Tour Details - 11 Day New Zealand Gardens 12/13

Day 1 Thu. Arrive Christchurch
Be met upon arrival at Christchurch Airport this morning and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy some free time to explore Christchurch at your leisure before a Welcome Dinner.

Day 2 Fri. Christchurch Gardens
Today explore the garden city of Christchurch. Visit some private gardens, meet the owners including Sir Miles Warren at Ohinetahi and find out why Christchurch is often called the ‘English City’ of New Zealand. Enjoy a visit to the Botanic Gardens, with its popular Rose Garden containing more than 250 different rose species. Visit Mona Vale, with its beautiful English-style gardens, nestled on the banks of the Avon River.

Day 3 Sat. Canterbury Plains
Set off to explore the picturesque countryside of New Zealand. Travel 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 private garden of Allan Trott along the way. Visit the Trevor Griffiths Rose Garden - a tribute to author and rosarian, Trevor Griffiths, whose collection of genuine old roses was once the third largest in the world.

Day 4 Sun. Dunedin
This morning visit the Glenfalloch Woodland Garden featuring rhododendrons and azaleas. Lunch today will be at Larnach Castle Garden - a private garden surrounding Larnach Castle. This afternoon is free to relax, shop, or visit the Botanic Gardens.

Day 5 Mon. Dunedin, Te Anau
Today, lookout for spring wildflowers and visit an alpine garden as you continue your journey to the small town of Te Anau.

Day 6 Tue. Milford Sound, Queenstown
Enjoy nature’s garden as you explore Mirror Lakes, Homer Tunnel and The Chasm. Enjoy a spectacular cruise on Milford Sound, taking in the thunderous waterfalls, prehistoric landscapes and lush vegetation of the area. It is truly an awe-inspiring day of touring. Later in the afternoon, continue the exciting journey towards Queenstown.

Day 7 Wed. Queenstown Gardens
Take a tour of private gardens in and around Queenstown. Enjoy picturesque views and learn about gardening in the foothills of the majestic Remarkables mountain range. This afternoon relax with some free time.

Day 8 Thu. Queenstown, Auckland
Fly from Queenstown to Auckland today. Be met on arrival and join a sightseeing tour of Auckland, taking in panoramic views of this city which offers breathtaking scenery, beautiful beaches, invigorating walks, outstanding food and wine, great shopping and exciting nightlife.

Day 9 Fri. Auckland, Flower Show
Visit Ayrlies Garden, a large informal country garden filled with moments of drama and lots of heady perfume. It is often included in gardening books as one of the most stunning gardens in the world. Afterwards, enjoy a visit to the Eden Garden.

Day 10 Sat. Auckland, Private Gardens
Visit some of Auckland’s most interesting private gardens at a time when they are at their peak. They are all unique and spectacular in their own right. Enjoy talking with the owners and creators of these gardens.

Day 11 Sun. Depart Auckland
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.