This is one of our signature programs -
an eco-educational tour which we have run for years and each and
every student who participated on this program has raved about the
experience.
The courses, as with all our programs, are specifically
relevant to the locations we visit. Space is limited in this program
as we head into many areas that are ecologically fragile – and it is
our policy to ensure that we respect and preserve this.
Embark on a unique, extraordinary, and what could be a once in
a lifetime experience to the lands downunder while earning a credit.
Our journey begins in Cairns - Queensland, Australia - our base for
visiting the
Great Barrier Reef and the
Rainforests of northern
Australia.
The
Great Barrier Reef, home to the most diverse and colourful marine life, is
the largest in the world, stretches for
a length of more than 750 km, and the clear blue green
waters reach
no more than 30 m deep. And
yes although it is winter downunder, it will be warm enough
to go snorkeling with
temperatures reaching 28°C
in Australia.
We will then spend time in remote areas outside
of Cairns - in the Outback - with naturalist
guides where
kangaroos roam freely and we enjoy full bush breakfasts in the wild!
At
Cape Tribulation, we study the unique flora and fauna and
the Aboriginal culture while bushwalking through an area where the
coral reef meets the untouched tropical rainforests of Australia
surrounded by
sandy beaches, mangroves and swamps. The deep gorges
and falls enroute are spectacular, and are protected World
Heritage Sites.
Then
off to northern
New Zealand for a wilderness and cultural experience - the
land where Lord of the Rings was filmed and otherwise known
by the indigenous Maori people as the "Land of the Long
White Cloud".
While in
New Zealand students
will follow Maori guides to venture through lush native
rainforests
to see some of the largest unique trees and ferns in the
world, enjoy fascinating wildlife, stand by idyllic crystal
clear rivers and lakes, and explore incredible lava
formations. Untouched until the Maori arrived from Polynesia
1200 years ago, New Zealand's plant and insect population
evolved in isolation and is today extremely diverse. In
fact, some of the very rare wildlife and bird species date
back to the Jurassic era 200 million years ago and includes
flightless birds such as the Kiwi and strange reptiles and
insects - but very few mammals.
Our group will travel to the Bay of
Islands where you have the option to go deep see fishing or
sand boarding on the dunes on the most northern tip of the
island. Then south to Rotorua for an endless discovery of
more remote areas of New Zealand where the amazing experience
comes to its final stage as we experience the stunning
geothermal activity of gurgling
mud pools, hissing geysers
and steaming volcanic craters, and glide through massive
subterranean caverns on a waterborne barge to see the famous
Glow Worm Caves. Our final stop is Auckland - a vibrant city
with a buzzing waterfront and harbour full of restaurants and shops.
From here we will take day trips to wild rugged coastal
beaches and explore the rainforest west of Auckland.
The day
temperature in northern New Zealand during July will be
around 16° C.
This will definitely be an
unforgettable experience which you will talk about for years
to come!
Accommodation provided in a centrally located university residence
in Australia, lodges or swag tents
while in Outback, and in 4 star hotels while in New
Zealand. Classes will be conducted in residence and at
outdoor locations to enhance this learning experience.
Aeroplan
Points Collectors:
You will
receive over 18,000 aeroplan points for flying with our group!
rainforests
to see some of the largest unique trees and ferns in the
world, enjoy fascinating wildlife, stand by idyllic crystal
clear rivers and lakes, and explore incredible lava
formations. Untouched until the Maori arrived from Polynesia
1200 years ago, New Zealand's plant and insect population
evolved in isolation and is today extremely diverse. In
fact, some of the very rare wildlife and bird species date
back to the Jurassic era 200 million years ago and includes
flightless birds such as the Kiwi and strange reptiles and
insects - but very few mammals.
