Itinerary

Hello All!  Hope everyone is doing well!  I just figured since time is getting closer I would put up the scheduled trip itinerary.  The schedule is tentative, however, it is mostly accurate.  (From what I hear).
So, as most of you know, I depart the Minneapolis Airport on Friday, January 21st.  The rest is a bit more detailed and exciting...

January 22 - Depart Los Angeles Airport for Auckland, New Zealand.
January 23 - Day lost in flight.  (This, I think, is absolutely crazy to think.  One whole day of life will just be... gone.  I just don't get to try living on January 23, 2011.  It just. . . disappears.  I am basically, flying into the future.  Seventeen hours ahead to be exact.)
January 24 -  Arrive in Auckland, New Zealand.  The adventure finally begins...  We start with program orientation, and then enjoy the summer temperatures with a swim in the Pacific Ocean.  We end our journey today, in Waitomo, New Zealand.  We will be staying in a traditional Maori village.
January 25-26 - For the two days we will continue to explore Waitomo.  We will spend time rappelling into a limestone gorge, and test out the cave with black water rafting.  We will also be able to try out different activities of interest such as horse back riding or spelunking the Haggas Honking Holes.  (If you are like me, and read spelunking the Haggas Honking Holes and were like, wait, what are you talking about?!  It is basically an adventure that involves rocking climbing and rappelling into caves.  Lots of action, and many neat things to see!)
January 27 - Today, we begin heading east to Tongariro, New Zealand.  Here we will do some whitewater rafting on the Kaituna River.  We will also be watching a cultural performance by the Maori, and enjoy Hangi.  (Hangi - earth cooked meal.) <- Your guess is as good as mine :)  Finally, we end the day by soaking in natural hot springs.
January 28-29 - These couple days will be spend in Tongariro, New Zealand.  We will be on the shore of Lake Taupo, which will be a wonderful place for some free time.  We will spend the night camping at a volcanic plateau, and spend the day hiking around the area.  All of the volcanic topography that we will be hiking through is at the base of Mt. Ngauruhoe (you  may know it better as Mt. Doom, from "Lord of the Rings").
January 30 - We will head south, towards Mangaweka, New Zealand.  Here we will stay, camping riverside beneath the stars.  We will be waking early to begin an adventure of White Water Kayaking on the Rangitikei River.  
January 31-February 2 - These next few days we will be spending time in Wellington, New Zealand.  (Wellington is the capital city of New Zealand).  Here we will be able to explore the Te Papa National Museum, try out the New Zealand night life, and for the students who are taking courses, they will begin classes.  
February 3-5 - Here is where we head to the South Island of New Zealand.  We will be taking a ferry across the open water, in order to enter Nelson, New Zealand.  During this time, I will have the opportunity to wake up in the morning with 60 seconds of free fall. . . That's right, I will be skydiving!  I am very excited about this - however I am sure I will have to be pushed from the airplane rather than jump from it...
February 6-8 - For these few days we will be exploring Abel Tasman National Park.  Activities we will participate in include; sea kayaking, hiking, camping, and swimming in the beach wilderness.  There will be lots of outdoor time, and time to explore the natural beauties of New Zealand.
February 9 - We begin our day today in Kaikoura, New Zealand.  Kaikoura is a coastal community, even though it is small, it is world famous for its abundant marine life.  We get to kick start our day exploring this marine life, by swimming in the ocean with the wild dolphins!  I am most excited for this adventure, as I think it will be mind-blowing! 
February 10-12 - Continuing down the coast of New Zealand, past the fur seals basking in the sun, to a popular favorite, Christchurch.  Here, we will rock climb Port Hills, and get yet another chance to do some coursework and meet up with instructors.  
February 13-14 - We head south to camp at Peel Forest, which is located in the foothills of the Southern Alps.  We spend the day whitewater kayaking on a glacial-fed river, the Rangitata.  
February 15-17 - We will spend these next few days at Mt. Cook National Park in Australia.  It is home to many of the highest mountains in the Continent.  We will have the option to do day and overnight hikes in steep mountain terrain, otherwise this is also a time to catch up on school work, and just relax from all of the adventures.  
February 18-19 - These couple days will be spend in Dunedin, Australia.  Here we will explore wildlife reserves on the Otago Peninsula.  We will explore Royal Albatross breeding grounds, and check out many different species of penguins!  
February 20-21 - We will spend 2 days on a trek across the Southern Alps, following the famous Routeburn Track.  We will trek through lakes, rivers, waterfalls, ancient forests, and alpine vistas.  We will also take a nature cruise on Milford Sound in the Fiordland National Park.  This will provide a great opportunity to see seals and cascading waterfalls! 
February 22-25 - These few days will be spend in New Zealand's adventure capital, Queenstown.  Here we will partake in bungee jumping, and a luge ride!  This will also be another time to catch up with professors and coursework.  
February 26-28 - Finally, our chance to relax!  We will be hanging out in Wanaka, where we can put our aching legs up!  This is a good time to catch up with coursework, and just explore the town! 
March 1-2 - We will be in the lovely town of Franz Josef.  Here we will have the opportunity for some ice climbing, while enjoying the temperate rain forest climate.  We will also be able to view one of the largest Alpine Glaciers in the Southern Hemisphere! 
March 3-4 - Time to leave New Zealand!  Here we can do some last minute souvenir shopping, repack, and be ready to fly out to Sydney, Australia! 
March 5 - We are Australia bound!  We will enjoy a three hour flight from Christchurch, New Zealand to Sydney, Australia! 
March 6 - We will be spending the day at Curl Curl Surf Club!!!
March 7-8 - We will board a bus and head to Blackheath, Australia, which is the home of the Blue Mountains.  This will be our playground for the couple days we're here.  We will be canyoning, climbing, and hiking.
March 9 - We will spend the day today in Warrumbungles, Australia.   
March 10-12 - These few days will be spend in the Cascades.  Here we will go whitewater rafting, sample Australian 'bush tucker' (I have NO idea...), and have a wonderful back country experience! 
March 13-15 - We will leave the inland mountain ranges to the scenic sub-tropical community of Byron Bay.  We will have more time with instructors and coursework!  We will also be engaging in multiple beach-side outdoor activities such as scuba diving at the Great Barrier Reef, learning to surf, and possibly some beach volleyball! 
March 16 - We will then head to Brisbane for a trip to the Australia Zoo, which is home to the late Steve Irwin and his family. 
March 17-18 - We will spend a delightful, coastal stopover en route to Sydney.  Mainly, we will spend the day relaxing on the beach and enjoying the sunshine!!!
March 19-21 - Here will be the groups last few days in Australia.  They will be spend in Sydney, where we will enjoy activities such as Harley rides, surfing, beaches, volleyball, city sites, and coursework.
March 22 - Today is when the group will fly out...  As for me, my adventure has only just begun!  If I can afford to fly back with the group, I will, because my first nephew will be born in April, and I would love to walk in commencement in May.  However, if funds do not allow it, I will be staying in Sydney, and hopefully be able to begin my student teaching experience right away!!!  I do not really have an itinerary for student teaching, all I know is that I will be in Sydney, and in the outskirts of Sydney!  Also, my brother, Jacob, and his friend, have planned a trip to come and visit me in June!  


Again, this is the itinerary from the Pacific Challenge, and it can change slightly.  I will keep you all updated on how each adventure goes, and the things that I learn along the way!!!