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Discover 2007-8 Gap Year Adventures & Online Holiday Diary Ideas

Step into our journey and explore unique online holiday diary ideas. Our 2007-8 gap year adventure spans across California, Fiji, Samoa, and beyond, inspiring you to create your own engaging travel stories. Discover unforgettable experiences, tips, and resources to document your travels. Start your adventure today with our online holiday diary ideas!

🌍 2007 Travel Route Map (Up to 31 Dec 2007)

USA → Fiji → Samoa → Tonga → New Zealand (North Island)

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1) USA – California (26 Oct – 1 Nov 2007)

Route sequence

  • Los Angeles (arrival)

  • San Jose (Delta 7772 to SJC)

  • Morgan Hill (base)

  • Monterey

  • Carmel

  • Big Sur (Highway 1)

  • Santa Monica County Park

  • Henry W. Coe State Park

  • Leroy Anderson Lake

  • Quicksilver Mercury Mine

  • Cannery Row

  • Rocky Creek Bridge

  • San Francisco (Candlestick Park etc.)

  • Return to LAX → onward flight to Fiji

🌴 2) Fiji – Viti Levu & Vanua Levu (2–13 Nov 2007)

  • Route sequence

  • Nadi (arrival on Viti Levu)

  • Flight to Savusavu (Vanua Levu)

  • Sewaka Beach Cottage (base)

  • Savusavu town

  • Hibiscus Highway

  • Labasa (north Vanua Levu)

  • Hot Springs Hotel (Savusavu)

  • Jean‑Michel Cousteau Resort

  • Urata Village

  • Return to Savusavu Airport

  • Flight Savusavu → Labasa → Nadi → Samoa

3) Western Samoa – Upolu & Savai’i (13–28 Nov 2007)

  • Route sequence Upolu

  • Apia (Princess Tui Inn → Insel Fehrman Hotel)

  • Aggie Grey’s Hotel

  • Apia town & harbour

  • Ferry terminal (Mulifanua)

  • Savai’i

  • Ferry Upolu → Savai’i

  • Savai’i Lagoon Resort (base)

  • Alofaaga Blowholes

  • Lava Fields

  • Swimming with turtles

  • Villages along the north & south coasts

  • Return ferry Savai’i → Upolu

  • Back on Upolu

  • Outrigger Hotel

  • Robert Louis Stevenson House

  • Cross‑Island Road

  • Beaches & coastal villages

  • Faleolo Airport → flight to Tonga

4) Tonga – Tongatapu & Atata Island (28 Nov – 10 Dec 2007)

  • Route sequence

  • Nuku’alofa (arrival)

  • International Dateline Hotel

  • Tongatapu Island loop

  • Houma Blowholes

  • Atata Island

  • Local villages, markets, harbours

  • Royal Palace area

  • Return to Nuku’alofa Airport → flight to Auckland

5) New Zealand – North Island (10–31 Dec 2007)

(Covers only up to 31/12/2007 as requested)

Auckland Region (10–16 Dec)

  • Auckland (Remuera base)

  • Newmarket

  • Parnell

  • Downtown Auckland

  • Harbour Bridge

  • Glenfield

  • Sylvia Park

  • Auckland Botanic Gardens

  • Mission Bay / St Heliers / Kohimarama

  • Devonport (via ferry)

  • Herne Bay

  • Sky Tower

  • Ice Bar (Lenin’s)

North of Auckland (16–25 Dec)

  • Orewa

  • Warkworth

  • Snells Beach

  • Sandspit

  • Puhoi

  • Dargaville

  • Baylys Beach

  • Waipoua Forest (giant kauri)

  • Rawene → Kohukohu ferry

  • Mangonui

  • Coopers Beach

  • Doubtless Bay

  • Paihia

  • Haruru Falls

  • Waipu Cove

Central North Island (27–31 Dec)

  • Base: Golden Springs (between Rotorua & Taupo)

  • Rotorua

  • Wai‑O‑Tapu Thermal Wonderland

  • Polynesian Spa

  • Huka Falls Jet

  • Prawn Park

  • Lake Taupo

  • Taupo town

  • Turangi

  • Tongariro National Park (volcanoes, Chateau Tongariro)

  • Ends 31/12/2007

  • Taupo (New Year’s Eve at Finn McCoull’s)

  • Return to Golden Springs

7 Route Visuals

SUMMARY

  • Los Angeles

  • San Jose

  • Morgan Hill

  • Fiji (Nadi)

  • Fiji (Robinson Crusoe Island)

  • Fiji (Nadi return)

  • Samoa (Apia)

  • Samoa (Savai’i)

  • Samoa (Apia return)

  • Tonga (Nuku’alofa)

  • Tonga (Fafa Island)

  • Tonga (Nuku’alofa return)

  • New Zealand — Auckland

  • New Zealand — Whangarei

  • New Zealand — Paihia

  • New Zealand — Kerikeri

  • New Zealand — Waipoua Forest

  • New Zealand — Dargaville

  • New Zealand — Hamilton

  • New Zealand — Waitomo

  • New Zealand — Rotorua

  • New Zealand — Taupō

  • New Zealand — Tongariro National Park

2007 route postcard by KHWD

🌍 Travel Route for 2008 (Starting 1 January 2008)

New Zealand → Australia → Singapore → Hong Kong → UK & Home 

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New Zealand (North & South Islands)

1 Jan 2008 → mid‑Feb 2008

  • Auckland

  • Coromandel Peninsula

  • Whitianga

  • Hot Water Beach

  • Hahei

  • Rotorua

  • Taupō

  • Napier

  • Wellington

  • Picton

  • Nelson

  • Abel Tasman National Park

  • Greymouth

  • Hokitika

  • Franz Josef Glacier

  • Fox Glacier

  • Haast

  • Wanaka

  • Queenstown

  • Te Anau

  • Milford Sound

  • Dunedin

  • Oamaru

  • Timaru

  • Christchurch

  • Kaikōura

  • Blenheim

  • Picton (return)

  • Wellington (return)

  • Auckland (return for onward flight)

Australia

  • mid‑Feb 2008 → March 2008

  • Sydney

  • Manly

  • Bondi

  • Blue Mountains

  • Katoomba

  • Cairns

  • Great Barrier Reef (cruise/reef trips)

  • Kuranda

  • Brisbane

  • Gold Coast

  • Surfers Paradise

  • Byron Bay

  • Coffs Harbour

  • Port Macquarie

  • Newcastle

  • Sydney (return for onward flight)

Singapore

  • March 2008

  • Note in fairness in 2008 we were just passing thru Changi en route but all the following we have been to on our many trips to Singapore

  • Orchard Road

  • Clarke Quay

  • Boat Quay

  • Singapore River

  • Chinatown

  • Little India

  • Sentosa Island

  • Mount Faber

  • Singapore Zoo / Night Safari

  • Raffles Hotel

  • Marina Bay (early development era)

Hong Kong

  • Late March 2008 → trip end

  • Kowloon

  • Tsim Sha Tsui

  • Nathan Road

  • Mong Kok

  • Hong Kong Island

  • Central District

  • Victoria Peak

  • Aberdeen

  • Stanley

  • Repulse Bay

  • Lantau Island

  • Po Lin Monastery

  • Big Buddha

  • Star Ferry

  • Temple Street Night Market

8 Route Visuals
trael route postcd 2008

SUMMARY

  • Auckland

  • Coromandel

  • Whitianga

  • Hot Water Beach

  • Hahei

  • Rotorua

  • Taupō

  • Napier

  • Wellington

  • Picton

  • Nelson

  • Abel Tasman

  • Greymouth

  • Hokitika

  • Franz Josef

  • Fox Glacier

  • Haast

  • Wanaka

  • Queenstown

  • Te Anau

  • Milford Sound

  • Dunedin

  • Oamaru

  • Timaru

  • Christchurch

  • Kaikōura

  • Blenheim

  • Wellington

  • Auckland

  • Sydney

  • Blue Mountains

  • Cairns

  • Great Barrier Reef

  • Brisbane

  • Gold Coast

  • Byron Bay

  • Coffs Harbour

  • Port Macquarie

  • Newcastle

  • Sydney

  • Singapore

  • ​Hong Kong

Our Outdoor Travel Blog for 2007 & 2008

gap year 2007-8 original site logo created by graphics corps software ,included in a Travel blog created by KeefH Web Designs

GAP YEAR Travel Blog | HOLIDAY 2007-8 | KeefH Web Designs

 

On the 31st July 2007, I had the opportunity to take early retirement and a redundancy package from my then employer, which afforded us the chance to travel and realize a lifelong dream of returning to Australia, the place of both our youths. We named this experience HOLIDAY 2007-8. While planning that HOLIDAY 2007-8 opportunity and packing up our property (we let it through an agency to Polish railway workers, which helped provide additional funding for our HOLIDAY 2007-8 adventures), I also focused on ensuring our website reflected the best travel website design standards to share our journey effectively. We decided to include stops in California, New Zealand, Hong Kong, and several Pacific islands, drawing inspiration from my love of rugby, especially the Fijian 7s rugby. Annie took early retirement too, and together we embarked on the first big adventure of a lifetime.

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Created for customer by KeefH Web Designs, a travel blog website that covers the holiday 2007-8. This site covers a gap year long holiday to America, California, the pacific islands, Fiji (both main islands), Western Samoa (both main islands, savaii and upolu), tonga (and 1 island , daydream resort), Australia, New Zealand (all 3 islands, north, south and stewart) and a break touchdown at changi airport, singapore. That is Holiday 2007-8 in a nutshell. Read on, see more of our exploits from our Holiday 2007-8.

the ghan poster by KHWD

2007 and 2008 A Gap Year "Down Under" 

We visited California, USA, Pacific Islands...Fiji, Western Samoa & Tonga, New Zealand, Australia, Singapore & Hong Kong

Family-Friendly Activities for Holidaying in 2007 and 2008

Creating Cherished Memories for Everyone

When it comes to planning a family holiday, finding activities that cater to everyone's interests and create lasting memories can be a challenge. Thankfully, Holiday2007-8.co.uk offers a wide range of family-friendly activities that are sure to delight both children and adults alike. With a focus on creating cherished memories, this website is a go-to resource for families looking to make the most of their vacation.

One of the highlights of Holiday2007-8.co.uk is its extensive selection of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for thrilling adventures or more relaxed outings, there is something for everyone. From hiking and biking trails to water sports and fishing, the website provides a comprehensive list of options to suit every family's preferences. With picturesque locations and breathtaking scenery, these activities offer the perfect backdrop for creating unforgettable memories.

For families who prefer indoor entertainment, Holiday2007-8.co.uk has got you covered as well. The website features a wide range of family-friendly attractions, including zoos, museums, and amusement parks. With interactive exhibits and exciting rides, these venues provide endless fun for children while ensuring that parents can also enjoy their time. Whether it's learning about wildlife, exploring historical artifacts, or enjoying thrilling roller coasters, families are guaranteed an unforgettable experience.

In addition to activities, Holiday2007-8.co.uk also offers valuable information on family-friendly accommodations and dining options. The website provides an extensive list of hotels, holiday cottages, and resorts that are known for their excellent facilities and services for families. From spacious rooms to on-site recreational activities, these accommodations go the extra mile to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay for all. Furthermore, the website also offers recommendations for family-friendly restaurants, ensuring that delicious meals are always within reach.

What sets Holiday2007-8.co.uk apart is its emphasis on creating cherished memories. The website goes beyond providing a list of activities and attractions by suggesting ways to make the most of these experiences. It offers tips on capturing special moments through photography, journaling, and even creating personalized keepsakes. By encouraging families to document and reflect on their holiday adventures, the website helps create a treasure trove of memories that can be cherished for a lifetime.

In conclusion, if you're seeking a family holiday filled with fun and memorable experiences, look no further than Holiday2007-8.co.uk. With its multitude of family-friendly activities, accommodations, and dining options, this website provides all the necessary resources for a successful vacation. From outdoor adventures to indoor entertainment, there is something for every member of the family to enjoy. So, why wait? Visit https://www.holiday2007-8.co.uk/ and start planning your next vacation, where unforgettable memories are waiting to be made.
For more information contact us anytime via the KeefH Web Designs website

the travellers at Uluru at sunset
annie fossicking lightening ridge
Us top of the neck stairs, bruny island, tasmania
summary chart of gap year included in a Travel blog created by KeefH Web Designs

 
GAP YEAR TRANSPORTATION : Below is the detailed summary of our round the world travels in 2007-8, where we travelled on trains, boats and planes and a whole lot more for 10½ months through America, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, New Zealand, Australia, Singapore & Hong Kong - starting and ending at Heathrow interestingly our Round The World (RTW) ticket said we started and arrived at Heathrow Terminal 1,but by the time we returned Heathrow had been reorganised and we came back to the now infamous Terminal 3 (T3 Tears as it is known in our family)  

main summary chart included in a Travel blog created by KeefH Web Designs
2008 Diary

Pre Trip Planning

01.

INTRO

Words from our 2007-8 gap year trip were written before we left home , we constructed the old photo website, which we used on our travels to let people back home know what we were doing or possibly more importantly that we were still alive. A few pictures and details were added pre-travel to show what we expected and had planned to do. The reality as always was probably slightly different but the big picture in the plan we fundamentally achieved and we are very proud of that fact! (Note our original words written on our travels are in ITALICS ;) ) You will see them at the start of each page. They were culled from our old Graphicorps website.

 

NOTES

it was Polish railway workers who rented our house not as suggested by Belvoir! Austrians.

Whilst we were away on our 2007-8 trip , we paid A$31 each for a 6 month Australian Visa.

Post being there, Samoa has since swapped to the other side of the international date line, which makes travelling from Fiji to Samoa to Tonga, which we did a whole lot easier. “where did we lose that day?”
Also whilst there our rip-off Samoan taxi driver told us  they were looking at changing the side of the road they drive on, which would be a huge expense for a poor Pacific Island country, not sure they ever did!

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WORDS

We leave on the 26/10/2007!!!! for our HOLIDAY 2007-8 trip, yippee!

A few things as we prepare for our GREAT ADVENTURE. It has been interesting packing, getting lodgers (we now have a bunch of Austrian engineers) and generally booking the trip. In between we have been visiting / saying our goodbyes to various friends and relatives (you may be in the rogues gallery here!!!) we will miss you all but remember a year isn't that long and technology (one of Keef's favourite words) will keep us in touch. It just ain't like Vasco De Gama's day these days....Bon Voyage, and hopefully enjoy the site

All overall feedback on this site should be directed to keefhwebdesigns@outlook.com and should cover only HOLIDAY 2007-8

Note: You can leave ratings against any photo, we would love to see them UPDATE in 2020 Sadly you can no longer do this technically for site HOLIDAY 2007-8, apologies 

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02.

03.

our storage room before the big trip downunder 2007
2007 gap year storage room list
time chart for travels 2007-8
albino koala cutout by KHWD
money conversion chart for travels 2007-8
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