Experiencing the South Pacific’s ancient—and modern-day—beauty
By Carole & Gerry Gariepy, 6-time travelers, Phillipston, Massachusetts
We like to tour unusual places and learn about cultures different from our own, so we weren’t sure Australia and New Zealand would be as exciting as our previous OAT trips had been. But, knowing how OAT seeks out every facet of a country’s culture and offers insight into daily life, we thought our travels would not be complete if we didn’t go “Down Under” … and we’re happy we made that decision. The trip was stimulating in many diverse ways from beginning to end.
We got a taste of countries that are modern and prosperous like ours, but with very unique histories—which our Trip Leader Marilyn Marshall related to us in great detail during our bus rides. She was a great storyteller … very knowledgeable, with lots of fun anecdotes.
We spent time with the Aborigine population in Australia that hasn’t adapted to modern-day living. We met an Aborigine man who told us the heart-rending story of his being taken from his mother to be raised in the security of a mission because he had a white father and would likely be killed by his mother’s Aborigine husband. At the end of our visit, he taught us how to throw a boomerang—the weapon used by Aborigines to hunt small game. Interestingly, he only meets with OAT visitors. Another Aborigine man took us on a guided walk to show us some plants and grubs his people gathered for food. It was amazing to discover how this man and others have learned to live in remote areas like the Outback, especially with regard to obtaining medical services and educating their children.
Young Aborigine children play outside at their school.
And no trip to Australia would be complete without visiting the spectacular Ayers Rock, which is a sacred site to the Aborigines. Words and pictures cannot do it justice, and its color changes constantly throughout the day. We enjoyed the optional sunrise helicopter ride over the rock and surrounding area (Carole’s first time in a helicopter). It was so fantastic that we were sorry to see it end.
Dawn light falls over Ayers Rock in Uluru National Park.
Southern New Zealand is full of a different kind of scenic splendor. Hollywood filmmakers have used the country’s mountainous region as the backdrop for many films, such as Lord of the Rings. There is one spot where more than 100 waterfalls can be counted! The cruise on Milford Sound—a fjord—is breathtaking, and we never tired of watching the antics of the seals.
A typical view in South Zealand. The Gariepys say it’s a photographer’s dream—a picture everywhere you look.
We ate kangaroo meat, which was very delicious, and tried camel meat, which was not so delicious. We knew that kangaroos lived in Australia, but didn’t realize wild camels were there, too. They were brought there years ago by cattlemen to use as beasts of burden in the arid Outback. When they were no longer needed, they were freed. Today, camels are considered a nuisance.
In New Zealand, we visited a sheep ranch and learned that the amount of fleece produced by just one sheep is unbelievable. We were there during “mustering season,” when the work of sheep dogs is very important. The close relationship between the shepherd and his dog was remarkable: The shepherd whistled signals and the obedient dog moved the herd accordingly.
We also had a chance to meet the Maori people in New Zealand. Theirs is a culture that has kept pace with modern life, while still holding onto their old traditions. In Auckland, we spent a morning with a Maori leader who proudly told us about his people’s history, which was quite violent, and how they’ve finally integrated well with white settlers. Later, in Rotorua, we visited a Maori village situated near active geysers. They used these natural boilers to cook us a delicious meal. We watched them dance and learned the significance of the dances … and some of us even participated!
Gerry rubs noses with a Maori man while partaking in the hongi, a traditional Maori greeting.
The plant life of both countries was interesting—very different from each other, and not at all like anything that grows here. There was a tree in Australia that loses its bark in the fall, rather than its leaves—but just like our leaves, the bark grows back in the spring! There are, of course, many eucalyptus trees that the loveable koalas eat. We also learned that famous Americans often visit rain forests in the northeastern part of the country as a way to seek peace and beauty away from paparazzi. Not only was this area lovely, but fascinating, because it has some of the world’s oldest surviving plant and animal species.
Carole and Gerry spend some quality time with an Australian local: a young koala. They were surprised to learn that these loveable creatures are only the size of a jelly bean at birth.
Another kind of beauty was revealed underwater at the beautiful Great Barrier Reef, where we spent several hours snorkeling. Those who didn’t snorkel saw the coral and colorful fish from glass-bottom boats.
One of our favorite excursions was in New Zealand to see the glowworms that live near the Franz Josef Glacier. We told Marilyn about Carole’s curiosity about the creatures and she arranged a walk in the evening to look for them! It was spectacular … like a miniature celestial sky. One great thing about OAT trips is how accommodating the Trip Leaders are to find time or information to satisfy individual interests.
We could go on and on about the treasures this trip revealed. We visited the famous Opera House in Sydney. OAT provided a nice tour of the incredible building, but it’s lucky we got tickets ahead of time for a show, as many were sold out. We felt safe everywhere we ventured—day or night. It was pleasant to stroll in the modern cities and admire the skyscrapers of varying architectural style … there are so many parks, gardens, fountains, sculptures, monuments, and pedestrian-only streets, and Aussies’ and Kiwis’ pride in their country shows in the cleanliness and lack of litter.
A visit to the Sydney Opera House gave Carole and Gerry an opportunity to see The Man in Black, which featured a superb performance by an Australian musician in the role of Johnny Cash.
The trip was a wonderful experience, and the amazing bonding of our group added to the enjoyment. Aussies have a special way of welcoming they use to address someone they don’t know: They call a man “mate,” and a woman “love.” We liked that, and we think the warmth we received embraced us all.
Explore Australia and New Zealand’s native cultures—along with the countries’ beautiful and contrasting landscapes—on our Australia & New Zealand: an Adventure Down Under adventure.