Road Scholar : Birding - New Zealand - Birding 14-02-11 3:52 PM

Birding New Zealand

Program Number: 17522RJ Start and End Dates: 10/27/2014 - 11/14/2014; 3/2/2015 - 3/20/2015; Duration: 18 nights Location: New Zealand Price starting at: $4,895.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city Program Type: Birding Meals: 45; 16 Breakfasts, 1 Brunch, 14 Lunches, 14 Dinners Meal Options: Vegetarian; Vegetarian; Vegetarian; Vegetarian

When the land mass that would become New Zealand broke off from the prehistoric supercontinent of Gondwana, it was home to no predatory mammals. For millennia its of the air and sea multiplied, evolved and flourished. Meet the results of this ideal environment: the famous Kiwi, a source of national pride; the critically endangered , a unique nocturnal parrot; the beautiful gannets, seabirds whose very first flight takes them 1,500 miles to Australia; and countless more.

Highlights • Marvel at the endangered Takahç (or Notornis), a strange flightless believed to be extinct for 50 years until it was rediscovered. • At the Miranda Shorebird Centre, learn about the incredible migration of the godwits to Alaska and back. • Experience New Zealand’s amazing geographical diversity from mountain passes in the Southern Alps to pristine rainforests.

Activity Particulars Walking up to two miles per day, some uneven terrain.

So you can get the most out of your experience, all of our birding programs have a maximum participant-to-instructor ratio of 14:1.

Itinerary Summary Arrival Auckland, 3 nights; coach to Miranda, 1 night; coach to Rotorua, 1 night; coach to Wellington, 3 nights; ferry to Picton; coach to Kaikoura, 3 nights; coach to Staveley, 3 nights; coach to Rangiora 2 nights; departure from Christchurch.

Overnight flight from the U.S.A. 1 night Cross International Date Line 1 night

Arrival Auckland (New Zealand) 3 nights Join New Zealand conservation officers for an up-close look at the colony of gannets at Muriwai Beach. Hop the ferry to , a nature reserve where the air is filled with the songs of 78 native bird species, including the , the forest-dwelling Kôkako and the Brown Teal duck.

Coach to Miranda 1 night Coach to Rotorua 1 night

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Coach to Wellington 3 nights Learn about the beautiful shorebirds of the Firth of Thames with the director of the renowned Miranda Naturalists' Trust. Discover the history of the Mâori and see the haka dance performed at Te Puia’s Mâori Culture Center. In Wellington, visit the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary, known for its unique pest-exclusion fence that keeps predators out to protect birds like the Toutouwai robin and the New Zealand Bellbird, famous for its morning singing.

Ferry to Picton Coach to Kaikoura 3 nights Ferry across Cook Strait to the South Island. Voyage into the rich waters off Kaikoura’s coast on a specialized vessel to search for the magnificent albatross, shearwaters and petrels. Visit a lavender farm to take in beautiful fields of purple.

Coach to Staveley 3 nights At the base of the snowcapped Southern Alps, meet with a group of conservationists working to preserve this distinct environment. Visit breathtaking Arthur’s Pass National Park to look for native birds like the , a rare alpine parrot. Lodging: Comfortable private lodges.

Coach to Rangiora 2 nights Coach to Christchurch Airport for Departure Explore Rangiora, an attractive country town 40 minutes from Christchurch, on Canterbury Plains. Visit countryside and view bird species in wetland area and riverside bird-sites. Visit noted Antarctic Centre for lecture and to view exhibits.

New Zealand English explorer Captain James Cook put New Zealand on the map when he sailed around the coast on the Endeavour in 1769. He not only mapped the area during his three voyages around the coast, but named landmarks, many of which still exist today. Dubbed the “land of the long white cloud” by the early Polynesian settlers, New Zealand’s predominately mountainous terrain and large coastal plains make it the perfect place for adventurous outdoor activity.

Accommodations Auckland: Comfortable hotel in city center. Miranda: Comfortable motel. Rotorua: Hotel on Lake Rotorua. Wellington: Modern hotel in the heart of the city. Kaikoura: Inn surrounded by gardens. Staveley: Modern lodge. Rangiora: Comfortable motel.

Road Scholar Instructors These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur. Warren Jowett

Warren Jowett is a naturalist, a skilled photographer and an experienced environmental educator accredited by the New Zealand Department of Conservation. He has a degree in botany and biogeography and has taught of biology and ecology. Warren is extremely knowledgeable about New Zealand’s native flora and fauna and enjoys leading Road Scholar participants in nature study excursions. He is the founding president of the New Zealand Association for Environmental Education.

Keith Woodley

Dr. Keith Woodley is the director of the Miranda Shorebird Centre, a Ramsar Convention wetland of international importance. The centre is directed by the Miranda Naturalists Trust, a nongovernmental organization partner in the shorebird site network. Dr. Woodley was recently been prominently featured in a successful television

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program about the migratory .

Nigel Roberts

Professor Nigel Roberts is a senior faculty member of the political science department at Victoria University, Wellington. He is an authority on the political and electoral systems of New Zealand and Scandinavia, and has served as a regular television commentator on these topics. Nigel is widely regarded as the top political commentator in New Zealand, and since 1987 has served as the election-night commentator for Television New Zealand.

Gordon Ogilvie

Dr. Gordon Ogilvie is a leading biographer, historian and authority on the Province of Canterbury. His expertise on the early history of the Banks Peninsula has resulted in numerous books, while the biographies “The Riddle of Richard Pearse,” and “Denis Glover: A Life,” were finalists for the Wattie award and Montana award. Gordon received an M.A. in English from Victoria University, and is currently a prolific freelance journalist and member of the Historic Places Trust.

Meals and Lodgings New President Auckland, New Zealand 3 nights Rolleston Motel Miranda, New Zealand 1 night Sudima Hotel Rotorua, New Zealand 1 night West Plaza Hotel Wellington, New Zealand 3 nights Donegal House Kaikoura, New Zealand 3 nights Mountain Beech Lodge Staveley, New Zealand 3 nights Lilybrook Motel Rangiora, New Zealand 2 nights

New President Type: Hotel Description: Central Location Contact info: 27 Victoria Street West Auckland, New Zealand phone: +6493031333 Smoking allowed: No Elevators available: Yes Additional nights prior: NZ$ 125 subject to change Arrange thru Provider. Please contact by Email at: [email protected]

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Rolleston Motel Type: Motel Contact info: 105 Rolleston Street Thames, New Zealand phone: +6478688091 Smoking allowed: No

Sudima Hotel Type: Hotel Contact info: 1000 Eruera Street Rotorua, New Zealand phone: +6473481174 Smoking allowed: No Elevators available: Yes

West Plaza Hotel Type: Hotel Contact info: 110 Wakefield Street Wellington, New Zealand phone: +6444731440 web: www.westplaza.co.nz Smoking allowed: No Elevators available: Yes

Donegal House Type: Hotel Description: Delightful setting with private Lake Contact info: Schoolhouse Road Kaikoura, New Zealand phone: +64 33195083 Smoking allowed: No

Mountain Beech Lodge Type: Lodge Contact info: R.D. 1 Methven Stavely, New Zealand phone: +6433030800 Smoking allowed: No

Lilybrook Motel Type: Motel Contact info: 60 Percival Street

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Rangiora, New Zealand phone: +6433136142 Smoking allowed: No Additional nights after: NZ$100 per nt Rate subject to possible change To arrange please contact provider by Email at: [email protected]

Travel Details Start of Program: 7 a.m. You will be staying at New President that night. End of Program: 5 p.m. You will be staying at Lilybrook Motel the night before. Required documents: The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. Current Passport expiring more than 3 months after departure date Parking availability: Not required- transport is by coach

Transportation (For Independent Travelers)

To Start of Program Location: Auckland Nearest highway: Highway 1 Nearest airport: Auckland Transportation to site: Group transfer included in program cost for those who have purchased air through Road Scholar Travel Provider. (Alternative transport by shuttle would cost approx $NZ 40)

From End of Program Location: Rangiora Nearest airport: Christchurch Transportation from site: Group transfer included in progream cost for those who have purchased air through Road Scholar Travel Provider. (Alternative transport by shuttle would cost approx $NZ 30)

Elevation Note: On 2 days there could be field trips with altitudes up to 4.000 ft for brief periods.

Equipment Requirements: Strong walking shoes (or boots) Walking sticks useful in some locations. Weatherproof clothing Binoculars

The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Daily Schedule

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Day 1: (Monday, October 27)

In Transit: In flight.

Day 2: (Tuesday, October 28)

In Transit: In flight.

Day 3: (Wednesday, October 29)

Morning: Arrive Auckland Int. Airport. Coach to Cornwall Park Garden Restaurant. Brunch: At Cornwall Park Afternoon: Coach to Mt.Eden for overview of City Coach to Hotel and check-in. Introductory Lecture by Ornithologist. Dinner: Welcome dinner at Restaurant

Accommodations: New President

Meals Included: Brunch, Dinner

Day 4: Visit to Bird Sanctuary Island (Thursday, October 30)

Breakfast: At hotel Morning: Walk to ferry terminal (10 mins) Board ferry to Tiritiri Matangi Island (Bird Sanctuary) for all- day guided Field trip view native birds (some rare & endangered). Lunch: Packed lunch at visitor centre Afternoon: Free time to walk on Island. Meet at ferry terminal. Ferry to Auckland & walk to hotel Dinner: Dinner at local restaurant.

Accommodations: New President

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: View on-shore Gannet Colony (Friday, October 31)

Breakfast: At hotel Morning: Coach to Muriwai Beach area for guided field Trip with Department of Conservation Officer to view on-shore Gannet colony. Lunch: At local cafe Afternoon: Coach to Dominion Museum for guided tour of Maori & Pacific Courts. Dinner: Dinner on your own

Accommodations: New President

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Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6: Visit noted Shorebird Centre (Saturday, November 1)

Breakfast: At hotel Morning: Coach to Miranda Shorebird Centre. Introductory Lecture by Director & view exhibits. Lunch: Packed lunch at Visitor centre. Afternoon: Short coach trip & walk to Shorebird viewing area for guided field trip (schedule based on tidal situation) Coach to Motel & check-in. Dinner: At local restaurant

Accommodations: Rolleston Motel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Scenic coach trip to Rotorua (Sunday, November 2)

Breakfast: At motel cafe Morning: Board Coach for trip to Rotorua. Lunch: At cafe en route Afternoon: Arrive Rotorua and check in to Hotel. Coach to Te Puia Maori Centre for Maori Cultural Performance & Lecture. Also guided tour of geothermal area. Dinner: At hotel

Accommodations: Sudima Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: (Monday, November 3)

Breakfast: At hotel Morning: Board coach for transfer to Wellington. Lunch: At Taihape restaurant en route Afternoon: Short stop at Birdng site en route (dependent on tides). Arrive Wellington. Check-in to Hotel. Lecture on Political Systems & Economy of New Zealand. Dinner: At Hotel

Accommodations: West Plaza Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Guided tour of NZ Parliament Buildings (Tuesday, November 4)

Breakfast: At hotel

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Morning: Coach to Parliament Buildings for guided tour. Visit Old St Paul's Church & Te Papa Museum of New Zealand Lunch: Lunch on your own Afternoon: Free Time Dinner: Dinner on your own

Accommodations: West Plaza Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 10: Guided tour of Wildlife Centre viewing native birds (Wednesday, November 5)

Breakfast: At hotel Morning: Board coach to Karori Wildlife Centre for guided walk to view native forest and birds. Lunch: At Centre cafe Afternoon: View Botanical Gardens and Lady Norwood Rose Garden. Return to Hotel Dinner: At Hotel

Accommodations: West Plaza Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Ferry trip to South Island via scenic Marlborough Sounds. (Thursday, November 6)

Breakfast: At Hotel Morning: Coach to Harbour Terminal to board ferry to South Island. Arrive Picton & board Coach to Kaikoura Lunch: En route at Winery Restaurant Afternoon: Arrive at Kaikoura and check in to Accommodation at Motor Lodge. Dinner: At Lodge Resturant

Accommodations: Donegal House

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Guided off-shore launch trip to view pelagic birds. (Friday, November 7)

Breakfast: At Lodge Morning: Board coach to South Bay Harbour- board Ocean Encounter Vessel for scheduled boat trip to view Seabirds. Return to Harbour and board coach for return to Kaikoura Lunch: At local Restaurant Afternoon: Walk on Peninsula track Coach return to Lodge Dinner: At lodge restaurant.

Accommodations: Donegal House

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Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: (Saturday, November 8)

Breakfast: At Lodge Morning: Coach to inland site for walk in native bush area with local ornithologist, view forest birds. Lunch: Lunch at Irish Pub. Afternoon: Coach back to Kaikoura. Then FREE TIME. Dinner: With local residents at private lodge.

Accommodations: Donegal House

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14: Coach to Staveley, in foothills of Southern Alps (Sunday, November 9)

Breakfast: At lodge. Morning: Board coach for trip to Staveley via Inland Scenic Route. Lunch: Lunch at Cafe en route Afternoon: Continue journey- arrive at Staveley and check in to private lodge. Dinner: Dinner at lodge.

Accommodations: Mountain Beech Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15: (Monday, November 10)

Breakfast: At Lodge Morning: Coach to site in forests of Southern Alps for guided field trip to view forest & mountain birds. Lunch: Packed lunch in the field. Afternoon: Return to Lodge Dinner: Dinner with local family.

Accommodations: Mountain Beech Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 16: (Tuesday, November 11)

Breakfast: At lodge. Morning: Coach to adjacent sites for further field trip to view native birds in lake & river headwaters. Lunch: Packed lunch in the field. Afternoon: Return to Lodge http://www.roadscholar.org/programs/pd_printFull.asp?DId=1-72VEKH Page 9 of 13 Road Scholar : Birding New Zealand - New Zealand - Birding 14-02-11 3:52 PM

Dinner: Dinner at lodge

Accommodations: Mountain Beech Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 17: (Wednesday, November 12)

Breakfast: At Lodge Morning: Coach to Arthur's Pass for field trip to view alpine bird species Lunch: At local cafe Afternoon: Coach to Rangiora. Check in to Motel. Dinner: Dinner at local restaurant

Accommodations: Lilybrook Motel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 18: (Thursday, November 13)

Breakfast: At Motel Morning: Lecture and guided Field trip Lunch: Lunch- own choice Afternoon: Free Time Dinner: Farewell Dinner at restaurant.

Accommodations: Lilybrook Motel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 19: Visit to celebrated Antarctic Centre Departure (Friday, November 14)

Breakfast: At motel Morning: Coach to Antarctic Centre for lecture and view exhibits. Lunch: Lunch in Centre Cafe. Afternoon: Coach to Christchurch Airport for flight to U.S..A.

Meals Breakfast, Lunch Included:

Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

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Suggested Reading List

A Personal Kiwi-Yankee Dictionary Author: Louis Leland Description: Take this book with you on your trip to help you untangle the sometimes perplexing and colorful local idioms.

A Traveller's History of New Zealand and the South Pacific Islands Author: John Chambers Description: A brisk portrait of New Zealand, and its culture, economy and society, this concise history also covers the settlement of the Pacific Islands.

Come on Shore and We Will Kill and Eat You All Author: Christina Thompson Description: In this endearing, offbeat memoir, anthropologist Thompson effortlessly alternates tales of mostly disastrous early encounters with the Maori and the story of the love of her life, Seven, the Maori she married.

Erewhon Author: Samuel Butler, Peter Mudford (Introduction) Description: Butler's classic Victorian novel inspired by his experiences in 1860s New Zealand. A satirical account of a journey to an upside-down country at the end of the world, where sick people are thrown in jail and murderers are taken to the hospital.

Eyewitness Guide New Zealand Author: Eyewitness Guides Description: This superb illustrated guide features color photography, dozens of excellent local maps and a region-by-region overview of attractions.

Here at the End of the World We Learn to Dance Author: Lloyd Jones Description: Dancing between New Zealand and Buenos Aires and ranging over decades, tango is the leitmotif of this earlier novel by Lloyd Jones, published here for the first time, author of Mister Pip. Like Mr. Pip, this compact, seductive novel concerns the power of storytelling.

Making Peoples, A History of the New Zealanders from Polynesian Settlement to the End of the Nineteenth Century Author: James Belich Description: A social history of the Maori from pre-contact to the late 19th century. With its wide, yet detailed focus, this book gives the reader a glimpse into the social forces that have formed the Maori, including the tremendous impact of colonization.

Maori Tattooing Author: H.G. Robley Description: A new unabridged edition of the classic, illustrated sourcebook on Maori tattooing (moko), first published in 1896. The author pays scrupulous attention to the intricate patterns, design and cultural meaning of traditional Maori tattoos.

New Zealand Map Author: National Geographic Description: This handy, double-sided map includes an index and insets of the Sub-Antarctic islands.

New Zealand Through Time, An Illustrated Journey Through 83 Million Years of Natural History Author: Ronald Cometti

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Description: Step back in time in this illustrated miscellany, featuring dozens of full-color paintings of giant , mixosaurus, and other splendid extinct creatures.

New Zealand Wildlife Author: Julian Fitter Description: Julian Fitter's splendid introduction to the nature and wildlife of New Zealand features succinct chapters on geography and geology, history, habitats and wildlife, along with hundreds of color photographs.

New Zealand, A Natural History Author: De Roy, Mark Jones Description: Having relocated many years ago to the beaches of Golden Bay on the North Island, Tui and Mark present the wildlife, habitats and splendor of their homeland in this photographic celebration.

Once Were Warriors Author: Alan Duff Description: This controversial best-selling novel follows the fate of a Maori woman in what appears to be modern-day Auckland, an insightful look at social problems of the Maori in contemporary New Zealand.

Presenting New Zealand, An Illustrated History Author: Philip Temple Description: Organized from North to South, this oversized paperback, featuring large, full-color archival illustrations on every page, is a profile of the island nation, its history, people and nature.

Slipping Into Paradise, Why I Live in New Zealand Author: Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson Description: In this far-ranging travelogue, Masson (who wrote a series of books on the emotional lives of ) combines his travels and tales with history, riffs on the kiwis, nature and society.

Southern Exposure Author: Chris Duff Description: Subtitled "A Solo Sea Kayaking Journey Around New Zealand's South Island."

Stories Author: Katherine Mansfield Description: The three marvelous, long stories in this collection constitute the beginnings of a novel based on Mansfield's childhood in Wellington.

The Bone People Author: Keri Hulme Description: Set on the South Island, this powerful novel brings together three troubled individuals who represent Maori and European traditions in contemporary New Zealand.

The Earth Machine, The Science of a Dynamic Planet Author: James D. Webster, Edmond A. Mathez Description: An informative, illustrated overview of the earth and its fiery origins by curators of the American Museum of Natural History's Hall of Planet Earth.

The Future Eaters, An Ecological History of the Australasian Lands and People Author: Tim F. Flannery

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Description: An engaging ecological history of Australasia, focusing on human impact on local environments and populations in the recent geologic past.

The Hand Guide to the Birds of New Zealand Author: Barrie Heather Description: The revised compact edition of the classic field guide, featuring 74 color plates by Derek Onley.

The Happy Isles of Author: Paul Theroux Description: The peripatetic author flies off to Australia and New Zealand with a kayak and ends up exploring much of Melanesia and Polynesia, including Tonga, Fiji and the Marquesas in this wickedly funny, wide-ranging tale.

You can't find a better value than Road Scholar. As a not-for-profit organization, we are dedicated to providing all-inclusive educational programs at great value. From lectures to gratuities to field trips to accommodations - the tuition you pay up front is all that you pay.

Specifically, this program includes: 16 nights accommodations 45 meals: 16 breakfasts, 1 brunch, 14 lunches, 14 dinners Expert-led lectures: 21 Field trips: 23 Performances: 1 Plus these special experiences... • Experience New Zealand’s amazing geographical diversity from mountain passes in the Southern Alps to pristine rainforests. • At the Miranda Shorebird Centre, learn about the incredible migration of the godwits to Alaska and back. • Marvel at the endangered Takahe, a strange flightless bird believed to be extinct for 50 years until rediscovered Admire at close quarters the grace & agility of Albatross, Petrel & other huge sea-birds on your specialist boat trip out of Kaikoura, South Island. View the Daily Schedule to see more

And included with all Road Scholar programs: Learning led by expert instructors who are authorities in the field of study. An experienced Group Leader attuned to the needs of Road Scholar participants. Customary gratuities throughout the program that you would normally pay yourself. The Road Scholar Travel Assistance Plan, providing 24-hour-a-day emergency assistance coverage. Taxes

© Road Scholar 2014 | Call toll-free: 1-800-454-5768

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