New Zealand | Gardens, Culture and Natural Wonders

Today, begin your journey from your home departure city - destination: Auckland, New Zealand!

Cross the International Date Line today.

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. Spend the day relaxing before joining your fellow travelers and specialist guide this evening for a welcome dinner at Orbit 360° Dining, a restaurant at the top of the Sky Tower with a commanding 360-degree view of Auckland and the natural beauty of the surrounding area. Accommodations in Deluxe Ocean View rooms.

Start the day by traveling west of the city to visit the stunning Totara Waters, a 2-acre subtropical garden set on the upper Waitemata Harbor. Development began in 1999 by Peter and Jocelyn Coyle, who oversaw extensive plantings of rare and unusual species. 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 time at leisure.

After breakfast and checking out of your hotel, 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 of 2014. From Hamilton, continue to Rotorua, the "Geothermal Capital of New Zealand." In the afternoon, relax at Polynesian Spa and enjoy everything from a massage to a soak in the natural mineral waters. Later tonight, have dinner on your own in Rotorua. Accommodations Superior Lake-facing rooms.

This morning, visit the National Kiwi Hatchery to learn about New Zealand's renowned kiwi conservation program while touring the hatchery, which has successfully hatched over 2,100 kiwi chicks. After a guided experience, explore the interactive kiwi burrow where it is possible to see the life cycle of a kiwi from egg to burrow. Have lunch on your own before visiting the Redwoods Treewalk experience; suspended high above the forest floor, encounter 245-foot-tall redwoods while taking eco-walks across suspension bridges and platforms intricately designed to honor and accentuate the stunning natural environment. Early in the evening, start your M?ori cultural evening with a traditional M?ori welcome followed by a wonderful performance where you will learn about the M?ori stories of long ago and take part in the ceremony. After, enjoy dinner cooked in an earth oven, a unique and tasty experience. Return to the hotel for overnight.

This morning, 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 the hotel, enjoy the afternoon at leisure. Accommodations in Premium Suite Millenium Hotel Deluxe room Ocean View.

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 Tupare 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. Once you return to the hotel, enjoy the remainder of the late afternoon and evening at leisure.

This morning, 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 247 acres 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 more than 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. Accommodations in Oriental Bay Deluxe Harbour View.

This morning begins with a guided tour of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. Your guide will share with you information about New Zealand's rich flora and fauna during the tour. Among the long-term exhibitions is Te Taiao Nature, where you can explore New Zealand's unique and fascinating wildlife. It tells the story of the country's seismic history and how it has influenced the incredible native flora and fauna. Those natural wonders are on display in Bush City, a living outdoor exhibition. In the afternoon there will be some free time to enjoy the city before meeting back together and take the Twilight tour at Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary. This fully fenced urban eco sanctuary is home to 18 species of native wildlife have been introduced back into the area - six of which were absent from the mainland for more than 100 years. Join your guide at the Sanctuary as it transforms from daylight to twilight during this special escorted walk. Your experienced guide will lead the 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, and tuatara. After approximately 2.5 hours, everyone will be transferred to the hotel for an evening on own.

This morning, take the Interislander Ferry from the North to the South Island. Travel through 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 wine tasting before enjoying a delicious lunch of local produce. Take a stroll after lunch for a guided tour of the vineyard and gardens. Next, stop to see the native garden and olive grove at Hunter's Wines. You will have the opportunity to taste the locally produced oil before continuing to your hotel in Blenheim for a relaxing evening. Accommodations in Superior.

Following check-out, the first visit of the day is at 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. Look for Malus spp., Wisteria spp., Clematis spp., Viburnum spp., Philiadelphus spp., Deutzia spp., Sambuscus spp., as well as Rosa and Iris spp. After your time at the garden, the journey continues to Christchurch, stopping en route at the Mona Vale Estate, a 13.5-acre garden with landscaped lawns gently rolling down to the Avon River. Next is a visit at 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 House restaurant. Accommodations in Superior rooms.

This morning, travel out to Governors 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, travel to French Farm Winery, situated on the banks of 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. Enjoy a delicious lunch at the winery. The last stop on the peninsula is at Fishermans Bay Garden. Fishermans 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, begin the journey from Christchurch to Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, which takes you through the Mackenzie Basin to beautiful Lake Takapo. En route, stop at the market town of Geraldine, where you can taste some of the delicious pickles, chutneys, and cheese made by local producers at Barker's of Geraldine. Your first stop in Takapo is the stunning Church of the Good Shepherd, sitting on the shores of Lake Takapo. This historic church has beautiful views over the lake and its surrounding regions. Travel along the shores of Lake Pukaki to Mount Cook Village situated at the base of New Zealand's tallest mountain, Aoraki/Mount Cook. Tonight, there is an opportunity to take a stargazing tour. Accommodations in Premium Plus rooms Mt Cook View.

This morning, take the Glacier Explorer Cruise and on the breathtaking Tasman Lake. Weave in and out of icebergs and learn about the ever-changing glacial landscape of the area. Following the cruise, retrace your steps and travel south, stopping at The Gums, a 5-acre country garden containing a combination of native and exotic plants, trees, and perennials. This has been a labor of love for the Nyhof family, with the goal to have color in their garden for 12 months of the year, which they have achieved. From here it is a short hop to Wanaka Lavendar Farm where you can enjoy a walk through the flowers, meet the friendly farm animals, unwind over a cup of herbal tea & indulge in some lavender ice creams. The many fragrant & colorful gardens throughout the farm are ever changing throughout Wanaka's four distinct seasons. After a big day you can relax at the beautiful Edgewater hotel. Accommodations in Premium rooms.

Another magical day awaits you as you travel into Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound. Stop at Lake Te Anau before traveling through the Homer Tunnel, an engineering feat of its time. Your home tonight is the Milford Mariner, an overnight cruise. After settling in, 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. Settle into Harrison Cove, where there will be time to take the tender craft to explore the coastline in search of penguins and nesting birds. Enjoy a delicious farewell dinner, followed by a discussion with the nature guide about local flora and fauna. Accommodations in Private Cabin ensuite bathroom.

Enjoy a wonderful morning exploring a different arm of Milford Sound. At the port arrival, say a fond farewell to the crew on the Mariner, meet your driver, and retrace your steps to Te Anau for lunch and onto Queenstown where you will visit the Chantecler Garden of National Significance. The English garden contains almost 1000 Rhododendrons and azaleas as well as Magnolias, Camellias, Hostas, Hellebores and exotic large trees. Around the house is a formal garden with Topiaries, roses (over 300 of them), perennials, sculptures and fountain. The Mediterranean garden surrounds the pool area. A large Asian garden features over 200 hundred Japanese Maples and Ornamental Cherry trees, with a cascading waterfall and pond, where, in late Spring, masses of Peonies burst into color. The New Zealand native garden is large and contains a huge variety of indigenous plants - a stream and two ponds flow through the garden. The Meadow garden has almost an acre of wildflowers and perennial beds as well as a picking garden. You will arrive at your hotel in the early evening and have a free night to enjoy dinner at one of the many cafés and restaurants in the town. Accommodations in One bedroom suite.

With The Remarkables mountain range towering around Queenstown, clear blue skies, and the gorgeous Lake Wakatipu at your doorstep, it is no wonder this town is the most beloved holiday destination on the South Island. Schedule activities of your choosing for today. This afternoon, gather together and take the Skyline Gondola to the top of Bob's Peak, where you can enjoy a buffet farewell dinner with amazing views of this gorgeous, natural area.

This morning at the appropriate time, you will be transferred to the Queenstown airport for your flight(s) home.

Welcome home!