Task 2 · Listening · Variant 8

Helen: Ok, Owen. What do we need for our project?

Owen: As far as I understand, we should decide on the top 5 places to visit in one of the former British colonies.

Helen: Hm, let me think. Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, Pakistan... What else?

Owen: That's more than enough. I know a lot about Canada, because my mum came from Toronto. I'm used to spending my summer holidays there or in Delhi, because my dad is from India. But honestly, for the project, these two are my least favourite options.

Helen: Well, my last project was devoted to Australia and I'm not particularly fond of Pakistan. Shall we consider New Zealand as an option?

Owen: Ok. Let's google it.

Helen: Look, this site recommends spending at least a day or two in Auckland, which is named one of the top 10 cities in the world by Lonely Planet. There are lots of museums, shops and restaurants.

Owen: Wellington is as interesting a city as Auckland with vibrant art scene, great food, and the Amazing Te Papa museum of New Zealand. It is a gorgeous and compact city with heaps of art and sport and food!

Helen: Ok. Let Auckland be number one on our list, and Wellington — number two. And...

Owen: ...and I've found our numbers three and four. The Waitomo Glow-worm Caves, which are naturally illuminated by thousands of glow-worms, are thought to be among the best places to go in New Zealand. And then, a really unique adventure — black-water rafting down an underground stream. It's written that it's pitch-dark (except for the glow-worms in the cave), and people do everything from jumping off waterfalls to rappelling down cave walls.

Helen: Great! I'd also prefer including some of the off-the-beaten track and less touristy places. Look what I've found: the West Coast of the South Island has one of the most beautiful drives with mountains, world heritage forests and glaciers. It's even possible to take one of the smaller overnight cruises for a real glimpse of what it would have been like to arrive in the country by boat 150 years ago. Also, some people suggest going to Stewart Island for birdlife and one of the few chances to see kiwi.

Owen: I'd personally go for a kiwi as our number 5.

Helen: I agree… I'd love it there… Less people and lots of beautiful beaches, and birds, and wonderful places to eat. We would enjoy kiwi while watching the kiwi.