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Botanica

New Zealand's Taranaki Garden Spectacular & Private Gardens

New Plymouth to Christchurch

Trip Code: BTNZTM9
9 Days
29 October 2023

Trip Highlights

Sarah O'Neil

Escorted by Botanical Guide Sarah O’Neil

NZ gardening writer, author and passionate gardener Sarah will bring to life all the wonderful botanical aspects of New Zealand flora.

Taranaki Garden Spectacular

Explore the delightful private and public gardens nestled on the slopes of majestic Mt Taranaki. The region of Taranaki has 13 gardens of international significance, due to the rich volcanic soil and microclimate of the region.

Visit Private Gardens

Enjoy the chance to visit a host of New Zealand's best private gardens with your Botanical Guide and meet their owners.

  • Trip Inclusions
  • Map & Itinerary
  • Similar Trips

Trip Inclusions

  • 9 days in a small group with Botanical Guide Sarah O'Neil
  • 8 nights in 4 to 5-star hotels plus 13 meals
  • Airport transfers on first and last day and services of an experienced coach captain
  • Attend the spectacular Taranaki Garden Festival, renowned for its gardens of significance
  • Visit remarkable private gardens and see spring wildflowers in bloom
  • Visit the renowned Hortensia House, private garden of Georges and Huguette Michel
  • Spend time in New Zealand’s grape country
  • $350 accommodation credit when you combine this journey with our New Zealand Private Gardens and Landscapes journey*

Map & Itinerary

Trip Notes

  • Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
  • Medium Fitness level - involves walking on uneven surfaces for more than one hour. A good degree of mobility is required
  • Group size 15-25 guests
  • Can be combined with: New Zealand Private Gardens & Landscapes BTNZ11
  • Prices are for land only, flights not included
Map
New Plymouth to Christchurch

Designed exclusively for our guests

Taranaki Garden Spectacular

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

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

Daily :
  • 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. 

Daily :
  • 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.

Daily :
  • 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

Daily :
  • 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.

Daily :
  • 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

Daily :
  • 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. 

Daily :
  • 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

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Enjoy a full day to explore the picturesque harbour village of Akaroa. Visit a Garden of National Significance, as well as a historic house featuring artwork, terraced gardens, sculptures and mosaics. Stop at Fisherman’s Bay private garden, offering stunning views overlooking the Banks Peninsula coastline before arriving back to Christchurch.

You may also like to join our New Zealand Private Gardens and Landscapes journey from Christchurch to Auckland.

Daily :
  • Breakfast

Everything was wonderful. There were great sightseeing trips and the guides were very knowledgeable.

Brochure