Team

PLU Jan 15 - New Zealand
Learning While Tramping on the Track of New Zealand

Hike up ancient volcano craters, to glacial moun- tain lakes, and along sandy ocean beaches. Explore museums that reflect the history and culture of the other land “Down Under” in Christ- church, the beautiful garden city. Visit Ko Tane, a Maori Cultural experience located at the Willow- bank Wildlife Reserve where we will be touring the natural reserve with over a hundred different wildlife species, greeted with a traditional pow- hiri (greeting/challenge), enjoy a cultural perfor- mance, explore a living village, see the nocturnal house where Kiwi move freely, and experience a Hangi (Maori feast). Explore the recreational fun place of Queenstown (home of bungy jumping and other extreme sports) and the incredibly beautiful fjord of Milford Sound and Majestic Mt. Cook.

In the U.S. we hike the trails in the forest, but in New Zealand the rugged individualistic kiwis tramp the tracks in the bush. You will expand your global awareness by learning about the

society, culture, history, politics, and environmental concerns of New Zealand. A typical day includes five to ten mile hikes through high mountain pass- es, exotic tropical like plants, mountains and coast- al glaciers, brilliant sunshine, sudden rain, glaciated mountains, rolling farmland, high waterfalls, deep canyons, sheep, dolphins, penguins, urban cities, splendid isolation, dramatic scenery, and fascinat- ing musuems.

And, by the end of the trip you will be well versed in backcountry safety and survival techniques.