquis de Ouaco, including Grevillea meisneri , Oxera brevicalix , Phyllanthus spp., many Pittosporum spp. including P. collinum , Purpureostemon ciliatus , Oryza neocaledonica (endemic rice), Ficus prolixa (Pacific Banyan), Eugenia crucigera , Cerberiopsis obtusifolia , Oxanthera neocaledonica , many Hibbertia spp., Gymnostoma chamaecyparis , Hunga gerontogea , Nephrodesmus sericeus , Arthroclianthus spp., Mezoneuron deverdiana , and many Sapotaceae, Araliaceae, Apocynaceae, and Rubiaceae. Accommodation: Koiambo Hotel

Sat 14 KONE TO NOUMEA TO BRISBANE Enroute from Kone to Tontouta Airport study plants at Bourail, (B) Roche Percee, Turtle Bay, and take a walk to discover the dry forest. Only 1% of dry forest remains in New Caledonia now. Plants here include Acropogon bullatus , Cycas seemannii , and Araucaria columnaris . Depart Noumea at 6:30pm. Arrive Brisbane at 7:55pm. Upon arrival in Brisbane transfer to your hotel. (B) Accommodation: Quality Inn Airport Heritage x 1 night

Sun 15 BRISBANE TO LORD HOWE ISLAND (CB,D) Continental breakfast will be served this morning. Then transfer to the airport for your flight to Lord Howe Island. Depart Brisbane at 9:00am. Arrive Lord Howe Island at 12:05pm. 10 minute bus ride to Pinetrees; settle in to rooms.

This afternoon take an introductory walk around settlement to see the layout of the settlement and an introduction to the seabirds with the White terns nesting in trees above the main road. On to the town centre (1 cafe, Post Office, 3 shops, Public Hall)

This evening view slides on Lord Howe Island World Heritage values of flora and fauna plus some of the tracks we will walk on this stay.

Dinner at Pinetrees. Accommodation: Pinetrees x 3 nights

Mon 16 AT LORD HOWE ISLAND (B,L,D) This morning depart for a walk to Transit Hill, a gentle climb to 400 feet above sea level. Here there is a viewing platform for 360 degree views around the island. A good introduction to the flora of the Island - see endemic plants plus those related to plants from Australia, New Zealand, and New Caledonia.

Lunch at Pinetrees

In the afternoon take a bus south and walk to Little Island, a flat 1 mile walk on a four wheel drive track, through palm forests and tall banyan groves to the base of the mountains. Also see the endemic Woodhen - a flightless bird rescued from extinction by a captive breeding program in the early 1980's. This evening enjoy an audiovisual talk on flora of Lord Howe Island - learn what the plants of LHI are, and how they arrived on the Island.

Dinner at Pinetrees

Tue 17 AT LORD HOWE ISLAND (B,L,D) Depart by bus this morning to jetty for ferry to North Bay - just a ten minute boat ride inside the calm lagoon waters. Enjoy several short walks to look in detail at plants, birds, and geology.

Picnic lunch at North Bay.

In the afternoon we’ll take a short walk to look at seabirds and have a guided snorkel trip inside the lagoon. Late afternoon return to Pinetrees. Dinner at Pinetrees After dinner optional short walk to see the "Muttonbirds".

Wed 18 LORD HOWE ISLAND TO SYDNEY (B) This morning depart for Island palm nursery tour to see how the world famous Kentia palm is propagated from seed, and a range of other LHI plants.

Then walk 10 minutes from the palm nursery to the museum for a guided tour of the History and the Environmental galleries by the museum Curator.

Lunch on your own before transferring to the airport for your 2:10pm flight to Sydney.

Upon arrival in Sydney transfer to your hotel. Accommodation: The Grace Hotel (Superior Room)

Thu 19 DEPART AUSTRALIA (B) Breakfast will be served in the hotel restaurant this morning. Free until time to transfer to the airport for your flight home.

RETURN HOME WITH HAPPY MEMORIES OF YOUR PACIFIC ISLANDS TOUR

TOUR GUIDES Tour Escort Kathy Musial has been Curator of Living Collections at the Huntington Botanical Gardens in Southern California for 26 years. She has been a board member of the Pacific Horticultural Foundation for 17 years. She has traveled widely to study plants and escort tours, including Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, China, Taiwan, Japan, Chile, Costa Rica, and Ecuador.

Norfolk Island Margaret Christian will bring her experience gained from 20 years working in the Norfolk environment as a park ranger, researcher, author, journalist, and tour leader.

New Caledonia Daniel and Irene Letocart are passionate about the New Caledonia flora and guide scientists and botanists from all over the world. They were among the authors of “Nouvelle-Calédonie Chlorophylle” (on New Caledonia plants) and operate the www.endemia.nc website focusing on the flora and fauna of New Caledonia. Two plants they discovered are named after them, Pittosporum letocartiorum and an orchid.

Lord Howe Island Ian Hutton has a B.Sc with majors in plant ecology and climatology. He arrived on Lord Howe Island in 1980 and became enthralled by the unique flora and fauna, beginning a lifetime of observing, photographing, and researching the island's natural history. His plant observations were recorded as notes, photographs, drawings, and herbarium specimens lodged at the National Botanic Gardens, Canberra, and Kew Gardens in England. He is the author of many books on the island.

PRICE: $6636.00 per person, double occupancy, minimum 16 travelers. Price includes airfares Brisbane/Norfolk Island and Brisbane/New Caledonia and taxes of $378. Prices are based on exchange rates in January 2008. Exchange rates and taxes are subject to change. Airfares are based on a minimum of 10 passengers traveling together.

$200.00 donation to the Pacific Horticulture Foundation

$2259.00 + $455.00 tax and surcharges Group airfare on Qantas. Los Angeles/Sydney/Brisbane, Brisbane/Lord Howe Island/Sydney/Los Angeles. Fare is based on a minimum of 10 passengers traveling on the same flights.

PRICE INCLUDES:

MAINLAND AUSTRALIA NEW CALEDONIA Accommodation Accommodation Breakfast Daily breakfast, other meals as indicated Transfers Touring and entrances as per itinerary NORFOLK ISLAND Transfers Accommodation Local Botanical Guide throughout Touring and entrances as per itinerary Airfare plus taxes Daily breakfast, other meals as indicated LORD HOWE ISLAND Transfers Accommodation Local botanical guide throughout Daily breakfast, other meals as indicated Airfare plus taxes Touring and entrances as per itinerary Transfers Local Botanical Guide throughout

Pacific Pathways 1919 Chula Vista Drive, Belmont, CA 94002 Ph: 650 595 2090 FAX: 650 591 7721 Web site: www.pacificpathways.com E-mail: [email protected]

PLEASE NOTE CAREFULLY THE FOLLOWING TERMS AND CONDITIONS

DEPOSITS AND PAYMENTS: Deposit at time of application: $500.00 per person. $300.00 of this deposit is non-refundable. 90 days before departure: Non-refundable penalty increases to $400.00. 60 days before departure: Final payment due. No refunds after this date

TRAVEL INSURANCE IS ADVISED.

Prices are based on a minimum number of travelers, airfares, tariffs and exchange rate as of January 2009. All prices and schedules are subject to change. Though it is our goal to promote this tour as presented, we have no control over air schedules and prices and cannot be responsible for changes. In the event that services outlined in this package cannot be provided due to delay or other causes beyond the control of the operator, the operator will endeavor to provide comparable services.

INSURANCE: Travel insurance is not included in this pricing . Accidents, illnesses and/or trip irregularities do occur, and so travel insurance is strongly advised (cancellation and/or medical) for each traveler. Call CSA Travel Protection 800 873 9855 or go online to www.csatravelprotection.com.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: If you are a US citizen with a US passport, no visa is required for up to a 3 month stay in New Zealand. Your passport should be valid for 6 months after completion of travel. Note, if you are including an extension to your tour a visa may be required. A VISA IS NECESSARY FOR ENTRY INTO AUSTRALIA and may be obtained online at www.immi.gov.au. A visa is not necessary for entry into New Caledonia. If you are not a US citizen check visa requirements for Australia at the above website and at new-caledonia.visahq.com Pacific Pathways and participating airlines are not responsible if tour participants fail to obtain all necessary international travel documents.

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PACIFIC PATHWAYS, 1919 CHULA VISTA DRIVE, BELMONT CA 94002

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