DAY 1  TUE 29 OCT

HOME TO CHRISTCHURCH

Check-in at Sydney International Airport for your flight to Christchurch. Meet your Ross Tour Leader at the departure gate. Welcome dinner tonight.

Rydges Latimer, Christchurch

DAY 2  WED 30 OCT

CANTERBURY GARDENS

A full day of garden visits today. Firstly, travel north to the small township of Amberley; visit Blue House Garden. This is a garden where strong design and a plant woman’s passion go hand in hand. This afternoon a guided tour of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. Finish the day with a visit to No. 11 Historic Cottage and Garden; the gardens boast an impressive collection of plants which provide a tranquil oasis.  

Rydges Latimer, Christchurch

DAY 3  THU 31 OCT

HURUNUI GARDENS

This morning we depart Christchurch and travel north through Waipara, Hurunui and Culverden visiting gardens which are part of the Hurunui Garden Festival. Some visits include Coldstream Garden & Flaxmere Garden. Enjoy a packed lunch at Flaxmere, in this 3-hectare garden there are a series of garden areas each distinct using different cultivars and connected with a series of ponds which have their own personality.

Hanmer Springs Hotel, Hanmer Springs

DAY 4  FRI 1 NOV

HANMER SPRINGS

Today we visit Loch Leven, a Garden of National Significance, the result of hard work by its owners over the last 33 years and is still evolving. This 3-acre garden is set on a small farm in the Amuri Basin. Remainder of the day is at leisure to explore the quaint township of Hanmer.

Hanmer Springs Hotel, Hanmer Springs

DAY 5  SAT 2 NOV

HANMER SPRINGS TO BLENHEIM

This morning after breakfast travel to Blenheim via Kaikoura, the largest area of flat land in New Zealand. Enroute visit Welton House; Settled high on an ancient dune and surrounded by geometric rows of vineyard, Welton House Garden is at once thoroughly modern whilst proudly celebrating its 150-year history.

Chateau Marlborough, Blenheim

DAY 6  SUN 3 NOV

MARLBOROUGH GARDENS

Today we spend our first day visiting the private gardens of Marlborough: Lunch at Barewood Garden, a classic English-style delight. Then Paripuma, a magical and earthy beachside paradise.

Chateau Marlborough, Blenheim

DAY 7  MON 4 NOV

MARLBOROUGH GARDENS

Another day filled with private gardens of Marlborough; visit Hortensia House Garden and Woodend. Lunch and a wine tasting at Allan Scott Winery. 

Chateau Marlborough, Blenheim

DAY 8  TUE 5 NOV

MARLBOROUGH GARDENS

Fist up Whitney Garden, a working garden with fruit trees and vegetable gardens. Then to Longfield Garden Estate for lunch & a wine tasting; followed by Kirsty & David Wraight's Willows Green.

Chateau Marlborough, Blenheim

DAY 9  WED 6 NOV

BLENHEIM TO CHRISTCHURCH

Hidden away and perched high above the Pacific Ocean, in a magical oasis of its own making, lies Winterhome Garden, 10 acres of structured formal garden and park-like grounds. This afternoon travel across the farmlands of the North Canterbury Plains and the Waipara wine district and on to Christchurch. 

Rydges Latimer, Christchurch

DAY 10  THU 7 NOV

AKAROA

We are heading to the unspoilt old French whaling depot of Akaroa on Banks Peninsula. Giant’s House, now part of Akaroa folklore, a fun garden of exuberant  sculptures and mosaics. Free time to browse the cute shops in Akaroa. Then Fisherman's Bay Garden that sits on the coast, skillfully designed to fit into the rugged panoramic landscape. Farewell Dinner tonight.

Rydges Latimer, Christchurch

DAY 11  FRI 8 NOV

CHRISTCHURCH TO HOME

Margaret Long's Frensham Gardens is the last on our itinerary, some say it's the best! Margaret's superb skill with short and long vistas has made a strong structure. Her considerered use of flowering shrubs; roses, peonies, wisteria, clematis, and the filtering of light which is created by judicious pruning has made Frensham one of NZ finest gardens.

Transfer to Christchurch International Airport to connect with your homeward flight.