Dani's Kosher Outdoor Adventures in New Zealand

**Please note: All participants need to arrive in Aukland at least a day earlier than the actual trip begins! 

Welcome to Down-Under.

This morning, we embark on our scenic adventure. Participants will meet at Auckland Airport for an early Thursday morning group flight from Auckland to Queenstown, soaring over New Zealand’s stunning landscapes. Upon arrival in Queenstown, we’ll take a picturesque drive to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park.

In the afternoon, prepare for a magical experience as we visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves. Glide through serene underground waterways and marvel at the dazzling glowworms illuminating the caves like a starry night.

Before checking in at our hotel, we visit the Fiordland Cinema to watch Ata Whenua – Shadowland, bringing you the Fiordland World Heritage Status wilderness you would otherwise never see. Mysterious, evocative, exhilarating and utterly spectacular, filmed mostly from a helicopter across extremes of season, climate and terrain, it will take you on an unforgettable journey through one of the most awe-inspiring landscapes on earth (32 mins).

We’ll settle in for a comfortable 3-night stay in Te Anau, giving us a unique welcome to New Zealand as well as a fabulous location to experience Shabbat in Southland.

Today, we embark on a breathtaking journey from Te Anau to Milford Sound, a glacial-carved fiord, cascading waterfalls and lush rainforests. Enjoy a scenic morning drive on the Milford Road, considered one of the finest routes in the world. We'll enjoy stunning views of mountains, forests, and waterfalls along the way and enjoy several short walks. Take note this is considered one of the wettest places on Earth, a condition that fuels its vibrant, ancient forests and unique marine environment. 

Upon reaching Milford Sound, we’ll board a relaxing cruise to explore this iconic fiord, surrounded by towering cliffs and marine life. 

Following the cruise, we drive back to Te Anau and prepare for Shabbat. 

Experience a serene Shabbat in Te Anau, embracing the tranquillity around us. 

We will go on a guided walk along Te Anau lakeshore, we'll enter Punanga Manu o Te Anau / Te Anau Bird Sanctuary. Here we can take a peek at some of New Zealand's unique native birds that are difficult to see in the wild, amongst them are the flightless Takahē, the Kaka, Kereru parrot, Tui and many more.  

Today we travel from Te Anau to Queenstown (2 hrs drive), the 'adventure capital' of New Zealand.

Upon arriving in Queenstown, we'll take an exhilarating ride on the Shotover jetboat ride —an adrenaline-pumping experience that sends you skimming across the water and spinning through narrow canyons (no experience required). After the rush, we'll pause for picnic lunch by the river. 

A short drive leads to the historic gold-mining town of Arrowtown. With its preserved 19th-century buildings and charming streets, it’s perfect for a relaxed stroll. We'll visit the preserved Chinese Settlement, telling the story of the Chinese gold-seekers in the mid 19th century. 

Back in Queenstown, cap off the day by riding the Skyline Gondola to the top of Bob’s Peak, we’re rewarded with panoramic views over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range.

We can enjoy a cold or hot drink at the Cafe here, or a ride on the Luge if anyone would like to (additional cost)

From here we head to our hotel for the next 2 nights in Queenstown. 

Today Get ready for an unforgettable adventure as we explore a stunning section of New Zealand’s iconic Routeburn Track, one of the country’s renowned Great Walks.

We will be hiking the first portion of the track, starting at Glenorchy. The terrain of this portion is suitable for all fitness levels.
To enhance your experience, three experienced alpine guides will accompany us, allowing the group to split based on hiking preferences and abilities.
We have packed lunch with us for the day. Full details of the track and the day plan will be shared shortly.

We are back at the hotel between 5-6PM. 

Today, we journey from Queenstown to Central Otago, New Zealand’s most inland region. This area is a captivating blend of charming townships and rural communities nestled among dramatic landscapes of ancient mountains, alpine herb fields, and swiftly flowing rivers.

In the 1860s, Central Otago was at the heart of a gold rush. To connect isolated communities with Dunedin, the region’s main port, a railway was developed. After its closure in the 1990s, the railway was transformed into a scenic rail trail, offering breathtaking routes for exploration. We will discover this region on electric bikes, following one of our carefully selected routes, guided by experienced bike guides. We will have three guides with us to allow the group to split according to levels and preferences. 

At night, Central Otago transforms into one of New Zealand’s premier stargazing destinations. With minimal light pollution and vast, clear skies, it offers exceptional opportunities to marvel at the Milky Way.

We stay overnight in Ophir, Central Otago.

Today, we travel over the Haast Pass from Central Otago and the Central Lakes towards the West Coast, staying the night at Haast Pass.

The Haast Pass is definitely one of our stunning scenic highways. This single-lane road winds through the Southern Alps, traversing diverse landscapes from golden tussock hills and alpine forests to lush rainforests and roaring rivers.   This route was a traditional pathway for Maori journeying west in search of pounamu (greenstone or jade). The basins that are filled by Lake Hāwea and Lake Wānaka were carved by the Hāwea and Wānaka Glaciers. 

Along our journey, we will enjoy short hikes, ranging from 15-30 minutes, which highlight the region's unique beauty. We will conclude our day with a river cruise on the Haast River to experience a close-up encounter with this untouched landscape and its remarkable natural features.

We stay overnight in Haast Pass. 

Today, we continue journeying from Haast Pass along New Zealand’s breathtaking West Coast where rugged coastlines, lush rainforests, and dramatic alpine vistas reveal the untamed beauty of this sparsely populated region.

We'll enjoy a walk around iconic Lake Matheson, which is famous for mirror-like reflections of Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. 

We visit the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, extraordinary for their proximity to sea level - a rare global phenomenon - and their vibrant blue hues, shaped by centuries of ice compression. Our journey won't be completed without an unforgettable scenic flight over the glaciers (weather dependent). This jaw-dropping natural scenery offers a unique aerial perspective of the vast Southern Alps, ancient glacial ice, rainforests, and the endless Tasman Sea to the west. You will witness the immense scale of the glacier, the dramatic icefalls and surrounding peaks, with pilots providing commentary on the region's geology and ecology.

As we approach Hokitika, the landscape transitions to rolling farmlands and coastal plains. Hokitika, known as the “cool little town,” is famous for its driftwood-strewn beaches and artisan pounamu (greenstone) carvings.  We’ll settle into Hokitika for the night and after dinner we'll take a sunset stroll along the beach to see the iconic Hokitika driftwood sign.

Overnight in Hokitika.

Today, we travel from Hokitika to the stunning Punakaiki area, where we'll enjoy a relaxing Shabbat stay with accommodation on the beachfront.

We'll visit the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes at Paparoa National Park. An easy, well-paved track leads to these remarkable formations, where we can witness the power of the sea in action. The Pancake Rocks earn their name from their unique, stacked appearance, resembling a pancake stack. The layers of limestone that make up the rocks have been eroded over time by the sea, wind, and rain, creating distinctive horizontal lines that give the rocks their pancake-like appearance.

After our exploration of the Pancake Rocks, we'll visit the Information Centre and enjoy a coffee break at the best Cafe on the West Coast. From  here we'll head to our accommodation to settle in for a peaceful Shabbat. 

Shabbat at the Punakaiki. 

Today, we leave the West Coast and proceed North to the vibrant city of Nelson, the gateway to Abel Tasman National Park. 

We stop at Cape Foulwind, where we'll take a short walk to visit the Seal Colony. For those who want a little more adventure, there's the option to hike through scenic farmland along the coastline to the lighthouse. The bus will meet us there.

From Cape Foulwind we'll head inland, following the beautiful Buller River as we make our way towards Nelson.

Upon arrival in Nelson, we'll take a relaxing orientation walk around the city, known for its artistic vibe and sunny atmosphere. 

We'll stay 2 nights in Nelson.

Today, we set off from Nelson to the stunning Abel Tasman National Park—one of New Zealand's iconic natural wonders and one of the Great Walks.

A short scenic drive takes us to the entrance of the park, where we'll meet our friendly Park guides, who accompany us on the Seals and Beach Tour.

We'll begin with a scenic Vista cruise along the crystal-clear waters of the Abel Tasman coastline, heading into the Tonga Island Marine Reserve. Along the way, keep an eye out for wildlife, including playful seals and vibrant marine life..

We then embark on a 2 hour walk from Tonga Beach to Medlands Beach, following the beautiful Bark Bay Waterfall Trail. Along the trail, we'll cross a picturesque suspension bridge, offering fantastic photo opportunities.

At Medlands we'll meet our cruise to return back to shore. From there, we'll continue back to Nelson on our bus.

Our South Island Adventure tour has come to an end. This morning, we'll fly to Auckland, take a brief city tour, allow some time for shopping and preparation for the flight for those who depart home tomorrow. We'll conclude our tour together with a BBQ Dinner at Chabad's House. 

For those who wish to proceed for the last portion of the North Island, we will tour tomorrow to Rotorua, a vibrant geothermal region with rich living Maori culture, followed by Shabbat in Auckland. 

EXTENSION - ROTORUA:

This morning, according to flights' schedules, we will arrange transfers to the airport, and offer additional touring advice in the city.

This morning, we depart Auckland on our scenic drive to Rotorua, in the heart of New Zealand’s North Island. The journey takes approximately 3 hours, offering beautiful views of the countryside along the way.

Upon arrival in the Rotorua region, we will visit Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, one of New Zealand’s most colourful and active geothermal parks. Explore the dramatic landscapes shaped by volcanic activity, including bubbling mud pools, steaming craters, and the famous Champagne Pool.

In the late afternoon, we check in at our hotel in Rotorua, where you’ll have some time to relax before dinner. During dinner preparations, we have an option to visit the Polynesian hot pools and spa (at additional cost). 

After dinner, we head out for a magical Redwoods Treewalk Nightlights Experience. This unique walk takes you across a series of suspension bridges through the majestic Redwood Forest, beautifully illuminated with lanterns and creative lighting. It’s an enchanting way to experience nature after dark and a highlight of any Rotorua visit.

We stay 2 nights in Rotorua. 

This morning, prepare for an unforgettable guided tour to the dormant volcanic Mt. Tarawera. Traveling by 4WD vehicle, we’ll ascend to the summit of this iconic volcano. At the top, enjoy panoramic views and take a walk along the crater’s edge while learning about the dramatic 1886 eruption that reshaped the landscape and nearby villages. This experience offers a fascinating blend of geology, history, and natural beauty.

After our descent, we return to Rotorua and head back to the hotel for a short afternoon break to relax and freshen up before the evening’s activities.

In the afternoon we'll visit Rotorua’s renown geothermal valley and Māori cultural centre, TE PUIA. Here, you’ll gain insight into the rich traditions and heritage of the Māori people. The tour will include a guided tour of the Maori Arts and Cultural centre, a guided tour of the geothermal reserve, followed by a kosher hangi dinner and a captivating Maori Cultural performance. 

Today, we'll travel back to Auckland, allowing time to visit the War Memorial Museum and the iconic Sky Tower, which offers panoramic views of the city. 

We'll check in at our hotel by 4pm to prepare for Shabbat at the JW Marriott hotel, located in the heart of Auckland. 

Shabbat in Auckland.

Shabbat in Auckland.

This morning, according to flights' schedules, we will arrange transfers to the airport, and offer additional touring advice in the city.