New Zealand’s Gardens & Natural Wonders
New Zealand’s Gardens & Natural Wonders
Tour Overview
A tour which suits first-time, as well as returning, travellers to New Zealand, this journey includes a balance of gardens and spectacular New Zealand scenery. Accompanied by expert Botanical Guide, Sarah O’Neil, we see the country’s gardens while they are at their spring best, while also appreciating the diversity of plant life that extends across the South Island, owing to New Zealand’s varied climate. We also behold the colossal peaks lining Milford Sound during a cruise.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Christchurch
Location: Christchurch
Accommodation Name: Two Nights, Christchurch, Rydges, Latimer Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Dinner
Begin in Christchurch, known for its English heritage, as well as for being New Zealand’s oldest established city. Tonight, enjoy a Welcome Dinner as you meet your fellow travellers.
Day 2 : Ohinetahi And Private Gardens
Location: Christchurch
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today, journey to the historic 19th-century Ohinetahi garden and homestead, the private home of New Zealand architect Sir Miles Warren. Afterwards, we enjoy lunch at Frensham, a relaxed private country garden with a huge variety of plants. On our way back to Christchurch, we stop in at a private garden set on eight and a half acres. The owners here pride themselves on the excellence in design, planting and maintenance of their garden, which also includes a Kauri forest.
Day 3 : Alan Trott Garden, Trevor Griffiths Rose Garden And Dunedin
Location: Christchurch
Accommodation Name: Two Nights, Dunedin, Distinction Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Traverse the Canterbury Plains today and admire the stunning alpine scenery of rugged mountain peaks. Travel via Ashburton, Timaru and Oamaru to Dunedin, stopping along the way for a visit at the garden of Alan Trott, which is recognised as a Garden of International Significance and has been awarded six stars by the New Zealand Gardens Trust. Stop briefly at the Trevor Griffiths Rose Garden, a tribute to the author and rosarian, before arriving in the city of Dunedin, which features the best collection of Edwardian and Victorian architecture in the Southern Hemisphere.
Day 4 : Dunedin Botanic Gardens, Larnach Castle And Otago Peninsula
Location: Christchurch
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today, we visit the Dunedin Botanic Gardens, New Zealand’s oldest botanical garden, with over 6,800 plant species. We then make our way to New Zealand’s wildlife capital, the Otago Peninsula, where we stop in at Glenfalloch Woodland Garden. The garden features an array of rhododendrons and azaleas, alongside native ferns and indigenous trees. Enjoy a delicious lunch at the hilltop Larnach Castle, set within a magnificent private garden.
Day 5 : Dunedin, Wildflowers, Castlemaine Garden And Te Anau
Location: Christchurch
Accommodation Name: Te Anau, Distinction Hotel and Villas or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today, look out for spring wildflowers as we make our way to Te Anau. On arrival, we visit Castlemaine garden in Southland. Set within picturesque countryside, the garden has a strong and formal English influence.
Day 6 : Milford Sound Cruise And Queenstown
Location: Christchurch
Accommodation Name: Two Nights, Queenstown, Novotel Lakeside Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy nature’s garden at its finest today as you explore Mirror Lake, Homer Tunnel and The Chasm en route to a cruise of spectacular Milford Sound. New Zealand’s most stunning natural attraction, Milford Sound comprises a dramatic combination of mountain peaks, reflective waters and steep, forest-clad cliffs. Later, arrive in the picturesque city of Queenstown, set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu.
Day 7 : Queenstown, Chantecler Garden
Location: Christchurch
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Take a tour of the spectacular Chantecler garden in Queenstown, in the foothills of The Remarkables mountain range. This Garden of National Significance boasts 12 acres of mature gardens, including almost 1000 rhododendrons and azaleas, topiaries and sculptures. Visit the historic gold mining village of Arrowtown, where you’ll have time to explore the quaint shops along its heritage main street. This afternoon, enjoy free time in Queenstown before reconvening for dinner.
Day 8 : Queenstown
Location: Queenstown, NZ
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight home.
What's Included
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Travel with a small group of 15-20 guests, escorted by an expert Botanical Guide
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Includes seven nights’ accommodation in centrally located four-star hotels, return airport-to-hotel transfers, plus 15 meals and select beverages
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Relax aboard a spacious coach with an experienced and informative Coach Captain
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All sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary
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See spring wildflowers in bloom, enjoy private garden visits and meet their owners
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Enjoy lunch at the Frensham Garden and tour Larnach Castle & Gardens
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Cruise spectacular Milford Sound and explore Queenstown and Arrowtown
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Visit the garden of Alan Trott, which is recognised as a Garden of International Significance
Notes
Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
Fitness Rating: Medium - involves walking on uneven surfaces for more than one hour. A good degree of mobility is required
Group size: 15-25 guests
Our experience of gardens, their flora, and other aspects of nature, is subject to weather conditions and seasonality, which may vary
Can be combined with: New Zealand’s Taranaki Garden Spectacular & Private Gardens of the North and South Islands BTNZTM9
Check out our Q&As
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What if I have special dietary requirements?
Please ensure you advise APT during your booking process if you or any of your travelling companions have special dietary needs or requests. We aim to cater for all requests which are advised at the time of making your booking.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel Documents are sent to you 2-3 weeks prior to your departure. Certain information may be required to help finalise your booking.
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What are Freedom of Choice Touring options?
For APT tour programs, you may have the opportunity to select a Freedom of Choice Touring activity. These options are at no additional cost, and confirmed whilst on tour. The Tour Directors will guide you through all of the available options, and assist with booking these for those who are interested. Your brochure or our website will feature Freedom of Choice options for some tours - where applicable. Should time permit, passengers may be given the opportunity to experience a second option by purchasing that option.
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Where do I join the tour?
Most of our itineraries commence with a transfer from the airport, or a meet and greet on Day 1. There may be times recommended for you to fly, which your Sales consultant will provide you. If you choose to fly in a few days prior to your tour commencing and explore independently you will be advised of a time and location to meet the tour group. If booking pre tour accommodation with APT on an exclusive APT tour itinerary, you will receive both a transfer from the airport and on Day 1 of the tour to join your fellow guests. For Europe River cruises, the vessels are available for early boarding upon your arrival. Luggage can be stored at reception, and passengers have access to the main lounge. Cabin check in is available from 3pm.
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How do I advise of Health/Mobility Requirements?
Your Sales consultant will ask you for any requirements pertaining to your Health & Fitness during your booking process. A questionnaire may be required to be completed, which you will be advised.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
APT has been operating for over 95 years!
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What are the luggage requirements?
Each passenger is entitled to take one piece of luggage that does not exceed 160cm - length/height/width (63 inches), weight limit 20kgs (44 pounds). Additional fees may apply for additional luggage, and must be requested by time of final payment. Some safari / adventure tours may have further luggage restrictions where passengers need to pack down to a small soft duffle 10-15kg bag due to the smaller vehicles that are used whilst on tour, this includes Kimberley Wilderness Adventure, Outback Wilderness Adventures, Africa. Your Sales consultant can provide you with specific regulations.
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Is tipping included on my APT tour?
Tipping is included for all APT operated tours. There are a few activities whereby tipping is not included such as Tailor Made Holidays, Africa & South America's City Stays & Extensions, and the Northern Lights Adventure in North America.
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Tuesday - Tuesday
Nov 12, 2024 - Nov 19, 2024Tuesday - Tuesday
Nov 11, 2025 - Nov 18, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
APT requires a minimum deposit of 500 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 100 days before departure.
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