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GETTING THERE : It is very important to do some research into airfares. Again, if you are a student, work with a student travel agent to get the best airfares. Some airlines do not have student age limits, but others do. It is a big money saver if you find one that agrees that there are 26 year old students! If traveling from the States, you'll likely fly through LA. Obviously it is best to visit all of these collections in one trip- it is a long time to be away, but the most cost effective way. I was talked into buying a special boomarang pass through Quantas, but this may not be a good deal. Check the exchange rates before you go! It might be much less expensive to buy the within country tickets once you arrive (as long as you have a few days before each flight). Air New Zealand, Quantas, and Ansett Australia/New Zealand do not have the huge price hikes characteristic of US airlines if tickets are purchased less than two weeks in advance. I found that with an international ticket and/or a student ID, I could get significant discounts on the flights. In many cases I had spent $200US per flight for the Quantas pass, when some of the flights could have cost only about $100US if I had booked them in Australia/New Zealand. It may be worthwhile to call an Australian/New Zealand travel agent. Even an expensive phone call would have saved me a lot.
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STAYING THERE: I booked most of my rooms/hotels while in the country, except of course for my first nights. Many of the places I stayed are from typical tourist information books. Backpackers and hostels are common. You might come across the following listings in guides like the Lonely Planet etc.( I stayed at these and all were very good and not too expensive): Bavaria Guest House (Auckland- B&B), Sydney City Centre Serviced Apartments (Sydney- interesting dorm style with room for at least 4, small kitchen, bath, even washer/dryer), The Victoria Hotel (Melbourne, traditional hotel, close to museum).
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MUSEUM TIPS: The Pacific collections are quite different from their European counterparts. Generally they are newer, brighter and cleaner with a more energetic atmosphere. Be prepared to go for tea and/or lunch with museum staff. Plan on visiting during work hours only.
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GENERAL INFORMATION: This is simply a long trip to beautiful places that you might never get a chance to be a few hours away from again. Please visit some of the nearby countryside. There are plenty of tours available. I am especially fond of the South Island of New Zealand where you can visit fiordland and numerous glaciers as well as rainforest. The North Island it a completely different world and has its own charms. Consider a day trip just north of Auckland to see some beautiful beaches and forests, as filmed in the movie "The Piano." New Zealand is a brilliant place to go for long distance (3-4 day) hikes. In Australia, try and see the Great Barrier Reef, Ayers Rock, the Blue Mountains (day trip from Sydney) and the Great Ocean Road (day trip from Melbourne).
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denotes a collection with particularly exceptional material
