Day 1. Arrive Christchurch
Upon arrival you will be met at Christchurch airport and transferred to your hotel. This evening enjoy a Welcome Dinner at 6.30pm to meet your fellow travellers.
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Dinner
Day 2. Akaroa and Private Gardens
Today journey down to the picturesque harbour village of Akaroa. Visit a private garden with stunning views out over the ocean before enjoying some time at leisure in Akaroa. On your way back to Christchurch, stop at a private garden set on 3.5 hectares that prides itself in excellence in design, planting and maintenance.
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Breakfast
Day 3. Canterbury Plains
Traverse the Canterbury Plains and admire the stunning alpine scenery of rugged mountain peaks. Travel via Ashburton, Timaru and Oamaru to Dunedin, with a visit to the charitable trust garden of Alan Trott along the way. Visit the Trevor Griffiths Rose Garden - a tribute to the author and rosarian.
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Breakfast
- • Dinner
Day 4. Dunedin
Visit Dunedin Botanic Gardens and Glenfalloch Woodland Garden featuring rhododendrons and azaleas. Enjoy a delicious lunch at Larnach Castle - set within a magnificent private garden.
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Breakfast
- • Lunch
Day 5. Dunedin and Te Anau
Today travel to Te Anau and also visit a southland garden set in picturesque countryside.
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Breakfast
- • Dinner
Day 6. Milford Sound Cruise and Queenstown
Enjoy nature’s garden as you explore Mirror Lake, Homer Tunnel and The Chasm. Enjoy a spectacular cruise on Milford Sound.
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Breakfast
- • Lunch
- • Dinner
Day 7. Queenstown Garden
Take a tour of a spectacular private garden in Queenstown. Learn about gardening in the foothills of The Remarkables mountain range. Visit quaint Arrowtown, then enjoy free time in Queenstown before a Farewell Dinner to the South Island this evening.
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Breakfast
- • Dinner
Day 8. Queenstown and Auckland
After breakfast be transferred to the airport for your flight to Auckland. After arrival, visit a private garden outside the city.
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Breakfast
- • Dinner
Day 9. Ayrlies Garden and Private Garden
Today visit Ayrlies Garden, described by Monty Don as one of the most beautiful in the world. Admire the plantings using the borrowed landscape and the owner’s passion to create this masterpiece. Later, visit a private garden in East Auckland.
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Breakfast
Day 10. Eden Garden and Waiheke Island
This morning visit the Eden Garden, created out of a disused quarry in the heart of Auckland. Travel by ferry to the Island of Waiheke to visit the stunning winery and garden of Mudbrick Vineyard where we will enjoy lunch with views over the bay.
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Breakfast
- • Lunch
- • Dinner
Day 11. Depart Auckland
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home.
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Breakfast