New Zealand’s Taranaki Garden Spectacular & Private Gardens of the North and South Islands
New Zealand’s Taranaki Garden Spectacular & Private Gardens of the North and South Islands
Tour Overview
Experience a range of public and private gardens during the celebrated Taranaki Garden Festival. Thirteen gardens of national significance are found within the Taranaki region, which benefits from rich, volcanic soils and its own microclimate. Absorb spectacular scenery during our journey across Cook Strait aboard the Interislander Ferry. Sample the wine of the Marlborough region, take a private tour of the renowned Flaxmere Garden, and enjoy the French influence of Akaroa.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : New Plymouth
Location: New Plymouth
Accommodation Name: Three Nights, New Plymouth, Novotel Hobson Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Dinner
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.
Day 2 : Taranaki Garden Spectacular
Location: New Plymouth
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 3 : Taranaki Gardens Of International Significance
Location: New Plymouth
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Day 4 : Lake Mangamahoe And Wellington
Location: New Plymouth
Accommodation Name: Two Nights, Wellington, Intercontinental Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Visit more festival gardens before bidding farewell to Taranaki. Travel on to Wellington. Take in views of the landscape, as you pass pine forests and redwoods, as well as a selection of native vegetation. Travel through the coastal town of Hawera before arriving in New Zealand’s capital, Wellington.
Day 5 : Botanic Gardens Of Wellington And Private Garden Visit
Location: New Plymouth
Meals Included: Breakfast
Explore Wellington Botanic Garden, which boasts an array of ancient forests and colourful flower beds. Visit a private garden before taking the afternoon at leisure. You may like to visit Te Papa Tongarewa, New Zealand’s national museum, located on Wellington’s beautiful waterfront.
Day 6 : Interislander Ferry – Picton And Blenheim
Location: New Plymouth
Accommodation Name: Two Nights, Blenheim, Chateau Marlborough or similar
Meals Included: 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.
Day 7 : Marlborough Gardens – Hortensia House And Barewood
Location: New Plymouth
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Day 8 : Flaxmere Garden And Christchurch
Location: New Plymouth
Accommodation Name: Christchurch, Rydges Latimer Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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 is affiliated with the Royal Institute of Horticulture. Enjoy lunch here before we continue to Christchurch in the afternoon.
Day 9 : Akaroa, Fisherman's Bay Private Garden And Christchurch
Location: New Plymouth
Meals Included: 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 journey from Christchurch to Auckland.
What's Included
-
Travel with a small group of 15-25 guests, escorted by expert Botanical Guide Sarah O'Neil
-
Includes eight nights’ accommodation in centrally located four-star hotels, return airport-to-hotel transfers, plus 14 meals and select beverages
-
Relax aboard a spacious coach with an experienced and informative Coach Captain
-
All sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary
-
Attend the spectacular Taranaki Garden Festival, renowned for its gardens of significance
-
Visit remarkable private gardens and see spring wildflowers in bloom
-
Spend time in New Zealand’s grape country in the Marlborough region
-
$350 accommodation credit when you combine this journey with our Contrasts of New Zealand’s Gardens & Natural Wonders journey*
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
Can be combined with: Contrasts of New Zealand’s Gardens & Natural Wonders BTNZ11
Prices are for land only, flights not included
Check out our Q&As
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
APT has been operating for over 95 years!
-
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.
-
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.
1 Select your preferred date
Sunday - Monday
Nov 03, 2024 - Nov 11, 2024Sunday - Monday
Nov 02, 2025 - Nov 10, 2025Book with Confidence
-
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.
Enquire for huge savings
Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.