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November 2 - 19, 2006
Welcome to the forests, gardens and countryside of New Zealand. On this tour we will visit exclusive private gardens, public gardens and the different plant communities of New Zealand from the giant kauri forests of the north to the alpine meadows of the south. We will meet the people, learn of Maori culture and enjoy scenery of Lord of the Rings fame.
Jan Coyle, a transplanted Kiwi who grew up in the New Zealand bush , has been arranging and leading botanical and garden tours to her homeland since 1992.
Thu 02 DEPART SAN FRANCISCO
Flights depart late evening. The flight takes 12 hours and dinner and breakfast are served on board. During the night cross the International Dateline. Flights also depart from Los Angeles.
SAT 04 ARRIVE NEW ZEALAND
(D) Arrive Auckland International Airport early in the morning. After completing entry formalities, leave the International Arrivals hall and transfer to the domestic terminal for the onward flight to Christchurch. On arrival in Christchurch we will be met by our charter coach driver and transferred to the hotel. Rooms may not be ready for immediate occupancy but luggage may be stored at the hotel until rooms are available. (Immediate access may be guaranteed at extra cost.) Our hotel is conveniently located in the centre of the Christchurch central business district and is within walking distance of Christchurchs leading central city attractions. There are a variety of restaurants and cafés nearby. Remainder of the morning free to rest or explore.
This afternoon we depart the hotel for an orientation tour of Christchurch City including the gardens of Mona Vale Estate and the Christchurch Arts Centre followed by a guided tour of the Christchurch Botanical Gardens. These gardens which were established in 1863, showcase exotic and indigenous plants throughout 33 hectares, the majority of which is inside a loop of the pretty Avon River. Six specialist houses contain collections of tropical and temperate plants, cool greenhouse flowering plants, cacti, succulents, ferns and alpine plants. There are a variety of gardens which include the Rose, Rock, Water, Azalea, Woodland, Primula and Fragrant gardens.
6.30 pm Early welcome dinner this evening at Annies Wine Bar and Restaurant located in the historic Arts Centre which was the original site of the Canterbury University.
Accommodation:
Copthorne Central Hotel (2 nights)
776 Colombo Street
Christchurch
Tel: 03 379 5880
Fax: 03 365 4806
SUN 05 ARTHURS PASS DAY EXCURSION
(B) Breakfast at the hotel.
8.15 am This morning board the award winning Tranz Alpine Express for a scenic rail journey across the fertile Canterbury Plains and into the heart of the mighty Southern Alps. Travel across towering viaducts, through spectacular gorges and river valleys and into the lush forest of Arthurs Pass National Park.
10.42 am Leave the train at Arthurs Pass and board the coach to travel the short distance to the Pass. Time to explore the Alpine Plant area and the beech forests, have lunch and drop into the excellent Visitor Centre before travelling back to Christchurch by coach.
Evening at leisure.
MON 06 CHRISTCHURCH / DUNEDIN
(BL) Breakfast at the hotel.
Depart Christchurch travelling south across the sheep and cropping areas of the Canterbury Plains. On a clear day the majestic Southern Alps can be seen to the West for much of the journey. At Ashburton tour Allan Trotts extensive garden. Garden rooms , free flowing borders and a nursery make up this well kept property. Continue to Ruapuna for lunch at Stonehaven, the garden of Liz Scott. This lovely country property is a garden for all seasons. Herbaceous borders full of old roses and perennials burst into colour from the beginning of November and there are also a variety of alpine plants. Enjoy a delicious lunch in the garden before continuing south with a stop at the Oamaru Public Gardens and then at Moeraki to see the fascinating giant marble-like boulders on the beach. Travel across the Otago Hills and drive into the university city of Dunedin. Originally settled by the Scots, Dunedin is a city of real character and old wealth.
Our hotel is centrally located and there are good restaurants nearby. Evening at leisure.
Accommodation:
Southern Cross Hotel
Corner Princes and High Streets
Dunedin
Tel: 03 477 0752
Fax: 03 477 5776
TUE 07 AT DUNEDIN
(B) Breakfast at the hotel.
This morning visit the superb Dunedin Botanic Gardens for a guided tour of the excellent New Zealand Natives Collection. Dunedins Botanic Gardens are the oldest botanic gardens in New Zealand and have a large variety of plant collections including the magnificent Rhododendron Dell, the Camellia Collection, Rock Garden and the interesting Geographic Plant Collection. Following our tour there will be time to explore on your own.
This afternoon head out to the Otago Peninsula for a visit to Hereweka, a garden which includes a fascinating collection of plants with a Gondwana theme including palms, cordylines and tree ferns. The garden is partly surrounded by regenerating native bush which includes a stand of mature rimu trees the last such remnant on the Otago Peninsula. In the late afternoon walk down to the beach at Penguin Place to watch the rare Yellow Eyed Penguins come ashore to their burrows after a day fishing at sea. Close up viewing is provided from specially constructed hides and there should be chicks at this time of year.
Afterwards return to Dunedin. Evening at leisure.
WED 08 DUNEDIN / TE ANAU
(B) Breakfast at the hotel.
Depart and travel through the southern suburbs of Dunedin and on to the fertile Taieri Plains where sheep and dairying are the primary industries. Travel past unique Lake Waihola and then through undulating farmland crossing the fast flowing Clutha River at Balclutha. At Gore we turn south to visit Maple Glen, the outstanding garden of Muriel, Bob and Rob Davison at Wyndham. Muriel describes his 20-acre private garden and nursery as a home for plants and birds . Maple Glen enjoys a soft climate and free draining soil which allows a wide variety of shrubs, trees, perennials, alpines and bulbs to be grown. Flowering shrubs and mass plantings of bluebells are a feature in early November. Continue on to Te Anau on the shores of pretty Lake Te Anau. Our hotel is centrally located, a short walk from the Te Anau wharf.
This evening depart on a cruise across Lake Te Anau to the Te Anau-au Caves. Experienced guides take visitors into the caves by path and small boats underground. Highlights include incredible limestone caverns, whirlpools, waterfalls and the glowworm grotto. On conclusion of tour, return to Te Anau by launch.
Accommodation:
Te Anau Hotel & Villas (lakeview)
Lakefront Drive
Te Anau
Tel: 03 249 9700
Fax: 03 249 7947
THU 09 TE ANAU / MILFORD SOUND
(BD) Breakfast at the hotel.
This morning we will pick up picnic lunches and depart Te Anau to travel through Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound. Fiordland National Park, part of the Southwest New Zealand World Heritage Area is one of the great wilderness areas of the Southern Hemisphere. The scenery is spectacular with lofty mountains and deep valleys carved out by Ice Age glaciers. There are clear rushing streams and leaping waterfalls set in magnificent native rainforest. There will be plenty of time to explore the forests of silver beech, Nothofagus menzeii, to the east and the rainforest to the west of the Divide. In the meadows we should see the brilliant Mt Cook lilies, (actually the worlds largest ranunculus.) See the giant fuschia and many varieties of dracophyllum (grass trees), fern, pseudopanax, coprosma, metrosideros, podocarp and broadleaf.
In the late afternoon board the Milford Mariner for an overnight cruise. Designed along the lines of a traditional New Zealand coastal trading scow to reflect the heritage of the Fiordland area, the Milford Mariner caters for visitors who enjoy comfort, combined with activity. The vessel has been purpose built to accommodate passengers in private cabins with en-suite bathrooms. Cruise the length of Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea. The vessel explores points of interest, with plenty of time available to view waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife with the experienced nature guide on board. The vessel returns to sheltered Harrison Cove and anchors overnight. Conditions permitting you will have the opportunity to explore the shoreline by kayak or by tendercraft. The tiny Fiordland crestd penguins can often be seen returning to their nests in the evening.
A four-course buffet evening meal is served on board. All cabins have private facilities.
Accommodation:
Milford Mariner
FRI 10 MILFORD SOUND / QUEENSTOWN
(B) Breakfast served on board.
9.30 am The boat returns to Milford Wharf. Board your coach and retrace your journey back to Te Anau travelling via the Cleddeau Gorge, Homer Tunnel and the lovely Eglinton Valley. From Te Anau travel through the quaint settlements of Mossburn, Athol and Garston then travel along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Queenstown, New Zealands premier alpine resort and adventure capital. Remainder of afternoon at leisure to explore. Our hotel is centrally located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and close to the town centre. This evening take the opportunity to sample the cafés, restaurants and bars for which Queenstown is famous.
Accommodation:
Novotel Gardens Hotel
Corner Earl Street & Marine Parade
Queenstown
Tel: 03 442 7750
Fax: 03 442 7469
SAT 11 QUEENSTOWN / WELLINGTON
(B) Breakfast at the hotel.
This morning we check out of the hotel and meet Neill Simpson who will be our guide for a high alpine walk this morning. Conditions permitting drive up to the Remarkables Skifield then from the skifield base, walk up to Lake Alta to learn about alpine vegetation in the region. The views alone make this trip worthwhile.
In the afternoon transfer to Queenstown Airport and check in for our flight to Wellington.
On arrival at Wellington Airport we meet our North Island coach driver, board your coach and transfer to your hotel which is located a short drive from the town centre.
Accommodation:
Mercure Wellington Hotel CONFIRMED
(2 nights)
345 The Terrace
Wellington
Tel: 04 385 9829
Fax: 04 385 2119
Ibis Wellington (2 nights) WAITLISTED
SUN 12 AT WELLINGTON
(B) Breakfast at the hotel.
Te Papa, New Zealands National Museum offers visitors a unique and authentic experience of New Zealands treasures and stories. Learn about the shaping of its land, the spirit of its diverse peoples, its unique wildlife and its distinctive popular culture. Today visit Te Papa for a guided tour then enjoy exploring this fascinating New Zealand showcase independently.
Visit the Wellington Botanic Gardens for a guided tour. The gardens comprise 25 hectares of unique landscape, protected native forest, specialized plant collections, colourful floral displays and conifers. There are magnificent views over Wellington city and harbour. The gardens are classified as a Garden of National Significance by the Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture.
Afterwards visit Otari-Wiltons Bush which is the only botanic garden in New Zealand which is dedicated solely to native plants and trees. This plant sanctuary consists of 100-hectares of native forest including an 800-year old rimu and 5-hectares of unique plant collections.
Evening at leisure. There are many fine restaurants near our accommodation.
MON 13 WELLINGTON / HUNTERVILLE
(BD) Breakfast at the hotel.
Today travel north along the pretty Kapiti Coast then head into the rural Manawatu area. Stop enroute for a visit Burnard Gardens. Eight separate garden areas make up this property including a woodland area, a rose garden, herbaceous borders, potager and a native bush walk. Following our tour we continue north and later in the afternoon meet our farm hosts for an overnight stay on a local farm in either the Marton or Hunterville area. Time and conditions permitting, a tour of the farm is included and you may have the opportunity to help with farm chores such as feeding orphaned lambs. This opportunity to spend time with Kiwis in their own homes is always a tour highlight.
Enjoy a home cooked dinner with your hosts.
Accommodation: Farmstay
TUE 14 HUNTERVILLE / ROTORUA
(B) Farm breakfast with your hosts.
Reassemble, farewell your farm hosts then travel north through the centre of the North Island. Cross the distinctive barren landscape of the Tongariro Volcanic Plateau and pass the volcanoes of Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe then travel around Lake Taupo, New Zealands largest lake to the town of Taupo. Here visit the garden of Gordon Collier. Gordon is a noted New Zealand gardener, garden writer, and champion of New Zealand gardens. His young garden was featured recently in New Zealand House and Garden magazine. It is not normally open to the public.
From Taupo travel through vast pine forests to the thermal wonderland of Rotorua.
Your hotel is centrally located near Lake Rotorua, the famous Polynesian Spa and is a short walk to the town centre.
Accommodation:
Millennium Rotorua Hotel (2 nights)
Eruera Street
Rotorua
Tel: 07 347 1234
Fax: 07 348 1234
WED 15 AT ROTORUA
(BD) Breakfast at the hotel.
This morning visit the Agrodome to learn how sheep and wool are one of New Zealands premier exports. The entertaining and informative Sheep Show includes 19 breeds of sheep, a 'sheep auction' with audience participation, an opportunity to milk a cow on stage, a demonstration by Huntaway sheepdogs, feeding lambs on stage (when available), and a dog trial with three sheep.
Afterwards visit Tikitere Gardens and Nursery. Bill Robinson is a true plantsman. His nursery may be a bit untidy but he knows his plants. The large garden borders the Waiohena stream and features rhododendrons, hostas, maples, irises, magnolias, peonies and other plantings.
Also visit Hells Gate at Tikitere to see steam vents, sulphur fumeroles, New Zealands only accessible mud volcano, fascinating boiling mud pools, steaming cliffs and the largest hot waterfall in the Southern Hemisphere.
5.45pm This evening meet your Mitai driver in the hotel lobby then transfer to a marae site (traditional Maori village) for a powhiri (traditional welcome), concert of Maori song and dance and hangi dinner. This is a special and educational experience offering a wonderful introduction to the spirit, talents and humour of the Maori people. After dinner enjoy a short night bush walk by torchlight to see the bush glowworms, learn about the traditional uses of native flora, see the source of the Fairy Spring with trout and eels swimming in the crystal clear water. Afterwards transfer back to your hotel.
THU 16 ROTORUA / DARGAVILLE
(B) Breakfast at the hotel.
Today leave Rotorua and travel across the bush-clad Mamaku Ranges and through picturesque farmlands to the Waikato Valley region where some of New Zealands richest dairy farming land lies. Stop in Hamilton to visit the Hamilton Gardens where the Paradise Garden Collection is spectacular. This collection includes the Chinese Scholars Garden, American Modernist Garden, Italian Renaissance Garden and the Indian Char Bagh Garden. Other plant collections include the Productive Gardens Collection and Landscape Gardens Collection and the Cultivar Garden Collection which includes the stunning Rogers Rose Garden.
Head north over the Bombay Hills, through Auckland, New Zealands largest city then continue north past the pretty beaches of the Hibiscus Coast.
Continue north then turn west at Brynderwyn and travel north along the west coast road to Dargaville.
Accommodation:
Hobsons Choice Motel
212 Victoria Street
Dargaville
Tel: 09 439 8554
Fax: 09 439 8553
FRI 17 DARGAVILLE / WAIPOUA / AUCKLAND
(B) Breakfast at the motel.
Today continue north to the Waipoua State Forest to see the giant Kauri trees including Tane Mahuta, believed to be over 1500 years old.. Stop at Trounson Kauri Park for a walk through this ancient forest to observe the kauri, companion plants and birds which make their home here. Afterwards we retrace our journey south stopping at Matakohe for a visit to the excellent Timber Museum. This award winning Museum records the timber milling and gum digging pioneering days of the Northland region. Afterwards continue south to Auckland City. Our hotel is located in the central shopping and business district. There are a variety of cafés, restaurants and bars within walking distance.
Accommodation:
Mercure Auckland Hotel (2 nights)
8 Customs Street
Auckland
Tel: 09 377 8920
Fax: 09 377 8992
SAT 18 AT AUCKLAND
(BD) Breakfast at the hotel.
Today depart the hotel for a sightseeing tour of Auckland City. Highlights include the pretty Parnell Rose Gardens and the panoramic views from Mt Eden, the tallest of the 47 extinct volcanoes around which Auckland is built.
Visit Peter Bradys Garden Pasifika Garden where form and foliage create interest in the back of this small city garden while bromeliads are featured in the front of the Spanish style house. Peters floristry skill is evident in his use of plants and sculpture.
Also visit the Auckland Regional Botanic Gardens for a guided tour with Jack Hobbs who is the curator/manager for the gardens. If Jack is not available, an alternative guide will accompany you. These gardens feature an excellent rose garden, proteas, natives, herb garden, camellias and other collections. Late this afternoon visit Ayrlies, the country garden of Bev McConnell who is a well-respected patron of gardening in New Zealand and an experienced show judge.
Sculptured from a bare paddock in 1964, this garden is approaching maturity and is known for its sweeping lawns and informal but detailed plantings and strong but sensitive use of colour. You will be greeted by a cascading waterfall and tranquil ponds then wander through the garden which includes a rock garden, azalea bank, a canal bog garden, summerhouse and rose arbour. New Zealand native plants are a strong component of the garden and there is a large wetland area linking the garden to the waters of the Hauraki Gulf. You will be accompanied around the gardens by an expert gardener.
Enjoy a farewell dinner at Ayrlies, either on the garden terrace or in Bevs home if inclement weather.
SUN 19 DEPART AUCKLAND
(B) Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning at leisure normal room check out time applies.
This afternoon drive out to the Waitakere Ranges where, weather permitting, we will pick up picnic lunches in Titirangi. Visit the Arataki Visitor Centre where the benches provide a perfect spot for a picnic lunch overlooking the forest and Manukau Harbour. Time for a brief walk through the native bush if you wish. Many of the native trees growing here naturally are cultivated in gardens throughout the world. Afterwards visit Westridge, the garden of Geoffrey Haughey and Richard Cadness. Surrounded by native bush and nestled among tall nikau palms and tree ferns this garden is a collection of interesting plants. A micro-climate has enabled tender plants such as vireya rhododendrons to thrive under the trees. Paths wander through bush and garden providing lovely vistas.
After your garden visit travel directly to Auckland International Airport and check in for your departure flight.
Pay Airport Departure Tax currently NZ $25.00 per person.
Depart Auckland.
RETURN HOME WITH HAPPY MEMORIES OF YOUR NEW ZEALAND TOUR
PRICE INCLUDES:
·Meet and greet on arrival at Christchurch Airport
·Transfers and touring by air-conditioned charter coach with experienced driver who will provide English language touring commentary
·12 nights hotel accommodation in rooms with ensuite bathroom and tea/coffee making facilities all rooms run of house unless otherwise specified
·1 night farmstay accommodation with share bathroom
·1 night motel accommodation in room with private bathroom
·1 night Milford Mariner in cabin with private facilities
·Meals only as specified and indicated by (B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner - 13 breakfasts, 5 dinners
·Sightseeing activities and admission fees as specified
·Admission to gardens as specified
·Hotel porterage except on Milford Mariner and at Dargaville
·Tranz Alpine train Christchurch / Arthurs Pass seat in train basis one class only
·GST at 12.5%
DOES NOT INCLUDE:
·Meals except as specified and indicated by (B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner
·Use of rooms before/after normal check in/out times
·Items of a personal nature eg; laundry, phone calls etc
·Additional sightseeing arrangements
·International airfares
·Domestic airfares
·Airport departure tax currently at NZ$25.00 per person ex Auckland or Christchurch
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 The Remarkables at Sunset, taken from the top of Queensland
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Janet Coyle
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$3768.00 per person twin share, land only, includes $200 donation to SFBGS $758.00 single room supplement
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