New Zealand | Public and Private Gardens, Nature and Culture

Upon arrival at the Auckland International Airport, after clearing customs and collecting your luggage, you will be taken to your hotel by a local representative. Early check-in has been arranged for your comfort. You will have the day to relax and then join your fellow travelers this evening for a welcome dinner at the hotel.

Start your day by traveling west of the city to visit the stunning Totara Waters Garden - a 2-acre subtropical garden set on the upper Waitemata Harbour. Development began in 1999 by Peter and Jocelyn Coyle, who oversaw extensive plantings of rare and unusual species. You will then visit Beverley McConnell's 12-acre country garden known as Ayrlies, one of the most celebrated gardens in New Zealand. Maple woodlands complement large ponds connected by a tumbling stream and edged in hostas and irises. There are collections of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and masses of old roses, as well as vines that twine through trees and over pergolas. Wandering paths lead to some surprises, and garden seats take advantage of delightful vistas with distant glimpses of the sea. This evening, enjoy dinner at the orbit restaurant overlooking Auckland.

After breakfast and checking out of your hotel, you will travel through the rich Waikato countryside to Hamilton Gardens. The unique theme of Hamilton Gardens is 'The Story of Gardens," which is explored through a series of five garden collections. Enjoy viewing the roses, as well as Camellia spp., Clivia spp., Xeronema spp., Niphidium spp., and Darmera spp., to name just a few. Hamilton Gardens was awarded the prestigious 'International Garden Tourism Award' at the International Garden Tourism Network (IGTN) conference in France in October 2014. From Hamilton, continue to Rotorua, the "Geothermal Capital of New Zealand." Visit Te Puia to view the bubbling mud pools, gushing geysers, colored hot springs, and a visit to the Kiwi House. Start your Maori cultural evening with a traditional Maori welcome followed by a wonderful performance where you will learn about the Maori stories of long ago and take part in the ceremony. Finish with a dinner cooked in an earth oven; a unique and tasty experience.

This morning, visit the Kiwi Encounter, where you will learn about the conservation efforts to ensure survival of the iconic Kiwi. Afterward, visit the famous Rotorua Government Gardens. Then, venture across the rich Waikato farmland to Taranaki and its largest city, New Plymouth. The area is dominated by the perfect cone of Mount Taranaki, with New Plymouth being the largest city in the region and known for its wonderful gardens. After arrival and check-in at your hotel, enjoy the evening at leisure.

Today, take in a city tour of New Plymouth, featuring the gardens and beaches of this unique town. Enjoy visits to the following gardens: Pukekura Park with its many displays, the historical T?pare Grounds and Gardens, and the world renowned Pukeiti Rhododendron Trust, where you will see rhododendron and bush gardens, grass walks, mountain streams, and glass houses. Lunch will be in the garden café, where you will meet up with local volunteers who work with the trust. Once you return to your hotel, you will have the remainder of the late afternoon and evening at leisure.

This morning, you will depart New Plymouth and travel to Wellington, New Zealand's capital city. En route, visit the amazing structure known as the Te Rewa Rewa Bridge for a photo stop, before continuing south to Wellington. Also en route, visit Otari-Wilton Bush Native Botanic Garden. This unique plant sanctuary of forest reserve and botanic garden covers over 100 hectares and contains many threatened species. Some of Wellington's oldest trees are here, including an 800-year-old rimu, Dacrydium cupressinum. Walk along the magical treetop Canopy Walkway, 59 feet above the forest floor, or get down in the undergrowth on the Nature Trail. Later, you will be treated to the twilight tour of Zealandia, a fully fenced urban eco sanctuary where 18 species of native wildlife have been introduced back into the area - six of which were absent from the mainland for over 100 years. Join your guide at the Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary as it transforms from daylight to twilight during this special escorted walk. An experienced guide will lead your group into the sanctuary after closing time so you can witness the sights and sounds of the valley at dusk. See birds returning to the sanctuary to settle into their nests, the sight of the evening sky and the changing sounds of birds from day to night. Look for endemic species such as weta, glow worms, tuatara, and more.

Today, you will take the Interislander Ferry from the North to the South Island. Travel over the Cook Strait and into Marlborough Sounds to Picton Gateway to the South Island. Lunch today is at Allan Scott Winery in the heart of Marlborough Wine country, where you will have a taste of the wines before enjoying a lunch of local produce. You will then be given a guided tour of the vineyard to see the gardens before arriving at your boutique hotel for two nights.

This morning, visit Barewood, a classic potager garden where interesting color combinations using unusual herbaceous plants and shrubs can be seen in the different areas throughout the garden. You will see Malus spp., Wisteria spp., Clematis spp., Viburnum spp., Philiadelphus spp., Deutzia spp., Sambuscus spp., as well as Rosa and Iris spp. After visiting the garden, you will visit Grove Mill, a carbon zero winery whose philosophy is to produce premium wine with minimal environmental impact. It also houses an art gallery exhibiting leading New Zealand artists and sculptors. Enjoy a night at leisure to explore Blenheim on your own.

After breakfast, depart for Christchurch. Upon arrival, visit Mona Vale Estate, a 5.5-hectare garden with landscaped lawns gently rolling down to the Avon River. From there, visit the Christchurch Botanical Gardens, a showcase of exotic and indigenous plants established in 1863. 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, and fragrant gardens. After checking into the hotel, return to the gardens for dinner at the famous Curators Restaurant.

This morning, travel out to Governor's Bay to one of New Zealand's most celebrated and internationally known gardens, Ohinetahi. The coastal setting and mountainous backdrop attracted architect Sir Miles Warren, who designed the garden along with some family members. Ohinetahi shows clearly how architecture in the form of imaginative garden structures and well-chosen plants can enhance a beautiful natural environment. From there, you will travel to French Farm Winery, situated on the banks of the The Waimangu stream. Established by artist Nancy Tichborne, the garden contains dramatic herbaceous borders forming a natural colorful amphitheater full of tulips, Iris spp., daylilies, and Dahlia spp., depending on the season. Your last stop on the peninsula is Fisherman's Bay Garden. Fisherman's Bay Garden provides an opportunity to visit an idyllic garden of native and exotic plants while enjoying outstanding views of the Pacific coastline and the sounds of native birds, seals, and penguins in the bay below.

After checking out of your hotel this morning, you will begin your journey from Christchurch to Queenstown, which takes you through the McKenzie country, passing beautiful Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki. You will enjoy fantastic views of Aoraki Mount Cook (weather permitting, of course) and then move onto Cromwell, situated on the banks of Lake Dunstan. The original town of Cromwell was flooded to create the Clyde Dam hydroelectric plant. Some of the historic buildings were moved to the new town and can now be visited. The whole area is known for its fabulous fruit and wine. Visit a winery en route. This afternoon, continue your travels to Queenstown and take a tour of historical Arrowtown before arriving at your centrally located hotel. Tonight, you are free to explore the town for dinner on your own.

With the Remarkables towering around Queenstown, clear blue skies, and the gorgeous Lake Wakatipu at your doorstep, it's no wonder this town is the most loved holiday destination on the South Island. Schedule activities of your choosing for today. Queenstown is dubbed the "Adventure Capital of the World" because of the variety of exciting, unique activities available in the region. This afternoon, visit another local winery with the remainder of the afternoon and evening at leisure to explore the city on own.

Another magical day awaits you as you travel into Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound. You will stop at Lake Te Anau before traveling through the Homer Tunnel, an engineering feat of its time. Your home tonight is the Milford Mariner, and after settling in, you will cruise the length of Milford Sound, marveling at the towering cliffs, the beech trees hanging to the side of the cliffs, and the amazing wildlife. You will settle into Harrison's Cove, where there is time to take the tender craft to explore the coastline for penguins and nesting birds. Enjoy a delicious dinner, followed by a lecture from the nature guide, where you will learn more about the local flora and fauna.

Enjoy a wonderful morning exploring another arm of Milford Sound, then say a fond farewell to the crew on the Mariner and have a leisurely drive back to Queenstown. After checking into your hotel, you will have the remainder of the afternoon at leisure. This evening, enjoy a special Farewell Dinner in the city to celebrate your time in New Zealand.

This morning, you will be taken to the Queenstown airport for your flights back to your home city. Check out is at 10 am.