Australia New Zealand

Australia New Zealand Jewish tours

Come to the lands “Down Under” for the trip of a lifetime! Experience sheer delight as we travelfrom highlight to highlight, from the breathtaking natural beauty of New Zealand and Northern Australia, to welcoming, exciting cities like Sydney, Melbourne and Auckland. Enjoy the majesty of fjords, shooting geysers, tropical jungles and the legendary Great Barrier Reef, while absorbing the fascinating, ancient cultures of the Maoris and Aborigines. From mist-clad mountains to beaches to cosmopolitan luxury, say “G’day” to a thrilling yet familiar outpost of the Western World on one of these Jewish Tours to Australia New Zealand.

Day 01 Tuesday Departure USA

Departure on your flight from Los Angeles bound for New Zealand.

Day 02 Wednesday In the air

Cross the International Date Line (loose a day)!

Day 03 Thursday Arrival in Auckland

“Haere Mai” – Welcome!. Your Deluxe Hotel awaits your early arrival, so you can shower and rest in luxury before beginning your adventures Down Under. In the afternoon, enjoy a tour of Jewish Auckland and enjoy a friendly afternoon Tea with members of the local Jewish Community. Welcome Dinner. Hotel.

Day 04 Friday Auckland

Full Breakfast. This morning discover Auckland, the “Gateway City” of New Zealand. See Queen Street, the central business and shopping district, drive past the University, the old Government House and the War Memorial Museum, housing the world’s finest collection of Maori artifacts. Visit quaint Parnell Village and Rose Gardens, then on to Mount Eden with panoramic views of the city. Now for a real treat: Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World transports you into a “white-out” and an ice cave, recreating the incredible conditions of the famous explorers. Later, travel to spectacular West Auckland and the Waitakere Ranges. Enjoy the Scenic Drive through thick forest, black beaches and fertile vineyards. Auckland’s West Coast is a gorgeous area, with the sea pounding on rocks and high cliffs. Visit Muriwai Beach, nesting place of the gannet, a lovely indigenous sea bird. Next, travel to a Winery for a Tasting of some of the region’s premium vintages. Remainder of the afternoon at leisure to enjoy the many activities and sights available in this bustling city. Dinner. Hotel.

Day 05 Saturday Auckland – Rotorua

Full Breakfast. Depart Auckland, traveling to the Bombay Hills, which supply Auckland with produce, and through Ngaruawahia, home of the Maori Queen. Passing Hamilton, New Zealand’s largest inland city, we arrive at legendary Rotorua. Rotorua has the most thermal activity in the country, with boiling mud pools, gurgling hot springs, and gushing geysers. Our first stop will be Rainbow Springs, with its nocturnal Kiwi House, then on to a wildlife area with animals found only at this end of the earth. Next, a real treat: at the Agrodome Farm Show, enjoy shearing demonstrations and sheepdog trials. Continue to the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve, housing the Maori Arts & Craft Institute. This reserve features the Pohutu Geyser and more than 500 springs, varying from cold to violently boiling. In the evening, enjoy a Maori Hangi Dinner. The enchanting traditional Maori performances will give you valuable insight into this intriguing cultural heritage. Hotel.

Day 06 Sunday Rotorua – Queenstown

After a Full Breakfast, transfer to Rotorua Airport for the short flight to picturesque Queenstown. Queenstown is a year-round resort, with skiing in the winter, and a host of summer activities focusing on the mountains, lakes, and rivers of Central Otago. It also boasts a bustling town center which is abuzz every night with lively cafes and restaurants. This evening, leave by an aerial Gondola ride to Bob’s Peak for dinner at the famous Skyline Restaurant. Enjoy expansive views of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and the remarkable Mountains.Hotel.

Day 07 Monday Queenstown – Arrowtown – Queenstown

Full Breakfast. Today, we travel to the historic township of Arrowtown, largely unchanged from the Gold Rush days of the 1860’s. Enjoy the colonial cottages and shops, and visit the Lake District Museum with its collection of mining tools, and early settlers’ furniture, clothing and household items. Next, stop at Gibbston Valley Winery for a tour tasting of some of the region’s famed wines. Return to Queenstown for afternoon at leisure to enjoy many of the scenic activities available in this region. Dinner at Walter’s Peak, reached by a nostalgic cruise on the TSS Earnslaw. An entertaining after-dinner show provides a glimpse into the traditional farming life. Hotel.

Day 08 Tuesday Queenstown – Milford Sound – Queeenstown

Full Breakfast. Leaving Queenstown, we cross the spectacular landscape of the Waimea Plains and reach Lake Te Anau, gateway to the grandeur of Fjordland National Park. A steep descent down the Cleddau Canyon brings us to majestic Milford Sound, where you will enjoy a breathtaking cruise. Sheer mountain walls tower above the tranquil waters of the Sound, gouged out by Ice Age glaciers. Gigantic waterfalls tumble into the fjord from mountain-locked lakes. Enjoy Lunch on board. Return to Queensland via spectacular mountain scenery and moody waterfalls, and along the shores of beautiful Lake Wakatipu. Hotel.

Day 09 Wednesday Queenstown – Mt. Cook – Christchurch

Full Breakfast. Depart Queenstown heading towards Mount Cook National Park. Together with the Westland National Park, it forms a World Heritage Park, boasting more than 140 peaks over 6500ft, the tallest of which is Mount Cook – the highest peak in Australasia. Enjoy Lunch at the Hermitage Hotel at Mt. Cook. Later continue to one of New Zealand’s landmarks, the Church of the Good Shepherd, overlooking the sparkling turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo. Continue through the “patchwork quilt-like” Canterbury Plains to Christchurch . Dinner.Hotel.

Day 10 Thursday Christchurch

Full Breakfast. Christchurch is the serenely beautiful garden city, often described as the most English of New Zealand’s cities. The Avon River, fringed by weeping willows, flows quietly through the city. Additionally, Christchurch boasts a lively cultural scene, with excellent shopping, numerous chic restaurants, cafes and wine bars. See Cathedral Square, Mona Vale, Deans Bush & Cottage and Canterbury’s first European settlement. Traveling via the Summit Road, we will enjoy spectacular views of the Canterbury Plains, Southern Alps and the city of Christchurch. Afternoon at leisure. Dinner. Hotel.

Day 11 Friday Christchurch – Melbourne

Full Breakfast. Transfer to Christchurch Airport for a flight bound for Melbourne, one of Australia’s two main cities. “Haere Ra” – Farewell to beautiful New Zealand. And now, welcome to Australia! Remainder of the day at leisure. Dinner.Hotel.

Day 12 Saturday Melbourne

Collection before breakfast by Aboriginal guide, who will take us to the Melbourne Museum. Enjoy a Full Breakfast in this fascinating complex. We will visit the Museum’s Bunjiaka Aboriginal Centre, seeing artifacts and learning the traditions of this native Australian culture. Next, we will travel to the Royal Botanic Gardens for a Heritage Walk. Lunch included during the tour. Return to hotel for an afternoon at leisure. Hotel.

Day 13 Sunday Melbourne – Phillips Island – Melbourne

Full Breakfast. After a morning at leisure, we will pay tribute to Jewish Australia, including a visit to the Holocaust Museum & Synagogue at St. Kilda. Enjoy Lunch at the Melbourne Jewish Community Center. In the afternoon, we tour Phillips Island, absorbing the peace of this sleepy inland paradise, and visiting its Penguin Reserve. We will also visit the Koala Conservation Centre for a stroll along a tree-top boardwalk. Next, the Penguin Parade on Summerland Beach, one of Australia’s most lovable attractions! Witness the penguins’ daily journey from the sea to the land, returning to their nests to feed their awaiting families. Boardwalks and platforms ensure the view and protect the penguins.Return to Melbourne in the evening. Hotel.

Day 14 Monday Melbourne – Cairns

Full Breakfast. Transfer to Melbourne Airport for the flight to Cairns. On arrival, we will visit the Hartley Crocodile Zoo, the best place to see the famous Australian “crocs” in their natural habitat. Enjoy time at the Zoo before returning to Cairns and your hotel. Dinner. Hotel.

Day 15 Tuesday Cairns – Great Barrier Reef – Cairns

Full Breakfast. Join Great Adventures for your full day Green Island Adventure in the Great Barrier Reef. Green Island is a beautiful, 6,000 year old coral quay. This is the perfect place for strolling through cool rainforest, lazing on white coral sands, swimming or snorkeling in the warm water of Great Barrier Reef. See the Reef onboard a glass-bottom boat or just relax around the luxurious Day Visitor facilities. Lunch included during the excursion. Hotel.

Day 16 Wednesday Cairns – Kuranda – Cairns

Full Breakfast. Today we board the Kuranda ScenicTrain. Sit back and enjoy the spectacular views, as we journey through hand-cut tunnels and pass through spectacular waterfalls. Arrive in Kuranda, where you can check out the local markets and village. Later, at the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, enjoy the wonders of “The World’s Most Beautiful Rainforest Experience” as you glide over the rainforest canopy. On your descent, be transported back to the “Dreamtime” by myths and legends of the indigenous people of North Queensland at the Tjapukai Cultural Theme Park. Enjoy full Buffet Lunch before taking the opportunity to visit the History and Creation Theatres as well as the Bush Camp. Hotel.

Day 17 Thursday Cairns – Sydney

Full Breakfast. Transfer to Cairns Airport bound for Sydney, one of the most unforgettable cities in the world. Remainder of the day is at leisure to explore this gorgeous metropolis. This evening, Dinner at a Waterfront Restaurant, whose breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour and the magnificent sails of the Sydney Opera House make this an unforgettable night. The restaurant has been carefully decorated with restored nautical treasures to create an intimate and special dining experience. Hotel.

Day 18 Friday Sydney

Full Breakfast. Our tour of spectacular Sydney begins with a visit to the Sydney Jewish Museum. Visit the Rocks, Sydney’s birthplace. See Hyde Park, lively Kings Cross, charming Paddington, famous Bondi Beach and Mrs Macquaries’ Chair for superb views of the Harbour. Next, we make our way to Circular Quay for your Captain Cook Luncheon Cruise. Enjoy a lavish Luncheon Buffet on board. Afternoon at leisure.Hotel.

Day 19 Saturday Sydney

Full Breakfast. Full Day at leisure to enjoy this magnificent and lively world-class city. This evening, enjoy a Farewell dinner. Hotel.

Day 20 Sunday Sydney – USA

Full Breakfast. Today, we say goodbye to Australia as we transfer to Sydney airport. Arrive in Los Angeles hours before you left, as you have once again crossed the International Date Line. Welcome back!