New Zealand & Australia
Led by Rabbi Linda Joseph
February 2-23, 2018


Tour Rates & Dates:

This package is currently unavailable. Please check back later or call Ayelet Tours, Ltd. for more information.
*Please note that all rates displayed are based on standard room double occupancy.
All rates above are in US Dollars, and are based on full payment by credit card unless otherwise noted.
If check payment discount is available for this tour, it can be selected after clicking "BOOK" above.
(Deposit can still be paid by credit card).
Upgraded room categories may be available to book later in the booking process.
If Land & Air price is displayed, the air portion includes tax and fuel surcharges, which are subject to change until ticketed.

Tour Overview:

Download a PDF version:

INCLUDED IN NEW ZEALAND:

2 nights Rydges Harbourview Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
1 night Millennium Hotel Rotorua, Rotorua, New Zealand
1 night Rydges Harbourview Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
All touring and sightseeing per an agreed upon itinerary in a deluxe air-conditioned vehicle with an expert guide
Breakfast daily 
3 dinners as per itinerary
Sky Tower entrance
Waitomo Glowworm caves 
Maori cultural perfmorance 
Skyline gondola ride 
Kiwi encounter at Rainbow Springs 
Transfers included if arriving/departing with the main group 
Entrance fees as per itinerary 
Porterage 
NZ Good & Services tax

INCLUDED IN AUSTRALIA:

5 nights Radisson Blue Plaza Sydney, Sydney, Australia
3 nights Hilton Cairns, Cairns, Australia
5 nights The Blackman Hotel Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
2 nights Lenna of Hobart Hotel,
Internal flights: Sydney-Cairns-Melbourne-Hobart-Melbourne
All touring and sightseeing per an agreed upon itinerary in a deluxe air-conditioned vehicle with an expert guide 
Breakfast daily
7 dinners, including 2 community Shabbat dinners in Sydney and Melbourne 
4 lunches
Entrance fees per itinerary 
Transfers included if arriving/departing with the main group
Porterage 

INCLUDED IN AYER'S ROCK:

All touring and sightseeing per an agreed upon itinerary in a deluxe air-conditioned vehicle with an expert guide
Breakfast daily 
2 dinners
Roundtrip internal flights between Melbourne and Ayer's Rock
Transfers to from airport/hotel 
Porterage

NOT INCLUDED IN ALL TOURS:

Airfare (international or between NZ and Australia. Internal Australia flights are included in land costs   listed above), departure taxes and fuel surcharges (Please contact Ayelet Tours for flights) 
Any taxes or visas not specified 
Tips to guides, driver, and dining room waiters ($18.00 per person, per day-pre-collected) 
Any meals or beverages not listed above 
Any items of a personal nature
Travel insurance (highly recommended)

Note: Flights to/from the United States are NOT included.  You will be crossing the international date line.  Contact Ayelet Tours to clarify when you should plan to arrive and depart BEFORE booking international flights.  For those participating in the full tour, the flight from New Zealand to Australia should be purchased as part of your international flights.

Tour Itinerary:

Days 1 & 2: Friday, February 2 - Saturday, February 3, 2018: DEPARTURE

• We depart on our flight to New Zealand (due to traveling over the international dateline, we will take off on February 2nd and land on February 4th).

Day 3: Sunday, February 4, 2018: WELCOME TO NEW ZEALAND!

• Welcome to Auckland, New Zealand! We arrive early this morning and are met by an Ayelet Tours representative.
• After clearing customs, we transfer to our hotel for check in.
• Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure to explore on our own and adjust to the time change.
• Later this evening, we enjoy a 3 course welcome dinner at Orbit Revolving Restaurant in Sky Tower for a panoramic view of the city.

Overnight in Auckland

Day 4: Monday, February 5, 2018: THE CITY OF SAILS

• Breakfast at our hotel.
• We begin our day with a sightseeing tour of Auckland city including Queen Street, Americas Cup Viaduct, and the Parnell shops.
• We take a short walk through the University of Auckland to Aotea Square, used for
open-air concerts, markets and public rallies. We see the statue of Jewish Mayor Sir Dove-Myer “Robbie” Robinson, standing as the centerpiece of the square, as well as the beautiful rose garden.
• We stop at Beth Shalom Progressive Synagogue to meet with community leadership and learn about Jewish life half way around the world.
• Time for lunch on our own at the nearby kosher deli.
• Nearby, we take in the view atop One Tree Hill, a volcanic peak and a memorial for the Maori people and other New Zealanders. We will be able to see across Auckland and its two harbors.
• Our final stop of the day is at the Auckland Botanic Gardens, for a stroll through the natural beauty in the many gardens, including the Edible Garden, filled with a range of native productive plants, including a variety of fruits and vegetables.
• After a fulfilling day, the evening is spent at leisure with dinner on our own.

Overnight in Auckland

Day 5: Tuesday, February 6, 2018: TOWARDS THE PACIFIC RING OF FIRE

• Breakfast and check out of our hotel.
• Depart hotel for Waitomo (3 hours).
• Upon arrival, our guided tour will take us through over 250 meters of stunning underground scenery commencing with the impressive Cathedral. The highlight of our visit is an unrivalled boat trip through the spectacular Glowworm grotto. Marvel at Mother Nature's light display as we glide silently through the starry wonderland of the grotto.
• Depart for Hobbiton (Matamata), where we experience the real middle-earth, the bucolic setting for The Shire that is featured in the Peter Jackson directed films, The Lord of the Rings. We will see hobbit holes, Green Dragon Inn, Mill and other structures created for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films.
• Continue to Rotorua, which sits squarely on the Pacific Ring of Fire, so volcanic activity is part of the city's past and present. We explore the geothermal areas and discover the unique culture of New Zealand's Maori people.
• Check in to our hotel and enjoy a 3 course dinner this evening.

Overnight in Rotorua

Day 6: Wednesday, February 7, 2018: MAORI CULTURE

• Breakfast and check out of our hotel.
• We enjoy a 90 minute guided tour at Te Puia including a Maori cultural performance and also view the New Zealand Maori Arts & Crafts Institute where masters and students share their art and their stories about the carving and weaving schools. Step into the ancient valley where geysers, mud pools and boiling waters still play after 40,000 years at Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley.
• Continue to Rainbow Springs, a stunning kiwi wildlife park where we get a guided, up close and personal encounter with all of New Zealand's favorite native birds and lizards, including the kiwi and tuatara. Learn about the kiwi conservation project and visit the kiwi enclosures.
• Travel by gondola up to Skyline Skyrides on Mt. Ngongotaha for panoramic views of Rotorua and the lake.
• After lunch on our own, we return to Auckland this afternoon (3 hours).
• This evening, we set out for Harbourside Restaurant on the waterfront for a delightful 3 course dinner with views over the water and harbor.

Overnight in Auckland

Day 7: Thursday, February 8, 2018: AUCKLAND TO SYDNEY

• Breakfast and check out of our hotel.
• This morning, we depart Auckland on our flight to Sydney, Australia, the vibrant city built around one of the world's most beautiful harbors and many sparkling beaches.
• Upon arrival in Sydney, we transfer to our hotel for check in.
• This afternoon, we meet with community leader Steve Dennenberg for an introduction to the Progressive Jewish community in Australia.
• We stop at Katzy's Food Factory, a kosher deli, where we can grab a light lunch before walking from Circular Quay to the Sydney Opera House for a one hour guided tour of this magnificent building. This tour offers the opportunity to experience the Sydney Opera House in its daily operation. Our guide will bring to life the stories and secrets behind the theatres, and give a fascinating account of the history and architecture of this international landmark.
• Evening at leisure to discover Sydney and have dinner on our own.

Overnight in Sydney

Day 8: Friday, February 9, 2018: EXPLORING SYDNEY

• Breakfast at our hotel.
• We depart our hotel this morning for the northern beaches. We cross the Sydney Harbour Bridge and travel to see magnificent views from the Seaforth lookout over Middle Head and Pearl Bay marinas.
• We continue with a visit to the Arabanoo lookout for a superb panoramic view of the rugged headlands and Manly.
• We enjoy some time in the cosmopolitan suburb of Manly, nestled between a tranquil, inner harbour beach on one side and a popular surf beach on the Pacific Ocean. Relax at the beach, visit the Manly Art Gallery & Museum or rent a bike to explore the area on two wheels.
• We return to our hotel to relax and refresh.
• Early this evening we join Shabbat services at Emanuel Synagogue, the largest congregation in Australia, followed by Shabbat dinner with members of the community.

Overnight in Sydney

Day 9: Saturday, February 10, 2018: SHABBAT IN SYDNEY

• Breakfast at our hotel.
• Option to attend Shabbat morning services at North Shore Temple Emanuel, led by Rabbi Nicole Roberts, (A temple with a similar name, but a different place!).
• Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure, exploring Sydney on your own or relax at the famous Bondi Beach.
• This evening, we join up and head out to the King Street Wharf to have dinner at one of the many restaurants lining this waterside neighborhood. After dinner, find a bar to sip a cocktail or stroll along the water and enjoy the surroundings of this beautiful place on your own.

Overnight in Sydney

Day 10: Sunday, February 11, 2018: SIGHTSEEING IN SYDNEY

• Breakfast at our hotel.
• This morning, we drive through Sydney's city center. We will see many contrasts - from the traditional Victorian architecture of the Town Hall and the Queen Victoria Building to the modern skyscrapers of the business district; from the sweeping design of the Opera House to the modern developments of Darling Harbour.
• We visit the Sydney Jewish Museum for a multi-sensory engagement with exhibitions, including Culture & Continuity: Journey Through Judaism, and The Holocaust, among other rotating exhibits.
• Drive through the Royal Botanic Garden to Lady Macquarie's Chair (for views of the harbour and the Opera House and bridge) and then head out to the exclusive eastern suburbs, passing Kings Cross en route to Vaucluse and Double Bay.
• We return to our hotel after a fulfilling day of sightseeing to refresh and enjoy dinner on our own this evening.

Overnight in Sydney

Day 11: Monday, February 12, 2018: FUN AND RELAXATION IN SYDNEY

• Breakfast at our hotel.
• Free morning, or choose to visit the Art Gallery of New South Wales (on own).
• OPTIONAL (additional cost): We put on our aprons and delight in a cooking class and lunch, a chance to learn or sharpen our kitchen skills and discover Australian cuisine together.
• We spend the rest of the day at The Rocks, shopping at the various retailers, visiting a gallery or checking out a museum on our own.
• Evening and dinner at leisure.

Overnight in Sydney

Day 12: Tuesday, February 13, 2018: SYDNEY TO CAIRNS

• Breakfast and check out of our hotel.
• This morning, we transfer to the airport for our 3 hour flight to Cairns in Northern Australia. Charming Cairns is the gateway to two of the world's greatest natural wonders - tropical rainforests and the Great Barrier Reef.
• We travel a short distance to our hotel to check in.
• We meet this afternoon at our hotel with members of the small progressive Chavurah in the area to learn more about their community and lovely city.
• Spend the remainder of the day and evening at leisure, discovering the beauty of Cairns on our own.

Overnight in Cairns

Day 13: Wednesday, February 14, 2018: EXPLORING CAIRNS

• Breakfast at our hotel.
• This morning, we embark on an exciting experience at the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway for a ride over Australia's pristine tropical rainforests before descending into them for the ultimate experience, including stops at Red Peak Station and Barron Falls Station.
• We continue to Baron Gorge National Park. Here, we have the chance to take a short hike, enjoy the beautiful views and visit the Barron Gorge Hydro-Power Station.
• We return to our hotel for relaxation before enjoying dinner together later this evening at Red Ochre Grill.

Overnight in Cairns

Day 14: Thursday, February 15, 2018: CAIRNS

• Breakfast at our hotel.
• This morning, we drive north along the scenic Cook's Highway, enjoying views of some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. We arrive at Port Douglas, where we embark on the Quicksilver Wavepiercer catamaran and journey to the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef, the most spectacular undersea garden in the world. At the reef, we float atop a large platform or raft where we can view the coral in a number of ways. There is a semi-submarine, an underwater viewing platform, an optional helicopter ride or the chance to try scuba diving. A buffet lunch will be served during the time we are at the reef.
• On our arrival back at Port Douglas, we spend a short amount of time at the marina before travelling back down the coast.
• This evening, we head to the Cairns Night Market, one of the most popular attractions in town. Boasting 130 stalls and a full food court, this is a perfect place to eat, drink and shop on our last night in Cairns.

Overnight in Cairns

Day 15: Friday, February 16, 2018: CAIRNS TO MELBOURNE

• Breakfast and check out of our hotel.
• We spend a leisurely morning in Cairns with time for last minute shopping or just relaxing.
• Transfer to the airport for our afternoon flight to Melbourne, known as the sporting capital of Australia and the second largest metropolis in the country.
• We land later this afternoon and transfer to our hotel for check in.
• As the sun begins to set, we meet representatives of Beth Weizmann Community Center and Temple Beth Israel, the first progressive congregation of Melbourne, as we enjoy Shabbat services and Shabbat dinner together.

Overnight in Melbourne

Day 16: Saturday, February 17, 2018: SHABBAT SHALOM!

• Breakfast at our hotel.
• Option to join Kedem, a local lay-led minyan for Shabbat morning service about 20 minutes from our hotel.
• Enjoy the balance of the day at leisure in Melbourne for browsing along the Bourke Street Mall and tree-lined Collins Street.
• This evening, we meet for dinner together at one of Melbourne's local restaurants.

Overnight in Melbourne

Day 17: Sunday, February 18, 2018: GREAT OCEAN ROAD

• Breakfast at our hotel.
• Today, we set out on a scenic coastal drive along Great Ocean Road and embark on a day full of adventures. See the 12 Apostles, beautiful beaches and many more attractions along the way to Otway Harvest Trail. Spend the day indulging on fresh, local produce, sipping a glass of wine or beer, and visiting the ostrich farm or the Forrest General Store for local gifts to bring home to your friends and family. For the adventurous at heart, try the treetop walk or a zip line eco-tour through the rainforest at the nearby Otway Fly Treetop Adventures (additional cost).
• Dinner and evening at leisure.

Overnight in Melbourne

Day 18: Monday, February 19, 2018: MELBOURNE TO HOBART

• Breakfast and check out of our hotel.
• This morning, we take a short flight to Hobart on the island of Tasmania.
• We enjoy a visit and tour of Hobart Synagogue, the oldest synagogue still in Australia, serving the Jewish community of Tasmania since 1845.
• Later this afternoon, we continue to the 35 acre Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens for a leisurely self-guided tour to the variety of featured sites, including the Conservatory, Tasmanian Community Food Garden, Japanese Garden and the French Memorial Garden, among many others.
• Later this afternoon, we travel to our hotel to check in and refresh.
• We join together this evening for dinner at our hotel.

Overnight in Hobart

Day 19: Tuesday, February 20, 2018: DISCOVERING HOBART

• Breakfast at our hotel.
• This morning, we set out on a city tour of Hobart.
• We spend the day at Port Arthur. Here, we learn about the history of the over 500 Australian convicts who operated the port and explore the mining ruins and relics among the surrounding area.
• Free evening.

Overnight in Hobart

Day 20: Wednesday, February 21, 2018: AROUND TOWN IN MELBOURNE

• Breakfast at our hotel.
• Transfer to the airport for our flight back to Melbourne.
• This afternoon, we enjoy a tour of Melbourne City. We see premier examples of Melbourne Victorian architectural splendor, including St. Paul's Cathedral, Princess and Regent Theatres, Melbourne Town Hall, Parliament House, the Treasury Building, the Royal Exhibition buildings and the Queen Victoria Markets.
• Visit the statue of General Monash, one of Australia's most revered citizens, who was an active member of the Jewish community.
• Return to the hotel for relaxation.
• Tonight, we enjoy dinner together at one of Melbourne's wonderful restaurants.

Overnight in Melbourne

Day 21: Thursday, February 22, 2018: MELBOURNE'S JEWISH HISTORY & MORE

• Breakfast at our hotel.
• We begin our Sunday at the Jewish Museum of Australia, where we engage, learn and connect with Judaism in Australia from past to present.
• We explore the center of Jewish life in Melbourne through the Caulfield and St. Kilda neighborhoods of the city.
• We travel to Sky High Mount Dandenong for afternoon tea, a hike through the scenic park and a chance to discover the English Gardens, Sky High Maze and all the other attractions.
• We return to our hotel for time to refresh before our joyful Farewell Dinner, as we recall all we have done on our adventure together.

Overnight in Melbourne

Day 22: Friday, February 23, 2018: DEPARTURE OR AYERS ROCK

• Breakfast and check out of our hotel.
• Transfer (on own) to the airport for flight back to the US

OR JOIN US FOR AN INCREDIBLE
AYERS ROCK EXTENSION

• We transfer to the Melbourne airport for our flight to Ayers Rock (Uluru), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for a weekend of relaxation.
• Upon arrival, we transfer from the airport to check in to the amazing Sails in the Desert resort in Australia's Red Centre. Here, the local Anagu people's culture is interwoven into every facet of the hotel's design.
• Spend the afternoon at leisure, checking out the stunning Mulgara Gallery's indigenous art, relax at the Red Ochre Spa or by the pool or enjoy one of the complimentary activities for guests, including guided garden walks among many other options.
• Optional guided walk into Olga Gorge, flowing between two impressive domes.
• This evening, we meet for dinner at one of the hotel's restaurants.

Overnight at Ayers Rock

Day 23: Saturday, February 24, 2018: BEAUTY AT AYERS ROCK

• Breakfast at our hotel.
• If you're feeling adventurous, head out early before the summer sun heats up, to Kata Tjuta National Park for the Valley of the Winds walk or the shorter Kata Tjuta Dune walk, and climb to the summit for spectacular views;
OR
Stay at the hotel and lounge around, soaking up the last rays of the Australian sun.
• On our last night at Ayers Rock, we experience Sounds of Silence, an award-winning, all evening dining experience under the stars. Set atop a viewing platform overlooking the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, the experience begins as the sun sets and darkness falls over Ayers Rock. Listen to the sounds of a didgeridoo and join other travelers for an unforgettable evening.

Overnight at Ayers Rock

Day 24: Sunday, February 25, 2018: DEPARTURE

• Breakfast at our hotel.
• We check out of our hotel and transfer to the airport for our flight back to Melbourne. Note - please check final flight times before booking return flight to the USA as you may require an additional overnight in Melbourne based on flight timing!