New Zealand's Taranaki Garden Spectacular & Private Gardens

We begin our journey in New Plymouth, situated on the west coast of New Zealand’s North Island. Check in to your hotel and enjoy a Welcome Dinner, where you’ll meet your Botanical Guide and fellow travellers.

Stay: Three Nights, New Plymouth, Novotel Hobson Hotel or similar

• Dinner

Taranaki Garden Spectacular

See Kiwi gardens of significance in the spectacular North Island region of Taranaki.

Enjoy your first day at the Taranaki Garden Festival, nestled on the slopes of majestic Mt. Taranaki. Explore private and public gardens, recognised for their national and international significance. The Taranaki region is renowned for its 13 gardens of International Significance, as well as the rhododendrons which are glorious at this time of the year. 

• Breakfast

Taranaki Garden Spectacular

See Kiwi gardens of significance in the spectacular North Island region of Taranaki.

Your botanical adventure continues today as you visit the best private and public gardens of the Taranaki region with your Botanical Guide. As we are invited to explore each distinct and inspirational garden, we learn of their respective histories and development.

• Breakfast
• Dinner

Taranaki Garden Spectacular

See Kiwi gardens of significance in the spectacular North Island region of Taranaki.

Visit more festival gardens before bidding farewell to Taranaki. Take in views of Lake Mangamahoe, which winds its way through the landscape, past pine forests and redwoods, as well as a selection of native vegetation. Travel through the coastal towns of Hawera, Wanganui and Paraparaumu before arriving in New Zealand’s capital, Wellington.

Stay: Two Nights, Wellington, Intercontinental Hotel or similar

• Breakfast
• Dinner

In the picturesque Ohariu Valley this morning, we visit Pepped Warbeck, its private garden featuring Marlborough daisies, and many native trees and shrubs. We then turn our attention to the Botanic Gardens of Wellington, which boasts an array of ancient forests and colourful flower beds. Take your afternoon at leisure. You might like to visit Te Papa Tongarewa, New Zealand’s national museum, located on Wellington’s beautiful waterfront.

• Breakfast

Today you’ll enjoy one of the world’s most scenic voyages as the Interislander ferry traverses Cook Strait, past the breathtaking landscapes of Marlborough and Queen Charlotte Sounds. Weave through unspoilt islands and admire stunning coastlines punctuated by a series of tiny coves as we approach the South Island and the town of Picton. After a short drive, we visit a winery in the Marlborough area; this region is responsible for producing seventy percent of New Zealand’s wine. 

Stay: Two Nights, Blenheim, Scenic Marlborough or similar

• Breakfast

Today you will experience the beauty of the Marlborough region, including the renowned cottage-style Hortensia House with its Monet-inspired hydrangea garden. Next visit the spectacular private and semi-formal country garden of Barewood, with its 100-year-old homestead before visiting Welton House Garden for a guided tour and a glass of wine. 

• Breakfast
• Dinner

Our day has us departing Marlborough as we visit Flaxmere Garden located at the foothills of Lake Sumner Forest Park. Flaxmere prides itself on being awarded a Garden of National Significance by the New Zealand Garden Trust, which has affiliation to the Royal Institute of Horticulture. Enjoy lunch here before we continue on to Christchurch in the afternoon.

Stay: Christchurch, Rydges Latimer Hotel or similar

• Breakfast
• Lunch