MELBOURNE TO AUCKLAND

Welcome to our fascinating garden tour to New Zealand! After we are collected by our chauffeurs, we are transferred to Melbourne International Airport where we meet our Tour Manager and fellow passengers, ready to board our direct flight to Auckland. Upon our arrival, we’ll transfer to our first two night’s accommodation.

Meal/refreshments inflight

OVERNIGHT:  Grand Millennium Hotel, AUCKLAND

EXPLORING AUCKLAND’S GARDENS

This morning we travel west of the city to visit the stunning Totara Waters Garden – a two-acre subtropical garden set on the upper Waitemata Harbour. Development began in 1999 by Peter and Jocelyn Coyle, whereby extensive planting of rare and unusual plants has been included in the garden. Enroute back into the city, visit Eden Garden. Built in an old quarry in the centre of Auckland, Eden Garden sits on the side of Mount Eden, one of the many volcanic remnants within Auckland. Fifty-three years of garden passion has turned an abandoned wilderness into a memorial garden of great beauty and interest. This afternoon we take a tour of the highlights of Auckland City – the City of Sails, exploring the lively waterfront area and enjoying the relaxing views along Tamaki Drive, which runs east past peaceful sheltered bays to Auckland's most expensive real estate.  We then visit Beverley McConnell’s 12-acre country garden Ayrlies, one of the most celebrated gardens in New Zealand. Maple woodland complements large ponds connected by a tumbling stream and edged in hostas, irises and other damp-loving plants. There are collections of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and masses of old roses and other climbers twining through trees and over pergolas. Wandering paths lead to some surprises and garden seats take advantage of delightful vistas with distant views of the sea. We now have time to freshen up for dinner in the hotel.

OVERNIGHT: Grand Millennium Hotel, AUCKLAND

AUCKLAND TO ROTORUA

This morning we visit the Auckland Regional Botanic Gardens, which are classified as being of national significance. The gardens contain 10,000 varied plants and incorporate 10 hectares of native bush; lakes, streams and native wetland and a large perennial garden with themed bedding. Departing Auckland, we travel south crossing the Bombay Hills into the dairy rich Waikato countryside where we arrive at Hamilton to visit the impressive Hamilton Gardens. The unique theme of Hamilton Gardens is 'the story of gardens' which is explored through a series of five garden collections. The Paradise Garden Collection featuring gardens representing some of the most significant garden design traditions. The Productive Garden Collection representing different aspects of the relationship between people and plants. The Fantasy Garden Collection representing different forms of garden fantasy. The Cultivar Garden Collection featuring the story of plants selected and bred for the garden. The Landscape Garden Collection with areas representing the different historic interpretations of an idealised landscape. From Hamilton we continue to the thermal wonderland of Rotorua, the “Sulphur City”. Rotorua has the most energetic thermal activity in the country with bubbling mud pools, gushing geysers, beautiful coloured hot springs and terrace formations created by mineral water. Rotorua also has a large Maori population whose cultural activities are interesting and accessible as will be witnessed tonight at when we are treated to a Maori cultural experience. This evening visit Tamaki Maori Village for Te Pā Tū. The evening experience and feast is aligned to and changes with the maramataka (Māori lunar calendar). Feast on Māori song, tradition, and divine seasonal kai (cuisine) within the forest Pā (village) amidst towering Tawa trees, blazing bonfires, and forest-formed amphitheatre. Hākari (feasting) begins with forest horotai (canapes) and culminates in a lavish 4-course fusion feast.  Hāngi is featured in varied seasonal menus designed by Māori chefs served to table, al fresco when warm, or in the wharekai (dining room) if cooler. During summer months, Tū Te Rā celebrates harvest and concepts concerning ancient Māori warfare and peace. Return hotel transfers included – other travellers will be on board.

OVERNIGHT: Distinction Hotel, ROTORUA

ROTORUA TO NEW PLYMOUTH

We take a city tour of Rotorua this morning,  including a visit to the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute and Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley featuring the Pohuto Geyser. We depart Rotorua to New Plymouth via the west coast of the North Island. New Plymouth is dominated by the almost perfect volcanic cone of Mt Taranaki. The mixture of mountain and coastal scenery is difficult to beat. The Taranaki area is known for its dairy farming and offshore natural gas and oil field resources.  Enroute, we stop at Mokau Whitebait Inn.

Lunch at own expense and arrangement

OVERNIGHT: Plymouth International Hotel, NEW PLYMOUTH

EXPLORING NEW PLYMOUTH

Today we take in the city sights of New Plymouth featuring the gardens and beaches of this unique town. We will visit the following lovely gardens: Pukekura Park - Often described as the jewel in New Plymouth's crown, Pukekura Park covers 52ha (128 acres) right in the heart of the city and is one of New Zealand's premier botanical gardens. Tupare is a beautifully restored garden that surrounds a classic arts and crafts era Chapman-Taylor home, near New Plymouth. Sculpted from a hillside overlooking the Waiwhakaiho River, it is one of the Taranaki region's premier landscaped gardens and features many large mature trees. Pukeiti Garden which is New Zealand’s premier rhododendron garden set in magnificent rainforest. Enjoy more than 10,000 rhododendrons & azaleas in a unique setting of lush native bush full of ferns, mountain streams & alive with birds. On arriving back in New Plymouth, we are free to explore the city.

Lunch at own expense and arrangement

OVERNIGHT: Plymouth International Hotel, NEW PLYMOUTH

NEW PLYMOUTH TO WELLINGTON

Today we depart New Plymouth south bound to Wellington via Palmerston North. Enroute we visit Puketarata Garden: five minutes from Hāwera, this stunning Garden of International Significance and a plant lovers paradise awaits our visit. Sensitively perched upon the brow of a hill overlooking the historic four-hundred-year-old Puketarata Pā, the one-and-a-half-acre country garden perfectly frames views of the magnificent Mount Taranaki and inland Taranaki. Next we visit the outstanding Paloma Gardens at Wanganui, which has four distinct areas. The first contains foliage, bamboos, palms, alocasias, ferns and cycads. The second has many species of cyads, e.g. Dioons from Mexico, and species from Madagascar, the Solomon Islands and beyond. Also growing here are Pachypodiums (related to frangipani) with different species flowering most of the year, Euphorbias, and oddities like Welwitschia mirabilis and Dioscorea elephantipes, the climber with the way-out base. The third area is on the north-facing hillside and features succulents, cacti, palm forest and a giant African Lobelia tree. Finally, there is the Paloma Arboretum, with extensive tree plantings. Paloma is classified as of national significance. We now head to Wellington.

OVERNIGHT: James Cook Grand Chancellor, WELLINGTON

OUT AND ABOUT IN WELLINGTON

This morning we enjoy an informative sightseeing tour of New Zealand’s Capital City, Wellington. We begin with a visit to Otari/Wilton’s Bush, New Zealand’s only native botanic garden, devoted solely to the cultivation and preservation of indigenous plants. Predominant native trees include mahoe, tawa, kohekohe, rewarewa, hinau and northern rata. Other features at Otari include a fernery, a small Alpine garden, rock garden with adjoining fish pool and a wild garden, all easily accessed by a network of paths and boardwalks. One of the standout highlights today includes a visit to Old St Paul’s. Old St Paul’s is a fine example of 19th century Gothic Revival architecture adapted to colonial conditions and materials. Constructed entirely from native timbers, the glowing interior is enhanced by stunning stained-glass windows. Memorial items and displays tell the early history of Wellington. Next, we take a ride on the one-hundred-year-old cable car from the city centre up to the Botanic Gardens. The rest of the afternoon is free to explore New Zealand’s capital city.  Perhaps visit Te Papa (Our Place), New Zealand’s national museum, which truly is unlike any other national museum in the world.

Lunch at own expense and arrangement

OVERNIGHT: James Cook Grand Chancellor, WELLINGTON

WELLINGTON TO BLENHEIM

Today begins as we cruise the Wellington Harbour out onto the Cook Strait on the Interislander and through New Zealand’s only true sounds, the picturesque Queen Charlotte Sound into Picton. The bustling port of Picton is the terminal for inter-island ferries, and gateway to the ‘Mainland’, the South Island’s self-proclaimed nickname. On arrival in Picton, we meet our South Island driver and coach and continue through to Blenheim.  On our arrival we pay a visit to the sumptuous cellar door and restaurant at Allan Scott Vineyards.

OVERNIGHT:  Scenic Hotel Marlborough, BLENHEIM

EAST COAST AND AWATERE VALLEY

Today we join the Marlborough Garden East Coast & Awatere Valley tour. On this day tour, we will be taken to the paradise of Marlborough’s most unique and sensational gardens, travelling along the spectacular eastern seaboard and through the valleys and plains of the Marlborough countryside and into Blenheim’s urban hideaways. It’s not only beauty, form and colour, but energy, passion, hard work and diversity that see gardens selected for your tour. This tour has a volunteer courier who will host us throughout the day. These friendly and helpful people will pass on their knowledge of the region and give background information and history on the province as you travel between the glorious gardens that make up your tour of Marlborough. We will be introduced to the garden owners and they will share their wonderful gardens with you.

OVERNIGHT:  Scenic Hotel Marlborough, BLENHEIM

BLENHEIM TO CHRISTCHURCH

We depart Blenheim this morning and drive along a thin ledge of land pinned between the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean and the rugged ranges to Kaikoura, where the mountains meet the sea then travel across the farmlands of the North Canterbury Plains.  Continue South where, on our arrival, we enjoy the sights of the ‘Garden City’ also known as “the most English city outside of England”. Highlights include the River Avon, Christchurch Art Gallery; Bridge of Remembrance; the Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial and the Spanish Mission-inspired New Regent Street. Learn about the effects of the 2011 Christchurch earthquakes and how the city is rebuilding.

OVERNIGHT:  Quality Hotel Elms, CHRISTCHURCH

CHRISTCHURCH TO FRANZ JOSEF

From Christchurch we traverse the Southern Alps aboard the famous Tranz-Alpine rail journey to Arthurs Pass. From your carriage you’ll see the fields of the Canterbury Plains and farmland, followed by the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. Your train then climbs into the Southern Alps. Once we have crossed into the Southern Alps we are met at the Village of Arthurs Pass by our coach for us to continue our journey to the West Coast – or the Coast as locals call it, stopping in Hokitika where a visit is made to the Greenstone and Glass Blowing factories. Further south we tour the Westland National Park, the home of Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. On arrival, time is available for optional scenic flights, before checking into our overnight accommodation.

Lunch at own expense and arrangement

OVERNIGHT:  Scenic Hotel, FRANZ JOSEF

FRANZ JOSEF TO QUEENSTOWN

Our day starts with a visit to Lake Matheson before we depart to Haast. Driving towards the southern end of the South Island’s West Coast Road, there is a strong sense of entering a primeval land and a feeling of total isolation. Arriving at Haast, we are surrounded by a landscape of rainforest, wetlands, sand dunes and surf-pounded shingle beaches. A visit is included to the Blue Pools which contain crystal clear blue glacier water where you can see right to the bottom. This wilderness forms part of the Southwest New Zealand World Heritage Area, so designated because South Westland and Fiordland have some of the most dramatic forest and mountain scenery and natural resources in the world. From the Westland National Park, we travel through the Haast River valleys and over the Haast Pass to Makaroa and onto the upper reaches of Lake Wanaka. Travelling past Lake Hawea we reach the popular Lake Wanaka, the starting point of the mighty Clutha River. This afternoon we travel via Cromwell following the Kawerau Gorge Road into Queenstown. Dinner is available tonight at your hotel.

Lunch at own expense and arrangement

OVERNIGHT: Copthorne Hotel & Resort Lakefront, QUEENSTOWN

EXPLORING QUEENSTOWN

This morning we take a scenic drive up the Glenorchy Road with the opportunity to capture many breathtaking photos of the surrounding landscape that is often referred to as Middle-Earth in the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movie trilogies, as filmed by Peter Jackson, the now infamous movie Producer & Director. Cruise across Lake Wakatipu on the steamer TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak Station to enjoy a buffet lunch at the Colonel’s Homestead and to view the gardens. Upon our return to Queenstown have time to freshen up before this evenings dinner experience. Ride the aerial gondola to Bob’s Peak and enjoy a buffet dinner while admiring the panoramic views of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountain ranges including The Remarkables.

OVERNIGHT:  Copthorne Hotel & Resort Lakefront, QUEENSTOWN

MILFORD SOUND

Depart early this morning and travel around Lake Wakatipu and through Te Anau and the Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound.  Fiordland National Park, part of the UNESCO Southwest New Zealand World Heritage Area is one of the great wilderness areas of the Southern Hemisphere. The scenery is spectacular with lofty mountains and deep valleys carved out by Ice Age glaciers. There are clear rushing streams and leaping waterfalls set in magnificent native rainforest.  We board a comfortable vessel for a scenic cruise down Milford Sound past towering Mitre Peak to the Tasman Sea. Seals and dolphins are often seen in the clear waters of the fiord. A picnic lunch will be served on board. After a fantastic cruise, our boat returns to Milford Wharf; we’ll reboard our coach and retrace our journey back to Queenstown travelling via the Cleddeau Gorge, Homer Tunnel and the lovely Eglinton Valley. We’ll have a slightly later dinner this evening.

OVERNIGHT: Copthorne Hotel & Resort Lakefront, QUEENSTOWN

QUEENSTOWN TO MELBOURNE

It’s time to say farewell to New Zealand so today we’ll transfer to the Queenstown International Airport to connect with our direct flight to Melbourne. Upon our arrival, we’ll complete Customs and Immigration and our chauffeurs will be waiting for us in the arrival lounge. We’re sure you will arrive home with a sense of well-being, appreciation and love for beautiful New Zealand in Spring.

Lunch own arrangements and expense / Refreshments inflight