North Island's Gardens
North Island's Gardens
North Island's Gardens
Visiting: New Zealand
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 48
Physical rating:
N/A
Age range:
18+
Interests:
Tour Overview
Take part in this fully escorted tour featuring an array of unique gardens across the north island. Journey from the radiant Ayrlies Garden and Wetlands in Auckland to the beauty of the Wellington Botanic Gardens. With exciting city experiences and natural sites to explore along the way, this tour is a must dofor garden lovers.
Highlights
- Visit unforgettable gardens in Auckland, Hamilton, Cambridge, Rotorua, Taranaki, Kimbolton and Wellington.
- Explore the iconic locations featured in the Lord of the Rings films on the Hobbiton™ Movie Set Tour.
- Take in the sights of raging geysers and thermal mud pools in the geothermal capitol of Rotorua.
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Auckland
On arrival into Auckland you will be met by a Grand Pacific Tours representative and transferred to your hotel.
Hotel Rydges Auckland (2 nights)
Day 2 : Auckland Sightseeing
This morning enjoy the sights of Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city. Travel to Matakana to visit Sculptureum, an internationally unique art experience. Enjoy time to wander through the Garden of Creative Diversity and view the hundreds of displayed works in the Galleries. This afternoon travel to the Auckland Zoo for a guided tour of Te Wao Nui, six stunning habitats showcasing the native fauna and flora of New Zealand. This evening is free to dine at leisure.
Day 3 : Auckland - Hamilton
This morning travel to Ayrlies Garden and Wetlands, one of New Zealand’s best-known gardens and a Garden of National Significance. It is characterized by sweeping lawns and informal but detailed plantings by ponds & waterways. Use of colour is a hallmark of Ayrlies, seen best in the lurid border where ‘hot’ colours are used to great effect. This afternoon travel to Waikato’s most visited attraction, the Hamilton Gardens. A guided tour of the themed gardens will transport you from the peaceful Sung Dynasty Chinese Scholar’s garden to the Italian Renaissance garden followed by the grandeur of the Indian Char Bagh garden. Your guide will share the story of how the gardens were transformed from a rubbish dump into a Garden of International Significance.
Hotel Novotel Hamilton
Day 4 : Hamilton - Matamata - Rotorua
Today travel to Cambridge to visit the private garden of the Henley Hotel, nestled on 29 acres of parkland and features a camelia lined oval lawn and lakeside pavilion. You will be treated to High Tea amongst the cherry blossoms (weather permitting). Continue through picturesque countryside to Hobbiton for a buffet lunch followed by a guided tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set. Travel to Rotorua for a walk through the Rotorua Government Gardens before arriving at your hotel.
Hotel Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua (Superior Room. 2 nights)
Day 5 : Rotorua Sightseeing
Today begins with a gondola ride to the Stratosfare Restaurant where a buffet breakfast and spectacular views are on offer. There is also time for a luge ride! Next stop is Agrodome for an action-packed hour of farming entertainment and education that’s unlike anything you’ve seen before. Travel to Te Puia for a tour of the boiling mud pools and awesome geysers that Rotorua is famous for. Enjoy some free time this afternoon before travelling to a Mãori village for an interactive and educational experience that culminates with a cultural performance and traditional Hãngi feast.
Day 6 : Rotorua - Waitomo - New Plymouth
Depart Rotorua and travel to Waitomo for a tour of the Glowworm Caves where tiny creatures radiate their luminescent light. Enjoy lunch in this native bushland setting before travelling to New Plymouth, home of the Taranaki Garden Festival. This afternoon will be spent visiting one of the festival gardens.
Hotel Copthorne New Plymouth (2 nights)
Day 7 : Taranaki Garden Festival
Today you will visit a variety of impressive gardens all set around the legendary Mount Taranaki. You will marvel at the majestic array of botanicals on display at this premier garden event which attracts thousands of visitors from New Zealand and the world. A selection of small private gardens and larger public gardens have been chosen to showcase the unique planting and local gardener’s will be on hand to share the history behind their garden.
Day 8 : New Plymouth - Palmerston North
Before we depart the Taranaki region, we visit one final stunning festival garden before travelling onto Whanganui for a shortstop. This afternoon continue to Cross Hills Rhododendron Garden, spanning 7 hectares, this park-like garden includes one of the world’s finest collections of rhododendrons and azaleas, which will provide a dazzling colour display. Continue to Palmerston North for your overnight stay.
Hotel Copthorne Palmerston North
Day 9 : Palmerston North - Wellington
Travel to the nation’s capital, Wellington. Ride the Wellington Cable Car, one of the city’s most iconic attractions, to the Botanic Gardens. Enjoy time to view the protected native forest and colourful floral displays with stunning views over Wellington city. Join your coach for an extensive city tour which will highlight the history and culture on show here. This evening is free to dine at leisure.
Hotel InterContinental Hotel (Deluxe Room. 2 nights)
Day 10 : Wellington
A highlight this morning will be time to explore Gallipoli: A Scale of War exhibition at Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum. Cutting edge technology brings these stories to life through the eyes of New Zealanders who found themselves in extraordinary circumstances. Enjoy time at leisure this afternoon. This evening enjoy a final dinner with your new-found friends.
Day 11 : Depart Wellington
Having experienced some of the finest gardens in New Zealand, it is time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable holiday
What's Included
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Meals
10 cooked breakfasts, 8 dinners, 2 lunches and 1 high tea
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Accommodation
4* hotels
Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
First Class Holidays requires a minimum deposit of 400 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 89 days before departure.
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