Bring on the south!

Weeks one and two have passed in a torrent of fun, laughs, hard work and a little rain. It was obvious from the start that this was going to be a great group who would enjoy our time together and make the most of everything.

Urupukapuka Island in the Bay of Islands, North Island, was our first stop. A week spent working hard for our meals for the Department of Conservation taught everyone solid camping skills (had to survive an unseasonal thunder and lightning storm in tents), new cooking skills and also taught a lot about ourselves and each other. This was a truly beautiful place and everyone enjoyed the sun and gorgeous surroundings.

Back to Auckland next for a night cleaning ourselves and our clothes, then off to Taupo, via Rotorua, where we rafted the Kaituna River, and Zorbing; where most of the group were rolled down a grassy slope in a huge inflatable ball - fantastic! At Taupo everyone in the group decided to challenge themselves and we all went skydiving. This is hard to describe, mind-blowingly fun, and was an amazing experience I will never forget or regret.

After Taupo we started our four days paddling the Whanganui River, still in the North Island. Rain on the first night seemed nothing compared to the storm we weathered during the first week, and yummy meals, planned by the everyone, made for some new cooking skills and new tastes. We celebrated Tony's birthday at a campsite all to ourselves, by filling his tent with lots of balloons and then tucking in to a chocolate mudcake. Everyones favourite night and day of the trip.

The last night of the canoeing trip and the following night were spent at Maraes (Maori home/community centre) and enabled everyone to learn a bit about native NZ culture and experience the Karanga - the haunting, beautiful cry of the Kuia (respected woman) calling to welcome us onto the marae. Koriniti was a chance to dry out all our gear, have hot showers and spend some time alone, as well as reliving our experiences as a group.

An early morning today saw us driving to Wellington, the capital of NZ, where we took a tour of the Beehive - the New Zealand parliament building and learnt about NZ government. Tomorrow is the first fully free day of the trip, and most have chosen to take a ferry out to a small island in the harbour that has ancient Tuataras, the smallest penguins in the world, and the ugliest little wetas you ever did see! Off to the South Island in a few days. Yeehaa.

Leo

Southeast Asia Program: Safe arrival in Thailand

The group have just touched down in Bangkok, have met Hillary, their program leader and are now on their way to the group accommodation to meet three other participants who arrived over the preceeding days. Hillary will suggest the new arrivals email you once they've freshened up, so expect to hear from them soon. This afternoon Hillary will run a comprehensive program briefing and orientation before the program kicks off tomorrow morning. The group will traverse the city by river ferry, canal boat, sky train and tuk tuk, to immerse the group into the contrasts that Bangkok presents, before they enjoy a traditional Thai massage to unwind jet-lagged muscles.
Scott Burnett
Program Director

New Zealand Australia Program: Beaches, camping and volunteer work

Just back to the office after spending time with the New Zealand Australia group. They are currently spending time on beautiful Urupukapuka Island in the Bay of Islands Maritime Park, camping and doing volunteer conservation work. Everyone is getting along great and enjoying themselves. Here are a few photos I took:

Jumping into the ocean before our program briefing on day 1

Trust and bonding activities

Whole group after our first day of volunteer work.

You'll hear more from the group when they return to Auckland at the end of the week.
Scott Burnett

New Zealand Arrival

All participants on the New Zealand Australia program have safely arrived in Auckland to a sunny 80 degree evening. Everyone is excited to be here, to start the program and to start getting to know their fellow travellers.  The program offically begins tomorrow morning, with a Pacific Ocean swim, picninc breakfast and an extensive program briefing.

Kind regards, Scott and Leo

Haiti Earthquake

Family close to the directors of Pacific Discovery have been caught up in the earthquake in Haiti. Director Rachel Sanson is flying over to assist where and if possible. Please bear with us over the coming days if we are a little slower than usual in getting back to you.
With thanks for your understanding and patience,
The Pacific Discovery Team.