OUNDLE SCHOOL
HOCKEY TOUR 2008
Introduction
There is no doubt that the tour will be tremendous fun, hard work and extremely tiring. It will provide you with memories and experiences that will last a lifetime. Such opportunities do not come without you taking some responsibility for your and others' welfare.
Please make sure of the following:
1. You arrive on time to all meals and meetings. Not only is this courteous to the staff and other players, at times it will be imperative that the group is at a certain place at a certain time.
2. You know what, where and when you have to do something next. You will also need to know what you should be wearing and what you need to bring with you for that day. Some of this information will be in this booklet.
3. You look after your own kit.
4. You look after yourself. Make sure you eat and drink at appropriate times. Be aware that bugs can be transferred within a tour party very quickly. Wash your hands! Don't share water bottles. Sleep when you can.
5. You make the most of the opportunities that come your way. Train and play hard. Be polite and willing when staying with families, tolerant of the travelling and the tiredness of others, and enthusiastic about the places we visit.
Contact details
Roz Goatly 07949 278892
Tim Hipperson 07771 623201
Louise Barnwell 07894566322
Gareth Terrett 07905 321982
To call these from abroad: +44 (miss the initial 0) then the rest of the number.
International Dialling codes:
Dubai +971 to dial in(00 971 from UK)
Australia +61 to dial in(00 61 from UK)
New Zealand +64 to dial in(00 64 from UK)
UK +44 (drop the initial 0)
Hotels: (To contact staff)
Hotels: (To contact staff)
21/07-23/07 COMFORT HOTEL (00 61) (08) 9220 7000 Perth
23/07-25/07 ALBERT FACEY INN (00 61) (08) 9881 1899 Narrogin
25/07-26/07 SORRENTO BEACH RESORT (00 61) (08) 9246 8100 Perth
26/07-28/07 HOTEL IBIS GLEN WAVERLEY(00 61) 03 9518 7111 Melbourne
28/07-29/07 CILOMS AIRPORT LODGE (00 61) (03) 9335 2788 Melbourne
29/07-31/07 Takapuna Motor Lodge (00 64) (09) 486 0009 Auckland
31/07-02/08 PARK LANE MOTOR LODGE (00 64) (09) 630 2602 Auckland
02/08-04/08 Suncourt Hotel (00 64) 07 378 8265 Taupo
04/08-05/08 THE MENZIES HOTEL (00 61) (02) 9299 1000 Sydney
05/08-07/08 KILLARA INN (00 61) (02) 94161344 Sydney
07/08-09/08 VIBE HOTEL RUSHCUTTERS (02) 8353 8988 Sydney
10/08-12/08 RYDGES PLAZA HOTEL (00 971) (04) 398 2222 Dubai
Emergency Services/Police: Oz: 000, NZ 111, Dubai 998 or 999
Website address: www.oundleschoolhockey.org.uk
We hope to post pictures from the tour when opportunities arise.
Tour Company:
Ian Barton
General Manager - Operations
Edwin Doran Sports Travel
ian.barton@edwindoran.com
Tel: +44 (0) 20 8288 2933
Fax: +44 (0) 20 8288 2955
63 Holly Road
Twickenham
Middlesex
TW1 4HF
Travelling
We are a large group. It is therefore important that you listen to times and details, and tolerate the waiting and discomfort that are part of travelling by bus or plane.
Remember the following to counter jet-lag
1. Set your watch to the destination time as soon as you board the plane.
2. Try to eat and sleep at the appropriate times for the destination time.
3. Take a full water bottle onto the plane/bus.
4. Walk around when possible - at least once an hour unless sleeping.
Flights
1. Passports: TPH will collect in and keep safe your passports during your stay in each country and distribute them at the airport when it is necessary.
2. You will need a small bag for hand-luggage. Remember to take water, reading material, music, a jumper or travel pillow. Small items such as sweets and snacks, hand wipes etc. can make the journey much more pleasant.
3. We will be a large contingent on every plane. Respect those around, particularly when they are sleeping.
4. Take a stroll around the plane when it is convenient. Sleep when you can.
5. Consider taking earplugs and eye masks. If you wear contact lenses, be prepared.
Money
The simplest method would be to use a bank card. However, these can charge up to 5% each time you withdraw cash abroad. If you have a visa/switch card check with you bank that you can use it in Australia and New Zealand. Ask how much it will cost.
During the course of the tour you will be expected to buy a light lunch on 10 occasions and an evening meal 5 times.
Remember to have some cash with you when hosted by families.
Injuries and illness
RSG will be in charge or dealing with illnesses and injuries. It is important that she knows any problems that you are having. We will have our mobiles with us at all times: do not worry about ‘phoning us if you are staying with a family and the situation requires us knowing there and then.
Parents :the ‘phone numbers for staff and the hotels are located at the front of this booklet -please do not hesitate to contact us.
Medication
If you need medication make sure you bring sufficient for the tour.
Smoking
There will be no smoking on tour.
Drinking
The school rules regarding drinking apply. Drinking to excess will not be tolerated.
Please note that any serious breach of school rules will result in you being expelled from the tour and you will have to travel home at your parents' expense.
Hockey
The raison d'etre of the tour is to play hockey in different environments against tough opponents. The tour is not simply a holiday. Do not assume that the teams you will play will be anything but highly competitive, highly talented and physically very fit. They will all have a huge desire to beat a team from England. This is the real challenge of the tour and it is under the pressures of facing tough opponents that your skills, desire to win and the collective bonds of the teams can be developed.
It is therefore important throughout the tour that your attitude and behaviour are focused on making the most of the matches you will play. Remember to drink plenty of water, sleep as effectively as you can and eat sensibly.
REMEMBER it is your responsibility to make sure you are adequately hydrated and have your water bottles full for training sessions and matches.
Kit list for training and matches.
Stick
Shin Pads
Astro Boots and trainers
Socks
Skort
Training top or Match shirt
Tracksuit
Fleece
Gumshield
Ball
Water bottle x2
Energy Drink
Energy/Snack bar
Towel
Wash kit and change of clothes for after game.
Staying with Families
You will stay with a number families in the course of the tour
For some of the time we will be staying together in hotels, but at times you will be hosted by the families of your opponents. You will be their guests and it goes without saying that you behaviour should be exemplary.
Although you might feel hesitant when first meeting the family, this will soon pass. The highlights of the tour are likely to come from these times. It is when staying with a family that you will learn the most about the countries and ways of life of our Antipodean cousins.
The families have volunteered to host you and will therefore treat you well and quite possibly show you their towns. If you ask politely you will be able to wash your clothes. Sometimes families will meet up for meals with others that are also hosting Oundelians.
It is courteous and much-valued gesture to give your hosts a small gift on departure. Something that reflects Oundle or where you live will be appreciated greatly.
Tour Kit list.
PLEASE note that your kit bags are large, and if filled will exceed the weight allowance. The weight limit is 20kgs per person. The airline will charge your £25 per extra kilo.
Weigh your bag before you go!
There is no point taking too many clothes and no shame in only taking a few outfits.
Another incentive to keeping the amount of kit low is that you will have some room to bring back mementos or T-shirts from the places we visit.
Tour Kit
4 pairs of Hockey socks
Skort
Tracksuit top and bottom
Waterproof
Fleece
Blue team shirt
White team shirt.
Tour t-shirt x 4
Collar t-shirt
Bandana/hair clips
Waterbottles x2
Trainers.
Astro boots
Hockey Stick
Astro glove
Gumshield
Shinpads
Ball
Towel
Washkit
Black trousers
Smarter shoes
Smarter clothes for evenings with hosts
Underwear
Swimwear.
Sunhat
Sunglasses
Personal first Aid kit
suncream (Factor 30)
Washkit/toiletries
Camera
Tour Itinerary
Read this carefully.
It is probable that some of the excursions might change due to the weather and this itinerary should not be considered as set in stone!
SUNDAY 20 JULY
1145 hrs Assemble at LONDON HEATHROW AIRPORT, Terminal 3, where a representative from Edwin Doran Sports Travel will assist with check-in to flight EK002 to DUBAI.
1400 hrs Flight departs.
2355 hrs Arrive Dubai Airport and connect with flight EK420 to PERTH.
MONDAY 21 JULY
0235 hrs Flight departs.
1725 hrs Arrive PERTH and clear Immigration, collect your luggage and pass through Customs before being met by a coach for transfer to the Perth City Hotel.
COMFORT HOTEL PERTH CITY
200 Hay Street Tel: (00 61) (08) 9220 7000
PERTH Fax: (00 61) (08) 9220 7007
On arrival check in for the first two nights of your tour on a bed and breakfast basis.
2000 hrs Team Dinner in hotel.
TUESDAY 22 JULY
0900 hrs Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning at leisure in Perth.
Lunch
1430 hrs Meet in reception for the transfer to Como for the opening series of matches.
tba hrs COMO SECONDARY COLLEGE v OUNDLE SCHOOL ‘A'
tba hrs COMO SECONDARY COLLEGE v OUNDLE SCHOOL ‘B'
tba hrs Exchange memorabilia and then return to the hotel.
Evening meal
WEDNESDAY 23 JULY
0900 hrs Check out of the hotel and board the coach for the transfer inland to NARROGIN for a two night billet.
1145 hrs On arrival at the Hockey Centre the turf is booked for three hours for you to have a training session.
Lunch
1200 hrs TURF TIME (3 hrs)
After the training you will start to meet hosts at the hockey centre.
Once the girls have all left, the staff will check in to the Albert Facey Motor Inn for two nights on a bed and breakfast basis.
ALBERT FACEY MOTOR INN
78 Williams Road Tel: (00 61) (08) 9881 1899
NARROGIN Fax: (00 61) (08) 9881 3585
Evening with hosts.
THURSDAY 24 JULY
The morning will be spent in Narrogin and again you can have some turf time in the morning to work on a few moves. Foxes lair nature reserve
Lunch
1230 hrs After lunch meet your opponents at the astro turf for the next series of matches.
1300 hrs UPPER GREAT SOUTHERN U15 XI v OUNDLE SCHOOL ‘B'
1430 hrs UPPER GREAT SOUTHERN U17 XI v OUNDLE SCHOOL ‘A'
Exchange memorabilia and then head home with hosts and staff return to the motel.
FRIDAY 25 JULY
Staff will be collected from the Motel and then make their way to the Hockey Centre to meet the girls.
Bid farewell to your hosts and transfer to Perth where the first stop will be the Caversham Wildlife Park.
Enjoy some time seeing some Australian wildlife
Lunch
1430 hrs Meet back at the bus and transfer to Sorrento Beach Resort for the one night stay on a room only basis.
SORRENTO BEACH RESORT
1 Padbury Circle
SORRENTO Tel: (00 61) (08) 9246 8100
WA 6020 Fax: (00 61) (08) 9246 2481
Remainder of the afternoon to relax on the beach.
Evening meal
SATURDAY 26 JULY
0500 hrs Meet in reception for the transfer to PERTH AIRPORT.
0600 hrs Check into flight DJ288 bound for MELBOURNE.
0700 hrs Flight departs.
1230 hrs On arrival, collect your bags and meet your coach for the transfer to HAILEYBURY SCHOOL, Keysborough Campus.
1400 hrs On arrival you will be allocated billets for two nights.
The accompanying members of staff plus three of the girls will check in to the Hotel Ibis Glen Waverley for the two nights on a bed and breakfast basis.
HOTEL IBIS GLEN WAVERLEY (TBC)
297 Springvale Road
Glen Waverley Tel: 03 9518 7111
MELBOURNE 3150 Fax: 03 9518 7117
Staff will attend the OO dinner in the evening with the three girls.
SUNDAY 27 JULY
Staff will make their own way into the school to meet the girls who will have come in with their hosts.
0915 hrs Prepare for the round robin tournament.
1000 hrs HAILEYBURY SCHOOL / OUNDLE SCHOOL ROUND ROBIN
After the series of matches the parents body at Haileybury will lay on a typical Aussie BBQ.
Girls head home with hosts for the afternoon and the staff make their own way back to their hotel.
MONDAY 28 JULY
0830 hrs Staff will check out of their hotel and be collected by their coach which will then take them onto the school.
0900 hrs Bid farewell to your hosts and board the coach and head off sightseeing.
Park & Possums/MCG/Hotel viewing area
Lunch
Arrive at the venue for the matches.
1300 hrs CAULFIELD GRAMMAR SCHOOL v OUNDLE SCHOOL ‘B' (TBC)
1430 hrs CAULFIELD GRAMMAR SCHOOL v OUNDLE SCHOOL ‘A' (TBC)
Exchange memorabilia/change and then make your way to town for evening
Evening meal
Check into Ciloms Airport Lodge for one night on a room only basis.
CILOMS AIRPORT LODGE
398 Melrose Drive
MELBOURNE Tel: (00 61) (03) 9335 2788
VIC 3043 Fax: (00 61) (03) 9335 4388
TUESDAY 29 JULY
0530 hrs Check out and transfer to MELBOURNE AIRPORT.
0540 hrs Check in for your flight EK406.
0715 hrs Flight departs for AUCKLAND, New Zealand.
1245 hrs Arrival Auckland and clear New Zealand Immigration, collect your luggage and pass through Customs.
One tree hill/Bay
You will then meet your coach driver who will be with you for the duration of your time in New Zealand. Once all on board transfer to your hosts from TAKAPUNA GRAMMAR SCHOOL, who will have arranged a two night billeted stay.
The accompanying members of staff will stay in a local hotel for four nights on a bed and breakfast basis.
TAKAPUNA INTERNATIONAL MOTOR LODGE
1B Pupuke Road Tel: (00 64) (09) 486 0009
TAKAPUNA Fax: (00 64) (09) 486 0006
WEDNESDAY 30 JULY
Meet at school in the morning and have some training for two hours. Following that you have the rest of the morning to sightsee. to do Rainbow park, tower, shopping, Kelly tartons, aquarium
Lunch
Later in the afternoon, you will return to your hosts to play:
1330 hrs TAKAPUNA GRAMMAR SCHOOL v OUNDLE SCHOOL ‘A'
1445 hrs TAKAPUNA GRAMMAR SCHOOL v OUNDLE SCHOOL ‘B'
After the games the girls will head home with hosts and the staff will return to their hotel.
THURSDAY 31 JULY
Staff check out of their hotel and make their way into the school to meet the girls.
Bid farewell to your hosts and transfer to the port.
1000 hrs Board the 20 metre luxury Powercat for your private charter on the Dolphin and Whale safari. The craft takes you beyond the islands of Rangitoto and Waiheke and into the open water of the Hauraki Gulf. Dolphins and whales are found in this beautiful area all year round. Bryde's whales are seen throughout the year - often in winter, so you may be lucky. Other species seen through the year include Bottlenose dolphins and orcas.
1430 hrs On return to the mainland, transfer to the next two schools where you will be split between two schools for two nights.
1530 hrs The 1st XI will be hosted by DIOCESAN SCHOOL FOR GIRLS and the 2nd XI by AUCKLAND GIRLS' GRAMMAR SCHOOL.
Staff will then check into the Park Lane Motor Lodge for the next two nights on a bed and breakfast basis.
PARK LANE MOTOR LODGE
222 Greenlane Road West Tel: (00 64) (09) 630 2602
EPSOM Fax: (00 64) (09) 6301 0180
FRIDAY 01 AUGUST
0830 hrs Staff will meet the girls at the schools this morning and transfer by coach to AUCKLAND BOYS' GRAMMAR SCHOOL astro turf.
0915 hrs On arrival prepare for the two matches.
1000 hrs DIOCESAN SCHOOL FOR GIRLS v OUNDLE SCHOOL ‘A'
1130 hrs AUCKLAND GIRLS' GRAMMAR SCHOOL v OUNDLE SCHOOL ‘B'
1300 hrs After the games exchange memorabilia and have a light lunch and then return to the various schools to go home with hosts.
Staff will return to the hotel.
SATURDAY 02 AUGUST
After saying goodbye to your hosts you will continue on your journey by coach to ROTOURA.
On arrival into visit the main sights and attractions of Rotorua, nicknamed ‘Sulphur City' as it has the most energetic thermal activity in the country with bubbling mud pools, gurgling hot springs and gushing geysers.
Lunch
These include the Te Puia (Whakarewarewa) Thermal Reserve with its boiling mud pools, steaming hot springs and the famous Pohutu Geyser, which erupts at least once an hour and shoots hot water 20 metres into the air and Rainbow Springs.
Luging: The Luge is a fun ride for all ages. A World 'First' proudly designed and built in Rotorua, the Luge is a fun filled gravity ride on a 3 wheel cart. The unique braking and steering system provides the rider full control and allows them to travel as fast or slow as they wish.
After the sightseeing carry on to TAUPO and check in to the Suncourt Motor Hotel for a two night stay on a bed and breakfast basis.
Evening meal
SUNCOURT MOTOR HOTEL E-mail: stay@suncourt.co.nz
14 Northcroft Street Tel: (00 64) (07) 378 8265
TAUPO Fax: (00 64) (07) 378 0809
SUNDAY 03 AUGUST
Craters of the moon - etc - pay locally.
Lunch
In the afternoon you will play against TAUPO COLLEGE.
tba hrs TAUPO NUI a TIA COLLEGE v OUNDLE SCHOOL ‘A'
tba hrs TAUPO NUI a TIA COLLEGE v OUNDLE SCHOOL ‘B'
Vist local Spa:
For decades, the soothing healing mineral waters and pure nature surrounding Taupo Hot Springs Spa in the Central North Island resort town of Lake Taupo have made it a ‘must do' New Zealand icon tourism attraction.
Evening meal
MONDAY 04 AUGUST
This morning, check out of your accommodation in Taupo and transfer to AUCKLAND AIRPORT.
Lunch
1430 hrs Check in to flight EK419.
1550 hrs Flight departs for SYDNEY.
1715 hrs Arrive Sydney Airport and clear Australian Immigration, collect your luggage and pass through Customs. You will then transfer to your hotel where you will be based for one night on a bed and breakfast basis.
THE MENZIES HOTEL
14 Carrington Street
SYDNEY Tel: (00 61) (02) 9299 1000
New South Wales 2000 Fax: (00 61) (02) 9290 3819
Tour Dinner with Mr Sanders
Bar Reggio at 135 Crown St Darlinghurst (http://www.barreggio.com.au/)
TUESDAY 05 AUGUST
Breakfast.
Make your own way to the Bridge Walk
The Bridge Climb is the original experience. It takes you along catwalks, up ladders, and steadily to the summit of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Experience the satisfaction of conquering the upper arch of the Bridge while taking in city surrounds, the World Heritage listed Sydney Opera House, the harbour and the Bridge itself beneath your feet.
Lunch
1400 hrs Meet back at the hotel, collect your bags and transfer to meet up with your next set of hosts from PYMBLE LADIES' COLLEGE, who will have organised a two night billeted stay.
The staff will be based in nearby hotel accommodation for two nights on a bed and breakfast basis.
KILLARA INN
480 Pacific Highway
KILLARA Tel: (00 61) (02) 9416 1344
NSW 2071 Fax: (00 61) (02) 9416 6347
WEDNESDAY 06 AUGUST
Staff will make their own way into the school to meet the girls and then you can get the train into Sydney to sightsee.
Lunch
1400 hrs Later in the afternoon, return to school to play the matches.
1600 hrs PYMBLE LADIES' COLLEGE v OUNDLE SCHOOL ‘A'
One of the games will have to be played on grass.
1600 hrs PYMBLE LADIES' COLLEGE v OUNDLE SCHOOL ‘B'
After the games exchange memorabilia and then head home with hosts, and staff will make their own way back to the hotel.
THURSDAY 07 AUGUST
A coach will collect the staff from their hotel and then the girls from Pymble Ladies' College.
The bus will then be with you for the morning and then drop you at Homebush.
1145 hrs On arrival prepare for a two hour training session with an international coach on the Olympic Stadium Astro Turf.
1200 hrs OLYMPIC TRAINING
1400 hrs At the end of the session board your coach for the transfer to ASCHAM SCHOOL for a two night billet.
Lunch
Once the girls have left with their hosts staff will check in to a local hotel for the two nights on a bed and breakfast basis.
FRIDAY 08 AUGUST
Come into school with hosts and the morning will be at leisure. The school is close to downtown Sydney so you can easily pop into Darling Harbour or the Rocks.
Lunch
Meet back at school for the final fixtures on tour.
tba hrs ASCHAM SCHOOL v OUNDLE SCHOOL ‘A'
tba hrs ASCHAM SCHOOL v OUNDLE SCHOOL ‘B'
After the matches, the girls will depart with hosts and staff will return to their hotel.
SATURDAY 09 AUGUST
0830 hrs Staff will be collected by coach and once they have checked out - they will continue to Ascham to meet the girls at the school.
0900 hrs Once you have said your goodbyes you will set off on the coach to the SYDNEY DANCE COMPANY where an OO will have arranged a tour for you.
1445 hrs Meet back at the coach and board the bus for the transfer to SYDNEY AIRPORT.
1545 hrs Check-in to flight EK419.
1845 hrs Flight departs to DUBAI.
Overnight in flight.
SUNDAY 10 AUGUST
0535 hrs Arrive Dubai Airport and clear Immigration, collect your luggage and pass through Customs.
0630 hrs You will then be met by a local representative for the transfer by coach to the Rydges Plaza Hotel. Due to your early arrival your rooms won't be available until after lunch.
RYDGES PLAZA HOTEL
PO Box 24621 Tel: (00 971) (04) 398 2222
DUBAI Fax: (00 971) (04) 398 1561
Arrangements could be made for breakfast.
Store your bags and get changed ready for the trip to Wild Wadi.
1000 hrs Meet in reception for the transfer to Wild Wadi for the day. It is wet and the wildest waterpark ever! It is 12 acres of pure fun with 30 adrenalin-pumping rides and attractions that leave you gasping for more (included in the price).
Lunch
There are facilities to buy your own lunch at the park.
1630 hrs Meet back at the gate and return to the hotel.
Collect your bags and check into your rooms.
Evening meal
Dinner at leisure.
MONDAY 11 AUGUST
Use the free shuttle bus to the beach and have some time catching a few rays! ! ONLY IF VERY EARLY
Hall of Emirates/Gold Bazar
Lunch
Head back to the hotel and get changed for the evening trip to the dunes.
1500 hrs You will be collected by a fleet of 4x4 vehicles for the Desert Safari (included in price).
You will visit the dunes of Murgham for an unforgettable experience of camel riding and mono-skiing.
Dinner is also included.
2200 hrs Return to the hotel.
TUESDAY 12 AUGUST
Check out of your hotel this morning; luggage storage will be arranged so you are able to enjoy some last-minute shopping.
1100 hrs Meet back at the hotel, collect your bags and transfer by coach back to DUBAI AIRPORT.
1200 hrs Check-in to your flight EK003.
1415 hrs Flight departs to LONDON.
1840 hrs Arrive London Heathrow Airport, Terminal 3, and pass through UK Immigration and Passport Control, collect your luggage and clear Customs. Disperse for home (own arrangements).
Perth
The beaches go on forever and the horizons just won't quit.
Perth is a vibrant and modern city sitting between the cerulean Indian Ocean and the ancient Darling Ranges. It claims to be the sunniest state capital in Australia, though more striking is its isolation from the rest of the country - Perth is over 4400km (2750mi) from Sydney by road.
It's true that the city centre's skyscrapers dominate a picturesque riverside location. But behind the towering edifices hide a handful of 19th-century buildings and facades, and some saving-grace patches of greenery. But these concerns fade in an instant when you glimpse the famous beaches.
Population 1,500,000
Currency Name: Australian Dollar
Electrical Plugs
220-240V 50Hz
Time Zones GMT/UTC +8
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/australia/perth/
Melbourne
Melbourne is dubbed marvellous for a reason. Healthy hedonism masquerades as high art: Melburnians are equally passionate about football and ballet, fashion and restaurants. They are ravenous for music and hot for theatre. It's a smorgasbord of a city that you'll want to sink your teeth into.
A leafy bayside community on the 'upside-down' Yarra River, Melbourne is, by turns, cosmopolitan, suburban, cultivated, conservative and an avant-garde haven. Visitors come for its shopping, restaurants, nightlife and sporting calendar; most agree that it's one of the world's most liveable cities.
Population 3,800,000
Currency Name: Australian Dollar
Electrical Plugs
220-240V 50Hz
Time Zones GMT/UTC +10 (Eastern Standard Time)
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/australia/melbourne/
Auckland
This waterside city has a strong pulse and a nautical twinkle in its eye. Its location on a thin stretch of the North Island, sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea, is complemented by the lush subtropical forests of nearby hills and the volcanic terrains of nearby islands.
With its spectacular harbour and bridge, New Zealand's largest city ranks with the best and its districts weave their way around a variety of bays ideal for swimming, water sports and particularly yachting - hence the nickname 'City of Sails'.
Population 1,300,000
Currency Name: New Zealand Dollar
Electrical Plugs
230V 50Hz
Languages Spoken Official: English, Maori,
Time Zones GMT/UTC +12 (UTC/GMT)
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/new-zealand/auckland/
Taupo
Located in the centre of the North Island, Lake Taupo is New Zealand's largest lake and a magnet for trout fishing enthusiasts. The pleasant holiday town of Taupo, on the northern side of the lake, is a great base to explore the surrounds and as such is fast becoming one of the more popular destinations in the country.
Nearby, the thermal area of the Craters of the Moon with their belching sulphurous steam vents offer an interesting experience, enhanced by the Wairakei Geothermal Centre and Volcanic Activity Centre, dedicated to explaining the powerful forces at work below the surface of the earth.
The exuberant Waikato River that exits the lake, heads for the Tasman Sea in series of spectacular waterfalls, which include impressive Huka Falls, among the most powerful in the country and definitely worthy of a visit.
But Taupo is far more than just about sightseeing. It is also very much an activity led destination, offering a number of water-sports as well as the more familiar adrenaline activities of tandem skydiving and bungy-jumping.
Sydney
Sydney is Australia's oldest city, the economic powerhouse of the nation and the country's capital in everything but name. It's blessed with sun-drenched natural attractions, dizzy skyscrapers, delicious and daring restaurants, superb shopping and friendly folk.
Although it's come a long way from its convict beginnings, Sydney still has a rough and ready energy, and offers an invigorating blend of the old and the new, the raw and the refined. While high culture attracts some to the Opera House, gaudy nightlife attracts others to Kings Cross.
Population 4,400,000
Currency Name: Australian Dollar
Electrical Plugs
220-240V 50Hz
Time Zones GMT/UTC +10 (Eastern Standard Time)
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/australia/sydney/
Dubai
Dubai today is flashy, fun and slightly surreal. Renowned for its sand, sun and shopping, it was once a tranquil town of coral-and-gypsum courtyard houses built by Persian traders and palm-frond huts housing Bedouin fisherman and pearl divers. Today shiny new skyscrapers reflect the mosques and wind towers of Old Dubai.
The audacity of the city's rulers is breathtaking. Running out of coastline to build hotels? Build vast artificial islands with 120km (74.5mi) of new beachfront. Need better connections with the world? Build up an award-winning international airline in 15 years.
Population 1,400,000
Currency Name: United Arab Emirates dirham
Electrical Plugs
220V 50Hz
Languages Spoken Official: Arabic
Time Zones GMT/UTC +4 (Standard Time)
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/united-arab-emirates/dubai/