New Zealand: Gardens & National Parks

New Zealand: Gardens and National Parks

October 15 - 29, 2023

Optional Extension - Gardens from Marlborough Sound to Wellington - October 29 - November 4, 2023

Escorted by C. Colston Burrell

New Zealand is a dramatic constellation of islands in the South Pacific, noted for rugged beauty, fine wine, and a storied gardening tradition. Two large islands define the country, offering complex coastline fiords, glaciers, and sun-kissed beaches. Fertile green fields, deep lakes, active volcanoes and snow-capped peaks dominate the interior.

Featuring stops on both the North and South Islands, this tour provides a perfect blend of gardens, culture and cuisine. "Kiwis” are known for their sophisticated garden culture, and our itinerary includes a wide variety of both private and public gardens—each magnificent in its own way.

As New Zealand’s first gardeners, the Māori grew and bred many significant edible crops in large communal gardens, particularly kumara (a type of sweet potato), taro, yam and Pacific cabbage tree. The British introduced a new gardening tradition to the islands, which has prospered and diversified over the last 200 years. The North Island has a cool subtropical climate while the South Island is more temperate, so expect to see a diversity of plants and garden styles.

Traditional larger gardens and public gardens in the cooler-climate south tend to echo British and European styles with hedges, perennial and shrub borders, roses, ornamental conifers, lawn and deciduous trees. Large estate gardens have significant collections of rhododendrons, roses, iris and exotic conifers.

Many of New Zealand’s ornamental native plants have always been popular in gardens, such as pōhutukawa, kōwhai, cabbage tree, flax and tree ferns and there is a growing interest in using native plants in modern style and designer gardens. Several of New Zealand's native plants have become important ornamental plants around the world, especially flax, hebe, cordyline, carex, pittosporum and corokia.

In addition to gardens, we plan to visit many natural wonders, such as spectacular Milford Sound, bird watching and nesting sites, Queenstown lakes, the volcanic and thermal areas, as well as places to experience the indigenous Māori culture.

MAIN TOUR ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS:

• Partake of a sumptuous lunch on arrival day to get acquainted with your fellow travelers
• Enjoy formal welcome and farewell dinners
• Visits 17 private gardens, including Totara Waters Subtropical Garden, Mincher Garden, Ayrlies, Ōhinetahi, The Paddocks, Frensham, and Ōhinetahi
• Enjoy wine tastings and lunch at Waipara Hills Vineyard and Gibbston Valley Wines
• Visit 7 extraordinary botanical gardens including Auckland Botanical Garden, Dunedin Botanical Garden, Lanarch Castle, Queens Botanical Garden, and Christchurch Botanical Garden
• Visit Muriwai gannet colony, as well as yellow-eyed penguin and royal albatross at their nesting sites
• Discover plants and birds in Te Anau, Fiordland National Park, the forests of Rangitoto Island and Riccarton Bush remnant Kahikatea Forest
• Marvel at the curiously round Moeraki Boulders
• Cruise the waters of Milford Sound to enjoy waterfalls, glaciers and unsurpassed scenery

TOUR DURATION 14 Nights / 15 Days

On our Post Tour Oct 29-Nov 4, 2023, our adventure in the land Down Under continues from Marlborough Sound to Wellington. We travel north from Christchurch to explore the coastal towns and gorgeous gardens on both the South and North islands.

For Detailed brochures, click on these options:

Full Brochure: Main Tour & Post Tour

Main Tour Brochure

Post-Tour Brochure

For More Information: https://gardenandnaturetours.com/newzealand/

To Make a Reservation, https://www.friendshiptours.net/group-travel
Select "Group Sign In." Enter the TOUR CODE: 23OCT15NZ in the box labeled "Make a New Reservation."

Or call Barb at Friendship Tours for more information - 860-243-1630