Day 2 - Winter Learning Journey 2017

Day #2: New Zealand by Land and Sea

Date: Sunday 09 July

After a short ride through Auckland it is time to start exploring the rest of the country. Today you are going to venture around the north island of New Zealand to look at active volcanoes, gorgeous beaches, windswept coastline and lush, green bush. As a group, you will start at Rangitoto, the largest volcano in New Zealand before driving west to Karekare, a stunning beach on the outskirts of Auckland. You will finish the day by driving north to visit Tane Mahuta, the oldest living kauri tree in New Zealand.

(1)Rangitoto: http://www.doc.govt.nz/rangitoto; (2) Karekare:  http://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/themes/beaches/88348522/nz-has-one-of-the-best-beaches-in-the-world-according-to-passport-magazine; (3) Tane Mahuta: http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/328117/track-to-tane-mahuta-to-be-closed-for-tree%27s-protection

Activity 1: After a very busy day of sightseeing you and your group drive from Tane Mahuta to your hotel in Dargaville. When you arrive you decide to sit down and record your thoughts in your travel diary.

http://www.kiwidaydreaming.com/p/new-zealand-maps.html

Before you start writing, take a minute to read more about Rangitoto island, Karekare beach and Tane Mahuta.  On your blog, tell us which of the three places you most enjoyed visiting and why.  

My Travel Diary - Tāne Mahuta

Dear Travel Diary, I have just been to three of the most beautiful places in New Zealand, Tāne Mahuta, Ragitoto Island and Dargaville. Though all three were so stunnying,  my favourite place to visit was Tāne Mahuta. The tree's branches reached over my head like wings. Just being there was amazing. I could hear the birds chirp as I gazed at the massice tree, it was a masterpiece! I wished I could stay there longer but my feet were sore and I was dying of hunger. Well, I better catch up with my group before they leave me behind. 

--------------------------------

Activity 2: As an island nation, New Zealand is completely surrounded by water. It is the perfect place for people who like to swim or to sail! While in Dargaville, recovering from your busy day of sightseeing, you notice a number sailboats going by. One of the boats is manned by a young German girl named Laura Dekker. At the age of fourteen she sailed around the world the entire world by herself. You can watch a short video clip about her adventures here: Laura Dekker sailing trip.   

Let’s imagine that you had the chance to interview Laura while in Dargaville. On your blog post five questions that you would ask her.

My Five Questions - Laura Dekker

Questions 1: Have you ever been in an accident while sailing?

Question 2: Why do you like to sail? Is it because you grew up sailing or is it because of the adventures you come across?

Question 3: What is it like sailing on your own? Do you ever wish you could go back home and be with the people you love?

Question 4: If you could sail anywhere and stay there for the rest of your life, where would it be?

Question 5: Why do you want to be the youngest sailor to ever sail around the world?

--------------------------------

Bonus Activity: When you finish your interview with Laura, you decide to keep on interviewing people. For this activity, your task is to conduct a real interview with an actual member of your family. Please ask them to think about their five (5) favourite things to do in the out-of-doors. They can be things that they enjoy doing on land or in the water. Post the list of outdoor activities on your blog.

Family Interview - Brother

Favourite activity 1: Fishing "I have grown up in a hardcore fishing family so it's one of the things we do as a family to get out of the house. Plus we get a nice feed out of it."

Favourite activity 2: Sports "Sports is a huge part of my life. It's great to be outdoors working up a sweat while having fun."

Favourite activity 3: Camping "It's great to get away from everyday life."

Favourite activity 4: Road trips "Get to see more scenery."

Favourite activity 4: Songs around a Bonfire "It's a great vibe."

Bonus Activity: 10 points

--------------------------------