Dani Epstein KOA - Kosher Adventure Tour in New Zealand Feb 2027

All participants need to arrive in Auckland at least a day earlier than the actual trip begins.

Welcome to Down-Under.

This morning, we explore Auckland's sights and history before our afternoon flight to Nelson, on the South Island. We arrive Nelson in the late afternoon and we settle into our hotel for the next 3 nights.

Time and energy allowing - we will travel to Tahuanui beach for a welcome stroll and drink, before our dinner at the hotel. 

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 (1:15 hr) 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.

We are expected back in Nelson by 5:30pm and prepare for Shabbat.

Kabalat Shabbat: 7:30pm

Shabbat in Nelson.

All meals are at the hotel.

Option to walk in the morning to Nelson Saturday Market - a short walking distance from the hotel.

Later, option to walk to the 'Centre of New Zealand' 

• Location: Botanical Hill (147 metres above sea level), just a 10 min walk from the hotel.
• Duration: 20 to 30 minutes one way (about 30–60 minutes for the return or loop).
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate, with a well-formed, steady uphill climb through native and exotic forest.
• Features: A viewing platform with a white survey pin monument offering 360-degree views of Nelson City, Tasman Bay, the Maitai Valley, and the Western Ranges.

History and Highlights

• Survey Origin: Named the "Centre of New Zealand" because Chief Surveyor John Spence Browning used it as the initial geodetic survey point for mapping the region in the 1870s (not the true geographic center of the country). 
• Birthplace of NZ Rugby: The walk starts at the Botanical Reserve, which hosted New Zealand's first-ever game of rugby in May 1870.

Today we travel from Nelson to the West Coast, staying in Hokitika, once a prominent Jewish settlement during the Gold Rush days. This journey blends dramatic natural beauty with a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path feel. It's a journey across two very different geographical worlds, shaped by the presence of the Southern Alps. Today is a long drive (5 hrs plus stops) on a scenic route with changing scenery. 

As we travel south-west, we depart the relatively dry and sheltered zone of Nelson, which is "protected" by the Southern Alps as barrier of the moisture from the Tasman Sea, and we move into the northern reaches of the Southern Alps where the mountains close in dramatically, the scenery becomes more rugged and the climate changes to rain-forest. 

We'll enjoy one of the more beautiful routes of the South Island along the coast, where the Southern Alps rise sharply just inland, while the Tasman Sea crashed to our right, towering peaks, river mouths, and wild coastline.

We'll stop at Cape Foulwind seal colony and enjoy a walk to the colony; A short drive south takes us to the Pancake Rocks and blow holes in the Paparoa National Park; enjoy a short walk along the massive rocks formation.

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.

We continue journeying from Hokitika 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 visit the Franz Josef and Fox 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.

We'll take a short walk around iconic Lake Matheson, which is famous for mirror-like reflections of Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman (time allowing). 

Stop at Jackson's Bay and hike Wharekai-Te Kou Walk (20 min). This short walk winds through the Okahu Wildlife Refuge, from sheltered Jackson Bay to the rocky shore at Ocean Beach.

We'll arrive at our accommodation in the Haast Pass at approx 5-6 pm. (sunset 9pm)

Today, we journey from Haast to Queenstown (approx 3 hrs drive plus stops) , crossing from the lush West Coast over the spine of the Southern Alps into the drier landscapes of Central Otago.

Our day begins in one of the wettest regions of New Zealand, where dense rainforest, braided rivers, and dramatic mountain backdrops define the landscape. As we head inland, we follow the Haast River, gradually climbing toward Haast Pass. This is one of the most accessible crossings of the Southern Alps, yet it offers spectacular scenery at every turn—waterfalls cascading down steep slopes, native beech forests, and glimpses of alpine peaks.

Along the way, we’ll pause for short walks (approximately 15–30 minutes), and one longer (1 hour), allowing us to fully appreciate the natural beauty of the region. Highlights may include tranquil forest trails and powerful river viewpoints shaped by ancient glacial activity.

Crossing the Pass, you’ll notice a striking transition in climate and scenery. The lush rainforest gives way to open alpine landscapes, before descending into the golden, sun-drenched terrain of Central Otago. We then travel alongside the crystal-clear waters of Lake Hawea and later Lake Wānaka, both carved by massive glaciers during the last ice age.

Shotover Jet:
Check in at the river base at 3:15 PM. 

At late afternoon, we arrive in Queenstown, nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by dramatic alpine scenery. 

Dinner at the hotel. 

This morning, we travel southland to the Fiordland, the largest National Park in New Zealand.

On arrival in Te Anau, the gateway to the Fiordland, prepare for a magical experience as we visit 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 2-night stay in Te Anau.

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, time to relax before dinner. 

Today we travel back to Queenstown (2 hrs drive), the 'adventure capital' of New Zealand and our home for Shabbat.

Back in Queenstown, we'll take a ride on the Skyline Gondola to the top of Bob’s Peak, where we’re rewarded with panoramic views over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range.

From here we head to our hotel for the next 3 nights in Queenstown and the Shabbat. 

The remaining of the afternoon offers free time to enable time for shopping, own exploration of town, and settling in for Shabbat.

Candle Lighting: 

Shabbat in Queenstown.

After kiddush and lunch, we take a stroll in the nearby Botanic Gardens, along the lake, and there's the option to stroll to town centre - 3 min walk from the hotel.

Shabbat schedule will be provided later.

Motzaei Shabbat is approximately at 9pm.

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. 

Dinner at the hotel. 

Today we conclude our South Island adventure and continue on to New Zealand’s North Island.

On arrival in Rotorua, we transfer to our hotel to check in and settle in.

This evening, we’ll enjoy an immersive encounter with Māori culture at one of the region’s geothermal reserves. The experience includes a guided tour of the geothermal area, followed by a traditional Māori meal (kosher) cooked underground, and concludes with a Maori cultural performance.  This is our warm welcome to Rotorua :)

Te Po Combo

16:00 Guided Tour

17:30 Dinner in Pātaka Kai Restaurant

19:00 Cultural Performance

20:30 Ready for departure

Explore Rotorua, the geothermal region and Maori Culture

We start the day at Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal 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.

Visit Aratiatia rapids and watch the opening of a dam gates. Millions of litres of water are released from the Aratiatia Dam creating a spectacular flow of water through a narrow gorge. Witness the transformation of a dry, rocky gorge into a roaring river as this mass of water is unleashed from Aratiatia Dam, forming thundering turquoise-coloured rapids over ancient volcanic remnants.
Additional info: At Aratiatia the Waikato River falls naturally through 28 metres in the space of one kilometre. This natural drop has been harnessed for environmentally-sustainable hydroelectric power - headwaters are diverted through a tunnel to the power station. Each day at 10am, 12 noon and 2pm - and also at 4pm in summer - the flow through the Aratiatia rapids is allowed to resume its natural rate. 

The Aratiatia Power station is the first hydroelectric power station on the Waikato River, New Zealands longest river. Aratiatia Power Station was built in 1964.

From here, visit Huka Falls and enjoy a short hike

• Water Volume: About 220,000 to 250,000 litres of water rush through the gorge every second—enough to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool in roughly 11 seconds. 
• The Gorge: The Waikato River narrows dramatically from roughly 100 metres wide down into a tight, 15-metre-wide volcanic canyon before plunging about 11 metres. 
• Name Origin: Huka is the Māori word for "foam," which describes the look of the churning, pale-turquoise water as it explodes out of the narrow channel.

Back in Rotorua in late afternoon, a visit to Rotorua is not completed without a dip in the natural hot springs at Polynesian hot pools and spa. The hot pools are situated on the shores of lake Rotorua and are overlooking it. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon in the hot pools overlooking lake Rotorua, before we head for the hotel for dinner. 

Dinner at the hotel. 

Explore Rotorua's Lakes and Mt Tarawera on a amphibious vehicle. This mode of travel enables us to explore lakes and mountain from the comfort of the WW2 army vehicle, with full commentary on significant historical geographical events that shaped the region.  

• Experience three splashdowns as you go from land to lake at Lake Tikitapu, Lake Ōkāreka and Lake Tarawera.
• Journey through stunning natural landscapes and historically significant sites.
• View and experience Mt Tarawera as you immerse yourself in the story of this history-changing eruption.
• Get even closer to nature as you disembark the Duck at Lake Tarawera and have the opportunity to view Māori drawings and native bush up close.
• See the sacred Rotokākahi (Green Lake) and hear the Māori legend of this lake.
• Learn about the thriving tourism industry that existed in the 1800’s as well as ecology, geology, traditional Māori stories and more.
• Laugh along with our famous conDUCKtors.
• An amazing tour for all ages!

From here we will visit Redwood Forest and enjoy a treetop walk - unique birds’ eye perspective of forest floor and treetops above. This is a safe bridge walk between the trees-top, 200 meter high, 700 meter long, 28 swing bridges, 120 years old trees.

Planted starting in 1901 to test exotic timber, the Californian Coast Redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens) grew faster here than in the United States thanks to Rotorua’s rich volcanic soil and high rainfall. The tallest trees reach over 70 meters high and are more than 110–120 years.

The rest of the afternoon we will allocate for free time, to allow everyone time out, shopping, packing.

Dinner will be last dinner of the tour, although the last meal for most of the group members is tomorrow's BBQ at Chabad Auckland. 

This morning we depart to Auckland to connect with the international flights. Allow 3 hrs drive plus a stop over.

On arrival in Auckland we visit Chabad Auckland for a New Zealand BBQ Lunch, before we are heading for our flight.

End of tour.