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♪ [music--no dialogue] ♪♪.
Hi, I'm Tasha Brown.
I will be taking you abroad to New Zealand and Australia.
This webisode will demonstrate some of the activities and
places that are a part of the Communication Studies
New Zealand/Australia faculty-led trip.
We will begin our 32-day trip leaving Chicago and heading
to Auckland, New Zealand.
Auckland is located on the north island and is one of
New Zealand's largest cities.
Its harbors are breathtaking and it has quite a few
intriguing museums, restaurants, and shops.
Something that is sure to take your breath away is the skyjump.
It's a 192-meter, or 629-foot, fall straight down.
After exploring the natural beauty of Auckland we head to
Rotorua, which has a large Maori population and is the
center of geothermal activity.
The Maori are New Zealand's indigenous people.
This is were students can expect to take part in various
traditional Maori activities and learn about the
native population of New Zealand.
One of the tastiest activities students may
partake in is the Hangi.
The Hangi is a traditional feast, where dinner is
steamed underground.
After visiting the thermal village, one could choose to go
to the geothermal hot spots that are located all around Rotorua.
Here you can relax in one of the many hot baths or
just enjoy the majestic views of the area, which include
geysers and bubbling mud.
This natural volcanic environment is scary, stunning,
and actually quite relaxing.
The next stop on our customized study abroad trip is to Napier.
The Napier area is where many world-class wines are produced.
While here, students can take advantage of a wine tour.
Next we travel from the wine country to New Zealand's
windy city, Wellington.
Wellington is New Zealand's second largest city and
is known as its cultural capital.
We start our Wellington adventure at New Zealand's
national museum, Te Papa.
There are many things to do while in Wellington like shop,
have a coffee, or eat at one of Welly's 300 cafés,
restaurants, and pubs.
Students could also visit the city's botanical gardens
or a nearby wildlife sanctuary.
Despite the fact that no one would want to leave a beautiful
island with hot pools and breathtaking views, you will
then head for the south island of New Zealand.
If you think the north island is beautiful, wait until
you see the south island.
You will make your way down the south island to
Christchurch and then to Franz Josef.
Here students can take advantage of various slippery activities
like hiking on the glacier, ice climbing, and much more.
After our time on the glacier we felt the need
for more adventure, and there is no better place to
get that than Queenstown.
Queenstown not only has stunning views of
mountains and Lake Wakatipu, it is the adventure
capital of New Zealand.
So thrill seekers can get their excitement by
whitewater rafting, jet boating, skiing, heli-skiing,
canyon swinging, bungee jumping, and various
four-by-four off-road excursions.
During the off-road excursions students have the chance
to see areas where they shot films like "The Lord of
the Rings", "The Chronicles of Narnia", and "Wolverine".
After Queenstown, we make a quick stop at Milford Sound.
After witnessing the beauty of Milford Sound,
we head to Dunedin.
Students have the opportunity to take in
many different activities while here.
One could be a rugby game at a local pub
located on the Octagon.
It will be bittersweet to leave Dunedin because it is our
last stop before leaving New Zealand.
From Dunedin we head to Sydney, Australia.
Sydney is not the capital of Australia, but it is one of the
best-known cities in Australia because of its great
architecture, specifically the Opera House.
If you make it to Sydney, make sure not
to miss the Manly Ferry.
The trip will ensure that you see much of the iconic scenes
of Sydney like the harbor, bridge, and of course
the Opera House.
Don't forget that there are great beaches
in this area as well.
Bondi Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the world.
Here, you could even learn to surf!
Sydney is wonderful and you won't be ready to leave,
but the schedule is tight and there is much more to do
and see while in Australia.
Cairns is located in the north region of Queensland and has a
tropical climate, making it easy for students to explore this
beautiful town on foot.
Another great place to explore on foot is Cape Tribulation,
home of the Daintree Rainforest.
There are various ways to discover the oldest living
rainforest including jungle surfing, a crocodile tour,
or of course simply walking around.
Sadly, our time in Cape Tribulation is short and before
you know it, it will be time to leave and go to Port Douglas,
our last destination before heading home.
Port Douglas will be the home of many of your cultural
experiences with the Aborigines as well as your
departure point for the Great Barrier Reef.
The Aborigines are Australia's indigenous population.
Students can expect to take part in traditional activities
with the Aborigines.
The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef in the world.
Snorkeling is one of the remarkable activities
students can partake in.
While in Port Douglas students can also visit some of
Australia's native wildlife like kangaroos, koalas,
emus, and many other strange creatures.
At this point the New Zealand/Australia adventure
will come to a close even if it feels as if it just began.
Not only will you visit two different countries in the
south Pacific, you will meet interesting people,
experience new cultures, foods, and of course
have great new adventures.
We are EIU, and we understand if you don't want to come back.
♪ [music--no dialogue] ♪♪.