New Zealand's Taranaki Garden Spectacular & Private Gardens of the North & South Islands
with Botanica World Discoveries
- Small group of 15-25 guests
- Escorted by an expert Botanical Guide
- 8 nights’ accommodation & return airport-to-hotel transfers
With over 20 years’ experience Botanica World Discoveries are the experts in garden travel, offering a wide range of small group tours and cruises hosted by expert Botanical Guides. We visit a vast range of private gardens not accessible to the general public as well as the must-see sights of the region.
NZ gardening writer, author and passionate gardener Sarah will bring to life all the wonderful botanical aspects of New Zealand flora while you explore the delightful private and public gardens nestled on the slopes of majestic Mt Taranaki.
Highlights
- 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.
Inclusions
- Travel with a small group of 15-25 guests, escorted by expert Botanical Guide Sarah O'Neil
- 8 nights’ accommodation in centrally located four-star hotels
- Return airport-to-hotel transfers
- 14 meals and select beverages
- Spacious coach with an experienced and informative Coach Captain
- All sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary
Day 1: New Plymouth
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
Day 2: Taranaki Garden Spectacular
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
Day 3: Taranaki Gardens Of International Significance
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
Day 4: Lake Mangamahoe And Wellington
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.
Daily: Breakfast & dinner
Day 5:Botanic Gardens Of Wellington And Private Garden Visit
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.
Daily: Breakfast
Day 6: InterIslander Ferry – Picton And Blenheim
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: wo Nights, Blenheim, Chateau Marlborough or similar
Daily: Breakfast
Day 7: Marlborough Gardens – Hortensia House And Barewood
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
Day 8: Flaxmere Garden And Christchurch
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.
Daily: Breakfast & lunch
Day 9: Akaroa, Fisherman's Bay Private Garden And Christchurch
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.
Daily: Breakfast & lunch
| Travel Dates | Price Per person, twin share* |
|---|---|
| 03 November - 11 November 2024 | Sold out |
| 02 November - 10 November 2025 | From $6995 |
*Prices are per person, twin share. Advertised price based on departure in 2025. Price and availability are subject to change. Please enquire with your RAC travel consultant for availability and pricing.
