Best of Australia and New Zealand
Boasting a whole class of species that cannot be found anywhere else, terrain as diverse as the Red Center and the green and blue tropical coast, this truly is a land like no other!
Separated by the raging “Tasman Sea” neighboring New Zealand too is a land of exquisite beauty, complete with glaciers, fjords, volcanic lakes, snow-covered mountain ranges, as well as thermal springs and pools of virtually every color.
Tuesday Dec 10- Monday Dec 23, 2024
AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND DEC 10-23
With endless sunshine, beautiful beaches, friendly wildlife, natural wonders, and dramatic deserts, Australia is the smallest continent, yet one of the largest countries on Earth.
'NO WORRIES'
On this luxury kosher trip, we enjoy 14 days of incredible scenery, gourmet kosher food, luxury hotels and fascinating culture. We will experience this breathtaking tour together relishing in adventure, fun and unforgettable memories!
“It turns out that travel heaven just might be down under! With its vast and varied landscapes, unique wildlife, and white-sand beaches, Australia is one of the most interesting continents around” unknown
Itinerary
After landing early morning or the night before in Cairns, our tour begins here in tropical North-Queensland, gateway to two world-class wonders of nature: The Great Barrier Reef, and the Daintree Rainforests.
Today, we explore the magnificent Daintree Rainforests, one of the largest rainforests systems on Earth.
We drive up the mountains through incredible scenery to the rainforest village of Kuranda, explore the village and its numerous attractions and take the incredible sky rail down, over the river-gorge and rainforests, back to the coast. We also visit a crocodile refuge, getting to know one of Australia’s most famous wildlife species.
Today experience up close one of the Seven Wonders of the natural world, the largest coral reef on the planet, which stretches 1000 miles from one side to the other!
We depart Port-Douglas by boat, cruising through crystal-clear waters to the fixed pontoons in the heart of the reef, from where we have a chance to snorkel, and for those able, to even go diving.
If you prefer to remain dry, the pontoons have under-water observatories from which the incredible life of the reef can be observed.
A relaxed cruise takes us back to our hotel, for a well-deserved dinner.
Today we fly south to visit another famous Australian city. On our muchawaited arrival in Melbourne, we are met at the airport, and taken for a walking tour of this colorful and dynamic city, where we explore the modern city center, the Yarra River-front with its eclectic bars and coffee-shops, and some of its contrasting quaint side-alleys.
We then check into our hotel and tonight enjoy dinner at a kosher restaurant in Melbourne’s Jewish area of Caulfield.
Taking an early leave of Melbourne with some great views of this famous city, we travel west along the highway towards the “Great Ocean Road”.
This is 243 kilometers of road along the south-eastern coast of Australia between the Victorian cities of Torquay and Allansford, an Australian National Heritage, that is known as one of the most beautiful coastal routes on the planet.
On this drive, we will see some of the most magnificent formations of the western “Great Ocean Road”, including the “postcard perfect” limestone Twelve Apostles, Gibson’s steps, Loch Ard Gorge, grotto, and London Arch.
From the 12 Apostles, we drive the Great Ocean Road East back towards Melbourne.
En route, we’ll see spectacular coastal scenery, look for wild koalas and Australian parrots at Kennett River; and explore the rain forest at Great Otway National Park with its grey kangaroos and swamp wallabies among other animals.
We enjoy a memorable Shabbos with the Jewish Community in Melbourne, with the East Melbourne Shul just a few minutes walk from our hotel.
After lunch, there will be the option of a walking tour in the hotel’s environs.
We will explore some of the incredible scenery around the city’s waterfront, with a unique chance of viewing penguins. We will have some time for shopping too.
This morning, we rise early and fly to Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city. After a light lunch at the kosher deli and a short drive through the city center, we drive through “Lord of the Rings” country, to the incredible Waitomo Caves complex, where we visit some of the world’s most beautiful showcaves.
The highlight of the day is a short underground boat-cruise lit up by thousands of glow worms that resemble the star-filled vacuum of outer space!
From here, we carry on to the thermal lands of Rotorua.
Rotorua is all about geysers and volcanic activity, and today we explore some of the incredible thermal sites of this region.
We will take a cruise of Lake Rotorua, admiring the smoking geysers along the shore, and visit a Maori village, where we learn about the local culture.
In the early morning on the next day, we fly to Queenstown.
30 min drive from Rotorua, the Wai-Tapu Thermal wonderland is the showcase of the region, and we spend a couple of hours exploring its incredible thermal pools and vistas from the boardwalks and trails of the reserve.
With multicolored pools like the “Artist’s Palette” and “Champagne Pools”, this walk provides some of the most unique and incredible views on the planet.
We take an early flight this morning to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital.
Wellington was deemed “The Coolest Little Capital” by Lonely Planet, and it certainly lives up to the name! Located on the North Island of New Zealand, Wellington is filled with outdoor adventure, arts and culture, and quirky festivals.
A shuttle will await us at the airport to go around this vibrant city for a few hours before our connecting flight to Queenstown.
At our arrival in Queenstown, we will be taken to the Skyline Gondolas. The Gondola carries visitors high above Queenstown to the Skyline complex. The best views in the region are found here, spread out in a spectacular panorama with breathtaking views of Coronet Peak, The Remarkables mountain range and across Lake Wakatipu to Cecil and Walter Peak.
While at the complex, be brave and take a fun ride in one of the Luges!
We then cross the Southern Alps to the Canterbury plains, stopping at the pristine Lake Tekapo and the sheep farming village of Tweezel, en route to Christ-Church, the largest city on the South Island, famous for its rebuilding efforts after a series of devastating earthquakes. Time permitting, we enjoy a walking tour of this quaint and colorful city, after which we drive to the airport for our evening flight to the thermal-lands of Rotorua.
This breathtaking, glacier-sculpted fiord, with its vertical cliffs, mountain peaks and waterfalls, was described by Rudyard Kipling as the ‘eighth wonder of the world’, and as New Zealand’s most popular natural spectacle, is truly worth the long drive. The drive to Milford sound takes in some of the best scenery of the South-Island.
Following a coffee stop in the picturesque town of Te Anau, we drive past waterfalls, lakes, and forests, and through the spectacular Homer Tunnel, before making the dramatic descent into the fjord.
We then enjoy the highlight of the day, a boat cruise on the sound. For those who prefer to return to Queenstown by plane - an unforgettable scenic flight can be added at own cost.
On Friday, we leave New Zealand behind and fly to Sydney, Australia’s most famous city. Over the next few days, we enjoy the sights and sounds of Sydney, including Hyde Park, the famous Opera House, the Botanical Gardens, the Rocks, an incredible boat excursion in the harbor, and of course, some free time for shopping.
In addition, an unforgettable Shabbat awaits in the famous Bondi-Beach neighborhood, both the center of the Jewish community and one of the most popular tourist spots of Sydney.
On Shabbat afternoon, the walking enthusiasts can enjoy part of the spectacular coastal walk from Bondi to Coojee. We also include a day tour to the magnificent Blue Mountains during our stay.
On Monday, in the late afternoon, we transfer to the airport for our international flights home, rich with incredible memories of our time down-under.
Tuesday Dec 10-Monday Dec 23, 2024
Arrive: Tuesday morning by latest 10am, Dec 10, Cairns (or night before)
Depart: Monday evening, Dec 23 from Sydney
$16,000 per person sharing; Single supplement: $3000
extra night and dinner in Cairns early arrival: $500
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Luxury accommodation as follows: Sydney: Adina Suites Hotel Bondi; Melbourne: Park Hyatt; Barrier Reef: Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas; Rotorua: Pullman Rotorua; Queenstown: Sofitel Hotel or Luxury Villas. All accommodations are subject to change based upon availability and scheduling.
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Freshly prepared Glatt-kosher Gourmet Kosher meals daily, under our strict hashgacha
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Packed lunch on day’s out
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Snacks and plenty bottled water on excursions; drinks during meals
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Quality kosher wines served at dinner
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Experienced English-speaking guides throughout the trip
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Air-conditioned vehicle for all transfer and touring transportation
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Airport transfers
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Excursions and activities per itinerary except where marked as own cost
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All entrance fees
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Government tax & Service charges
What’s not Included?
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Tips – 6%
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International airfares
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Domestic Flights
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Visas and airport taxes
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Travel insurance
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Hotel upgrades (enquire for options)
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Personal expenses
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Australazia
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Unless you are an Australian citizen, you will need a valid Australian visa to enter the country. All foreign passport holders, regardless of age, must apply for a visa before leaving home. You can apply for a range of Australian visa types, including tourist visas, via the ETA app or on the Department of Home Affairs website.
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U.S. citizens are able to apply for an electronic travel authority on-line, and must be sure to have it printed out.
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All foreign travelers, incl. United States passport holders will usually require a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) to enter New Zealand. An NZeTA is valid for 2 years. The processing time may take up to 72 hours.
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Passports: Your passport has to be valid for 6 months from date of entry.
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Australia and New Zealand have extremely strict bio-security rules and it is essential to avoid bringing any non-permitted foods into the country- we recommend avoiding bringing all non-processed foods completely
Frequently Asked Questions
*These FAQ's are specific to this tour.
Just a few of our favorite memories
CAPTURED MOMENTS
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