Birding in New Zealand
October 28 ± November 14, 2012 with Dave Larson
Travel with the Massachusetts Audubon Society 208 South Great Road, Lincoln, MA 01773 800-289-9504
TRIP SUMMARY New Zealand is a land of amazing mountains, coastlines, farms, and rich offshore waters. Join us as we visit all three main islands and nearby waters, looking for endemic birds and mammals, southern specialities, migrants and some of the most spectacular scenery in the world.
DAY-TO-DAY-ITINERARY
DAY 1 ± Sunday, October 28, 2012 AUCKLAND - KERIKERI After leaving the airport in Aukland, we will visit the nearby harbor shoreline where we will see a good selection of shorebirds. We then travel north of Auckland along the east coast with its many picturesque KDUERUVDQGEHDFKHV:H¶OOVWRSDWRQHRIWKHVHDQGhave an introduction to some of the more common birds of New Zealand, like the Red-billed Gull, White-fronted Tern, Pied Shag, Welcome Swallow, and the musically inclined Tui. We will also be looking out for the rare Fairy Tern; only about 30 individuals of the New Zealand subspecies remain. We will check into our lodgings in the township of Kerikeri, KRPHWR1HZ=HDODQG¶VROGHVWWLPEHU and stone buildings (1836). After dinner, we have an opportunity to look for the North Island Brown Kiwi. We stay at Kerikeri Park Motel set in 3 and half acres of park grounds. (Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 2 ± Monday, October 29, 2012 KERIKERI Today, we will travel to one a northern harbor where we will board our charter vessel for a day on the ocean. While cruising, we will be on constant lookout for Bottle-nosed and Common dolphins, and whales. We should see an excellent selection of seabirds, including Fluttering, Buller¶s, and Flesh-footed shearwaters, Cook¶s Petrel, Black Petrel, Parasitic Jaeger (Arctic Skua), and White-faced Storm-Petrel. We may be lucky enough to find the recently-rediscovered New Zealand Storm-Petrel that has been seen in these waters. On our return to dry land, we will drive to the Kerikeri Park Motel. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 3 ± Tuesday, October 30, 2012 KERIKERI ± WHANGAPARAOA PENNINSULA
This morning we will be returning south, stopping at various locations to bird on our way to the Whangaparaoa Peninsula. On a secluded pond, ZH¶OOORRNIRUWKHHQGHPLF1HZ=HDODQG'DEFKLFNDQG native Australasian Little Grebe. Farther south, we will visit a beautiful harbor where ZH¶OOEHRQWKH lookout for Banded Rail among the mangroves and (Pacific) Reef Heron on the harbor fringes. A short side trip to the wild west coast finds us at the famous Australasian Gannet colony at Muriwai Beach. This is one of only three mainland gannet colonies in the world; it offers both great photographic opportunities of thousands of nesting birds perched on top of towering cliffs and a chance to blow away the cobwebs. At
Mass Audubon 208 South Great Road, Lincoln, MA 01773 800-289-9504 [email protected]
the end of the day, we will arrive at Whangaparaoa Peninsula on the Hibiscus Coast. Our motel is next to the beach: Whangaparaoa Lodge, in Little Manly, Whangaparaoa. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 4 ± Wednesday, October 31, 2012 TIRITIRI MATANGI ISLAND This entire day is devoted to one of the most biologically important small islands in New Zealand. After breakfast, we head down to the marina for a short cruise out to one of the Hauraki Gulf's magic islands. Tiritiri Matangi Island is a special place to all of New Zealand and we know it will be special for you, too. It is an open sanctuary, a conservation project that has been cleared of predators. Volunteers have replanted the island with over 260,000 native trees. It has some original coastal broadleaf forest with some large Pohutakawa or New Zealand Christmas tree. Several rare endemic birds have been reintroduced, are now thriving and practically tame. We should see the Wattled Saddleback here, along with the amazing Takahe, the world's largest rail, thought to be extinct for over 45 years. Hopefully, we will see the endangered Brown Teal and the rare Kokako. Other birds we hope to encounter are North Island Robin, New Zealand Fantail, Whitehead, and the very rare Stitchbird. Little Blue Penguins nest all over the island. 7KH,VODQG¶VUHSWLOHOLIHKDVDOVRPDGH a good recovery and the sight of a kingfisher with a freshly-caught skink is common. We return to our accommodations at Whangaparaoa Lodge. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 5 ± Thursday, November 1, 2012 WHANGAPARAOA - ROTORUA Leaving our lodge in the morning, we will travel through Auckland and on to the small village Miranda. At Miranda, there are 8500 hectares of rich mudflats that attract many thousands of arctic-nesting shorebirds during the Arctic winter. The sight of thousands of Bar-tailed Godwits and Lesser Knots rising from their roosting site is truly spectacular. The coastline features a number of different habitats including estuarine salt marsh, mangroves, coastal scrub, and grassland. Miranda has an international reputation as the finest example in the world of an active gravel and shell barrier beach or chenier plain. Also attracted to this area are some of 1HZ=HDODQG¶Vmigrants, including South Island Pied Oystercatcher, Banded and New Zealand dotterels, Pied Stilt, and Wrybill. The Wrybill is a unique New Zealand plover, the only bird in the world with a right-curved bill. Other species we are likely to encounter are Black Swan, Spur-winged Plover, Grey Teal, and Black Shag. Towards the end of the day, we will move on to the Rotorua region, the centre of New Zealand's Maori culture. Tonight we will stay at the secluded Okataina Lodge, situated on the shores of Lake Okataina in the loveliest reserve in the region. After dinner we may hear a Morepork, a native owl, calling in the forest and, LIZHKDYHQ¶WPDQDJHGWRVHHRQHVRIDU, we will make another effort to locate the bird. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Mass Audubon 208 South Great Road, Lincoln, MA 01773 800-289-9504 [email protected]
DAY 6 ± Friday, November 2, 2012 ROTORUA 5RWRUXDQLFNQDPHG³6XOSKXU&LW\´, has the most energetic thermal activity in the country and we will take time out today to explore this thermal wonderland of geysers, mud pools, and hot springs. We will visit one of the more remote thermal areas, Orakei Korako, which is one of the finest in New Zealand and famous for its large, colorful silica terraces. We will also visit the spectacular Huka Falls on the Waikato River. Above the falls the river plunges dramatically through a narrow cleft in the rock. The Waikato 5LYHULVWKHFRXQWU\¶VORQJHVWULYHUDQGWKHVHULHVRIGDPVDORQJLWVOHQJWKSURGXFHDVLJnificant proportion RIWKHFRXQWU\¶VHOHFWULFLW\ Rotorua has a host of other attractions that we may visit depending on time. One of these is Sulphur Point where Red-billed and Black-billed gulls take advantage of thermally-heated ground to incubate their eggs. We will spend another night at Okataina Lodge. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 7 ± Satur day, November 3, 2012 ROTORUA - TONGARIRO Today we will have an early start as we head for the ancient and beautiful Pureora Forest where Tui, New Zealand Bellbird, and Grey Warbler make the native bush come alive. This remnant of our once widespread podocarp forests has some fine examples of giant Rimu, Matai, Totara, and Kahikatea trees, 600-1000 years old. Fossil pollen indicates that these trees have little changed from 60 million years ago. These forests are home to New Zealand's second species of endemic wattlebird, the Kokako. The endangered birds are known for their beautiful organ-like song and it is a moving experience to hear one. We should also find other forest species including our lowland parrot, the Kaka, New Zealand Falcon, and the Shining and Long-tDLOHGFXFNRRV:H¶OOFOLPEXSDWRZHUWRJHWDGLIIHUHQWSHUVSHFWLYHRIWKHIRUHVW with giant tree ferns appearing like starfish below. On the roadsides, we may be able to find some orchids. Though neither large nor spectacularly colored, they are still worth looking for. The area also has large tracts of introduced trees, such as Radiata or Monterey pine and Douglas fir (Oregon), important for the timber industry. Toward the end of the day, we will head further south, passing Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake and a remnant of a massive volcanic eruption. Our accommodation for the QH[WWZRQLJKWVLVRQHRI1HZ=HDODQG¶VEHVW-known hotels, The Grand Chateau, nestled on the slopes of Mt. Ruapehu in Tongariro National Park. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
DAY 8 ± Sunday, November 4, 2012 TONGARIRO Today we will explore Tongariro National Park, New Zealand's first national park and a World Heritage area (one of only 19 worldwide). With its collection of mighty, and still active, volcanoes, Tongariro is one of the country's most spectacular parks. Although a day isn't enough to do the park justice, we will have time to explore the rich variety of habitats here, from alpine scrub and
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tussock to lush podocarp forest. The clear mountain streams that flow from the park are home to the Blue Duck, a rare and rather elusive duck we hope to make our prize for the day. A walk on the slopes of Mount Ruapehu, takes us through a patch of low beech forest emerging into alpine scrublands with panoramic views. The beech forest is home to New Zealand's smallest bird, the Rifleman. Higher up the mountain is more desert-like terrain and the dramatic volcanic landscape where only hardy lichens survive. We return to our hotel, The Grand Chateau for another night. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 9 ± Monday, November 5, 2012 TONGARIRO - PICTON Leaving the central plateau this morning, we get a final view of the spectacular volcanic peaks as we drive through arid landscape. Farther south we will travel through mostly developed farmland with a stop to stretch our legs, at the Manawatu estuary. Along with other shorebirds, the estuary has a good population of Royal Spoonbills. Carrying on south, we will reach the picturesque Kapiti coast before arriving in Wellington. From Wellington, we will take the ferry across Cook Straight to Picton on the South Island. The ferry is an ideal platform for viewing pelagic species such as Fairy Prion and Fluttering Shearwater. Blue Penguins often frequent the calmer waters in the Marlborough Sounds. The ferry docks are in Picton, a pretty little port at the head of Queen Charlotte Sound, where we will spend the night in accommodations overlooking the sounds at Picton Beachcomber I nn. (Breakfast, Lunch)
DAY 10 ± Tuesday November 6, 2012 PICTON - KAIKOURA Today, we take a cruise through Marlborough Sounds Maritime Park along its convoluted waterways with many bays, islands, and coves. The avian highlight of our cruise will be the rare King Shag. Around 500 of this species survive and all are found around the outer reaches of the Marlborough Sounds. Our best chance to view the shags will be on one of the rocky pinnacles where they breed. Before returning to Picton, we will stop at Motuara Island, home to the South Island Saddleback, a rare subspecies, restricted to offshore islands. The island also has dense populations of Bellbirds and the exceptionally friendly New Zealand Robin. A walk to the top of the island will reward us with spectacular views of the sounds. While cruising, we also have the chance of seeing some of the several species of dolphins that frequent the sounds. After our return to Picton, we will travel south and stop to search one of the braided riverbeds for the Black-fronted Dotterel. Farther on, we will reach the rugged Kaikoura coastline, where we will stop to view the once near-extinct New Zealand Fur Seal. We spend the night in the seaside town of Kaikoura at the Anchor Inn Motel. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Mass Audubon 208 South Great Road, Lincoln, MA 01773 800-289-9504 [email protected]
DAY 11 ± Wednesday, November 7, 2012 KAIKOURA Kaikoura is famous for whale watching and we will take a thrilling cruise to view the giant of all toothed whales, the Sperm Whale. Other possible whale sightings include Orca, Minke, Humpback, and Southern Right. The rich feeding grounds off Kaikoura also attract many Dusky Dolphins, which can put on spectacular aerial displays. Huge pods of over 400 Dusky Dolphins sometimes gather to feed on squid and can be joined by Common and Bottlenose dolphins. .DLNRXUDDOVRKDVDUJXDEO\RQHRIWKHZRUOG¶VPRVWH[FLWLQJDUHQDVIRUSHODJLFELUGV,QWKHDIWHUQRRQ, our boat will take us offshore to view the large assortment of albatrosses, petrels, and shearwaters. The Hutton¶s Shearwater is an endemic to New Zealand and breeds in the nearby ranges, between 4,000 and 6,000 feet above sea level. But the highlight for most is an encounter with a Wandering or Royal albatross, with wingspans of 9 feet or more. We may have time, in the late afternoon, to explore the Kaikoura Peninsula. We spend another night at the Anchor Inn Motel. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 12 ± Thursday, November 8, 2012 KAIKOURA± TWIZEL We have a reasonable day of travel today, which we will break up with stops along the way. Our first stop is at a small lake where we have seen a good assortment of waterfowl, including the Cape Barren Goose.We will then head back down to the Canterbury Plains where we will see some of the millions of sheep for which the country is known. We will then start climbing into the South Islands high country, an area of tussock grass, braided rivers, and turquoise glacial lakes set to a magnificent backdrop of the snow-capped Southern Alps. At Lake Tekapo, a major attraction is the frequently photographed Church of the Good Shepard, a tiny stone church on the edge of the lake with an inspirational view. Close by is a monument to the sheep dogs of the country, without whose help the farming of these areas would be impossible. In one of the clear, rain-fed lakes nearby we will look for Great Crested Grebe and Black-fronted Tern, and then spend some WLPHORRNLQJIRUWKH%ODFN6WLOWRQHRIWKHZRUOG¶VUDUHVWshorebirds with a population of approximately 100. We will learn of the efforts by the Department of Conservation to rescue them from the brink of extinction. The day ends in Twizel at the Mackenzie Country Inn. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Mass Audubon 208 South Great Road, Lincoln, MA 01773 800-289-9504 [email protected]
DAY 13 ± Friday, November 9, 2012 MOUNT COOK Today we will travel to another beautiful turquoise- blue lake, Lake Pukaki. At the head of this lake stands New Zealand's tallest mountain, Aoraki (Cloud Piercer) also known as Mount Cook (over 12,000 feet). Mount Cook National Park is 270 square miles and one of the most spectacular in a country famous for its parks. The braided river deltas at its base are home to two rare inland waders, the Black Stilt and the Wrybill, while the cliff faces are home to the New Zealand Falcon. Higher up among the alpine basins live some of New Zealand's introduced mammals, including Chamois, Thar, and Red Deer. To get a feel for the area we will do a couple of short walks. One will take us through one of the last stands of silver beech forest remaining in the park while the other rises gradually through sub-alpine scrub to a lookout with good views of Mount Cook, the lower Mueller Glacier, and the spectacular hanging glaciers and icefalls of Mount Sefton. We may be able to find a flowering specimen of the Mount Cook lily, which actually is a giant buttercup with stems up to a meter long. Several other alpine plants, including some of the common mountain daisies should still be putting on a good display. We return to our hotel for the night. We return to Mackenzie Country Inn for the night. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 14 ± Satur day, November 10, 2012 TWIZEL - TE ANAU In the morning, if need be, we will be on the lookout again for the Black Stilt. Our journey today will take us through the barren Lindis Pass and then alongside New Zealand's newest man-made lake to the historic town of Cromwell. From here we will enter the Kawarau Gorge, once mined for its rich alluvial gold deposits but now producing some of New Zealand's best wine. The end of the day will find us on the shores of Lake Te Anau where we will check into the Kingsgate Hotel. After an early dinner, we will cruise across the lake to visit an impressive cave system with magical waterfalls, whirlpools, and a glow-worm grotto. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 15 ± Sunday, November 11, 2012 MILFORD SOUND Rudyard Kipling described Milford Sound as the ³Eighth Wonder of the World.´ After breakfast, we will board our boat for a cruise down the fiord. From the water, we will have unsurpassed views of many spectacular waterfalls, the Pembroke Glacier, the sheer cliffs that drop into the fiord, and the majestic Mitre Peak. We may also see New Zealand Fur Seals, Dusky Dolphins, and Fiordland Crested Penguins. The penguins come to this area to breed between July and early December each year. Our drive out from Milford Sound takes us over one RIWKHZRUOG¶VPRVWVSHFWDFXODUURDGVSDVWWRZHULQJ
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peaks, waterfalls, and native forest and will give us a chance to encounter the cheeky Kea (the wRUOG¶V only true alpine parrot) and the tiny New Zealand Rockwren. We return to our hotel, Kingsgate Hotel, for the night. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 16 ± Monday, November 12, 2012 TE ANAU ± STEWART ISLAND. Our drive today takes us down through high tussock country, home to huge sheep stations. We will detour DORQJWKHZD\WRWDNHDODVWORRNDWWKHDUHD¶s beech forests and fill in our forest birds. Falcon is always a possibility through this area. We then drive to Invercargill where, if time allows, we will visit the local museum and get to view the prehistoric Tuatara, a reptile endemic to New Zealand that dates back to the time of the dinosaurs. A short ferry ride takes us to Stewart Island, an ornithologist¶s delight. It is here that we have our best chance to view the bizarre and elusive Kiwi. In the evening, we will embark on a ³Kiwi Safari´ where we ZLOOUHO\RQRXUJXLGH¶VGHWDLOHGORFDONQRZOHGJHWRKHOSXVILQGWKH7RNRHND(Southern Brown) Kiwi. These birds frequent remote beaches where they feed on tiny crustaceans. Tonight we will stay on the island in the Bayview Motel in Halfmoon Bay. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 17 ± Tuesday, November 13, 2012 STEWART ISLAND Today we will board a charter boat for a trip out into the cold waters surrounding Stewart Island. These rich southern waters attract albatrosses, mollymawks, petrels, and shearwaters in large numbers. Our charter vessel takes us in search of these birds and others, such as the Southern Skua, Broad-billed Prion, Fairy Prion, Diving-petrel, and Sooty Shearwater (which sometimes gather in rafts of thousands). New Zealand Fur Seals are a common sight lying on the beaches. After a box lunch on board, we will visit Ulva Island, a bird sanctuary since 1922 and now a birder's paradise. In fact, many RIWKHELUGVHVSHFLDOO\WKH6WHZDUW,VODQG:HNDFRPHVRFORVH\RXGRQ¶WHYHQ need a telephoto lens for close up shots. A target species here will be the Brown Creeper (Pipipi) along with Red-fronted and Yellow-crowned parakeets. The island also hosts a curiosity known as the ³Vegetable Caterpillar´, though not easy to find, it is well worth the effort. The predominant lowland vegetation is hardwood, but there are also lots of tree ferns, a variety of ground ferns, and several different kinds of orchids. We can also look forward to seeing Spotted Shag. We spend another night at Bayview Motel. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 18 ± Wednesday, November 14, 2012 DEPARTURE Our trip is nearly over and we need to catch our ferry back to the mainland whHUHZH¶OOsay our goodbyes at Invercargill airport, ready for return travel arrangements. Depending on departure schedules, we may have another opportunity to visit the museum in Invercargill or one of the nearby harbors for some last minute birding.
Mass Audubon 208 South Great Road, Lincoln, MA 01773 800-289-9504 [email protected]
TERMS & CONDITIONS OF TRAVEL
LOCATION: Your trip starts in Auckland New Zealand and ends in Ivercargill New Zealand. There are direct flights from Ivercargill to Auckland.
PRICE: $6900 based on double occupancy, Single supplement is $1200
DEPOSIT: $500 per person deposit is required along with the reservation form.
GROUP SIZE: This cost is based on a minimum of 10 travelers. There will be a maximum of 16 travelers
Price Includes: Does Not Include: All accommodations Items of a personal nature such as bar. All meals, except one dinner, Laundry, drinks, phone calls, Transportation within New Zealand Airport departure taxes Park and preserve entrance fees Services of local naturalist guides and drivers All tips and gratuities
Travel Arrangements: You, the traveler, are responsible for booking and paying for your own flights. Once you reserve your space, we will provide you with suggested flights and tell you exactly what our leader will be on, if you wish to travel with Dave. You may book flights directly with the airline, online, or with a travel agent. Please be aware that most tickets are non-refundable, therefore you should not book your flight arrangements until you have checked with us to be sure the tour has the minimum number of participants for the trip to go. We ask that you provide us with your flight details so we can be sure to meet you at the airport upon your arrival.
About Your Guide: Dave Larson
David Larson is the Director of Mass Audubon's Birder's Certificate Program, a college-level ornithology course, and is teaching a bird ecology course for naturalist guides in Belize. He is the Education Coordinator for Mass Audubon's Joppa Flats Education Center in Newburyport, where he designs and leads educational programs and field trips for participants of all ages. He holds a PhD in zoology from the University of Minnesota and has served on the faculty of Boston University. He is a member of the Nuttall Ornithological Club and is the Production Editor of Bird Observer. He has birded and led expeditions throughout North America, and in the Caribbean, Trinidad, Belize, Panama, Brazil, Botswana, and Japan.
Mass Audubon 208 South Great Road, Lincoln, MA 01773 800-289-9504 [email protected]
TERMS & CONDITIONS
APPLICATIONS, RESERVATIONS, DEPOSITS: Early applications are strongly encouraged. Trip rosters usually must be finalized 4 months before departure! All applications must be accompanied by a completed reservation form and a $500 deposit. Deposits can be by check or credit card (Visa or MasterCard). We reserve the right to decline your application. In the case of TXHVWLRQDEOHKHDOWKZHUHVHUYHWKHULJKWWRUHTXLUHDSK\VLFLDQ¶VFHUWLILFDWLRQWRDIILUP\RXDUHFDSDEOe of the activities. Final payment is due 90 days before the departure date. Final payment must be by check or money order. RATES: All tour prices are based on double occupancy. If you would like us to find you a roommate, we will do our best, but cannot guarantee a share. If we cannot find a share, you will need to pay the single supplement. All forms and fares are accurate at the time of publication August 2011 but are subject to change at any time prior to departure. It is our policy to only pass on the actual amount of any increases in airfares or land costs such as those increases due to the devaluation of the dollar. Rarely, a price increase may be called for if the group falls below the minimum, as listed in the itinerary.
FLIGHTS: You, the traveler, are responsible for booking and paying for your own international flights. Once you reserve your space, we will provide you with suggested flights and tell you which flights our leaders will take. You may book flights directly with the airline, online, or with a travel agent. Please be aware that most tickets are non-refundable, therefore you should not book your flight arrangements until you have checked with us to be sure the tour has the minimum number of participants for the trip to go. We ask that you provide us with your flight details so we can be sure to meet you at the airport upon your arrival.
PHOTOS: Mass Audubon reserves the right to make use of any photograph taken on the tour. We guarantee that no photos of a comprising nature will be used. If you have questions or concerns, please contact us.
TRIP INSURANCE: A brochure and application for optional trip cancellation, illness and baggage insurance will be sent to you upon registrations. We strongly recommend that you purchase trip cancellation insurance to protect yourself. Mass Audubon does provide Medical Evacuation Coverage as part of the tour price.
CANCELLATION Policy: If you need to change your booking, you must inform us immediately in writing. All cancellations must be done in writing and are effective upon receipt in the Massachusetts Audubon Travel Office. Cancellations received up to 121 days prior to departure will be refunded deposits less a $300 per person fee. For cancellations between 120 and 90 days prior to departure, all deposits will not be refunded. There are no refunds for cancellations 90 days or less from departure. We strongly urge all travelers to purchase trip cancellation insurance. You will be sent information from the Massachusetts Audubon Society upon receipt of your deposit. Your Responsibility: Although every precaution is taken to safeguard you and your belongings, group travel trips by their nature involve a certain amount of risk. Trip participants should understand that the domestic and international trips sponsored/operated by Massachusetts Audubon Society (Mass Audubon Tours) - KHUHDIWHUFROOHFWLYHO\³0$6´- involve known and unknown risks. 0$6DVVXPHVQRUHVSRQVLELOLW\IRULQMXULHVGHDWKILQDQFLDOORVVHVRUGDPDJHWRFOLHQWV¶SUoperty caused by or occurring during participation in any of the travel trips sponsored/operated by M.A.S. Trip participants must assume responsibility for having sufficient skill and fitness to participate in the trips and activities offered or sponsored by M.A.S. Trip participants must also certify that they have no medical, mental or physical conditions which could interfere with their abilities to participate in the activities and/or trips they are participating in and they must assume and bear the cost of all risks that may be created, directly or indirectly, by any such condition. It is the responsibility of trip participants to have in place adequate insurance to cover any injury, damage or emergency transportation costs related to their travel and/or participation in trip activities and/or to bear the costs of such injury, damage or emergency transportation costs. Because of the risks associated with the travel trips sponsored by M.A.S. we urge all trip participants to supplement their own insurance with travel or vacation or emergency response types of insurance. M.A.S. requires that all trip participants acknowledge and assume these risks by reading and signing an M.A.S. Release and Waiver and Assumption of Risk contract prior to departure. CONDITIONS OF TRAVEL: Travelers will be provided with an itinerary and trip preparation information. It is expected that travelers will read this information prior to trip departure. Travelers will be responsible for completing an application reservation form, including the personal information and a release of liability. (see attached) Travelers will be expected to abide by the terms set for in the invoice. During the tour, travelers are asked to respect and follow the directions of their guide and leader.
Mass Audubon 208 South Great Road, Lincoln, MA 01773 800-289-9504 [email protected]
RESERVATION /APPLICATION FORM (2 SIDES) NEW ZEALAND ± OCTOBER 28- NOVEMBER 14, 2012
Passenger 1 Name as shown as passport:
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Passenger 2 Name as shown as passport:
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Room Preferences _____I request single accommodations where available and will pay the single supplement. _____I would like to be assigned a roommate. If one is not available, I will pay the single supplement. Personal I nformation: ___I/We are non-smokers. (If you are a smoker(s), please check here___ and note that smoking is limited to outdoors in non-group spaces) ___I have a food allergy (Yes / No). If Yes, please list: ______I prefer a special diet (Yes / No). If Yes, please list: ______
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Release and Assumption of Risk
,ZRXOGOLNHWRSDUWLFLSDWHLQWKHELUGLQJDQGQDWXUHWRXUQDPHGDERYH WKH³7RXU´ RUJDQL]HGE\0DVVDFKXVHWWV$XGXERn Society, ,QF ³0DVV$XGXERQ´ ,DPDZDUHWKDWSDUWLFLSDWLRQLQD0DVV$XGXERQWRXULQYROYHVULVNLQFOXGLQJEXWQRWOLPLWHGWRWKH hazards of living in and traveling over unpredictable terrain often in remote areas without adequate medical facilities, exposure to disease and infection, being subject to the forces of nature, and travel by airplane and motor vehicle.
In addition, I understand and acknowledge that, if I participate in the Tour, one or more of the risks described above or set forth here could result in or cause bodily injury or death to me or damage to personal property of mine: Physical exertion, Travel by foot, plane, train, auto, vans, bus, boat or other conveyance, Consumption of food and beverages, Civil unrest, terrorism, banditry, or criminal activity, High altitude, Inadequate medical facilities or service.
I acknowledge that I have received and read carefully information describing the Tour, including, but not limited to, the Terms and Conditions and the paragraph in the Terms anG&RQGLWLRQVHQWLWOHG³ Therefore, notwithstanding the risks of participating in the Tour set forth and as described above, and in consideration of Mass Audubon permitting me to participate in the Tour: (1) I agree to assume and accept all risks associated with this tour; and (2) I hereby release and forever discharge and covenant and agree not to sue, and agree to indemnify and hold harmless, Mass Audubon and its Directors, Officers, EmployeHVDQGDJHQWV FROOHFWLYHO\WKH³5HOHDVHHV´ DQGHDFKRIWKH releasees from and against and in regard to any and all Claims, demands, actions suits, losses, costs, damages, and expenses and any and all liabilities and obligations, which I shall or may have against the Releasees or any one or more of them arising out of, or in connection with, my participation on the tour. I agree that this release and Assumption of Risk shall be (a) binding upon me and my heirs, executors, legal representatives, successors, and assigns, and (b) deemed a contract made under seal under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the internal laws of said Commonwealth without regard to its principles of conflict of laws. I have carefully read, understand, and voluntarily sign this release and assumption of Risk. Signed: ______Date: ______ Mass Audubon 208 South Great Road, Lincoln, MA 01773 800-289-9504 [email protected]