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Invitation to an outdoor adventure in New Zealand

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Journey Coordinator Invitation
Hello Friends, I’m Colin Ridge, Journey Coordinator for November’s Outdoor Adventure Journey in New Zealand! You will be blown away by this opportunity to experience the great outdoors in two of New Zealand’s leading outdoor areas. We have it all – hiking, biking, white water rafting, canoeing, archery, and golfing – and we throw in the sightseeing of some of New Zealand’s most famous attractions.
The Journey to your first home-hosting begins with a bang, including visits to the famous Waitomo glow-worm caves and the Otorohanga Kiwi House. What a start! Then, FF South Taranaki offers some amazing hikes for you to enjoy including:

  • Mount Taranaki – round-trip from Dawson Falls
  • Climbing Mount Paritutu followed by a beach walk and boat trip to view the seal colony
  • Admiring the bush and birds at the Lake Rotokare Scenic Reserve
  • Visiting the local Envirofur possum fur products factory and the Tawhiti Museum
  • Beach walking from Ohawe to Waihi beaches enjoying the sea life< /li>
We then travel inland to the rugged central plateau and the Tongariro National Park with dual UNESCO World Heritage status covering “mixed cultural and natural values.” We stay for two nights at the world-famous hotel, The Chateau, on the side of Mount Ruapehu. This is an area to be explored. You can take one of the many local walks, or go high up the mountain on the gondolas, or, if you are really adventurous, you may choose to do the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, a 19.4km tramp up and over Mount Tongariro, described as one of the best one-day walks in the world. (Note that there will be a transport cost for this).
On our Journey north to Taupo, we will stop at the famous trout capital of Turangi where we ride the mountain bike trail, followed by a real highlight of the Journey – whitewater rafting down the famed Tongariro River.
Taupo is known as an adventure capital in New Zealand. There are so many options, and we start with an outdoor sports day, including golf putting and driving, archery, and clay target shooting. We have our very own triathlon – although not of a racing kind. We start with a canoe ride down the mighty Waikato River, then enjoy a forest walk through the trees and bush, followed by a bike ride along the river with an experienced guide. You will learn about one of the first geothermal power stations in the world, Prawn Park, local flora and fauna, and the river itself. We will also be able to view the Aratiatia Rapids.
You have a free day where you are spoiled with choices. What about a bungee, a sky dive, a parasail, a helicopter or float plane ride, a boat ride on our great lake, or try your hand at trout fishing. You may decide to do the Tongariro Alpine Crossing again, or a hike or bike ride on one of the many area trails. You could also just take time out to enjoy Taupo’s lakefront café culture. It is up to you! There is no need to pre-book as these can be done after you arrive, but note that any cost involved is not included in the overall fee.
The Journey finishes in Rotorua where you will stay two nights and enjoy the many wonders of the city. Included will be a guided tour, including a Maori experience at Whakarewarewa, a tree-top walk, a visit to the beautiful Rotorua gardens which will be in spring bloom, and maybe gondola ride or one of many other delights that are part of this world-famed thermal city’s heritage. From Rotorua, you will make your own plans, which could be to return to Auckland and the home, or to other places in New Zealand like Queenstown or the South Island.
As you can see, a reasonable degree of fitness is required to take part in this wonderful experience. I am looking forward to forming new friendships with fellow adventurers in the great outdoors of New Zealand! In friendship, Colin Ridge, FF Taupo colinjanet123@gmail.com
View this Journey on the Catalog and Apply Today!
Outdoor Adventure: South Taranaki and Taupo, New Zealand: November 4 to 20, 2019

The cost of this Journey is $1960 USD and includes FFI and host fees, as well as all internal costs. NOT INCLUDED: International airfare and optional activities. All accommodation is on a twin share basis and a single supplement will be an additional fee.

Invitation to visit the jewels of Kenya

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Ambassador Coordinator Invitation
Last year I had the honor of coordinating a 25-person global Journey to Kenya. We so enjoyed our warm-hearted and generous Kenyan hosts, and I cannot wait to visit my many new Kenyan friends again this year.
As the Ambassador Coordinator for the Friendship Force “Jewels of Kenya” Journey, I’d like to offer you the opportunity to join us on this adventure this October. Come with me to experience Kenya from the palm tree lined tropics of Mombasa beside the Indian Ocean, to the chilly elevations at the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro, and from the flamingo-lined shores of Lake Nakuru to the dry, wild savannas of the Masai Mara, home to The Big Five.

You’ll marvel at the care given to the orphaned baby elephants and endangered Rothschild giraffes at the sanctuaries in the Karen [Blixen] District of Nairobi. We will enjoy seeing traditional tribal dwellings and authentic dances performed at Bomas of Kenya. Most reviewers agree that Kenya is a go-to place for African wild animal safaris. Bring your binoculars and camera for your safari through four very different eco-zones, including the two most-visited national parks in Kenya.
The humanitarian component of our program includes bringing much-needed medical supplies to a clinic in a poverty-stricken section of the big city. Also, we will bring educational materials and foodstuffs to needy children at the SOS orphanage. Last year our ambassadors hailed from Canada, India, and the USA. I hope that this year we can share the wonders of Kenya with ambassadors from Asia, the South Pacific, South America, and Europe as well.
Click on the link to apply for Friendship Force’s October 2019 Journey, Jewels of Kenya. I look forward to hearing from new friends who will join me on this once-in-a-lifetime odyssey with surprises around every corner. In friendship, Shirley Hauck, FF Whidbey Island vhauck@whidbey.net
View this Journey on the Catalog and Apply Today!
Jewels of Kenya: October 24 – November 3, 2019 | Optional safari: Nov. 3 – 10

U.S. eFlyer for May

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The U.S. eFlyer is a place to find information about domestic Journeys within the United States, undersubscribed U.S. outbound Journeys, and occasional regional conferences and special events. The Journeys listed in the U.S. eFlyer are open to all ambassadors, representing some of the many places where you can experience new cultures and expand your global circle of friends.
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