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, set on more than eight acres. The owners are proud of its excellent design, planting and maintenance – 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. The seven-acre masterpiece blends elegant woodland and formal design with highlights including intricate knot gardens, tranquil pools, and magnificent trees underplanted with rhododendrons and perennials. Stop briefly at Oamaru Public Garden, one of New Zealand’s oldest gardens, which has a five star ‘Garden of Significance’ rating. Arrive later 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.

This morning visit Lan Yuan - Chinese Garden, a living work of art, this six-star Garden of International Significance captures the spirit of a traditional Chinese landscape painting, inviting you to wander, reflect, and discover the rich layers of history, culture, and tradition it celebrates. Afterwards, look out for spring wildflowers enroute to Te Anau, in New Zealand’s Southland region.

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, sustainable garden in Central Otago. Then 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 we will visit the private garden of our Botanical Guide, Sarah O’Neil. Afterwards, continue 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 JW Marriott Auckland Hotel at approximately 1.00 pm for your transfer to the airport.