Founded by ancient Polynesian (Maori) navigators, developed by European settlers and attractive to Pacific Rim immigrants the lands of "no worries" may be home to the happiest people on earth. They have it all: cosmopolitan cities like Sydney and Auckland, the Blue Mountains and many of the world's best beaches; the Great Barrier Reef, the most extensive collection of coral on earth, and a selection of native animals such as the cute koalas, bounding kangaroos, curious emus and diminutive kiwis. The soaring craggy mountains of New Zealand's southern Island with its crystal clear fjords, gurgling volcanic pools and glacier-fed lakes, all beneath a brilliant blue sky.

Full Itinerary

Day 1: Monday November 22, 2010 Sydney - Cairns

Arrival to Sydney, meeting and orientation at the hotel. After orientation, we'll take a panoramic bus tour of the city before returning to the airport for our flight to Cairns. Upon arrival, transfer to our hotel.

Day 2: Tuesday November 23, 2010 Cairns

We start our visit today by visiting the Royal Flying Doctors Service, a unique service to the Australian outback. We will then go out by boat to explore the Wonders of the Great Barrier Reef, this natural wonder that's 2000 km long running parallel to Australia's Eastern coast line.

Day 3: Wednesday November 24, 2010 Cairns - Kuranda

We take the famous Kuranda train, up to the Atherton Tableland, after a visit to this lovely town we take the Kuranda cable car all the way down and than we visit the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural center. Here we will learn about the ancient history of Australia. You will be able even to try your skills on throwing a boomerang, or a Spear - the Australian way.

Day 4: Thursday November 25, 2010 Cairns – Cape Tribulation

Today we'll discover the Daintree River region - where the rainforest meets the reef at World Heritage listed Cape Tribulation. Situated just north of Cairns and Port Douglas, the Daintree River region boasts some of the most spectacular wet tropics rainforest accessible to visitors. Here we will find the last vestiges of the ancient rainforest of Gondwanaland, where primitive animals and an indigenous culture still thrive. We journey into the heart of Cape Tribulation for a truly unforgettable rainforest experience. Our expert driver/guides will impart a wealth of fascinating insights and informative local commentary on the region. Cape Tribulation tours provide an array of cultural and ecological experiences including a Daintree River Cruise, a rainforest boardwalk, a visit to Cape Tribulation Beach, lunch in a sumptuous rainforest retreat, a glimpse into the Mossman Gorge and an enlightening visit to the Daintree Environment Centre.

Day 5: Friday November 26, 2010 Cairns - Sydney

This morning we take an early morning flight to Sydney. After landing we take a city tour, from the harbor we take a ferry to visit the sites of the northern beaches and spectacular views. We return to the city by bus, and then continue to our hotel, were we will arrive in time to prepare for Shabbat.

Day 6: Shabbat November 27, 2010 Sydney

Today we will attend the services at the Great Synagogue in the centre of the city. After lunch we will take a walking tour of the sites close to the hotel

Day 7: Sunday November 28, 2010 Sydney – Blue Mountains

Today we visit an Australian Wildlife Park, meet unique Australian animals and perhaps have your photo taken with a cuddly Koala! Continue to the Blue Mountains and discover the World Heritagelisted site. View sheer escarpments, rugged bush land and awe-inspiring views from mountain lookouts. Ride the Scenic Railway, Scenic Cableway and see the Three Sisters rock formation. After this spectacular day we return to Sydney to our hotel.

Day 8: Monday November 29, 2010 Sydney - Melbourne

This morning we transfer to the airport and fly to Melbourne. Upon arrival we will start with our city tour, we will visit the inner city, the botanical garden were we will see the cottage of captain James Cook, the Great Synagogue on Toorak street etc. at the end of the day we check in at our hotel in the center of town.

Day 9: Tuesday November 30, 2010 Melbourne – Great Ocean Road

This morning we'll travel by bus for a glorious tour along Great Ocean Road, a celebrated thoroughfare which runs along Victoria's southeastern coast. It winds along forested mountains, next to windswept beaches and soaring rock faces, through a thick rain forest of towering eucalyptus trees. The most impressive part is Port Campbell National Park, with its collection of imposing rocks, including the "Twelve Apostles," "London Bridge," and Loch Ard Gorge, which rise from the sea. We'll stop along the route to view the various rock formations. In the evening we'll return to Melbourne for dinner in one of the local kosher restaurants.

Day 10: Wednesday December 1, 2010 Melbourne – Phillip Island

Today we'll travel to Phillip Island, at the entrance to Western Port Bay, southeast of the city. This windswept island has many beaches, a variety of animals, and old-style villages. The aim of our coming here is to see the march of the penguins. Every evening the small penguins burst out of the sea and waddle along the beach to their nests, completely oblivious to the camera-laden sightseers watching them. We'll watch the penguins as they make their way home; and then head back to our hotel, late at night.

Day 11: Thursday December 2, 2010 Melbourne - Christchurch

Today we leave Australia. Our coach will transfer us to the airport for the international flight to Christchurch on New Zealand's South Island. After arrival and passport control we have a first impression of this typical English city, before we check in at our hotel.

Day 12: Friday December 3, 2010 Christchurch

Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island and one of the most beautiful in New Zealand with its large public gardens, parks, river and majestic backdrop of the Port Hills. It is often described as the most English of New Zealand cities, with many English influences clearly visible. This morning we will have the opportunity to see the city's highlights including a visit to the International Antarctic Centre where we will experience the atmosphere and environment of Antarctica, with an interactive, fun and exciting experience in the "Great White South." We will also get the opportunity to take a ride on the famous Christchurch Tram through the central city. We will be ready in time to receive the Shabbat.

Day 13: Shabbat December 4, 2010 Christchurch

Today we will attend the services at the Synagogue in the centre of the city. After lunch we will take a walking tour of the sites close to the hotel.

Day 14: Sunday December 5, 2010 Christchurch – Franz Josef

This morning we will transfer to the railway station to join the world famous Trans Alpine train for a spectacular journey through the Southern Alps to Greymouth and on arrival in Greymouth your coach will be waiting for you. En route to Franz Josef Township we will visit a Jade Boulder Gallery to learn about native jade (Greenstone) mining from remote alpine valleys and crafting it into fine jewelry and objects of art. Then it's on to Glacier country where we'll be amazed at the huge expanses of ice in the centre of dense bush lands. For those who wish, there will be time for a spectacular optional flight over the glaciers or a guided walk to the glacier terminal face (not included).

Day 15: Monday December 6, 2010 Franz Josef – Te Anau

A day of incredibly varying scenery. We cross the Alps over the Haast Pass into the spectacular bushlands of Mount Aspiring National Park. Travel through the holiday town of Wanaka, an unspoiled holiday destination popular with New Zealanders, and view the lovely lakes of Wanaka and Hawea. Then it's on through the Kawarau Gorge where we can see gold mining relics of the boom many years ago, and pass through the popular resort of Queenstown before reaching Tea Anau lat afternoon.

Day 16: Tuesday December 7, 2010 Te Anau – Doubtful Sound

Board our coach for the journey to Manapouri. Cruise across picturesque Lake Manapouri on a Fiordland Travel vessel. Upon arrival at West Arm, Fiordland Travel coaches transport visitors into the Underground Power Station. Visitors then reboard the coach and travel over the Wilmot Pass to Doubtful Sound. During the journey there is time to examine plant life and to view the spectacular scenery. Once at Doubtful Sound, we join Fiordland Travel's catamaran, the "Commander Peak" for a three hour cruise of Doubtful Sound, along the full length of the fiord to the Tasman Sea. On board there is excellent viewing of water falls, rain forest, mountains and wildlife. Of particular interest are a resident pod of Bottle Nose dolphins and a colony of fur seals which reside on the Nee Islets at the mouth of the Sound. Understanding of the area is greatly enhanced by an interesting commentary provided by a nature guide. On the return journey the vessel calls into spectacular Hall Arm. Here the engines are turned off and visitors are treated to the "Sound of Silence". Afterwards the vessel returns to Deep Cove and we will travel via the Wilmot Pass and Lake Manapouri to Pearl Harbour and return to Te Anau.

Day 17: Wednesday December 8, 2010 Te Anau – Milford Sound - Queenstown

Follow the Eglinton and Hollyford Valleys, pass through the Homer Tunnel and descend into the Cleddau Canyon to reach majestic Milford Sound, dominated by Mitre Peak. A launch cruise takes us to the open sea and the Bowen and Stirling Falls. Return to Queenstown late afternoon.

Day 18: Thursday December 9, 2010 Queenstown – Mt Cook - Christchurch

Today our coach will take us up through the rugged Kawarau Gorge and alongside the gold bearing Clutha River and on into Mt Cook National Park where we will have plenty of time to admire the majesty of New Zealand's highest mountain. At Lake Tekapo view the Church of the Good Shepherd and Collie Dog memorial. Descend Burkes Pass to the Canterbury Plains and on to arrive in Christchurch late afternoon

Day 19: Friday December 10, 2010 Christchurch - Auckland

After breakfast this morning we will be transferred to Christchurch airport from were we take a flight to Auckland on North Island. After arrival we will tour the city according to time available, we will see its botanical garden, Auckland's sky tower etc. and then to our hotel with time to prepare for Shabbat

Day 20: Shabbat December 11, 2010 Auckland

This morning we will attend the Auckland Synagogue for services. In the afternoon we will have a walking tour of sites near the hotel

Day 21: Sunday December 12, 2010 Auckland – Waitomo Caves - Rotorua

A short sightseeing tour including the summit of Sky tower, at 328m it is the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere and has panoramic views of the city and its two harbors, the Botanic Gardens, the downtown city area and Waterfront Drive with its numerous yacht marinas. Depart Auckland, traveling south via Ngaruawahia, the centre for the region's Maori people and onto Hamilton via the Bombay Hills and lush Waikato pastureland, noted for dairy farming and world famous horse studs. Continue onto Waitomo Caves for a subterranean boat ride to the limestone caverns and marveling at the sparkling glow worms. Travel across the Mamaku Ranges to reach Rotorua, centre of Maori culture.

Day 22: Monday December 13, 2010 Rotorua

This morning visit Agrodome to see New Zealand's various sheep breeds and a shearing demonstration. From there we will enjoy a visit to Te Puia the Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley, the Maori Arts and Crafts Centre and Thermal Reserve with its boiling mud, silica terraces and Pohutu Geyser. The afternoon is free to explore; perhaps shopping, trout fishing or a dip in a thermal pool (all at own expense) the choice is yours. This evening in our hotel we will enjoy a Maori hangi (meal) which will include traditionally prepared fish and vegetables plus more conventional dishes, followed by a concert featuring Maori songs, chants and the stirring Haka.

Day 23: Tuesday December 14, 2010 Rotorua - Tongariro

We will have the whole day for a visit at one of the North Island's most important national parks: the Tongariro park and in its centre Mount Tongariro, an ancient volcanic mountain. We will tour the visitor's center and learn about New Zealand's very earliest beginning. Mount Tongariro was Mount Doom in the famous film version of J.J.R. Tolkien's trilogy "The Lord of the Rings" filmed by the New Zealand film director Peter Jackson.

Day 24: Wednesday December 15, 2010 Rotorua – Home Gateway

Leave Rotorua this morning to be transferred to Auckland International Airport from were we take our return flight back to our home gateway

Start date	End date	Days	Price	Single supplement	Guide
22/11/2010	15/12/2010	24 Days	$6900	$1635	David Sondervan
31/01/2011	21/02/2011	24 Days	$6900	$1635	David Sondervan

Important:

• There may be changes to the schedule and hotel reservations dependent upon internal flights. We will make every effort to visit every location mentioned.

Price Includes

• Domestic Flights
• Domestic Airport and security taxes fuel surcharges as of 01.01.09
• Kosher half-board + supplies for preparing sandwiches for lunch
• First and/or good Tourist Class hotels
• Comfortable air-conditioned touring coach
• Tours and entrance fees according to the tour plan

Price excludes

• International Flights
• Tips for local service providers ($130) to be paid abroad
• Visa $120
• Personal expenses
• Travel Insurance
• Shows and nights out not included in the tour plan
• Tip for our tour guide (Recommended: $3 per person per day)

Deposit, Cancellation Fees & Policy:
A $500 USD Deposit per person must be received at the time of booking in order to confirm your reservation. Payment in full is due 90 days before departure. A minimum number of participants are required to operate tour dates. If a minimum number has not been reached prior to tour departure and the tour is cancelled you will receive a FULL refund.

• 90 days before departure bookings are refundable less a $100 administration fee
• 60-90 days prior to departure: $500 + $100 per passenger
• 30-60 days prior to departure: $1,000 + $100 per passenger
• Less than 30 working days prior to departure: 100% of total - no refund
• We strongly recommend purchasing Travel Insurance.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance encompassing both cancellation and medical insurance is very important and we can not stress that enough. We strongly recommend that our clients are adequately insured when travelling. It is crucial to purchase the travel insurance within 14 days from the 1st payment that you make for this trip (flights/cruise/tour etc). Your payment is made directly to the insurance company.

We highly recommend the 'cancel for any reason' upgrade option.

Our preferred policies are Travel Safe (USA & Canadian residents), Travel Select (USA residents) and Global Trip Protection Elite (All other Nationalities).

For an obligation free quote and further details email Yonah insurance@eddiestravel.com