Contrasts of New Zealand’s Gardens & Natural Wonders

Begin in Christchurch, known for its English heritage and for being New Zealand’s oldest-established city. Tonight, you’ll enjoy a Welcome Dinner as you meet your fellow travellers and Botanical Guide.

Today we journey to the historic 19th-century Ohinetahi garden and homestead, the private home of New Zealand architect Sir Miles Warren. Afterwards, enjoy lunch at Frensham, a relaxed private country garden with a huge variety of plants. On our way back to Christchurch, we stop in at a special private garden. The owners are proud of its excellent design, planting and maintenance, set on more than eight acres. It even boasts its own Kauri forest.

Traverse the Canterbury Plains today and admire the stunning alpine scenery of rugged mountain peaks. Travel via Ashburton, Timaru and Oamaru to Dunedin, stopping along the way for a visit at the garden of Alan Trott, which is recognised as a Garden of International Significance and has been awarded six stars by the New Zealand Gardens Trust. Stop briefly at Oamaru Public Garden, one of New Zealand’s oldest gardens, which has a five star ‘Garden of Significance’ rating. Later arrive in the city of Dunedin, which features the best collection of Edwardian and Victorian architecture in the Southern Hemisphere.

Visit Dunedin Botanic Gardens, New Zealand’s oldest botanical garden with over 6,800 plant species. Travel to the Otago Peninsula, home to an array of wildlife, including the little blue penguin, northern royal albatross and New Zealand fur seals. During our time on the peninsula, we call in on Glenfalloch Woodland Garden, whose rhododendrons and azaleas contrast with its native ferns and indigenous trees. Enjoy a delicious lunch at Larnach Castle, which dates back to 1871 and is set within a magnificent private garden.

Today, look out for spring wildflowers en route to Te Anau, in New Zealand’s Southland region. We visit the garden of Castlemaine, set within picturesque countryside. Castlemaine has a distinctive English influence. Here, we see a variety of hedges, roses and rhododendrons, and two small ponds.

Enjoy nature’s garden at its finest as you explore Mirror Lake, Homer Tunnel and The Chasm, then  board a spectacular cruise along Milford Sound. New Zealand’s most stunning natural attraction, Milford Sound comprises dramatic mountain peaks, reflective waters and steep forest-clad cliffs. Later, arrive in the picturesque city of Queenstown, set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu.

Take a tour of a spectacular private garden in Queenstown, in the foothills of The Remarkables mountain range. Visit the historic gold mining village of Arrowtown, where you’ll have time to explore the quaint shops along its heritage main street. This afternoon, enjoy free time in Queenstown before reconvening for dinner.

After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight to the North Island. Arrive in the bustling harbourside city of Auckland, where you will have the option to visit its botanic gardens, which comprise almost 160 acres of beautiful gardens and native forests. Afterwards, continue on to the city of Hamilton.

Today, spend time at a private English-style garden that borders the Waikato River. From here, travel to Hamilton Gardens, which features 21 themed gardens and was awarded International Garden of the Year in 2014.

This morning, visit the iconic Ayrlies Garden, described by Monty Don as one of the most beautiful gardens in the world. Admire its wonderful plantings, which make full use of the borrowed landscape. The owner’s passion is evident, and they have created a world-class masterpiece here. This afternoon, visit former NZ Gardener editor Lynda Hallinan’s private garden, ‘Sweetgum’.

We travel north to visit the private Mincher Garden, part of the New Zealand Gardens Trust and set against a backdrop of typically Northland podocarp forest. At the conclusion of our journey, we return to the Crowne Plaza Auckland hotel at approximately 1.00pm for your transfer to the airport.