AACI Kosher & Friendly Tours 2017

Australia and New Zealand Auckland, Cairns, Christchurch, Melbourne, Queenstown, Sydney, Wellington

18 January to 14 February 2017

know that New Zealand exists. This uncrowded, green, peaceful and accepting country is considered the ultimate escape! Australia is a land of savage beauty, big adventure and even bigger horizons. To top it all, its major cities are outstanding destinations in their own right. Day 1: Thursday, 19 January Tel Aviv-Hong Kong-Auckland After leaving Israel on Wednesday (Jan 18) we arrive in Hong Kong for a short stopover, before continuing on to our final destination, Auckland Day 2: Friday, 20 January Auckland Upon arrival we will begin our orientation tour with a visit to the Auckland War Memorial collections concentrate on New Zealand history, natural history, as well as military history. Next stop is Auckland Sky Tower for an amazing view of the city! Our day ends with dinner,

AACI Kosher & Friendly Tours 2017 and an early rest! Kabbalat Shabbat, candle lighting, Tfillot and dinner. Overnight in Auckland Day 3: Shabbat, 21 January Auckland We deserve a relaxing day. Shabbat will include Tfillot, Seudat Shabbat and an afternoon walk around the Harbor. Overnight in Auckland Day 4: Sunday, 22 January Auckland We continue sightseeing the surrounding Islands of Auckland. Our morning starts with a ferry ride past Rangitoto and other harbor islands, where we view the volcanic scenery from up including its beautiful beaches, vineyards, and quaint towns. Return via ferry to Auckland. Overnight in Auckland Day 5: Monday, 23 January -Waitomo caves & Rotorua Our morning starts with a farewell to Auckland and a drive to Waitomo Glowworm Cave which is considered one of the highlights of the area. We will enjoy a boat ride in this underground wonder illuminated by thousands of glowworms. After our exciting visit, we continue on to Rotorua known for bubbling mud pools, shooting geysers and natural hot springs, as well as showcasing the fascinating Maori culture. As evening approaches, we will pay a visit to the Polynesian hot pools, an experience that will certainly leave us relaxed! Overnight in Rotorua Day 6: Tuesday, 24 January Rotorua Today features volcanoes, geysers, thermal baths and more. We start the day with a visit to Wai-O-Tapu, a wonderland of geothermal activity which can be viewed from very well through the youngest volcanic valley in the world, formed in 1886 as a result of the eruption of Mt Tarawera. We will walk along a hot steaming river, bubbling geysers, colorful mineral lakes and down to a crater lake. Te Puia and Maori cultural center, in order to understand the culture of these indigenous peoples. The village is also home to the tallest geyser in the world the Pohuto, which we will watch geothermal cuisine up close at Ngararatuatara the natural cooking pool (kosher!). We will also enjoy an authentic Maori cultural performance Te Ra and Te Po. Overnight in Rotorua Day 7: Wednesday, 25 January Rotorua Taupo Tongariro Bidding farewell to Rotorua, we will drive to the powerful Aratiatia Dam, and geothermal power station. Explore the area of Lake Taupo, the largest lake in Australasia, which is a result of a thundering 11 meter high waterfall which is the most visited and photographed natural attraction in New Zealand. We will enjoy an afternoon boat ride on the lake to visit ancient

AACI Kosher & Friendly Tours 2017 Maori rock carvings. Overnight in Tongariro Day 8: Thursday, 26 January Tongariro National Park Today we will enter the heart of the volcanic region the Tongariro National Park featuring 3 active volcanoes and a myriad of Maori religious sites. The highlight of our day is the epic flight over the volcanoes! Overnight in Tongariro Day 9: Friday, 27 January Wellington Drive to the capital Wellington and continue through the city for an orientation tour, including to the botanic gardens, and back down to the center of town. Candle lighting, Kabbalat Shabbat at the synagogue. Dinner (15 minute walk away) Overnight in Wellington Day 10: Shabbat, 28 January in Wellington Enjoy a relaxing morning including Tfillot and Seduat Shabbat with the local Jewish community. In the afternoon, if you choose, we will enjoy a guided tour of the Te Papa museum, the national museum and art gallery of New Zealand. Overnight in Wellington Day 11: Sunday, 29 January Nelson Bid farewell to Wellington and board the ferry to Picton, crossing Cook Strait, which lies between the North and South Islands of New Zealand. We will stop for lunch in Picton overlooking Marlborough Sounds then continue our day through scenic routes, stopping to visit a kosher winery. We then continue to Queen Charlotte Road, a 40-kilometer winding road fringed with native Overnight in Nelson Day 12: Monday, 30 January Abel Tasman Nelson Today is devoted to Abel Tasman National Park, renowned for its golden beaches, sculptured granite cliffs, and its world-famous coast track. Our day, among other activities, includes a boat ride to Tonga island seal colony, and a marvelous hike in the park (easy walking track!). Overnight in Nelson Day 13: Tuesday, 31 January Punakaiki Drive through Nelson Lakes National Park, an enchanting alpine landscape of rugged peaks, forests and stunning glacial visit Buller Gorge and the longest swing bridge in New Zealand (360 feet long). We continue on to Westport to see our old friends at the Seal Colony, including a short walk. Drive through spectacular coast line and Paparoa National park where we will gaze in wonder at the Punakaiki pancake rocks and blowholes, where columns of water shoot skyward from rocks that resemble giant stacks of hotcakes! Overnight in Punakaiki

AACI Kosher & Friendly Tours 2017 Day 14: Wednesday, 01 February Franz Josef Driving south along the west coast, including short hike through Hokitika canyon, which pro Glacier begins with a short flight over as well as a walk on the glacier. This will surely be one of the more memorable parts of the trip! Overnight in Franz Josef Day 15: Thursday, 02 February Queenstown Our day starts with a journey south through the rugged West Coast road, past the glacier district. Cross the South Alps through the mountainous Haast Pass, through Lake Wanaka and on to Queenstown. Our time in this scenic city will begin with a stroll around Lake Wakatipu. Overnight in Queenstown Day 16: Friday, 03 February

Queenstown

and buildings. Board the skyline gondola, for amazing and stomach turning views of the city. Continue to Arrowtown a historic gold-mining town with a rich history and tour the old streets to learn a preparations for Shabbat. Overnight in Queenstown Day 17: Shabbat, 04 February Queenstown Shabbat Services, followed by Kiddush and lunch. After lunch we will take an optional walking tour of the town. Overnight in Queenstown Day 18: Sunday, 05 February Queenstown We depart early morning to the Fiordland National Park to one of the most beautiful fiords in breathtaking 1600m high glaciers and waterfalls. Back to Queenstown for overnight Day 19: Monday, 06 February Christchurch We have a morning flight from Queenstown to Christchurch. We begin with a gondola ride which shows us the city from one of its many rivers. On to the International Antarctic Center learn about life in modern day Antarctica and Scott Base plus, hang out with Little Blue Penguins! Continue the day with a stroll around the renowned Botanic Gardens for which Christchurch is famous. Overnight in Christchurch Day 20: Tuesday, 07 February Melbourne, Australia Morning flight to Melbourne. Upon arrival we will be met by our local Jewish guide who will join us for the day beginning with a panoramic tour around the main sites including the Rialto tower, Flinders Railway Station, walk through the lanes and arcades of Melbourne, street art, Aboriginal exhibition at Melbourne Museum, Jewish Museum, St Kilda and more. where we will enjoy a

AACI Kosher & Friendly Tours 2017 packed dinner at Nobbis Point. Overnight in Melbourne Day 21: Wednesday, 08 February Cairns Morning flight to Cairns for our exciting trip to the Great Barrier Reef! Upon arrival we will passing some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. En route we will visit Kuranda, well known as the Village in the Rainforest which has been attracting visitors for well over a century. People flock to this tiny village daily to enjoy the stunning natural beauty and the relaxed atmosphere of the local markets, selling unique souvenirs and gift items. Our next stop is the Skyrail. Skyrail provides people with a unique opportunity and a world first, to see and experience the rainforest in a safe and environmentally friendly way. This cable car ride over the rainforest will leave you breathless! Overnight in Cairns Day 22: Thursday, 09 February Cairns Start the morning on a yachtouter edge of the Great Barrier Reef, home to the most spectacular undersea garden in the world. At the Reef, we will view the coral in a number of ways from a large platform or raft. There is a semi-submarine, an underwater viewing platform, an optional helicopter ride or the option of trying a scuba dive. There is nothing more thrilling than being in the sea at the Great Barrier Reef, looking at the colorful fish and coral. The snorkel equipment is free and they provide flotation A kosher buffet lunch will be served during the time you are at the reef. Overnight in Cairns Day 23: Friday, 10 February Sydney Morning flight to Sydney. Upon arrival, we will be met by our local Jewish guide who will join us for the duration of our stay in Sydney. We will explore the highlights of Sydney through a panoramic tour, as well as a visit to Sydney harbor. In the late afternoon we will check in to our hotel at Bondi. Overnight in Sydney Day 24: Shabbat, 11 February Sydney Enjoy Shabbat with the warm Jewish community in Bondi. After lunch a walking tour in the neighborhood and to Bondi beach (eruv all the way to the esplanade, just not down to the beach). Overnight in Sydney Day 25: Sunday 12 February Sydney We will enjoy a full-day tour to the Blue Mountains, a rugged region west of Sydney in eucalyptus forests, waterfalls and villages. Ride on the Scenic World, crossing the valley from above, and riding into the heart of the valley by the various cable cars and sky rail. Visit Featherdale Wildlife Park to meet and touch the unique animals of Oceania, including koalas, kangaroos and walabis! Overnight in Sydney

AACI Kosher & Friendly Tours 2017 Day 26: Monday 13 February Sydney Sta experiences. We will take a ferry ride to Manly beach one of the famous beaches of Sydney (take a towel and swim wear, as this bay is shallow, warm, and very inviting for a swim!!). Enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach by a gourmet kosher caterer with a taste of Aussi kosher wine. Return to Sydney and continue with a walk through the Royal Botanic Garden to the Chair of Lady Macquarie, the wife of the first governor of Sydney famously known for sitting overlooking the harbor. We will walk along the esplanade to the Opera House, enjoy the water front, visit the Museum of Contemporary Arts, and Bondi Beach. Overnight in Sydney. Day 27: Tuesday, 14 February Transfer to airport for flight to Sydney to connect to your flight back home. Itinerary subject to change International Flights: * LY75 Jan 18 departure 20:50 from Tel Aviv arrival at 13:55 Hong Kong (Jan 19) * CX117 Jan 19 departure 15:25 from Hong Kong arrival Auckland 07:35 (Jan 20) * CX110 Feb 14 departure 08:40 from Sydney arrival at 14:55 Hong Kong * LY76 Feb 14 departure 16:30 from Hong Kong arrival at 23:00 Tel Aviv Price: AACI members $12,900 per person in a double room $12,950 non members Single supplement $2,700

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This deluxe trip includes:                 

25 nights accommodations at hotels Entrance Fees to all sites including but not limited to: Auckland War Memorial Museum, Sky Tower, Wai o Tapu, Gondola ride, (Queenstown) , International Antartic Center, Featherdale Wildlife Park, Taronga Zoo, Full-day outing to Great Barrier Reef Flight over the Tongariro volcanoes Flight over Franz Josef Glacier Numerous boat rides Ride on the Scenic World 4 Shabbatot with full board kosher food 4 International Flights 4 Internal flights Kosher winery visit Kosher full board with packed lunches International flight with ELAL and Cathay Pacific Water on bus (2 per day) Tips to driver/guide, hotel & restaurant staff Israeli guide AACI staff escort

Not included:

AACI Kosher & Friendly Tours 2017     

Expenses of a personal nature Any activity not included in above itinerary Visa Fees Medical Insurance Insurance

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25% Deposit due at time of registration Full payment due October 18th Cancellation upon registration to October 18 2016: 25% of total package Cancellation from October 18 November 18 2016: 50% of total package Cancellation from November 18 2016 to day of departure:100% of total package

For more information and registration please contact: Sharon Bergman at Ophir Tours, 15 Smilanski, Netanya 03 5261725 E-mail: [email protected]