Australia & New Zealand LAND TOUR Plus optional extensions in: Melbourne & the Outback New Zealand’s Bay of Islands

2017

Australia & New Zealand Table of Contents 1. PASSPORTS, VISAS AND TRAVEL DOCUMENTS........................................................................ 3 Passport Required .................................................................................................................................... 3 Visa Required .......................................................................................................................................... 3 Traveling Without a U.S. Passport? ......................................................................................................... 4 Emergency Photocopies of Key Documents............................................................................................ 4 2. YOUR HEALTH..................................................................................................................................... 5 Keep Your Abilities In Mind ................................................................................................................... 5 Health Check............................................................................................................................................ 6 Vaccinations............................................................................................................................................. 6 Staying Healthy on the Trip ..................................................................................................................... 7 3. LUGGAGE REGULATIONS & AIR TRAVEL ................................................................................. 8 Luggage Limits ........................................................................................................................................ 8 Luggage Suggestions ............................................................................................................................... 9 Airport Security/TSA ............................................................................................................................... 9 Air Inclusive Travelers .......................................................................................................................... 10 Airport Transfers.................................................................................................................................... 11 4. MONEY MATTERS ............................................................................................................................ 12 Local Currency ...................................................................................................................................... 12 ATMs ..................................................................................................................................................... 13 Debit Cards ............................................................................................................................................ 13 Credit Cards ........................................................................................................................................... 13 Shopping ................................................................................................................................................ 14 Australian Customs Regulations ............................................................................................................ 15 New Zealand Customs Regulations ....................................................................................................... 15 U.S. Customs Regulations and Shipping Charges ................................................................................. 16 Problem with a Purchase? ...................................................................................................................... 16 Tipping Guidelines ................................................................................................................................ 17 5. OPTIONAL TOURS ............................................................................................................................ 18 6. PACKING FOR YOUR TRIP ............................................................................................................. 19 In General .............................................................................................................................................. 19 Packing Your Carry-On ......................................................................................................................... 19 Travel Gear Suggestions ........................................................................................................................ 20 7. REGIONAL CLIMATE INFORMATION ........................................................................................ 22 Climate Charts ....................................................................................................................................... 23 8. TRAVEL AND TECHNOLOGY ........................................................................................................ 25 In General .............................................................................................................................................. 25 Regional Electricity ............................................................................................................................... 26 Phones & Calling ................................................................................................................................... 27 Cell Phones ....................................................................................................................................... 27 Phone Calling Cards ......................................................................................................................... 27 9. ABOUT YOUR TRIP & DESTINATIONS........................................................................................ 28

Your Program Director .......................................................................................................................... 28 Australia in Brief ................................................................................................................................... 29 New Zealand in Brief ............................................................................................................................. 29 10. DEMOGRAPHICS & HISTORY ..................................................................................................... 30 11. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES ........................................................................................................... 37 Books, Maps, and Movies...................................................................................................................... 37 Suggested Movies .................................................................................................................................. 40 Useful Websites ..................................................................................................................................... 42

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1. PASSPORTS, VISAS AND TRAVEL DOCUMENTS Passport Required U.S. citizens need a valid passport for this itinerary. Please take a moment to ensure that your passport meets all of these requirements. If not, you could be refused entry into a country and you might be required by that country to return to the U.S. immediately, which would be at your own expense. Your passport should meet these requirements for this itinerary:  It should be in good condition  It should be valid for at least 6 months after your scheduled return to the U.S.  It should have the recommended number of blank pages (see below for details).  The blank pages must be labeled “Visas” at the top. Pages labeled “Amendments and Endorsements” are not acceptable.

Recommended number of blank pages: This recommendation is based on a “worst case” scenario. On this trip you might use fewer pages depending on the whims of the Immigration officials you meet. Since the consequence of having too few pages can be severe—you could be denied entry into a country—we take a better safe than sorry stance, and we recommend these guidelines:  

Main trip only: If you are taking only the main trip, you will require 3 blank pages Pre- and/or post-trip extensions: No additional pages are required

If you need to renew your passport: Contact the National Passport Information Center (NPIC) at 1-877-487-2778, or visit their website at www.travel.state.gov for information on obtaining a new passport or renewing your existing passport. You may also contact our recommended visa service company, PVS International, at 1-800-556-9990 for help with your passport.

Visa Required We’ll be sending you a detailed Visa Packet with instructions, application forms, and fees about 100 days prior to your departure. In the meantime, we’re providing the information below as a guideline on what to expect. This information is for U.S. citizens only. All visas and fees are subject to change. 

Australia: A visa is required. We will help you obtain this in advance using Australia’s Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) process. An ETA is equivalent to a visa, but there is no stamp or label in your passport. This electronic visa process is handled free of charge through our computer system at Grand Circle Travel. However, we will still need you to confirm the necessary information, so please fill out and return your visa form once you receive it.

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New Zealand: A visa is NOT required for U.S. citizens. However, you should bring an extra copy of your air itinerary with you on the trip in case local officials ask to see it at Passport Control.

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Traveling Without a U.S. Passport? If you are not a U.S. citizen, or if your passport is from any country other than the U.S., it is your responsibility to check with your local consulate, embassy, or a visa services company about possible visa requirements. For your convenience, we recommend the services of PVS International, a national visa service located in Washington D.C.; they can be reached at 1-800-556-9990 or www.pvsinternational.org.

Emergency Photocopies of Key Documents We recommend you carry color photocopies of key documents including the photo page of your passport plus any applicable visas, air itinerary, credit cards (front and back), and an alternative form of ID. Add emergency phone numbers like your credit card company and the number for your travel protection plan. Store copies separate from the originals. If you plan to email this information to yourself, please keep in mind that email is not always secure; consider using password protection or encryption. Also email is not always available worldwide. As an alternative, you could load these documents onto a flash drive instead, which can do double-duty as a place to backup photos during your trip.

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2. YOUR HEALTH Keep Your Abilities In Mind We’ve worked closely with our local Program Directors and regional associates to identify the aspects of this vacation that you should be aware of, from physical requirements to cultural factors. Please carefully review the information below prior to departing on this trip. Pacing  

5 locations in 17 days 3 internal flights of 3-4 hours each

Physical Requirements  Walk 1-2 miles unassisted and participate in 4-5 hours of physical activities daily, including stairs  Balance and agility are required to board watercraft • Not accessible for travelers using wheelchairs or scooters  Travelers using walkers, crutches, or other mobility aids must travel with a companion who can assist them 

We reserve the right for our Program Directors to restrict participation or send travelers home if their limitations impact the group’s experience

Terrain & Transportation  Uneven walking surfaces, including unpaved paths, hills, stairs, and cobblestones  Travel by 45-seat motorcoach, 36-seat boat, high-speed catamaran, gondola, water taxi, steamship, jet-boat, 280-seat boat, and sailboat Climate  Daytime temperatures range from 60-88°F during touring season  December through March are the warmest months

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Health Check Feeling healthy and confident of your mobility is essential if you want to fully enjoy your trip abroad. If you have ongoing medical conditions or concerns about your health, we highly recommend that you schedule a checkup with your personal physician at least six weeks in advance of your departure date.   

Discuss with your doctor any aspects of your international itinerary that may affect your health and be guided by his or her advice. (You can use the “Keep Your Abilities in Mind” on the previous page as a guideline to discuss with him or her.) You may want to have a dental exam before your trip. A loose filling or developing cavity would be difficult to remedy while you are traveling. If you have a condition that requires special equipment or treatment, you must bring and be responsible for all necessary items related to your condition.

Vaccinations At time of writing, there were no required vaccinations for Australia or New Zealand. (That is, neither of these countries require proof a specific vaccination in order to enter.) However, your doctor might feel that there are some basic vaccinations that you should have updated before you travel. Or there may be vaccinations that he or she recommends for you because of your personal medical history. We suggest you consult with your own physician at least 6 weeks prior to departure, and ask about vaccinations at that time. If you’d like to know more about possible vaccinations for this trip—or just about health in general while traveling—the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is a great resource. You can contact them online or by phone. Online:

By phone:

We suggest you visit the CDC’s website at http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel, where you will find comprehensive information about preventing illness while traveling. At the CDC’s Hotline toll-free at 1-800-232-4636 24 hours a day.

But please keep in mind that the CDC’s suggestions may not apply to you! For example, you might already have some of the vaccinations they routinely recommend. So be sure to ask your own doctor.

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Staying Healthy on the Trip Safe Water Australia and New Zealand are healthy places, but it still pays to take care in what you eat and drink. Tap water is safe to drink but always beware of natural stream water. Take a bottle of water with you on outdoor excursions to stay hydrated.

Allergies If you have any serious allergies or dietary restrictions, we advise you to notify us 30 days prior to your departure. Please call our Traveler Support team at 1-800-321-2835, and we will communicate them to our regional office. Every effort will be made to accommodate you. Please see the “About Your Trip & Destinations” section for more details on the local cuisine.

Sun Exposure & Insects The sun is stronger in Australia and New Zealand than it is in most of the U.S., so the effect of intense sunlight is an important health consideration. Be prepared with sunblock (SPF 30 or higher), sunglasses, a hat or other head covering, and lightweight loose-fitting clothing for covering up even when it is warm. Also, using insect repellent is advisable while you are out in the bush during the warmer months (November through April), especially in tropical northern Australia, or in southern New Zealand.

Jet Lag Relief You will feel better on the first days of your trip if, shortly before you leave home, you start to adjust to the different time zone of your destination. Since you will cross several time zones to reach your destination, you may lose many hours of regular sleep. You cannot totally avoid jet lag; but you can minimize it. Here's how: 

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Start your trip well rested. Try to begin a gradual transition to your new time zone before you leave or switch to your destination time zone when you get on the plane. Attempt to sleep and eat according to the new schedule. Try to sleep on overnight flights. Avoid heavy eating and drinking caffeine or alcoholic beverages right before—and during—your flight. Drink plenty of water and/or fruit juice while flying. Stretch your legs, neck, and back periodically while seated on the plane, and make an effort to get up and walk about the cabin a few times to keep your blood circulation normal. After arrival, avoid the temptation to nap. Don’t push yourself to see a lot on your first day.

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Try to stay awake your first day until after dinner.

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3. LUGGAGE REGULATIONS & AIR TRAVEL Luggage Limits Pieces per person Weight restrictions

Size restrictions

Luggage type

MAIN TRIP LIMITS One piece of checked luggage and one carry-on per person. We do not consider a personal item that you carry yourself (such as a purse or an umbrella) a carry-on. This limit is due to the amount of space on the motorcoach, not the flights. Limited due to flights within Australia and New Zealand. The current standard is 50lbs for checked luggage and 15 lbs for carry-on bags. Limited due to flights within Australia and New Zealand, and measured in linear inches (length+width+depth). No more than 62 linear inches for your checked luggage, and no more than 45 linear inches for your carry-on bag. These sizes are only OK if the weight limit is followed—see below for details. A sturdy, fabric-sided suitcase with built-in wheels and lockable zippers is recommended. TRIP EXTENSION(S) LIMITS The extensions have the same luggage restrictions as the main trip. REMARKS / SUGGESTIONS

Details on size restriction: Some of Australia’s domestic airlines have size restrictions on suitcases as well as weight limits. For example, both Qantas Airlines and Virgin Australia state that your suitcase should not be more 54 linear inches total. This is a bit smaller than the largest suitcase most U.S. airlines allow (62 linear inches). In practice, this size restriction is rarely enforced as long as you do not go over the weight limit. Therefore, you can bring a U.S.-sized suitcase on this tour, but if you do so, we strongly recommend that you stay within the weight limit. TIP from our regional office: Our staff in the South Pacific have found that the airlines in Australia and New Zealand can be surprisingly strict about enforcing weight limits. There have been incidences of travelers being asked to re-pack their suitcase at the airport. While you might be able “to get away with” more, we encourage you to stay within the limit whenever possible. Luggage rules: Luggage rules and limits are set by governmental and airline policy. Enforcement of the rules may include spot checks or may be inconsistent. However one thing is the same across the board: If you are found to have oversized or overweight luggage, you will be subject to additional fees, to be assessed by—and paid to—the airline in question.

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Don’t forget:    

These luggage limits may change. If the airline(s) notify us of any changes, we will include an update in your Final Documents booklet. It’s a good idea to reconfirm baggage restrictions and fees directly with the airline a week or so prior to departure. For your convenience, we maintain a list of the toll-free numbers for the most common airlines on our website in the FAQ section. Baggage fees are not included in your trip price; they are payable directly to the airlines. The luggage limits above are based on your regional flights, which may be less than your international flights. Even if your international airline offers a larger weight limit, you will need to pack according to the lower restrictions.

Luggage Suggestions Consider a soft-sided suitcase for your checked luggage. We request that you do not bring a hard shell suitcase because of the loading procedures on our motor coaches. Due to space limitations on our motor coaches, you are allowed one piece of checked luggage per person. Porterage at the Cairns airport and hotels is provided for one bag per person. All bags should have luggage tags. Please note that all other airports used on this itinerary do not allow us to provide porterage service and you will be required to take your luggage from the luggage carousel to the awaiting coach. Carts will be provided where available. Consider a daypack or small backpack as your carry-on bag. It will do double duty during excursions and walking trips. A daypack leaves your hands free and distributes its weight onto your back. Packed with daily travel needs (sweater, camera, rain/wind jacket, water bottle, etc.), it will compress to fit the storage space of foreign motorcoaches, and yet still have room for an impulse buy at a local street market. Tip: Bring a second, empty lockable bag folded into your main suitcase, with a luggage tag and small lock. Use this to carry souvenirs home – but remember that you may incur extra luggage fees. If you’re traveling with a companion we recommend “cross-packing,” i.e., pack 2 outfits of your clothing in your companion’s luggage and vice-versa, in case one bag is delayed.

Airport Security/TSA Restrictions on what can be included in your carry-on luggage may change. To avoid inadvertently packing restricted items in your carry-on, we suggest that you consult the Transportation Security Administration website at www.tsa.gov, which keeps a current list of restricted items. Follow the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule for liquids: Liquids must be in a 3.4 ounce or less (100ml) bottle (by volume); all bottles must be in a 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin. One-quart bag per person limits the total liquid volume each traveler can bring. The 3.4 ounce (100ml) container size is a security measure. Note that this rule is used increasingly throughout the world. Locking your luggage: To reduce the risk of damage to your luggage, either do not lock your bags when checking in for flights that originate in the U.S. or use TSA-approved locks. (These are locks that TSA screeners can open and relock with a special tool, avoiding damage to your luggage or lock if a physical inspection is required. Look for the words “TSA” or “TSA-approved” on the lock’s packaging.) Outside of the U.S., we strongly recommend that you lock your luggage as a preventative measure against theft.

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Air Inclusive Travelers If you have purchased international air with Grand Circle Travel, there are some points that may be helpful for you to know. 

U.S. Departure: If you are among a group of ten or more Grand Circle travelers who depart the U.S. from your international gateway city, it is our goal to have a Grand Circle Representative assist you at the U.S. airport with the check-in of your flight. Unless there are extenuating circumstances beyond our control, the Representative will be at the check-in counter three hours before your departure time. If you are flying domestically before your international flight, the representative will be stationed at the check-in counter for your departing international flight, not at the domestic arrival gate.

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Arrival in Australia: Australia’s entry process is like the U.S.—you go through passport control and customs in the city where you first land. o

On the main trip: It is very common to land in Sydney or Brisbane first and then fly from there to Cairns. Once you arrive in Sydney or Brisbane, you’ll need to pass through the Passports & Immigration checkpoint. A Grand Circle Representative will meet you when you exit from this checkpoint. The Representative will assist you with transferring to the domestic terminal for your connecting flight to Cairns. When you land in Cairns, you’ll need to collect your luggage. A Grand Circle Representative will meet you outside of the baggage claims area and assist you with your transfer to the hotel.

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On the pre-trip extension: It is very common to land directly in Melbourne. Once you arrive in Melbourne, you’ll need to pass through the Passports & immigration checkpoint, collect your luggage, and clear customs. A Grand Circle Representative will meet you outside of customs and assist you with your transfer to the hotel.

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Flight Delays: Grand Circle Travel is not responsible for flight delays or cancellations. In the unfortunate circumstance that your flight is delayed or changed, please try to reach the regional GCT office (their number will be in your Final Documents) in order to make new arrangements for your transfer. Due to airline regulations our staff is not notified of flight rerouting, and our local representative won’t necessarily be aware of your new arrival time. In these cases you will need to arrange your transfer by taxi to your hotel.

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U.S. Return: If you are among a group of ten or more Grand Circle travelers who return to the same U.S. gateway city, a Grand Circle Representative will meet you as you exit Customs and help you find taxis, buses, hotel accommodations, or connecting flights. Again, it is our goal to have our Grand Circle Representative waiting to assist your group. In rare instances, unforeseen circumstances may prevent this service.

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Flying with a Travel Companion: If you’re traveling with a companion from a different household, and both of you are beginning and ending your trip at the same airport on the same dates, let us know you’d like to travel together and we’ll make every effort to arrange this (please note, however, that this is not always possible). If you request any changes to your flights, please be sure that both you and your companion tell us that you still want to fly together.

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Airport Transfers If you have purchased international air with Grand Circle Travel and have not customized your dates of travel, then airport transfers are included in your program price. If you will be booking your own international flights or will be customizing your travel dates with our air department, then airport transfers will NOT be included in your program price. Transfers must be purchased separately, as an optional add-on, and are subject to availability. To learn more, or purchase airport transfers, please call our Traveler Support team at 1-800-321-2835. You can also find more information online at www.gct.com/airporttransfers. Please note: You must fly into or fly home from the same airport as Grand Circle travelers who purchased included airfare, and transfers are only available the same day that the group arrives or departs.

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4. MONEY MATTERS Top Three Tips  

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Carry a mix of different types of payments, such as local currency, an ATM card, and a credit card Traveler’s checks are not recommended. They can be difficult to exchange and the commission fee for cashing them is quite high. It’s more practical to view them as a last resort in the event of a special situation. You will not be able to pay with U.S. dollars on this trip; you will need local currency.

Local Currency Currency exchange rates fluctuate daily. Your Program Director will advise you of the exchange rate upon your arrival. For current exchange rates, please refer to the our website or the financial section of your newspaper.

Australia The official currency of Australia is the dollar, though its value differs from the U.S. dollar and the New Zealand dollar. The Australian dollar is divided into cents. Banknote and coin denominations are as follows:  Bills: 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 dollars  Coins: 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents; 1 and 2 dollars

New Zealand The official currency of New Zealand is the dollar, though its value differs from the U.S. dollar. The New Zealand dollar is divided into cents. Banknote and coin denominations are as follows:  Bills: 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 dollars  Coins: 10, 20, and 50 cents; 1 and 2 dollars

How to Exchange Money If you want to exchange money before your trip, you can usually do so through your bank or at an exchange office. Your departure airport in the U.S., a travel agent, or an AAA office are also possible outlets. Or you can wait and change money on the trip instead—but it might be helpful to arrive with some local currency in case you run into a bank holiday or an “out of order” ATM. On your trip, the easiest way is to withdraw funds from a local ATM. The ATM will give you local money and your bank at home will convert that into U.S. dollars. You can also exchange cash at some hotels, large post offices, and money exchange offices. To exchange cash, you’ll usually need your passport and bills in good condition (not worn, torn, or dirty). New bills (post 2004) are best. Never exchange money on the street. All exchange methods involve fees, which may be built into the conversion rate; ask beforehand.

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ATMs PLUS, Cirrus, and other international ATM networks are widely available throughout Australia and New Zealand. Always notify your bank before you leave home that you are going abroad so that they may remove any blocks on your account, and also ask them about the number of withdrawals you may make abroad. For cash withdrawals, don’t forget to memorize the actual digits of your card’s 4-digit PIN (Personal Identification Number), as many keypads at foreign ATMs do not include letters on their numeric keys, they only display digits. Note on ATM use: Many banks have begun imposing a fee ranging from $1 to $5 every time you use an ATM in a foreign city. You may want to limit the number of withdrawals that you make. Your Program Director can advise you on locations, but when to exchange money is left to your discretion.

Debit Cards Debit cards are very popular in Australia and New Zealand, and are widely accepted, but will always require a PIN. Many U.S. banks offer a combined ATM and debit card. Check your ATM card, and if it has a Visa or a MasterCard logo, ask your bank if it can be used as a debit card in Australia and New Zealand. (If there’s no logo, then you probably can’t use it as a debit card, but your bank will know for certain). If it can be used as a debit card, all you’ll need is the same PIN you use at the ATM.

Credit Cards Credit cards are widely accepted in both Australia and New Zealand. In both Australia and New Zealand many hotels are now charging a 1-2% surcharge for credit card payments on supplementary charges (bar bills, room service, etc.). Though major American credit cards (American Express, Visa, and MasterCard) are accepted abroad, always inquire if your type of credit card is accepted before deciding on your purchase. It is also wise to notify the credit card company that you will be using your cards abroad so that they may remove any security block. When using a major credit card you may receive a different exchange rate than if you pay with cash; inquire about the rate first. Please be aware that credit cards might not be accepted for small purchases or in the markets. Note that the Discover credit card are not widely accepted outside the U.S. Keep your receipts in case you have questions about the conversion or exchange rate. Also, keep your receipts as proof of purchase for items to be shipped home.

Credit Cards in Australia There is a different system in place for credit cards issued from Australia. At time of writing, those who own an Australian credit card will be required to enter a PIN, like a debit card or ATM, instead of supplying a signature. Fortunately, credit cards issued outside of Australia should be exempt from the new system. However, there can be hiccups for a traveler—for example, most cashiers will be used to dealing with Australian cards, so they may automatically ask for a PIN. You may also find that few shops won’t know how to process your credit card. In this case, the easiest way to deal with this is to pay by cash or debit card instead. You can also see if your credit card company will issue you a PIN. Some U.S credit card companies do, others do not.

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Shopping There is no requirement to make a purchase during stops at local shops or markets, and any purchase made is a direct transaction with the shop in question, subject to the vendor’s terms of purchase. Grand Circle Travel cannot be responsible for purchases you make on your trip or for the shipment of your purchases. If you plan a major purchase, we strongly recommend that you research the prices and quality available at home before your trip. Just one visit to an import shop or gold dealer will put you way ahead when you go shopping. This is the only way to know if you are getting a good price.

In Australia The South Pacific is a shopper's paradise. Some of the regional specialties you can find in Australia are gems, including diamonds and opals; jewelry; Aboriginal arts and crafts; sheepskin products, including hats, coats, and rugs; boomerangs; stuffed toys, including koalas and kangaroos; and prints. Hours: Shopping hours are generally 8:30 am-5:30 pm, Monday through Friday; Thursday, 8:30 am–9 pm (this is a special “Shopping Night” in Sydney only); and Saturday, 8 am–4 pm. Many stores are now offering Sunday hours as well. Sales tax: The GST in Australia is 10%, and is charged on all goods and services, including food and beverages at restaurants.

In New Zealand Wonderful regional items can be found in New Zealand, including Maori handicrafts, especially woodcarvings and nephrite green stones; abalone pearls; sheepskin products, including rugs; jewelry made from the paua shell; and goods made from wool, wood, and leather. Hours: Stores are usually open 8am-6 pm, Monday through Friday; Saturday and Sunday, 9am–5:30 pm. Sales tax: The GST in New Zealand is 15%, and is charged on all goods and services, including food and beverages at restaurants. If you mail your purchases home from New Zealand, the tax will be deducted from your sales total (a minimum purchase is required).

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Australian Customs Regulations Keep in mind that Australian Customs regulations apply when you enter Australia. In general, travelers are allowed to bring into Australia $A900 (approximately $850 U.S.) worth of goods duty and sales tax free, not including alcohol or tobacco, when the goods accompany the passenger. The limit is $A450 (approximately $425 U.S.) for travelers under 18 years of age. The maximum amount of alcohol allowed per person is 2.25 liters. The maximum amount of tobacco allowed per person is 50 cigarettes or 50 grams of cigars or tobacco products. For more information, contact the Australian Customs Service: telephone from the U. S.: 011-612-6275-6666; on the web: www.customs.gov.au. Security: In addition to their customs restrictions, the Australian government has adopted security measures to limit the amount of liquids, aerosols, and gels that can be taken through the screening point for people flying to and from Australia—similar to the U.S. TSA regulations. All containers with drinks, creams, perfumes, sprays, gels, toothpaste, and similar substances cannot exceed 100ml (3.3 ounces) each and will have to be carried in a re-sealable clear plastic bag, no larger than 20cm x 20cm, and be inspected separately. There is a limit of one bag per person. Telephone from the United States: 011-612-6275-6666. Or on line at www.customs.gov.au

New Zealand Customs Regulations The following regulations were taken from New Zealand’s government customs website: www.customs.govt.nz. All regulations are subject to change without notice. Before you arrive in New Zealand, you will receive a New Zealand Passenger Arrival Card. You must tick (check) “Yes” in the Customs section of your arrival card if you are bringing any of the following into New Zealand:  

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Goods that may be prohibited or restricted, such as weapons, hookah/shisha pipes, other ornamental pipes, objectionable (indecent) materials, wildlife products or illicit drugs. Goods in excess of the $700 allowance and the tobacco and alcoholic beverages allowance. At time of writing, $700 NZD was roughly $570 U.S. The duty-free allowance for tobacco was 200 cigarettes, or 250 grams of tobacco, or 50 cigars, or a mixture of all three weighing not more than 250 grams. You could also bring up to 4.5 liters of wine, or 4.5 liters of beer, or three bottles each containing not more than 1,125ml of spirits, liqueur, or other spirituous beverages dutyfree. Goods carried on behalf of another person NZ $10,000 or more, or the equivalent in foreign currency (please have purchase receipts available) Food items of any sort, whether restricted or not. This includes food given to you during your flight. You will be fined on the spot (around NZD400) for anything that you do not declare on this form.

TIP: Our regional office would like to remind you that you should NOT bring fruit of any kind into New Zealand. It will be confiscated and you will be fined. You do not have to declare your clothing, footwear, jewelry, or toiletries. These are regarded as personal effects if they are intended solely for your own use. Unlike other Customs administrations, there is no provision for travelers to obtain a refund of Goods and Services Tax (GST) on their purchases when they leave the country. In order to purchase goods without payment of GST, travelers are required to purchase from a duty free shop. GCT ANZ 2017

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U.S. Customs Regulations and Shipping Charges For all things related to U.S. Customs, the ultimate authority is the U.S. Bureau of Customs & Border Protection. Their website, www.cbp.gov/travel has the answers to the most frequently asked questions. Or you can call them at 1-877-227-5511. The top three points to know are:  At time of writing, your personal duty-free allowance is $800 for items brought with you. Items totaling more than $800 are subject to duty fees.  Items shipped home are always subject to duty when received in the U.S. Even when the shop has offered to include shipping and duties in the price, this typically means shipping to the nearest customs facility and payment of the export duties—not door-to-door shipping or payment of the import duties. All additional duties or shipping charges would be your responsibility. Unless an item is small enough to send by parcel service (like FedEx), chances are you will need to arrange shipping or pick-up once the item is in the U.S. and will need to pay customs duties.  It is illegal to import products made from endangered animal species. U.S. Customs & Border Protection will seize these items, as well as most furs, coral, tortoise shell, reptile skins, feathers, plants, and items made from animal skins.

Problem with a Purchase? The best way to address a problem with a purchase is to not have one in the first place! So don’t forget to examine merchandise before paying for it, check contracts or agreements before signing, and review your receipt before leaving the shop. For major purchases, don’t hesitate to ask in advance about the return policy—local practice may vary from U.S. standards, so don’t assume that you have a certain number of days after the purchase to speak up. But what if you do discover an issue with an item later on? In that case, your best recourse is to contact the vendor directly. For this reason we recommend that you keep a copy of all your receipts, invoices, or contracts, along with the shop’s contact information. Expect that any resolution will take longer than it would in the U.S. due to delays in communication, the complexities of international shipping/customs duties, and even cultural differences in how business is conducted.

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Tipping Guidelines Of course, whether you tip, and how much, is always at your own discretion. But for those of you who have asked for tipping suggestions, we offer these guidelines. To make it easy for you to budget, we have quoted the amounts in U.S. dollars; tips can be converted and paid in local currency or in U.S. dollars. 

Program Director: It is customary to express a personal “thank you” to your Program Director at the end of the trip. We recommend $5-$8 U.S. per traveler for each day your Program Director is with you. Please note that tips for your Program Director can only be in the form of cash. If you are taking any of the optional extensions, your Program Director during the extension(s) may not be the same as the one on your main trip.

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Hotel Housekeeping: It is not common practice to tip hotel housekeeping in Australia or New Zealand.

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Included in Your Trip Price: Gratuities are included for local guides and motorcoach drivers on your main trip, extensions, and all optional tours.

Time at Leisure When you are exploring on your own, it’s useful to know when to tip and how much, because local customs often differ from the U.S. Here are a few helpful guidelines for the most common services a traveler might use: 

Taxis: Tipping is not customary, but many locals will round up the fare and let the driver keep the change.



Restaurants, cafes, and bars: Restaurants do not generally add a service charge. It is common practice in Australia and New Zealand to tip approximately 10% of the bill for good service.

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5. OPTIONAL TOURS This chapter covers the optional tours that are planned for your itinerary. Optional tours are additional add-on tours that allow you to personalize your vacation by tailoring it to your tastes and needs. And if you decide not to join an optional tour? Then you’ll have free time to relax or explore on your own—it’s about options, not obligations.

What You Need to Know  

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All optional tours are subject to change and availability. Optional tours that are reserved with your Program Director can be paid for using credit/debit cards only. We accept Discover, MasterCard, and Visa credit cards; we can also take MasterCard or Visa debit cards as long as the card allows you to sign for purchases. (You won’t be able to enter a PIN.) To ensure that you are charged in U.S. dollars, your payment will be processed by our U.S. headquarters in Boston. This process can take up to three months, so we ask that you only use a card that will still be valid three months after your trip is over. The charge may appear on your credit card statement as being from Boston, MA or may be labeled as “OPT Boston”. Your Program Director will give you details on the optional tours while you’re on the trip. But if you’d like to look over descriptions of them earlier, you can do so at any time by referring to your Day-to-Day Itinerary (available online by signing into My Account at www.gct.com/myaccount).

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6. PACKING FOR YOUR TRIP In General 

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Travel light: A good rule of thumb is to gather together everything you want to bring; then take half of that. To have a varied travel wardrobe, yet keep your luggage light, we recommend you select a color scheme and pack color-coordinated clothing items that can be mixed to create different outfits. For more packing and luggage tips, you might want to visit www.travelite.org. Pack casual clothes: Comfortable, informal apparel is acceptable at each of your destinations. At dinner, you will not need to don "dressy" clothing; men do not need jackets or ties and women do not need fancy dresses. You may want one or two “smart casual” outfits for the Welcome Reception or Farewell Dinner, but it’s completely up to you. Consider clothing designed for travel, sports, or camping: With modern fabrics, lightweight packing for comfort and protection through a wide range of weather is easy. Clothes for mild weather: For the temperate climate at each of your Australian destinations, pack lightweight, drip-dry clothing made of breathable fabric, such as cotton, cotton knits, or Dacron/cotton. The latter two material blends dry very quickly after washing and stay comparatively wrinkle-free. Evenings can be cool and may require a sweater or jacket. You can select an outer layer from the cold-weather gear that you need to bring for New Zealand’s South Island, as outlined in the next paragraph. Warm clothes for the year-round volatile weather on South Island, New Zealand: "Be prepared" is the best maxim for travel to the South Island, where every kind of weather imaginable is possible—all within one day! Cold, wet weather is especially apt to occur near the island’s southern Alps, where there may even be some snow. Winter lasts from May through September, but all the elements of that season—ice, hail, snow, sleet—can happen any time of year. An insulated jacket with hood (preferably waterproof), fleece pullover or wool sweater, gloves, and waterproof shoes are recommended for your comfort. Your outer jacket should be roomy enough to comfortably fit over your sweater or fleece top. Since spurts of very warm weather are equally common, dress in layers so you can easily adjust to any sudden temperature shifts. Comfortable, supportive walking shoes are an absolute must! In addition, sneakers or casual shoes are fine for dinner and evening activities. Sports attire: Don't forget your swimsuit and exercise clothing if you plan on these activities.

Packing Your Carry-On Using a daypack as a carry-on bag for your flights is a smart solution. We strongly urge you to pack your carry-on with at least one full change of clothes, your camera gear, medications, changes of socks and underwear, your important travel documents, and other irreplaceable items, in case your checked bags go astray. Store camera gear and important papers in plastic bags to protect them from dirt and moisture. With a daypack you can then remove these items on arrival and load your bag with the gear you’ll need on walking tours and excursions. NOTE: Restrictions on what can be included in your carry-on luggage change frequently. To avoid inadvertently packing any restricted items in your carry-on luggage, we strongly suggest that you consult the Transportation Security Administration website, www.tsa.gov, which keeps a current list of restricted items. From the main website click on Our Travelers, then Air Travel, and then you will see a link for Prohibited Items. GCT ANZ 2017

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Travel Gear Suggestions To travel wisely these days you must juggle your personal needs and preferences against the physical constraints of your transportation. Consult the following items to create your personal checklist – ignoring what you don’t need and making the tough decisions over borderline cases. Remember that many airlines today will charge you extra for added luggage. What not to pack: Do not pack aerosol cans and avoid packing glass bottles; use plastic containers instead. Leave at home checkbooks and any credit cards not essential for your trip, valuable jewelry, and anything that you would hate to lose. Custom’s regulations prohibit some foods: Australia and New Zealand impose very strict regulations on the importation of food. Visitors must declare all food products at customs upon arrival and, as a general rule, are not allowed to bring dairy products (including cheese and foods containing powdered milk), fruit, crackers, meat, flowers, etc., into Australia or New Zealand. For further details, please contact the Australian Customs Service: telephone from the U. S.: 011-612-6275-6666; on the web: www.customs.gov.au. Please adhere to these regulations.

Consider …

 Daily essentials: toothbrush, toothpaste,

 Wide-brim sun hat or visor  Pocket-size tissues  Moist towelettes (packets) and/or anti-

floss, hairbrush or comb, shaving items, deodorant, etc.

 Spare eyeglasses/contact lenses and your

bacterial hand lotion

prescription

 Light folding umbrella  Photocopies of passport, air ticket, credit

 Sunglasses with a neck strap  Sunscreen, SPF 15 or stronger  Travel money bag or money belt  Moisturizer, lip balm  Insect repellent: with DEET—can also be

cards

 Camera, spare batteries, and memory cards

purchased in Australia or New Zealand

Clothing

 Shirts: A mixture of short and long-sleeved shirts to layer

 Trousers, jeans, or skirts  Comfortable walking shoes and/or water resistant shoes

Medicines

 Your own prescription medicines  Vitamins  Cold remedies: Sudafed/Dristan  Pain relievers: Ibuprofen/naproxen/aspirin  Laxatives: Senokot/Ex-Lax GCT ANZ 2017

 Light rain jacket/windbreaker with hood  Sleepwear  Socks and undergarments  Swimsuit  Stomach upset: Pepto-Bismol/Mylanta  Anti-diarrheal: Imodium  Band-Aids, Moleskin foot pads  Antibiotics: Neosporin/Bacitracin

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Optional Gear

 Travel alarm  Compact binoculars  Hanging toiletry bag with pockets  Basic sewing kit  Hand-wash laundry soap (Woolite), clothespins/travel clothesline/stopper

 Electrical transformer and plug adapter–see “Regional Electricity” section.

 Reading materials  Travel journal/note pad

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 Addresses for postcards  Photos, small gift for Home-Hosted visit  Phrase book  Pocket-size calculator for exchange rates  Insect repellant  Travel-size hair dryer: Many hotels will provide hair dryers, but not all. If a hair dryer is essential to you consider a travel-size version.

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7. REGIONAL CLIMATE INFORMATION We can't predict what the weather will be during your travels, but you'll find historical averages and general information on the climate of your destinations below. As your departure nears it's a good idea to visit the My Account feature of www.gct.com, where you’ll find monthly temperature averages for the countries you’ll visit as well as a current 10-day forecast of local temperatures and conditions. Or check Internet weather sites (www.wunderground.com is very comprehensive) for those forecasts.

By Destination Australia: Don't forget, in Australia the seasons are reversed from the Northern Hemisphere. In general, the summer months are December, January, and February; autumn includes March, April, and May; winter comes in June, July, and August; spring runs through September, October, and November. The rainy season in the tropical north is during the summer months. The seasons in the regions of Australia that you visit are not as marked as they are in the Northern Hemisphere. Temperatures are relatively warm the majority of the time, and most plants keep their foliage all year. In summer, it can get very hot, with temperatures reaching above the 100 mark in some areas—such as Alice Springs, which has a desert climate. New Zealand: Like Australia, the seasons in New Zealand occur in the reverse of those in the U.S. The winter season runs from May to September, but since weather in New Zealand is changeable throughout the year, especially on the South Island, all types of weather conditions can occur during any season. All months are at least moderately wet; though extended periods of settled, sunny weather can occur at any time of the year. Overall, the country has more sunshine than might be expected in such a variable climate. Weather conditions on the milder North Island differ from those on the tempestuous South Island as follows: North Island: The northern region of New Zealand and its eastern coast tend to be sunnier and drier than the southern half of the country. While snow can occur almost anywhere at sea level in New Zealand, it is very rare in the extreme north of North Island. Here the climate is almost subtropical, with gentle winters and warm, humid summers. Temperatures become cooler as you move south toward New Zealand’s second major island. South Island: Known as the South Pacific’s “Gateway to Antarctica,” the South Island is equally famous for its unpredictable weather shifts. At any time of year, it’s not unusual for a day to start with bright sunlight, turn to wind-driven rain, intensify to snow and sleet, and then miraculously go back to dazzling sunshine. Temperatures may soar into the 80s and 90s, then plummet into the 40s and 30s, all within a few hours.

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Climate Charts The following charts reflect the average climate as opposed to weather conditions. This means they serve only as general indicators of what can reasonably be expected. A 60 degree average high temperature means that days may be as warm as 80 or as cool as 40—but it’s most likely you’ll encounter temperatures in the 50 to 70 degree range. As your departure approaches you may wish to monitor current weather conditions online. Here is the official data from the weather observation stations closest to our destinations: Average Daily High/Low Temperatures (°F), Humidity, & Monthly Rainfall MONTH

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

MONTH

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA Temp % Relative Average # High-Low Humidity of days with (am-pm) rain 88-74 87-66 19 88-75 88-69 19 87-73 87-67 19 84-71 86-66 19 81-68 85-65 16 78-64 84-61 12 78-63 82-58 11 80-63 83-56 10 82-65 82-54 9 85-69 83-57 10 87-72 84-60 12 88-74 85-61 16

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA Temp. % Relative Average # High-Low Humidity of days with (am-pm) rain 79-65 83-62 12 79-66 85-64 12 77-63 85-61 13 73-57 84-59 11 68-51 83-57 11 63-47 83-58 11 62-44 80-52 9 64-46 79-50 9 68-50 79-52 9 72-55 79-55 11 75-59 78-56 11 78-63 82-61 11 *data not available

QUEENSTOWN, NEW ZEALAND (South Island) Temp % Relative Average # High-Low Humidity of days with (avg) rain 71-49 66 17 70-48 70 13 67-46 72 17 59-40 77 21 52-35 80 22 46-30 81 21 46-29 82 24 50-32 77 25 55-36 70 23 59-40 68 22 64-43 66 19 68-47 65 19

ROTORUA, NEW ZEALAND (North Island) Temp % Relative Average # High-Low Humidity of days with (avg) rain 73-55 78 10 73-55 81 10 70-52 81 11 64-47 83 12 59-43 86 13 55-40 87 12 54-38 86 12 55-39 85 12 58-42 81 12 62-46 79 12 66-49 77 11 69-53 79 9

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MONTH

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

ALICE SPRINGS, AUSTRALIA (optional extension) Temp. % Relative Average # High-Low Humidity of days with (avg) rain 97-70 35 6 95-69 40 6 90-63 35 4 82-55 40 3 73-47 50 4 68-41 55 4 67-39 50 3 72-43 40 3 80-50 30 3 87-59 30 6 92-64 35 8 96-68 35 9

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WHANGAREI, NEW ZEALAND (Bay of Islands, optional extension) Temp. % Relative Average # High-Low Humidity of days with (avg) rain 74-53 78 9 74-56 77 10 72-53 81 14 68-51 83 15 63-47 84 17 59-44 88 19 57-39 92 20 59-43 81 19 61-43 84 18 64-47 80 13 68-50 75 12 71-53 75 12

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8. TRAVEL AND TECHNOLOGY In General Smartphone, tablet, digital camera/camcorder, MP3 player: travel today can involve technology that didn’t exist even five years ago. The usefulness of digital devices is enormous: smartphones can keep you connected and offer up-to-the-minute information via your cell plan or a local Wi-Fi connection. With a tablet (or smartphone) you can store multiple country guidebooks, access maps and connect to the internet in a small, lightweight device. (Tip: you can download this document from the Grand Circle Travel website and import it into your tablet or e-reader, many of which can display PDF files.) Compact and lightweight, digital camcorders and cameras take high definition movies and still images of the people you meet and places you visit. For robust use a laptop may be effective; for occasional use it’s wiser to rely on Internet cafes or a tablet and hotel Internet access rather than shoulder the heft and size of a laptop. To use these devices you should first consider the services available at your destinations. You’ll encounter a range of electrical standards, varied plug configurations to access the local current, erratic availability (electricity and internet access), and differing technological standards. You’ll need to assess your power and data storage needs, and the accessories required to recharge/connect/use these devices. Finally, it’s smart to read the owner’s manual before you depart. Pay particular attention to electrical, power and storage requirements to ensure that you understand exactly what you need. Thorough preparation is the best guarantee that your devices will work up to their potential.

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Regional Electricity The standard U.S. electrical system — 110V 60Hz current and flat two- or three-pronged polarized plug system — is rare elsewhere. The overwhelming choice for the rest of the world is 220-240V and 50/60Hz current with a variety of plug shapes, sizes, and configurations. Some plugs will work with multiple receptacles, while others won’t. Plugging a 110V U.S. appliance into 220/240V 50/60Hz service will ruin the motor. We suggest that you bring dual voltage appliances (widely available) that work on both 110 and 220/240 voltage. Dual voltage appliances are inexpensive and need only plug adapters. If you bring 110V appliances, such as a hair dryer (note that hotels often supply hairdryers and coffee makers) or shaver, you'll need a transformer (to halve the 220/240V current) in addition to plug adapters. Regional transformer/adapter kits can often be found at hardware or online stores but transformers tend to burn out, so it might be better to leave those larger items at home. In Australia the electrical current is 240V, 50 Hz; in New Zealand it is 230V, 50 Hz. Wall outlets in Australia and New Zealand take a slanted three-prong or two-prong plug (see below).

Type I receptacle/plugs are used in Australia and New Zealand. Even though you’ll only need Type I plug adapters on this trip, it may be a good idea to invest in an allin-one, universal adapter/converter combo. Versatile and lightweight, this item will ensure that you are prepared for your current trip as well as future vacations. If you use multiple digital devices—cell phone, digital camera, and MP3 player for instance – it’s handy to have a travel power strip, perhaps with a surge suppressor and USB-style port for charging cell phones, MP3 players or e-readers without the use of device-specific plugs.

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Phones & Calling It will require some effort to get the most out of your smartphone when you travel. Even with an international roaming plan, costs can add up quickly – those handy apps often pile up download fees. The simplest solution is to shut down all cell phone functions, automatic data feeds and roaming options, and take advantage of the apps via available Wi-Fi. With an Internet VOIP app (like Skype) you can make inexpensive calls. If necessary, turn international roaming back on and your phone will work as usual – albeit at some cost. If your phone doesn’t support international roaming (most smartphones do), some carriers offer loaners. App quality, availability and costs vary – as do platforms (iPhone, Android, Blackberry …), so again you’ll need to do some legwork. Apps come in all forms: packing lists, currency converters, language translators, maps, journals, Wi-Fi hotspot finders … one problem is going to be searching through the vast array of available apps to uncover what works best and what you’re likely to use most. Smartphones have a lot to offer, but their small size can be a drawback for some uses (maps, extended reading, etc.)

Cell Phones If you want to use a standard cell phone while traveling overseas, be sure to check with your service provider (www.verizon.com, www.t-mobile.com etc.) to see if your phone will work outside the U.S. or whether you’re better off renting an international phone. The websites www.travelcell.com and www.globalcellularrental.com have good information on rentals. Or, consider buying an inexpensive local phone for your stay.

Phone Calling Cards If you don’t carry a phone, you can use a prepaid calling card to call the U.S. with minimal additional charges. Besides the prepaid long distance charges, you might have a local fee of a few cents and possibly a connection fee if you are using your card at a hotel. Check with the reception desk prior to using it to avoid unexpected charges. Calling cards purchased locally are usually less expensive than those purchased in the U.S. and are more likely to work with the local system. Note that dialing a U.S. 1-800 number outside the continental United States will incur costly long distance fees, since 1-800 does not work outside the U.S.

Calling Apps Another option is to use a smartphone app like Skype or FaceTime. These services are usually less expensive than making a traditional call, but you’ll need a Wi-Fi connection and the calls may count towards your phone plan’s data allowance. Many smartphones—and some tablets or laptops—come with one of these apps pre-installed or you can download them for free from the appropriate apps store.

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9. ABOUT YOUR TRIP & DESTINATIONS We’re including some handy practical details and a brief introduction to the places you’ll visit on your Land Tour. If you expect to explore in depth on your own, we recommend that you consult one of the many available book-length guides to your destinations. If you have one or two specific sites, museums or features that you’re interested in, an internet search is the ideal way to get-up-to-date information and details. And of course your Grand Circle Travel Program Director will be able to assist you with suggestions and arrangements of activities you wish to participate in during your stay.

Your Program Director During your exclusive Grand Circle Land Tour, you’ll have reliable assistance available at all times from an onsite Grand Circle Travel Program Director. Your Program Director is a resident of Australia or New Zealand and can give you an inside perspective on your destinations. They are supported along the way by local tour guides, who guide you expertly through particular sites and cities. Many Grand Circle Program Directors are graduates of professional education programs for travel guides. In addition, they receive specialized training directly from Grand Circle, training that is based on what we’ve learned from thousands of past travelers about how to make the trip most enjoyable. Your Program Director offers both a deep knowledge of the region and a commitment to make this a very pleasant, informative, and rewarding travel experience for you. Your Program Director will provide sightseeing trips, handle all travel details, reserve optional tours you choose to take, oversee your Discovery Series events, and provide any other assistance you may need. You will be in the company of the Program Director throughout your Land Tour (and during the optional Melbourne & the Outback and Bay of Islands extensions if you take them).

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Australia in Brief Cuisine Two of the most popular cooking styles in sunny Australia are Mediterranean and Southeast Asian— though every type of cuisine under the sun can be found in its plethora of fine city restaurants, including Indian, Japanese, American, and French. The fresh local seafood is especially good, and the colorful regional vegetables are cooked up a hundred tasty ways to accompany traditional game dishes made with duck, beef, lamb, or kangaroo.

Dining on Your Own Although many of your meals are included, you’ll have opportunities to dine on your own in Australia. Past travelers, however, have noted that Australian prices seemed higher than they expected. “Higher” is a relative term, of course, and depends on the restaurant you choose, what you order, what you’re accustomed to paying at home, and on the currency exchange rate. Rest assured: it won’t be difficult to find affordable dining options, but we’re passing these comments on so that you can better prepare your budget. We suggest that you research restaurants on-line before you leave to get a timely sense of the Australian scene and prices you can expect to encounter on your itinerary. When you are in Australia, feel free to consult your Program Director—who will be able to offer you a list of dining options to fit both your taste and pocket.

Laundry Service Laundry facilities (self-service, coin-operated) are available at many of our hotels.

New Zealand in Brief Cuisine Major cities in New Zealand offer cosmopolitan dining and a wide range of restaurants that serve every choice of international cuisine. In rural areas, menus often still reflect the traditional English-style of cooking—a meat and two vegetables. New Zealand specialties include lamb and venison dishes; orange roughy, a delicate white fish; crayfish, know as spiny or rock lobster; and the succulent, white-shelled Bluff oysters, available from March to about July.

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10. DEMOGRAPHICS & HISTORY Australia Area: 2,967,893 square miles Capital: Canberra Language: English Location: Situated in the Southern Hemisphere and south of Asia, Australia is an island continent surrounded by three oceans and four seas. It is roughly the same size as the continental United States, measuring 2,500 miles from east to west, and 2,000 miles from north to south. Australia is about 7,700 miles from Los Angeles. Population: 22,751,014 (estimate) Religions: Protestant 30.1%, Catholic 25.3%, Orthodox 2.8%, other Christian 2.9%, Buddhist 2.5%, Muslim 2.2%, Hindu 1.3%, other 1.3%, unspecified 9.3%, none 22.3% Time Zone: Australia is 15 hours ahead of New York; 14 ahead during Daylight Savings Time. When it is 7 am Sunday in New York, the local time in Sydney is 10 pm Sunday.

National Holidays: 01/01 New Year's Day 01/02 New Year's Day (observed) 01/26 Australia Day 04/14 Good Friday 04/16 Easter 04/17 Easter Monday 04/25 Anzac Day 06/12 Queen’s Birthday* 09/25 Family Day* 10/02 Labor Day* 12/25 Christmas Day 12/26 Boxing Day *NOTE: Each state in Australia has a certain amount of latitude in setting its own holidays. For example, some states will celebrate Labor Day in March (3/7 or 3/14) or add extra holidays like May Day (5/1) and August Bank Holiday (8/1). And in Western Australia only, the Queen’s Birthday is celebrated on 9/26. We have tried to give the most common holidays and the most widely agreed-upon dates, but there may be additional local celebrations.

Historical Overview Early History Australia’s Aborigines believe that their people have lived here since the dawn of time—the Dreamtime—when their spiritual ancestors brought the land into being with song. Anthropologists believe that Aborigines have lived in Australia for at least 40,000 years, developing their culture largely free from outside influence. During this immense span of time, the ancestors of many groups now lumped together under the term “Aborigines” developed over 200 different languages and many local traditions. The Wathaurong, Arrente, Walpiri, and Anangu cultural groups, which are roughly like tribes or clans, are among those still present today.

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In addition to passing along spiritual practices that are still observed, ancient Aborigines mastered the challenges of living in a harsh environment. There is evidence that they planted crops, diverted streams, and maintained grasslands by deliberate burning in order to attract game for food. During the last several thousand years, the population increased, and different groups of Aboriginal people traded with each other across the continent. After thousands of years of independence from outside influence, Aboriginal life changed dramatically with the arrival of Europeans. European Exploration and Settlement Although people in Europe imagined the existence of a Terra Australis in late medieval times, they knew nothing of the real Australia until the 17th century. The first European to actually set foot on Australian soil was probably the Dutch sailor Dirk Hartog in 1616. Dutch ships blown off course during voyages to the Dutch East Indies (present-day Indonesia) occasionally encountered the land they then called “New Holland,” but found no economic benefit in colonizing it. In 1642, Abel Tasman of Holland explored the southern coast, which is why the Tasman Sea and Tasmania now bear his name. English Captain James Cook landed at Botany Bay on Australia’s eastern coast in 1770, establishing an English claim that eventually led to colonization. Another Englishman, Matthew Flinders, circumnavigated the continent at the beginning of the 19th century. These early explorations revealed the coast, but Australia’s inland geography remained a mystery. The departure of the American colonies from the British Empire set the stage for pivotal events in Australian history. When England could no longer send colonists or exiled convicts to America, Australia became a new destination for them. On January 26—the date now celebrated as Australia Day—in 1788, English Captain Arthur Phillip founded Sydney as a penal colony. From its inception, Sydney has been the capital of New South Wales, then a colony and now the most populous of Australia’s six states. Captain William Bligh of “Mutiny on the Bounty” fame became Australia’s fourth governor in 1806. He lost his post two years later in the Rum Rebellion, a successful mutiny by the colony’s powerful military, the New South Wales Corps, who held land grants and a monopoly on rum. During the more stable tenure of Bligh’s successor, Lachlan Macquarie, sheep farming began to play an increasingly large role in the economy. Before England ended the practice in 1853, more than 150,000 convicts were sent to New South Wales and Tasmania (then Van Diemen’s Land); one-fifth of them were women. From the 1820s to the 1880s, increasing numbers of free colonists also settled in Australia. First in New South Wales, and later in the other colonies, governance became more democratic with power increasingly vested in legislative councils. Aborigines were not included, and it was not until the 1960s that they were granted full citizenship in the group of British colonies that had come to occupy their native land. After New South Wales, Van Diemen’s Land (renamed Tasmania in 1854) was the next colony settled, beginning in 1803. Perth and the colony of Western Australia were settled in 1829, but languished until the discovery of gold in the 1890s. Adelaide was established as the capital of South Australia in 1837, and Melbourne (which had been settled in 1836) became the capital of the colony of Victoria in 1850. Queensland, which today includes Brisbane, Cairns, and the Daintree, split off from New South Wales in 1859. In 1851 Edward Hargraves struck gold in New South Wales, an event that led to the tripling of Australia’s population during the next 11 years. However, immigration from countries outside of Europe, Canada, and America was prevented for the next 100 years under a policy called “White Australia.” It was not until the 1970s that immigration restrictions were relaxed.

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Creation of a National Identity In contrast to the United States, which became a federal republic in 1789, and Canada, which became a Commonwealth in 1867, Australia remained a collection of distinct colonies until the dawn of the 20th century. In some ways, each colony’s ties to Great Britain were closer than they were with the other Australian colonies. Australian folk tales and bush ballads celebrate the lives of the farmhands, miners, and sheep shearers whose rugged perseverance built a prosperous nation in a challenging environment during this 19 thcentury colonial period. This was also a time when a panoply of newspapers trumpeted diverse local points of view in the various colonies. A milestone in the emergence of a uniquely Australian literature occurred in 1874 with the publication of Marcus Clarke’s For the Term of His Natural Life, a graphic account of prison life in Tasmania earlier in the century. After some earlier attempts at establishing greater unity had failed, the Commonwealth of Australia became a reality on January 1, 1901. A true national identity was forged only in the aftermath of World Wars I. Anzac Day, celebrated on April 25, commemorates the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps’ landing at Gallipoli in the First World War, a milestone in the growth of national consciousness.

World War II compelled Australians to look beyond their traditional ties to Great Britain, forge the new ANZUS alliance with the U.S., and see themselves anew as a Pacific Rim nation. Australia celebrated its bicentennial in 1988, and Aussies took great pride in having Sydney selected as the site for the 2000 Summer Olympics. Recently Australia has been on the forefront of environmental activism, especially in regards to the question of water management, which came under scrutiny during a severe drought in 20052006. On the other end of the spectrum, Queensland had too much water a few years later, resulting in dramatic flash floods at the end of 2010. Another recent struggle has been the question of how to handle asylum seekers; this issue has been in the forefront of public debate and generated some controversial policies.

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New Zealand Area: 103,737 square miles Capital: Wellington Language: English Location: New Zealand is situated about 1,250 miles southeast of Australia. It consists of two main islands—the North Island and the South Island—plus some little offshore isles. Stewart Island is the largest of the lesser islands; it lies just below South Island and points toward Antarctica. The Cook Strait, a rather turbulent waterway, separates the North Island from the South Island. New Zealand is surrounded by three vast bodies of water: to the north and east is the South Pacific Ocean, to the west is the Tasman Sea, and to the south is the Southern Ocean. From tip to tip, the whole country measures about 1,000 miles. Despite its generous length, its widest point is only 174 miles across. Population: 4,438,393 (estimate) Religions: Christian 44.3%, Hindu 2.1%, Buddhist 1.4%, Maori Christian 1.3%, Islam 1.1%, other 1.4%, none 38.5%, not stated 8.2%, objected to answering 4.1% Time Zone: New Zealand is 17 hours ahead of New York’s time; 16 ahead during Daylight Savings Time. When it is 7 am Sunday in New York, the local time in Auckland is midnight Sunday. Daylight Saving Time starts the first weekend in October and ends in mid-March.

National Holidays: 01/01 New Year's Day 01/02 New Year's Day (observed) 01/03 Day after New Year’s 02/06 Waitangi Day 04/14 Good Friday 04/16 Easter 04/17 Easter Monday 04/25 Anzac Day 06/05 Queen's Birthday 10/23 Labor Day 12/25 Christmas 12/26 Boxing Day

Historical Overview Early History New Zealand’s history is divided into two distinct phases: Pre-European settlement by the Maori and their ancestors, and European settlement from the 18th century onward. The first wave of settlement was by Polynesians from the Marquesas, Society, and Cook Islands. Their landing on the beaches of the North Island in about 1300 A.D. signaled the end of the 5000-year migration of these “Vikings of the Pacific” across the vast ocean. At first the ancestors of today’s Maori must have found the land very different from their homelands: cool temperate rain forests, snow-frosted mountain peaks, aquamarine lakes, and spurting geysers composed a landscape the likes of which they had never seen on their tropical South Pacific isles.

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Perhaps the greatest benefit of new land may have been the new types of animals they encountered, such as the moa, large flightless birds that initially had no fear of humans. Crops brought from their homelands, like kumara (sweet potato) and yams, were planted to augment this easy supply of food. Over time, as the moa population dwindled, farming took on a more important role. Since the crops would not grow in the cooler southern areas, the emerging Maori culture settled predominantly in the warmer North Island and began a “golden age” of agricultural settlement. Villages sprang up, often with a central marae (village common) and elaborately carved whare runanga (meeting houses). The arts began to flourish: wood carvers, medicine men, tattooists, and priests were employed by a people who no longer had to spend all their time hunting and gathering food. But as the population increased, so too did the desire for good farmland. Inevitably, warfare broke out amongst the different iwi or tribes. These iwi, each linked by a different ancestral canoe, began to specialize in warfare and thus the Maori became a nation of warriors. Though Abel Tasman, a Dutch navigator working for the Dutch East India Company, was the first European to sight New Zealand in 1642, his attempts to come ashore at Golden Bay were thwarted. Due to a misunderstanding between Tasman and a canoe of Maori warriors, a fight broke out that left four of the Dutch crew dead, and as a result Tasman set sail and never landed in New Zealand. He did however give New Zealand its first European name, Staten Landt. An unknown Dutch cartographer back in Holland later changed this to Nieuw Zeeland (or Nova Zeelandia in Latin) after the Dutch maritime province of Zeeland. European Settlement For over a century New Zealand was largely left alone by explorers. Then, between 1769 and 1777, British Captain James Cook made three voyages to the islands aboard the Endeavour. Eventually, Cook was successful in navigating and charting the coastlines of New Zealand’s North and South Islands. While he met with some initial hostility from the islands’ residents, Cook was able to forge a peaceful relationship with the Maori—but he soon claimed the islands for the British Crown without their consent. Other explorers, including the French, also flocked to the region and heedlessly exploited the land’s natural resources. Sealers ruthlessly plundered the thriving seal colonies in the waters around the South Island and practically decimated the entire seal population by 1802. Other settlers came in search of lumber, flax, and whales. They established isolated, lawless camps along the West Coast of the South Island, and conducted business with no regard for the environment, destroying great forests and burning down sacred bushlands in order to clear land. Sadly, the muskets they traded with the Maori only served to intensify the violence between tribes, and soon led to brutal intertribal warfare. But the incursion with the most far-reaching and damaging consequences resulted from the introduction of liquor and European diseases, against which the Maori had no immunity. Thousands died from epidemics of what would be considered minor ailments today, such as influenza and measles. By 1830, New Zealand’s Maori population had been dramatically reduced. Missionaries, too, traveled to the new land with hopes of spreading the doctrine of Christianity. On Christmas Day, 1814, Reverend Samuel Marsden, aided by a friendly young chief, preached his first sermon to the Maori. By the late 1830s, the Maori were beginning to accept Christianity, perhaps in part because they were impressed with the missionaries’ ability to cure diseases that Maori healers could not. However, as more and more Maori embraced Christianity, fewer aspects of the centuries-old Maori society were observed. Traditional Maori culture began to dissolve.

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Land Wars and Gold Rush On February 6, 1840, representatives of the British Crown and various Maori chiefs signed the Treaty of Waitangi, a key date in New Zealand’s history. In the English-language version, the treaty grants the Maori land rights and the right of British citizenship in exchange for ceding the sovereignty of New Zealand to the British crown. But in the Maori-language version, the word for sovereignty is weaker, suggesting governship or the right to make the first offer on land for sale, rather than ownership. Add a hasty translation to different cultural understandings of land rights, and the result is a controversy that continues to this day. The Treaty also specifies that the Maori will only sell their lands to the British Crown. In the short-term, this seemed to work for both parties. Because Maori lands could only be sold to the Crown, or through the mediation of the Crown, the land could be used to entice settlers to New Zealand, but the rights of the Maori could also be protected. But by 1858, the decline in land sales combined with the pressure on the British government to allow more settlers into New Zealand resulted in a dangerous imbalance. The government responded by using a falsified story about an attack on the settlement of Auckland as the justification for launching an all-out war against the tribes of the North Island. Outnumbered, the Maori were forced to concede over 4 million acres of the best farmland to the settlers. While the land wars raged on—in some parts of the country until 1865—colonists continued to arrive. They found the semi-mountainous, thickly forested lands of New Zealand difficult to cultivate. Eventually they turned their efforts to sheep farming, which remains a vital part of New Zealand’s economy. The discovery of gold in the mid-1800s brought bright new economic prospects, and a surging population, to the South Island. During the 1860s, boomtowns cropped up at various coastal sites, as prospectors flooded in from Australia and North America. The Gold Rush of 1862 was short-lived, but gave the country a definite boost in commercial development. One of the Otago towns affected by the Gold Rush was Arrowtown. It was during the Gold Rush (fueled in large part by the success of American prospector William Fox, who was crafty enough to claim 220 pounds of gold for himself before letting the word get out) that Arrowtown’s population exploded to 7000. Among the hopeful were large numbers of Chinese who established settlements that remain to this day. While few struck it rich through panning for gold, new arrivals to New Zealand were won over by its natural splendor. The town of Rotorua, in particular, gained a reputation for its supposed “healing waters.” An area of great geothermic activity, Rotorua also attracted visitors eager to gaze upon the Pink and White Terraces, impressive structures formed by deposits of silica as a result of volcanic activity. Emergence on the World Stage New Zealand finally carved out a niche for itself economically through international trade. With the invention of refrigeration, New Zealand suddenly assumed a much greater role in the world economic scene, as it could now export perishable products like meat, butter, and cheese. The first shipment on ice was made to Britain in 1882. Its success laid the cornerstone of New Zealand’s modern economy. As New Zealand become more visible to the rest of the world, the native Maori population continued to decline precipitously. By 1900, fewer than 42,000 Maori remained. And while they had been allowed to vote since 1867, each year saw the loss of more and more of their culture and ancestral lands.

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Kiwis (the name adopted by residents of New Zealand) fought alongside the British during the Boer War of 1899-1902 and with the Allies during both World Wars. New Zealand achieved complete independence from Britain in 1947. The economy soared following World War II, as agricultural prices rose dramatically. Soon, the country could boast one of the highest per-capita incomes in the world. And New Zealand’s progressive social welfare system made it the envy of many. New Zealand was home to the world’s most comfortable middle class, with few very rich and relatively few very poor. Politically, New Zealand has been in the forefront of social welfare legislation for over a century. In 1893, it was the world’s first country to grant women the right to vote. It also adopted old age pensions (1898); a national child welfare program (1907); social security for the aged, widows, and orphans (1938); and minimum wages, a 40-hour workweek, and unemployment and health insurance (also in 1938). Socialized medicine went into effect in 1941. The Modern Era In 1953, the entire world came to learn of the astounding accomplishment of a man who would soon become New Zealand’s most famous native, Edmund Percival Hillary. On May 29, 1953, Hillary, along with Nepalese Sherpa Tenzing Norgay, made history by ascending Mount Everest. Together, these two men went where no men had ever been. Born in Auckland in 1919, Hillary honed his climbing skills on the mountains of his homeland, particularly Mt. Ruapehu located in Tongariro National Park. Of his historic feat and international acclaim, Hillary humbly commented, “In some ways I believe I epitomize the average New Zealander: I have modest abilities, I combine these with a good deal of determination, and I rather like to succeed.” The 1970s saw a revival of Maori culture, driven by a demand for recognition and participation in economic prosperity. In 1985, the Treaty of Waitangi was amended to include claims dating back to the original signing of the treaty in 1840. Financial reparations were made to several Maori tribes whose lands were unjustly confiscated. Drawing attention on the international stage, New Zealanders have adamantly protested nuclear weapons since the 1960s. In 1985, their “No Nukes” stance intensified after a Greenpeace ship in the Auckland harbor was sunk by French intelligence agents. One crewmember was killed. New Zealand immediately banned any nuclear-armed or nuclear-powered ships, including those of the U.S. Navy, from its ports. By 1991, relations between the U.S. and New Zealand, weakened by the 1985 anti-nuclear ban, began to improve. Major events taking place in New Zealand in recent years include the 1996 eruption of Mount Ruapehu, whose ash clouds made air travel problematic all across the country. On the political front, Jenny Shipley became the nation’s first female prime minister in 1997. She was succeeded by Helen Clark in 1999 and by John Key in 2008. The Christchurch earthquakes of February 2011 drew international outreach and support. Many countries—the U.S. included—sent search and rescue teams or other aid.

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11. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Books, Maps, and Movies General South Pacific: Kon-Tiki, Across the Pacific by Raft by Thor Heyerdahl, with F. H. Lyon, Translator (Exploration) On April 28, 1947, Heyerdahl and five other adventurous souls set themselves adrift on a raft off the coast of Peru. When they arrived in Tahiti five months later, they not only had a great tale of adventure on the high seas, but also changed the way historians viewed the migration of early humans. Tales of the South Pacific by James Michener (Short Stories) Set during WWII in Polynesia, this series of loosely related short stories won the 1948 Pulitzer Prize and was the basis for the Rogers and Hammerstein musical South Pacific. The Happy Isles of Oceania, Paddling the Pacific by Paul Theroux (Travel Narrative) When noted travel writer Paul Theroux decided to tour the South Pacific, he figured that kayaking would be the way to go. In the end, he explored the coastlines of 51 different islands from New Zealand to Hawaii. This book is a terrific introduction to the region, combining history, anecdote, and acutely observed detail on people and place. The Journals of Captain Cook by James Cook (Exploration) Cook's narrative of his expeditions between 1768 and 1779. Includes his explorations of Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Hawaii, and a host of other previously unheard-of Pacific locales. Australia: A Traveller’s History of Australia by John H. Chambers (History) A concise account of Australia’s history—from the arrival of the earliest Aborigines around 50,000 years ago to the preparations for the Sydney Olympics in the year 2000. (And yes, the title has two “Ls” in “traveller”; the series is British.) Chasing Kangaroos by Tim Flannery (Natural History) Part road-trip, part natural history, this book is an ode to Australia’s national animal combined with the author’s search to trace when and how the kangaroo first developed. Dirt Music by Tim Winton (Literature) A powerful and suspenseful story about the tragic passion between two vulnerable people—an alcoholic woman stuck in a broken relationship and a grief-stricken poacher. In a Sunburned Country by Bill Bryson (History) Lots of history mixed in with the best-selling author’s comedic observations about Australia, its people, and its cultural institutions. Road from Coorain by Jill Ker Conway (Memoir) A beautifully written narrative of Conway's girlhood on an isolated sheep farm in the grasslands of Australia prior to her departure for America. She eventually went on to become the first women president of Smith College. The Bone is Pointed by Arthur Upfield (Mystery) One of the dozen or so Bony mysteries (that’s short for Inspector Napoleon Bonaparte) written by Upfield from 1929 to 1966. In this book Bony, who is halfAborigine, searches for a missing man in the Outback. GCT ANZ 2017

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The Fatal Shore by Robert Hughes (History) An immensely readable yet scholarly account of Australia's tragic origins. Hughes combines thorough research with a compelling narrative in this splendid work. The Songlines by Bruce Chatwin (Cultural Portrait). In this unusual book, Chatwin combines straightforward reporting, history, dream-time stories, and a heady mix of quotations from his notebooks. This book may not be in stock at your local store, but it can still be found online. The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough (Literature) One of the most beloved novels of all time—a saga of dreams, struggles, dark passions, and forbidden love that has enthralled readers the world over. The Thorn Birds is a chronicle of three generations of the Cleary family with a love story at its heart. True History of the Kelly Gang by Peter Carey (Literature) Undoubtedly Australia’s most potent legend, Ned Kelly is a mythic hero and Wild West-style outlaw. This is a breathless adventure, with many angles, such as a boy’s defense of his mother, and a man’s confiding letter to a daughter whom he will never meet. Winner of the 2001 Booker Prize. New Zealand: A Concise History of New Zealand by Philippa Mein Smith (History) The title says it all. Travelers interested in a more detailed, scholarly history should look for the works of Anne Salmond, such as Between Worlds: Early Exchanges Between Maori and Europeans and The Trial of the Cannibal Dog (about Captain Cook’s voyages). Come on Shore and We Will Kill and Eat You All by Christina Thompson (Memoir/History) An unusual mix of personal memoir and history that bounces between the story of the arrival of the European settlers in New Zealand and the American author’s courtship and marriage to a Maori man. And the title? It comes from a famous story about the Maoris’ reaction when they first saw the Europeans. Once Were Warriors by Alan Duff (Literature) The controversial best-selling novel about the disintegration of Maori culture in contemporary New Zealand, and how the lack of a clear cultural identity can lead to strife and violence. Tutira: The Story of a New Zealand Sheep Station by W.H. Guthrie-Smith (Natural History) Originally published in 1921, and a classic in New Zealand, this book follows the daily work and ecological impact of a sheep station by Lake Tutira. A bit scholarly, but still relevant considering today’s environmental concerns.

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Guidebooks: Your Program Director will be happy to provide recommendations and suggestions during the trip, so a guidebook is not a necessity. But a good one can be invaluable as a one-stop reference, so for those travelers who have asked for suggestions, we offer these guidelines. Since different guidebook series each have their own target audience and structure, it is well worth your time to browse your local library or bookstore to find the one(s) you like best. To get you started, here is some general information on the most popular series:        

Culture Smart! – Focuses on local customs and etiquette instead of sights, dining, etc. DK Eyewitness – Innovative visuals make these books easy to use and a nice souvenir once the trip is over. The focus is primarily on the sights and activities. Fodor’s – A classic guidebook with strong information on activities, shopping, and dining. Good mix of upscale recommendations and budget suggestions. Frommer’s – A comprehensive guide series that is known for its restaurant recommendations. Insight – Offers more information on history and culture than usual, nice visuals, good maps. Lonely Planet – Practical guides geared towards a more adventurous traveler on a budget. National Geographic – From the same company that publishes the magazine. Excellent photographs, good information on history, nature, and culture. Rough Guides –For the independent traveler on a budget. Particularly known for their maps.

Maps: Most hotels will provide maps free of charge at the reception desk or in your room. These maps are usually sufficient for our travelers, but if you plan on any independent exploration, you may wish to consider purchasing a map before your departure. This can be especially useful in a country that doesn’t use the Roman alphabet as the hotel maps may only be printed in the local language. Some recommended map series include: Rand McNally international maps (especially the StreetWise series), Insight’s FlexiMaps, and Rough Guide’s destination maps. We suggest that you visit your local bookstore or library to get a better sense of which type of map is best for your needs before making a purchase.

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Suggested Movies Here are few of our favorite movies that are about, set in, or from the region you’ll be traveling. Most are available on movie websites—or even your public library. Sometimes films produced outside of the US may be harder to find, but they are usually available online. Australia and New Zealand: A Cry in the Dark (1988, drama) Based on the true story of a woman accused of the murder of her child, but who maintains that the child died in an animal attack. Although famously associated with the line “the dingo ate my baby,” the real quote is actually “the dingo’s got my baby”. Animal Kingdom (2010, thriller) A gritty Australian family-crime drama about an innocent young man who, when his mother dies, turns to his uncles for guidance. Too bad the uncles are a crew of hardened Melbourne bank robbers who are nearing the end of the line. Critically acclaimed film with an ensemble cast that features Guy Pierce playing the good cop for a change. Australia (2008, adventure) An English lady inherits a cattle ranch in Australia and works with one of the ranch hands to organize an immense cattle drive across the Outback, but then gets caught up in the events leading to WWII. Crocodile Dundee (1986, comedy) A comedic “fish out of water” story that has an American reporter hosting an engaging, but eccentric, Australian crocodile hunter in New York City. Lion (2016, drama) A five-year old boy is separated from his family in India and adopted by a couple in Tasmania. Later as an adult, he searches for his birth mother using a few memories and Google Earth. Based on a true story. Muriel’s Wedding (1994, comedy). Muriel deals with the boredom of life in a small Australian town by listening to ABBA and planning her dream wedding. There’s only one small problem—she’s never been on a date. Mutiny on the Bounty (1935, drama) A dramatic retelling of the historic mutiny led by Fletcher Christian against Captain William Bligh. Once Were Warriors (1994, crime) This film adaptation keeps intact the book’s gritty and realistic view of the violence and societal problems that can plague the urban Maori in New Zealand. The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994, comedy) If you liked The Birdcage, this one’s for you. When three performers are hired to set up a drag show revue at a resort in the middle of the Outback, comedy ensues. Rabbit-Proof Fence (2002, adventure) Molly, Daisy, and Gracie are part of the “stolen generations”, aboriginal children forcibly removed from their families by the Australian government and placed in reeducation camps. But the girls escape, and by following one of the lengthy rabbit-proof fences that crosses the country, try to make their way home on foot. Based on true events. Red Dog (2011, comedy) Set in the late 70’s and early 80’s, this film tells the story of a rascally stray dog, named for the color of his coat, and how he brings the local community together. The story, which is based on a well-known book, showcases the new Australia that developed from the wave of immigration after World War II.

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Sapphires (2012, drama) Based on a true story, the movie follows four young Aboriginal women who become a soul singing group that entertain troops in Vietnam. A moving story that incorporates historical events, such as how the White Australia Policy and Stolen Generation affected mixed race families in the 60s and 70s. South Pacific (1958, romance) A Rogers and Hammerstein musical set on a tropical island during WWII. Will young the American nurse fall for the sophisticated French planter? Or will she wash that man right out of her hair? Strictly Ballroom (1992, comedy) A sweet romantic comedy set in the world of Australia’s ballroom dancing championships. Scott, the odds-on favorite, feels constrained by rules that will not let him create new dance steps. Fran, the new dancer, is repeatedly overlooked despite her talent. If they dance together, they might have to choose between winning and creative freedom. The Endless Summer (1966, documentary) The primary focus of this documentary is two young surfers searching the world for the perfect beach. But with scenes in Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, and Hawaii, it also captures the rise of surfer culture in the South Pacific during the 1960’s. The Lord of the Rings (trilogy comprising of The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King) (2001-2003, adventure) An epic retelling of the classic works of J.R.R. Tolkien, set in the legendary world of Middle Earth, which was loosely based on old Norse and Celtic myths. When director Peter Jackson needed to find diverse locations from craggy peaks, to lush hills, to peaceful meadows, he turned to his home country—the plot might be pure fantasy, but the scenery is real New Zealand. The Piano (1993, drama) A mute woman, who only expresses herself through her piano and in sign language to her young daughter, is sent to New Zealand for an arranged marriage. But soon after her arrival, a potential romance with a local worker leads to dramatic consequences. The World’s Fastest Indian (2005, drama) A biographical film based on the life of New Zealand speed bike rider Burt Munro, and his attempts to break the land speed record on his Indian Scout motorcycle. Whale Rider (2002, drama) A young Maori girl fights for a chance to lead her tribe. But will her grandfather consider a girl for their next leader?

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Useful Websites Grand Circle Forum www.gct.com/legacy/community/travel-forum.aspx?icid=global:community:travelforum&v=66 Grand Circle Shop www.grandcircleshop.com International Health Information/CDC (Centers for Disease Control) http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel Electricity & Plugs www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/plugs-and-sockets Foreign Exchange Rates www.xe.com/currencyconverter www.oanda.com/converter/classic ATM Locators www.mastercard.com/atm www.visa.com/atmlocator World Weather www.intellicast.com www.weather.com www.wunderground.com Basic Travel Phrases (80 languages) www.travlang.com/languages Travel Tips www.travelite.org U.S. Customs & Border Protection www.cbp.gov/travel Transportation Security Administration (TSA) www.tsa.gov National Passport Information Center www.travel.state.gov Holidays Worldwide www.timeanddate.com/holidays

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