Australia and New Zealand for Jewish Singles

Discover Australia & New Zealand – October
October 8-24, 2022
Starting from $6699
For Jewish Singles

Reservation Form (PDF)

Join us on our ladies only tour as we experience both Australia and New Zealand in one amazing adventure! Our “girls trips” make for a lot of laughter, fun and excitement as we get to explore these two countries.

Travel to one of the most beautiful countries on earth, New Zealand. An adventurer’s playground, New Zealand is also rich in Maori history, geothermal wonders and breath-taking scenery. Known for its warm-spirited people, bring your sense of adventure and take it all in.

From the lush rainforest of Cairns to the Victorian town of Melbourne to the sun-kissed harbor city of Sydney, we’ll show you everything you’ve dreamed of seeing on this continent. We’ll visit the Sydney Opera House, go on safari in search of kangaroos and koalas, and snorkel The Great Barrier Reef.

Join Jewish singles from the US and beyond and let us show you the best of the land down under!

This trip is limited to 25 passengers.

Click here to see a preview video of Discover Australia & New Zealand!

October 6 & 7 – Depart USA for Auckland, New Zealand

Depart your home city and fly to across the international dateline to the Southern Hemisphere. After two movies, two meals and a good night sleep, you will arrive for what will be one of the most amazing adventures you can ever experience!

October 8 – Auckland, New Zealand – Tour Begins

Welcome to New Zealand! This morning is yours to relax after your long flight. This afternoon we’ll begin with our Amazing Journeys Welcome and Orientation, followed by a tour of this lovely harborside “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 must-see city. This evening, we’ll gather together for our first meal together at the famous Orbit Revolving Restaurant in the Sky Tower, highlighting the most magnificent view of New Zealand’s largest city. (D)

October 9 – Auckland – Rotorua, New Zealand

This morning we leave Auckland and drive through beautiful green countryside on our way to Rotorua. Passing through wine growing regions, farmland and with the Waikato River following us most of the way, we arrive at Waitomo Caves. We’ll explore the two levels of the caves as our Waitomo Caves tour guide will outline the history of the caves. You will learn how formations like the Catacombs, the Pipe Organ and the Banquet Chamber got their names. Stand in the Cathedral, the largest of the caverns with excellent acoustics, and look into the Tomo – a 50 foot vertical shaft created by an ancient waterfall – to see the Waitomo River far below. The highlight of the tour is a boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto. This cavern is illuminated by thousands of tiny glowworms, their twinkling lights creating a breathtakingly beautiful effect as you glide along the underground river below.

Later, we arrive in Rotorua, known for it’s geothermal activity and Maori culture. One-third of Rotoruas 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, relax and enjoy our lakeside resort or perhaps visit the Polynesian Spa (optional), unique to this area, to soak in their hot springs fed therapeutic pools, walk through the city or take a hike through the forested area of Rotorua. This evening, we’ll offer an optional tour of the Redwood Nightlights, a 40-minute forest walk on elevated bridges and catwalks, beautifully illuminated by lanterns and colored lights. (B)

October 10 – Rotorua, New Zealand

This morning we embark on a journey where New Zealand’s nature meets its agriculture. You’ll see two iconic and award winning attractions, featuring a nature park and a sheep show with 19 breeds of sheep. First, the Agrodome Sheep Show will include everything you’ve always wanted to know about sheep – shearing, milking, bottle feeding and sheepdog demonstrations. In addition, you will also get to experience an exciting sheep auction.

Next, we discover New Zealand’s national bird and namesake, the Kiwi, at Rainbow Springs Kiwi Wildlife Park. Spread over 22 acres of parkland, Rainbow Springs offers a unique experience as you get to know more about the wildlife that makes up New Zealand.

Later, we visit Te Puia, New Zealand’s premier Maori cultural and geothermal experience. You’ll be truly amazed by the landscape of erupting geysers, bubbling mud pools and other geothermal wonders. Here, the Maori keep their culture alive by teaching the tribal youth traditional carving, weaving and dancing.

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

October 11 – Rotorua – Queenstown, New Zealand

This morning we fly to the South Island of New Zealand. Welcome to one of the most scenic cities on earth – Queenstown! This alpine resort city is situated on the shore of Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by the beautiful Remarkables Mountain Range where the Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed. This is the place to experience almost every type of adventure including bungee jumping, jet boating, horse trekking, hiking, white water rafting and river surfing.

Upon arrival, we’ll learn about the wines of New Zealand. The Gibbston Valley wine cave offers a chance to taste the boutique wines produced by this award-winning winery and the Central Otago’s expert winemakers.

This evening, take a scenic gondola ride to Queenstown’s most spectacular views! The gondola rises nearly 1,500 vertical feet above Queenstown to the Skyline Complex on Bob’s Peak. You’ll enjoy time at the top to breathe in the fresh air and contemplate nature, viewing Lake Wakaitpu below and the surrounding mountains. Here, enjoy a buffet dinner at the Stratosphere Restaurant, located at the top. Tiered seating guarantees stunning views from every table. Later we’ll take the Skyline Gondola down the mountain and settle in for the night at our centrally located lakeside hotel. (B, D)

October 12 – Queenstown, New Zealand

Our scenic ride to Milford Sound is lined with unforgettable beauty, taking you through beech forest into Hollyford Valley’s rugged grandeur and through the Homer Tunnel. Arriving at mesmerizing Milford Sound, sail away on a leisurely cruise that brings you through the deep fjord, surrounded by sheer mountains rising almost six thousand feet from the water’s surface. We’ll return back to Queenstown on a leisurely bus ride, or for those who are a bit more adventurous, an optional flight over the mountains and glaciers will be offered (weather permitting) to give you a new perspective of the overwhelming beauty of the land. Arriving back in Queenstown, you’ll have a free evening to enjoy this memorable town. (B, L)

October 13 – Queenstown, New Zealand

Get ready for an exciting experience as we take a jet boat ride in the Shotover River Canyons! It’s a thrilling ride – skimming past rocky outcrops at close range in as you twist and turn through the narrow canyons at breathtaking speeds. And a major highlight – hold tight for the world famous Shotover Jet full 360° spins! Those who prefer not to ride can enjoy the fun and share the beauty from the banks of the river.

Afterwards, we’ll enjoy some time to walk around the quaint and picturesque gold-mining town of Arrowtown. With more than 60 restored buildings from the 19^th century, the town retains its historic character.

This afternoon, enjoy time at leisure. Perhaps you’ll want to try bungee jumping, hang-gliding, or take a walk into the mountains or along the lake. There is even a Lord of the Rings tour that takes you to “middle earth” to see where the movie was filmed. There are options galore and we can make recommendations. This evening is free for you to indulge in one of Queenstown’s premier restaurants. (B)

October 14 – Queenstown, New Zealand – Melbourne, Australia

This morning we leave New Zealand and fly across the Tasman Sea to Australia. Welcome to Melbourne, the capital of Victoria and a cultural hub known for the good things in life – fashion, food, entertainment and sport. This is a city of style, architecture, trams, theater and art.

Upon our late afternoon arrival, we’ll embark on a city tour of beautiful Victorian Melbourne and its architectural splendor featuring the Royal Exhibition Buildings, a UNISCO World Heritage Site including Parliament House, the Treasury Building, Princess Theater and the terrace houses.

Tonight we’ll join together with the Jewish community from Melbourne, including several past Amazing Journeys participants for a Shabbat service at one of the local synagogues in St. Kilda. Following, a group dinner is planned. (B, D)

October 15 – Melbourne, Australia

Today we will discover the Jewish side of Melbourne, which is home to Australia’s largest Jewish population. We begin at The Shrine of Remembrance, a war memorial, as seen through a Jewish perspective. Opened in 1934 and known for its architecture, the Shrine is rich in meaning and symbolism. We’ll walk though the Royal Botanic Gardens of Melbourne where you’ll discover the rare and beautiful plants, along with magnificent landscapes. We’ll visit The Melbourne Hebrew Congregation, also known as the Toorak Shule, is the oldest Jewish congregation in Melbourne, formed in 1841.

Next we’ll visit the Jewish Museum of Australia. This museum is the most comprehensive Jewish Museum in the Southern Hemisphere and one of two Jewish Museums in this vibrant community.

We’ll then go to the Jewish area of Melbourne. We’ll drive through Carlisle Street Jewish shops where you’ll taste the hot, fresh Shabbat challah.

Our day will continue with a visit to the Queen Victoria Market, the largest open-air market in the southern hemisphere. The city’s iconic and authentic marketplace has been operating since 1878, and is a much loved part of Melbourne. Home to over 700 small businesses, the market is an epicenter of food, shopping and seasonal events. Here, we can enjoy a short stop to have a bite to eat, shop or take photos.

This afternoon, we’ll take in a walking tour visiting Melbourne laneways and 19th century shopping arcades. Join us for a walk through Australia’s culture capital and learn what makes this city great: the stunning architecture of the Gold Rush, world class coffee, quirky hook turns and so much more. The tour includes Federation Square, the Yarra River, The Block Arcade, beautiful neoclassical Melbourne Town Hall, Flinders Street Station, Eureka Tower and arts precinct and the opulent St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Next, it’s time to explore Melbourne’s famous street art scene. What used to simply be called “graffiti” has become a trendy artistic style, and the laneways of this city are filled with constantly evolving murals.

Later, we’ll enjoy dinner at one of Melbourne’s premier restaurants in the Southbank area of the city. Melbourne is known for having the best nightlife in all of Australia. The late evening is yours for exploring the city including its vibrant casino along the Yarra River. (B, D)

October 16 – Melbourne, Australia

Today we’ll enjoy a day in the wilderness, just 45 minutes outside of the city. We’re heading to the bushland and You Yangs Park to discover koalas and kangaroos in the wild. Home to a healthy population of wild koalas, our hosts, Echidna Walkabout researches and monitors to ensure the best possible sightings. Start with a very easy walk through the gum trees searching for koalas, wallabies, kangaroos and birds in their natural setting. Our Wildlife Guide will introduce us to each koala as an individual with its history, social life and family. Learn all about these threatened mammals and hopefully, have some great photographic opportunities. The area you walk through is of great significance to the local Aboriginal People of the Wathaurong Tribe. The granite rock formations of the You Yangs staged huge meetings of Aboriginal People from all over Southeastern Australia with many signs of their occupation still remain. Here, we’ll enjoy a picnic lunch under the gum trees and includes a delicious Australian “Billy tea” while our Wildlife Guide explains the history/recipe for the traditional tea of the Swagmen.

Leaving the You Yangs and traveling just 10 minutes to Serendip National Park, we’ll walk through the gum trees and across grasslands in search of wild mobs of Eastern Grey Kangaroos. They are wild and secretive and you often walk quietly along kangaroo tracks, using trees and bushes as shelter. Sometimes you can find them before they see you and watch completely natural kangaroo social behavior. Other times they find you first and you enjoy the magnificent sight of a wild mob hopping, fast and powerful but silent. Also be on the lookout for curious emus and take a short walk to the billabong – home to large populations of waterbirds.

This evening is yours to enjoy the lively city of Melbourne as you choose. A fun and lively night scene, trendy restaurants and the casino all make for a fantastic last night in Australia. (B, L)

October 17 – Melbourne – Ayers Rock (Uluru), Australia

Early this morning, we fly to the Outback. Uluru, or Ayers Rock, is a massive sandstone monolith in the heart of the Northern Territory’s arid “Red Center”. Uluru is sacred to indigenous Australians and is thought to have started forming around 550 million years ago.

Upon arrival, we’ll visit Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, which includes the 36 red-rock domes of the Kata Tjuta (also known as The Olgas) formation. Here’ we’ll take a walk along the path of the natural creek bed between the red walls of Walpa Gorge.

With a free afternoon, enjoy our 5-star hotel with its modern luxury and raw desert setting. Take advantage of guided garden walks, cultural dance workshops, spear and boomerang throwing, Wakagetti cultural dancers, learning to play the didgeridoo, indigenous art markets, craft workshops and more.

There are some very special evening activities offered in Uluru and we’ve left the evening free for you to select an optional excursion, or to enjoy our luxurious hotel. (B)

October 18 – Ayers Rock (Uluru), Australia

Early this morning, experience sunrise at Uluru where you will experience the fantastic array of changing colors on this gorgeous monolith. Our tour includes a walk around the base of Ayers Rock. After, enjoy a buffet breakfast at the Cultural Center.

This afternoon, take advantage of the daily activities our hotel offers or have lunch by the pool, relax and unwind or schedule a spa treatment.

We’ll travel to a special vantage point 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.

This evening, we’re having steaks on the barbie! This do-it-yourself BBQ comes complete with traditional Aussie charm! (B, D)

October 19 – Ayers Rock (Uluru) – Cairns, Australia

This morning we’ll fly to Cairns, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the world’s oldest tropical rainforests. Upon arrival, we’ll head up to Kuranda Village. Kuranda is an aboriginal word for “village in the rainforest” and here, we’ll explore the village including its locally made handicraft shops, aboriginal artifacts and cafes. We’ll have free time for browsing this fun area and grabbing a bite to eat.

We’ll spend some time at Kuranda Koala Gardens where you’ll get to see some of Australia’s most unique wildlife up close. Here, we’ve included an opportunity to get an adorable photo of yourself holding a koala. It’s one of the most memorable moments! Please note – koala snuggling is subject to government regulations and may be restricted at the time of our visit.

After, experience the beauty of Far North Queensland’s World Heritage Rainforest as we travel on the Kuranda Skyrail – the world’s largest gondola railway. Our gondola trip takes us above the canopy of the tropical rainforests of the Barron Gorge National Park. With spectacular views of the rainforest, we’ll stop at two different stations where you will have time to enjoy walking along boardwalks which take you along the ancient tropical forests and amongst giant buttress roots. You’ll follow the pathways and lookouts over the Barron Gorge and Falls, seeing historical displays and a Rainforest Interpretation Center.

The rest of your evening is at leisure to explore this enjoyable sea-side town. (B)

October 20 – Cairns, Australia

Today is a day of discovery at the Great Barrier Reef. One of the world’s most spectacular natural attractions, the reef was established as a marine park in 1975 and is a collective haven for thousands of species of sea life, as well as turtles and birds. In 1981 the United Nations designated the Great Barrier Reef a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Set sail on Silverswift, a high speed catamaran, for a day of fun and adventure on the Great Barrier Reef. We’ll explore spectacular coral formations and underwater gardens awash with vibrantly colored marine creatures as we visit three different outer reef sites. With our included snorkeling gear, you’ll soon be swimming in the most famous reef in the world. Each site is chosen for visual impact, ecological diversity and the challenge of discovery! With only half the passengers of a typical reef experience, our boat has plenty of room for basking onboard the ample deck space, enjoying an incredible buffet lunch and learning about the Great Barrier Reef from the expert staff onboard.

Tonight, enjoy a free night in Cairns. Have dinner at one of the local restaurants along the beach or visit the night market. (B, L)

October 21 – Cairns – Sydney, Australia

This morning, arrive in the exciting city of Sydney. Bursting with character, Sydney is a vibrant city and its jewel in the city’s crown is its sparkling harbor, flanked by the famous Sydney Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. We’ll begin our visit to Sydney where it all began. Leaving our hotel on foot, we tour The Rocks. The Rocks may be Sydney’s oldest neighborhood but it’s lost none of its zest for life. There is no better way to get up close and personal with the living history and heritage of Sydney than on foot. The stories of this district will come alive as you are introduced to the fascinating tale of this unique place in Sydney’s history. Hear how The Rocks was inhabited by that First Fleet of convicts arriving as they did into Sydney Cove in 1788 thus impacting forever on the local Indigenous people’s way of life. Today, The Rocks is renowned for having the oldest streets in Sydney which are dotted with beautifully restored nineteenth century buildings.

This evening, we celebrate Shabbat, Aussie style! We’ll introduce you to some of our local AJ friends and enjoy dinner together. (B, D)

October 22 – Sydney, Australia

Today is a full day of exploration in the fun-loving city of Sydney. We begin with a tour that includes stunning architecture and spectacular harbor views, including the Opera House and the Sydney Harbor Bridge, seen from Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair. Travel through Kings Cross, Chinatown, visit Circular Quay, Darling Harbour and Watson Bay. Stop at “The Gap” for fantastic views and photo opportunities. This afternoon we’ll spend time at world famous Bondi Beach and enjoy time at leisure to explore, experience great views and beach time. Walk along the pathways for a stroll from beach to beach. Enjoy lunch in the area., Tonight, enjoy a free night to explore Sydney in a myriad of ways. (B)

October 23 – Sydney, Australia

Today we’re experiencing iconic Sydney. It’s a day we know you will love! For those who want to opt in for an exciting adventure, climb the incredible Sydney Harbor Bridge (extra charge). Get a perfect bird’s-eye view of the Opera House and Sydney’s beautiful harbor. Experience the incredible adventure that will take you to the top of the Bridge some 440 feet above sea level. For those not doing the bridge climb, there are markets and galleries to explore and cafes to enjoy.

This afternoon, we’ll visit the famed Sydney Opera House. On this one-hour tour, you’ll see the world’s most recognizable sails while learning about the amazing architecture and engineering as this work of art came to life against impossible odds.

Next, we’ll cruise around Sydney Harbor. Take in views from the famous Sydney Harbour of the Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Harbor Bridge and the sights along the way. Tonight join us for our Farewell group dinner at a wonderful restaurant, located right in the heart of it all, in Circular Quay between the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbor Bridge. (B, D)

October 24 – Sydney, Australia – Tour Ends

Today you will fly home. Most of the flights leave later in the day, allowing for some free time in Sydney before heading for the airport. Re-crossing the International Dateline, you regain the day you lost at the beginning of your trip. (B)

Our Hotels

Oct 6-7 Overnight Flight
Oct 8 MSocial, Auckland, New Zealand
Oct 9-10 Millennium Hotel, Rotorua, New Zealand
Oct 11-13 Scenic Suites Queenstown, Queenstown, New Zealand
Oct 14-16 The Savoy on Little Collins, Melbourne, Australia
Oct 17-18 Sails in the Desert Hotel, Uluru (Ayers Rock), Australia
Oct 19-20 Riley, A Crystalbrook Collection Resort, Cairns, Australia
Oct 21-23 Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Sydney, Australia
Oct 24 Flight Home

Please note:
Hotels listed above may change without notice.
Due to changes in air schedules while on tour, the order of days may change.
Some venues may be changed due to Covid restrictions.
Due to early arrival times in some cities, rooms may not always be ready for immediate check-in.
Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.
In Cairns, koala snuggling is subject to government regulations and may be restricted at the time of our visit.
Site visits on the Jewish Tour in Melbourne is subject to openings on Shabbat and Sukkot

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Rates	Double	Single
	$6899*	$9499*

Discover Australia & New Zealand – October