Ayers Rock and New Zealand Extensions

Ayers Rock Extension

Your Package Includes:

• 3 Night Tour in Deluxe Accommodations
• 4 Meals – 3 Breakfasts, 1 Dinner
• Roundtrip Airport / Hotel Transfers upon Arrival and on Departure
• Daily Sightseeing as Outlined in the Itinerary
• Transportation as listed on the Itinerary
• Baggage Handling Throughout (one bag per person)
• All Taxes, Service Charges and Government Fees
• Gratuities for Included features
• National Park Fees

What’s Not Included:

• Optional Tours and Entrance Fees not listed on the Itinerary
• International and Domestic Flights
• Beverages
• Meals Not Mentioned on the Itinerary
• Arrival or Departure Airport Taxes
• Incidentals
• Group Escort

New Zealand Extension

Your Package Includes:

• 6 Night Tour in First Class Accommodations
• 11 Meals – 6 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 4 Dinners
• Roundtrip Airport / Hotel Transfers upon Arrival and on Departure
• Daily Sightseeing as Outlined in the Itinerary
• Transportation as listed on the Itinerary
• Baggage Handling Throughout (one bag per person)
• All Taxes, Service Charges and Government Fees
• Gratuities on Included Features

What’s Not Included:

• Optional Tours and Entrance Fees not listed on the Itinerary
• International and Domestic Flights
• Beverages
• Meals Not Mentioned on the Itinerary
• Arrival or Departure Airport Taxes
• Incidentals
• Jewish Foundation Group Escort

Ayers Rock Extension

Friday, November 8 – Sydney – Ayers Rock

This morning you will leave Sydney and transfer to the airport and fly to Ayers Rock in the Outback.  Welcome to Uluru, one of Australia’s most identifiable icons.  The large sandstone rock formation lies in the Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park and is considered sacred to the local Aborigines.

Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel.  Later this afternoon, travel to the western section of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park to the immense 36 rock domes of Kata Tjuta, also known as the Olgas. Take a walk into Walpa Gorge. Hear of the domes’ formation, once thought to have been a single rock, many times the size of Uluru (Ayers Rock). Learn of the flora and fauna of the region – some of the plants you will see are so rare that they are only found in and around these rocky formations.  Return to a special vantage point from which to view Uluru at sunset. Witness a display of colors from gentle, dusky blues and purples to fierce oranges and reds, glowing with the last remnants of the day. Enjoy some tasty snacks before returning back to your hotel.

Tonight, enjoy dinner on your own at any number of wonderful restaurants.

Saturday, November 9 – Ayers Rock

Rise early this morning and drive to the base of Ayers Rock to watch the day’s first light illuminate Uluru in a fantastic array of ever changing colors. On your tour around the base of the rock see ancient rock-paintings, water holes and hear stories of Aboriginal legends. Travel to the Cultural Center and Maruku Arts and Craft Co-op to learn more of this ancient culture. Enjoy breakfast with stunning views of Uluru.

This evening you are in for a special treat as you enjoy the “Sound of Silence Dinner”. This is truly an amazing experience as you dine under the canopy of the desert night. Your Sounds of Silence experience begins with canapés and chilled sparkling wine served on a viewing platform overlooking the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. As the sun sets and darkness falls, listen to the sound of a didgeridoo and join your table for an unforgettable dining experience and an introduction to Aboriginal culture with a traditional dance performance under the outback sky. The attentive staff will keep your glass full with a quality selection of Australian wine and beer while the first course is served. As the night sky twinkles to life, help yourself to a bush tucker inspired buffet that incorporates native bush ingredients such as crocodile, kangaroo, barramundi and quandong (vegetarian options are available).

Settle back and listen to the resident star talker decode the southern night sky. Locate the Southern Cross, the signs of the zodiac, the Milky Way, as well as planets and galaxies that are visible due to the exceptional clarity of the atmosphere.  After dinner, enjoy dessert with a glass of port, tea or coffee.  After, you will be transferred back to your hotel. (B, D)

Sunday, November 10 – Ayers Rock

This morning, you may want to participate in one of the many included daily activities located in the Ayers Rock Resort complex which may include indigenous art markets, guided garden walks, self guided garden walks, bush yarns, cultural dance workshop, spear & boomerang throwing, Wakagetti cultural dancers, interactive didgeridoo playing and an information center.

Tonight, enjoy dinner on your own at any number of wonderful restaurants. (B)

Monday, November 11 – Ayers Rock – End of Tour

Today you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight to Sydney before boarding your international flight as you re-cross the international dateline and return home. (B)

New Zealand Extension

Friday, November 8 – Sydney, Australia – Auckland – Rotorua, New Zealand

This morning you will leave Sydney and transfer to the airport as we fly to Auckland on the North Island of New Zealand. Upon arrival into Auckland, we’ll head out of the city and drive through beautiful green countryside to the dramatic geothermal landscape of Rotorua. Passing through wine growing regions, farmland and with the Waikato River following us most of the way.  As we continue to travel south, we’ll be driving over the bush clad Mamaku Ranges to Rotorua. One-third of Rotorua’s population has Maori roots dating back to their arrival in New Zealand over 1,000 years ago, making this city a thriving cultural center.

Upon arrival, explore the city or relax at your hotel pool, a geothermal experience.  Close to your hotel, you may choose to visit the Polynesian Spa for an experience that is unique to this area. This evening, enjoy Kabbalat Shabbat with your fellow travelers at our hotel, followed by a group dinner. (D)

Saturday, November 9 – Rotorua

This morning you’ll depart from your hotel and tour Rotorua’s most natural and popular geothermal parks – Wai O Tapu and Waimangu Volcanic Valley. The two parks offer a variety of thermal activity; at Wai-o-tapu the colorful hot springs are the key features along with the famous Lady Know geyser. At Waimangu Volcanic Valley, your guide will explain the Mt Tarawera eruption which blew open this now spectacular, bush covered, geothermal park. The local naturalist guide will explain the volcanic processes of Rotorua and New Zealand, while you have the opportunity to view the volcanoes, geysers, New Zealand’s largest boiling mud pool, and hot springs.

This afternoon, you’ll to learn more about New Zealand’s Maori culture with visits to settlement sites and living villages. Visitors will learn about Maori customs, traditions, history and protocols new and old, with a guided visit to Te Puia, Rotorua’s premier cultural center. The guided tour through Te Puia includes a visit to the wood carving school, art and craft gallery, Rotowhio Marae, weaving display, kiwi house and finally Pohutu geyser. A visit to the Agrodome will give insight into how wool, one of New Zealand’s premier products,  is processed.

Next we visit Rotorua’s lakefront area to learn more about Maori history and customs. Visit the pristine Green and Blue lakes of this amazing volcanic region, including views of Mount Tarawera with an explanation of volcanic and Maori history.

This evening, you’ll visit an authentic Maori village nestled in Rotorua forest and be formally welcomed into their sacred grounds, where amidst crackling village fires you will discover Maori art forms, ancient rituals and Maori traditions. We’ll share in song and dance, and then enjoy a unforgettable dinner, with our Maori hosts.  This evening will be one of the many highlights of your visit to New Zealand. (B, D)

Sunday, November 10 – Rotorua – Auckland – Queenstown

Leaving Rotorua this morning, you’ll head back to Auckland overland where we will take our non-stop flight to the South Island of New Zealand and magnificent Queenstown, known as the St. Moritz of the South. This is home to extreme adventures including jet boating, bungy jumping, white and black water rafting, river surfing and more. Spending the next three nights in Queenstown, you will be surrounded by the Remarkables Mountain Range, where the Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed, and some of the most amazing scenery found anywhere in the world!

Tonight, make sure you have your camera charged up and ready to go as you experience Queenstown’s most spectacular views. You’ll take the iconic Skyline Gondola rising above Queenstown to the Stratosphere Restaurant, while you gaze out over Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains. Tiered-seating guarantees stunning views from every table!  During this evening’s star-gazing experience, explore the Milky Way and encounter neighboring stars, nebulae and clusters.  See the Southern Cross and the famous constellations. (B, D)

Monday, November 11 – Queenstown – Milford Sound – Queenstown

Your early morning departure from Queenstown begins with the lakeside drive to the south of Queenstown, which unfolds into the lush green of Southland’s alpine farming country before heading for the unforgettable drama of Fiordland’s scenery. The scenery en route to Milford Sound unveils astonishing beauty at every bend.

Your experienced driver-guide knows all the very best photography stops, where sometimes short walks reveal hidden waterfalls, small placid lakes and snow-capped peaks clad in thick native bush. Your cruise vessel waits at the harbor in the fiord, to glide you on a cruise of discovery in scenery unchanged since Captain Cook’s arrival. It’s a place of towering mountains, rainforests, wildlife and glorious peace and calm. A buffet lunch is included with the cruise.

You’ll return back to Queenstown on a leisurely bus ride, or for those who are a bit more adventurous, an optional flight will be offered (weather permitting) to give you a new perspective of the overwhelming beauty of the land and its glaciers. (There is an additional cost and must be pre-booked. Please note – tour duration is 12-13 total hours when travelling by road in both directions).

This evening, is free to take in the beauty of the area in town and enjoy some of Queenstown’s premier restaurants (B, L)

Tuesday, November 12 – Queenstown

This morning you’ll drive to Glenorchy and the mouth of the Dart River to board an 18-foot specially designed jet boat. Your jet boat safari takes you on a spectacular 90-minute jet boat journey through the Dart’s ever-changing braided river system, where you’ll be surrounded by snow-covered peaks, hidden valleys and waterfalls.

Your journey today includes an easy guided 30 to 40-minute walk through the ‘Heritage Trail’ at Paradise, where your knowledgeable guide will enliven your walk with an informative and entertaining commentary about the ancient native beech forest, the unique flora and fauna, as well as the fascinating Maori and colonial history of the area. You’ll also travel by coach via a scenic back-road route, while hearing stories about the surrounding countryside and stopping to view scenery that has formed the epic backdrop for many international films, including ‘The Lord of the Rings’.

This afternoon, enjoy time at leisure. Set amidst spectacular scenery, Queenstown is not only an adventure center, but offers excellent shopping and dining.  Perhaps you’ll want to try bungy jumping, hang-gliding, or take a walk into the mountains or along the lake. There are options galore!.  This evening, join together for a group dinner. (B, D)

Wednesday, November 13 – Queenstown – Auckland

We leave Queenstown this morning on our non-stop flight to Auckland.  Our last stop on our tour is the lovely harborside city of Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand, located on the North Island.  Also known as “The City of Sails,” Auckland is situated between two enormous harbors and dotted with 48 extinct volcanic cones.  The city’s mix of urban sophistication and coastal setting makes this a great place to end our tour. After an overview tour of the city, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, taking in the many areas to explore.. (B)

Thursday, November 14 – Auckland – Tour Ends

Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home, reminiscing about the many memories you’ll take with you of Australia and New Zealand. (B)

For Ayers Rock, a deposit of $200 is due with your reservation. For New Zealand, a deposit of $250 is due with your reservation and a second deposit of $500 is due on June 4, 2019. Full payment is due August 15, 2019.

*Rates are based on a minimum of 5 guests traveling together.
Space is based on availability at the time reservation is made

All rooms where we provide roommate matches are non-smoking.  Items listed on this website are subject to change at any time.  By providing payment you agree to the terms and conditions as outlined on this website.

Cancellation Policy for Mission to Australia and Ayers Rock Extension:  From the time of initial deposit to July 1, 2019, there is a $75 penalty for cancellation. From July 2 – August 26, 2019, the cancellation penalty is the amount of deposit for Mission to Australia and the Ayers Rock Extension. From August 27 – September 9, 2019, the cancellation penalty is 50% of the total cost of the tour package including intra-Australian airfare. From September 10, 2019 until the date of travel and including “no-shows,” 100% of the tour cost including intra-Australian airfare will be forfeited.  There is no refund in the event of interruption or cancellation by the passenger after the start of the journey.

Cancellation Policy for New Zealand Extension:  From June 4 – August 4, 2019, the cancellation penalty is the amount of deposit ($750 per person total). From August 5 – September 9, 2019, the cancellation penalty is 50% of the total cost of the tour package including airfare. From September 10, 2019 until the date of travel and including “no-shows,” 100% of the tour cost including airfare will be forfeited.  There is no refund in the event of interruption or cancellation by the passenger after the start of the journey.

The Mission to Australia and Ayers Rock extension are operated by APTC. The New Zealand extension is operated by Collette.

Cancellation insurance: Cancellation insurance is highly recommended. Information will be sent with tour confirmation.

Passport and Visa Requirements: A valid passport is required.   Passports must be valid for six months beyond the last day of travel. For Australia, an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) is required for all visitors and must be obtained in advance of the trip. An ETA is a visa that is stored electronically, rather than a stamp or label in your passport. The cost is approximately $20 (rates are subject to change).  Further details will be sent as we get closer to the date of travel.

Currency Fluctuations: Prices are listed in US Dollars.  In case of currency fluctuations greater than 3% on our package, we reserve the right to adjust our prices accordingly in order to operate the tour. If 2019 tour and air pricing is greater than 3% of the pricing on our current package, we reserve the right to adjust our pricing accordingly in order to operate the tour.

Taxes and Gratuities: All taxes have been included in the cost of the tour package. Gratuities have been included on included features. Taxes are subject to change.

Air and Transfers: International airfare is not included in the tour rate. Intra-Australian flights are included in Mission to Australia. Intra-air has not been included on post-tour options. Airport transfers are included.

Baggage Allowance: Due to airline restrictions within Australia and space limitations on our coach, as well as making travel that much easier, passengers will be limited to one suitcase per person plus a carry-on.