AACI - AACI New Zealand & Australia, February 10-25, 2026

There aren't many places on this planet where travellers are so well catered for – in terms of both man-made enticements and splendours of the natural realm. New Zealand is bigger than the UK, with one-fourteenth the population size. Filling in the gaps are sublime forests, majestic mountains, and the stunning lakes, beaches and fjords that have made this country one of the best hiking (locals call it 'tramping') destinations on Earth. It’s renowned worldwide for having a relaxed, friendly, spacious and outdoor adventure lifestyle (think sport, walks, BBQs, and beaches). When you combine this adventurous outlook with a stunning backdrop you start to see why travellers rate New Zealand as the action/adventure/adrenalin capital of the world!

Currency 

Local currency: New Zealand Dollar 
Symbol: NZ$ 
ISO code: NZD 
Subunit: Cent 
Banknotes: NZ$5, NZ$10, NZ$20, NZ$50, NZ$100 
Coins: 10c, 20c, 50c, NZ$1, NZ$2 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Yes 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Yes 
Diner’s club: No 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM 
Weekends: Closed 
Public Holidays: No 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Air: 

Main airlines: Air New Zealand, Jetstar Airways 
International Airports: Auckland Airport, Christchurch Airport, Wellington Airport 
Domestic Airports: Queenstown Airport, Dunedin Airport 

Road: 

Driving on the: Left 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: Yes 
Valid International Driver's License needed: No 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: Yes 

Bus: 

Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 

Railway system: Yes 
Subway System: No 

Water: 

Ferries: Yes 
Water taxis: Yes 
Leisure cruises: Yes 

Food and water safety: 

Can you drink the tap water: Yes 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: Yes 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: 

New Zealand cuisine is diverse, influenced by indigenous Maori culture and European settlers. Highlights include lamb, seafood, and dairy products like cheese. Maori hangi, a traditional feast cooked in an underground oven, is a must-try. Notable local drinks include New Zealand wine, particularly Sauvignon Blanc, and craft beers. 

Tipping: 10-15% (although not widely expected)

Annual rainfall: Varies by region 
Average temperature: 10-20°C 

Summer: 

Average highs: 20-30°C 
Average lows: 10-15°C 

Winter: 

Average highs: 10-15°C 
Average lows: 0-10°C 

Best time to visit: 

The best time to visit New Zealand is during the summer months (December to February) when the weather is warm and outdoor activities are in full swing. 

New Zealand is typically an informal place so pack casually for comfort.

Famous for having four seasons in one day; our advice if you are traveling even in the summer is to pack a light jacket or pashmina shawl just in case the weather turns cooler or if you're visiting higher altitudes. You can also expect some rain, so include a light raincoat.

Smart casual clothes are acceptable at most restaurants and night-spots.

New Zealand is renowned for its outdoor activities, so make sure you take swimming gear, hiking shoes, trekking pants/shorts, sunhat and sunglasses, as well as plenty of sunscreen

If you plan to do much walking then lightweight walking shoes or sneakers are fine.

Advise to pack following:

• • Comfortable walking shoes
  • No need for fancy clothes
  • Sweater/jacket
  • Rainwear
  • Swimsuit
  • Camera/recharger/batteries/big memory card. Lots of memorable moments to capture.
  • Sewing kit
  • Siddurim and Chumashim
  • There is no need to bring water shoes
  • Bug spray
  • If you have Yartzeit, bring a candle & speak to Michael where to light. Do not light in hotel room.

Australia immediately conjures images of the Sydney Opera House, the Great Barrier Reef, big-wave surfing, miles of Outback and a rather strange, and endearing, assortment of animals. While the country’s main cities offer charm, glamour, unique festivals, a well-preserved historical heritage, fabulous beaches and fun events, it’s also a land of immense contrast and captivating nature. The nation offers something for just about everyone – from water lovers, desert wanderers and canyon climbers, to arts and culture buffs, historians, and foodies. The country’s vast size makes it almost impossible to take it all in during a single visit, but you can pick and choose a perfect holiday according to your personal preferences.

Currency 

Local currency: Australian Dollar 
Symbol: $ 
ISO code: AUD 
Subunit: Cent 
Banknotes: $5, $10, $20, $50, $100 
Coins: 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, $1, $2 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Yes 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Yes 
Diner’s club: Yes 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM 
Weekends: Closed 
Public Holidays: Yes 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Air: 

Main airlines: Qantas, Virgin Australia 
International Airports: Sydney Airport, Melbourne Airport, Brisbane Airport 
Domestic Airports: Perth Airport, Adelaide Airport, Cairns Airport 

Road: 

Driving on the: Left 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: Yes, in rural areas 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: Yes 

Bus: 

Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 

Railway system: Yes 
Subway System: No 

Water: 

Ferries: Yes 
Water taxis: Yes 
Leisure cruises: Yes 

Kashrut & Shabbat

Kashrut, T’fillot and Shabbat

Kashrut on land tours. 
Our tour escorts are observant and have been trained to supervise and prepare kosher meals. When we are in locations without kosher restaurants, the escorts prepare fresh kosher meals (generally fresh fish) with all the accompaniments, prepared with our kosher cookery. Kosher restaurants, when available, are generally under the supervision of Chabad or the local rabbinate.

Food and Kashrut on land tours.
We aim to prepare healthy and nutritious meals with salads, starches, and a protein of either fish or chicken at dinners. Unless otherwise stated the meals are tasty but should not be considered gourmet. Either tour escorts who are observant and have been trained to supervise and prepare kosher meals or mashgichiim accompany us on our trips. When we are in locations without kosher restaurants, we prepare fresh kosher meals (generally fresh fish) with all the accompaniments, prepared with our kosher cookery. Kosher restaurants, when available, are generally under the supervision of Chabad or the local rabbinate. AACI does not guarantee glatt yisroel, pat lechem, or cholov yisrael. Please feel free to enquire about specific trips before you travel.

AACI takes kashrut, t’fillot and Shabbat very seriously, and all our tours are kosher and Shabbat-observant whilst allowing the individual freedom of choice.

Kashrut on cruises is under the supervision of the relevant and respectable kashrut supervisors and are generally glatt kosher.

T’fillot. We always endeavor to have daily minyanim.

Shabbat. We usually daven with the local Jewish community. However, in cases where there has not been a local shul, we have brought a Sefer Torah with us.

Meals. All trips include breakfast, lunch and dinner.

• Breakfast is generally an expanded continental breakfast with salads, fresh fruits, cereals, kosher cheeses, breads, hard-boiled eggs, and in most cases, freshly prepared cooked eggs and omelets.
• Lunches are usually sandwiches, fruits, etc. We do eat in kosher restaurants occasionally, when time and location allow.
• Dinners consist of three or more courses, such as soups/salads, main courses with side dishes, and desserts.
• Shabbat meals are generally with the local Jewish community or catered to our hotel.

Special food requests: We try to accommodate the needs of special dietary issues whenever possible.

Annual rainfall: Varies by region 
Average temperature: Varies by region 

Summer: 

Average highs: 25-30°C 
Average lows: 15-20°C 

Winter: 

Average highs: 15-20°C 
Average lows: 5-10°C 

Best time to visit: 

The best time to visit Australia depends on the region. Generally, spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) offer mild weather and fewer crowds. 

Clothes in natural fibers will work better in the heat and it is worth popping in a lightweight sweater, cardigan or pashmina wrap for cooler weather or overly fierce air conditioning.

Travel light and buy your toiletries there. Must haves include sunglasses and wear plenty of high factor sunscreen.

If you are planning to visit very hot areas then a shirt with long sleeves and a higher neckline to prevent burning is recommended. A sunhat is also very useful in the intense sunshine.

Advise to pack following:

• • Comfortable walking shoes
  • No need for fancy clothes
  • Sweater/jacket
  • Rainwear
  • Swimsuit
  • Camera/recharger/batteries/big memory card. Lots of memorable moments to capture.
  • Sewing kit
  • Siddurim and Chumashim
  • There is no need to bring water shoes
  • Bug spray
  • If you have Yartzeit, bring a candle & speak to Michael where to light. Do not light in hotel room.