As of today the official program/tour itinerary has been released for my trip. I have posted it below; I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did. Please note that this itinerary is can change without notice!
Justin Robinson
Student Ambassador
2011 SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES
FH: JOURNEY THROUGH THE SOUTH PACIFIC
FH 06/19-1
JUNE 19. JULY 10, 2011
SUNDAY, JUNE 19
Depart for Fiji
• Greet your fellow Ambassadors before boarding your international flight to Nadi, Fiji.
MONDAY, JUNE 20
En route
• Lose a day as you cross the International Date Line en route to Fiji.
TUESDAY, JUNE 21
Sigatoka, Fiji Islands
• Bula! Welcome to Fiji!
• Upon arrival in Nadi, you will be welcomed by your People to People Delegation Manager with a traditional Fijian lei garland.
• Board your motor coach for an orientation of the villages along the coast.
• Visit the Kula Bird Eco Park and immerse yourself in a microcosm of Fijifs natural wildlife. Relax as you wander through acres of lush rainforest, while you encounter some of Fiji’s indigenous flora and fauna.
• After clearing customs, you will have the opportunity to convert your U.S. dollars to Fijian currency at the airport.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22
Sigatoka, Fiji Islands
• Have you ever wondered what school is like in other parts of the world? You will have the unique opportunity to spend the day with local Fijian students, interacting and exchanging ideas.
• This is the opportunity of a lifetime, so be sure to have your Friendship Cards handy so you can stay in touch with your new friends.
• Don’t forget to pack your day bag for tomorrow with a sarong (sulu), swimsuit, sun hat, sunglasses (with strap), sunscreen, water bottle, water shoes, and a change of dry clothes as you will be sure to get wet. You will also have the opportunity to buy some handicraft items from the local villagers, it is recommended to come prepared with some smaller change in Fijian currency.
THURSDAY, JUNE 23
Navua, Fiji Islands
• Be welcomed into a Fijian community and learn how Fijians survive on a subsistence lifestyle in a rural village.
• You will receive an introduction to Fijian culture and traditions by participating in village activities, a Kava Ceremony, and enjoy a traditional Fijian meal with the villagers.
• Journey upriver on traditional longboats. Be amazed by the natural beauty of the rainforests and waterfalls that will be your constant view upstream.
• Enjoy a swim at a natural waterfall pond.
• Don’t forget to pack your day bag for tomorrow with a water bottle, sun hat, good walking shoes, sunscreen, and a camera.
FRIDAY, JUNE 24
Sigatoka, Fiji Islands
• Take a scenic drive eastward through the Coral Coast, pass local villages and arrive at Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park. Get ready to explore the dunes.
• Have a tour of Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park and meet an enthusiastic team of park rangers, who will exclusively join your delegation for the day.
• Experience the natural beauty of the Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park with its walking trails and spectacular views from Juvonulevu (Turtle) Lookout. As you walk the trails, enjoy bird watching and see evidence of Fijian history scattered on the dunes.
• Help make an impact in the reforestation of the area, hug a tree and search for soles. This is a unique opportunity to give back to the local community through your environmental service project.
SATURDAY, JUNE 25
Nadi, Fiji Islands
• Journey to Denarau Marina and meet local Fijian students, who will be travelling with you to Mystery (Tivua) Island.
• Set sail on the 110-foot yacht from the Governor General’s Brigantine RaMarama for an all-day island and cruise adventure!
• Sunbathe in the bowsprit and enjoy the music and entertainment as you sail to Tivua Island.
• Enjoy your island paradise with activities including glass bottom boat tours, snorkeling the coral reefs and local games.
SUNDAY, JUNE 26
Nadi, Fiji Islands
• Enjoy a light breakfast before your early morning pickup from the hotel to Nadi International Airport.
• Bid farewell to your Fiji team and board your flight to New Zealand.
• Welcome to Auckland, the city of sails!
• On arrival at the Auckland International Airport, meet your New Zealand Delegation Manager.
• Auckland’s suburbs spread generously over a narrow isthmus between the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea.
• Travel south through to the Bay of Plenty.
• This evening spend the night in a Marae . an authentic Maori meeting house and the focal point of the Maori culture.
• Dinner this evening is in the style of a Hangi, prepared using steam or hot rocks in a pit oven.
• Explore Maori culture through songs, stories and dances.
MONDAY, JUNE 27
Full On - Rotorua, New Zealand
• Take part in Full On, a day long program specially designed for People to People Student Ambassadors to help achieve new levels of self-awareness and personal development.
• Today is about challenge excitement and energy! Get ready for a full day packed with adventure and personal growth with your Full On team. Experience activities such as leadership and personal development activities.
• Conquer an outdoor adventure course!
TUESDAY, JUNE 28
Rotorua, New Zealand.
• Your delegation will receive a civic welcome at the Rotorua Council Chambers by a member of the Rotorua City Council.
• Learn about the local government and community in the area.
• Discover the essence of Rotorua at the Historical Rotorua Museum of Art & History, located in the historic Rotorua Bath House building.
• Visit Mount Ngongotaha via a gondola and enjoy a bird’s eye view of Rotorua. Hang on tight during your exciting and fun luge ride to the bottom of the mountain.
• Explore Waimangu Thermal Valley, an amazing series of thermal pools and craters created by the volcanic environment.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29
Waikato Region Home Stay - Waikato, New Zealand
• Board a vessel and take a short trip out across Rotorua Lake to the sacred Mokoia Island.
• Discover how ancient traditions may be part of the solution for preserving the natural balance between man and the environment.
• Take a step back in time and enjoy an English style tea lunch at the beautiful Blue Baths.
• Continue through the beautiful farmlands of the Waikato to your home stay location.
• Meet your home stay family and be welcomed into their home for the next three nights. Enjoy this unique opportunity to be immersed in local culture and learn about life in New Zealand.
• Be sure to bring your pictures of friends and family back home, as your host family will enjoy seeing them.
THURSDAY, JUNE 30
Waikato Region Home Stay - Waikato, New Zealand
• Today, if school is in session, you will have the opportunity to attend school with local students and experience life as a student in New Zealand.
FRIDAY, JULY 01
Waikato Region Home Stay - Waikato, New Zealand
• Your home stay continues with a chance to experience everyday life in New Zealand and meet the locals.
• Remember to thank your home stay family, as this will be your last night with them.
SATURDAY, JULY 02
Auckland, New Zealand
• Don’t forget to exchange address information with your host family so you can keep in touch!
• Bid farewell to your home stay family.
• Enjoy highlights of the city of Auckland.
SUNDAY, JULY 03
Depart for Sydney, Australia
• This morning breakfast is not included in the hotel, but served on your flight.
• Board your coach and transfer to the Auckland International Airport and check-in for your flight to Australia.
• G'day, mate! Welcome to Australia, the land down under!
• Meet your Australian Delegation Manager upon arrival at Sydney Airport, who willwelcome you to Sydney!
• The largest city in Australia and the capital of New South Wales, Sydney is uniquely set on the natural harbor of Port Jackson.
• Explore the Olympic Park Grounds with an orientation of ANZ Stadium, the siteof the Sydney 2000 Olympics’ opening and closing ceremonies.
• Try your hand at cricket as you learn about Australiafs most popular summer sport.
• May we suggest comfortable walking shoes for your time in Sydney?
MONDAY, JULY 04
Sydney, Australia
• Leave the city behind and discover the scenic Blue Mountains.
• Ride on the world's steepest incline railway and take a guided orientation along the valley.
• Enjoy a dinner cruise on the Harbor with Sydneyfs skyline as your spectacular backdrop.
TUESDAY, JULY 05
Sydney, Australia
• Learn about Australia’s national gemstone, the opal, at an opal establishment.
• Enjoy a guided orientation of the majestic Sydney Opera House complex as you go behind the scenes. You’ll have a backstage pass to experience areas that are not accessible to the public and exclusive for People to People Student Ambassadors.
• Surfs up! Take to the water at the famous Bondi Beach and try your hand at surfing. You will have exclusive use of the historic Bondi Surf Bathers’ Life Saving Club.
• Dine at a Sydney restaurant overlooking Darling Harbor.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 06
Cairns, Australia
• This morning, board your flight for Cairns.
• This coastal cosmopolitan city is nestled in northern Queensland amid two of Australia’s most treasured World Heritage destinations, the Wet Tropics Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef.
• Travel north along the scenic coastal road to the picturesque township of Port Douglas, situated between the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree National Park.
• Encounter Australia’s unique fauna, such as koalas, kangaroos, and emus at a wildlife sanctuary.
• Cuddle a koala and have your photo taken!
• Don't forget to pack your day bag for tomorrow with sunscreen, sun hat, swimsuit, and towel. An underwater camera will capture those magical moments on the Reef!
THURSDAY, JULY 07
Cairns, Australia
• Cruise out to the Great Barrier Reef across pristine waters.
• Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef and see brightly colored tropical fish, giant clams, and different types of soft and hard coral.
• Any questions that may arise out of your exploration of the Reef, talk to the Marine Biologist that exclusively joins your delegation for this experience.
FRIDAY, JULY 08
Cairns, Australia
• Take a bird’s eye view above the rainforest canopy on an elevated walkway above the Wooroonooran National Park.
• Participate in a community service project by making scones, then sharing them with the elderly citizens of Malanda. Many of these citizens were early pioneers in the development and settlement of this area. Learn a great deal about Australian history during this cultural exchange, while enjoying your culinary talent with the residents.
• Explore the Cairns Night Markets, a lively emporium for all things unique and Australian for those last minute souvenirs.
SATURDAY, JULY 09
Cairns, Australia
• Learn how to throw a boomerang and a spear as you interact with local Aboriginal people.
• Learn different forms of Aboriginal art, whilst painting your own boomerang to keep.
• Go walkabout! Discover how Aboriginal People utilize the local environment to sustain life during a river walk.
• May we suggest water shoes, as the creek bed is rocky.
SUNDAY, JULY 10
Depart for home
• After packing your suitcase for the last time, make sure you have everything you need for the flight, in your carry-on.
• Board the motor coach to the airport for your return flight to the United States.
- Board the motor coach to the airport for your return flight to the United States.
