The Journey

Hawaii

The seminar begins with a four-day orientation programme at the East-West Centre in Honolulu, Hawaii. Presentations on culture and history will cover: Polynesian history, culture and migration, Māori culture, language and protocols; New Zealand's education system; and discussion of the overall seminar structure, content and objectives.

New Zealand

Almost half the time will be spent in New Zealand's largest city, Auckland and the capital city, Wellington. The remainder of the seminar will be spent in smaller towns and rural and wilderness regions that will enable participants to gain an appreciation of the country's environmental and geographical diversity, and what New Zealander's call 'the heartland'. Outdoor activities, and visits to leading cultural, tourism and heritage sites will also be included in the programme.

The seminar will begin in the far north at the Waitangi Treaty House in the Bay of Islands, where the nation was founded. Further learning about and experiencing Māori protocol and language will enhance participants' understanding of the customs and culture of New Zealand and will enable participants to feel comfortable during their journey.

Travelling south the participants will stop in Auckland, the largest Polynesian city in the world, which has a special cultural ambience and poses particular challenges for educators. Participants will be offered a wide choice of activities and site visits in Auckland.

The journey continues south along the length of Aotearoa, the 'land of the long white cloud', as far as Queenstown in Southland. Throughout, participants will meet with educators, teachers, students, academics, community leaders and New Zealanders from all walks of life.

Weather

The months of July and August are in the New Zealand winter. In order to be able to fully participate in the programme members of the group will need to be physically fit and prepared for inclement weather. Temperatures will range from 42 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit; snow may be experienced in the South Island section of the tour.