More Tour Highlights

• Welcome Dinner on your first evening
• Guided island tour including historic Kingston
• Visit a beautiful private Norfolk Island garden
• Progressive Dinner hosted in local family homes
• Experience the fascinating Fletcher’s Mutiny Cyclorama
• Glass-bottom boat cruise over Norfolk Island’s coral gardens
• Paddock-to-plate farm experience and lunch
• In-depth tour of the Kingston convict settlement
• Explore the Pitcairn Settlers Village
• Enjoy the famous Island Fish Fry overlooking the coast
• Guided naturalist walk discovering native flora and birdlife
• Wine and cheese with panoramic views from Mt Pitt
• Breakfast bushwalk through beautiful natural surroundings
• Visit Norfolk Island Botanic Garden and Hundred Acre Reserve
• Farm-to-plate dinner at The Homestead
• Easy pace

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive Norfolk Island

On arrival, transfer to your hotel accommodation. After settling in join your fellow travellers for our included Welcome Dinner – a lovely opportunity to get to know everyone and look forward to the week ahead.

Stay: Seven Nights – Governor’s Lodge Resort or similar
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2 – Island Discovery, Private Garden & Progressive Dinner

Begin your Norfolk Island experience with a guided tour introducing the island’s fascinating history and scenery. Visit Kingston, Cascade and Longridge, see historic convict buildings and hear stories that bring the island’s colourful past to life. We’ll also visit beautiful St Barnabas Chapel.

This afternoon, discover some of Norfolk Island’s lovely gardens. Learn about the island’s native plants and how generations of settlement have influenced the current environment. Tonight is a local highlight – a Progressive Dinner hosted in local family homes. Enjoy each course in a different home while your hosts share stories of island life and family history.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3 – Colleen McCullough, Cyclorama & Glass-Bottom Boat Cruise

This morning the group divides between two fascinating attractions. One group visits the former home of acclaimed Australian author Colleen McCullough, offering an intimate glimpse into her life and years on Norfolk Island.

The other group visits Fletcher’s Mutiny Cyclorama, an impressive panoramic artwork telling the dramatic story of the Mutiny on the Bounty. There will also be time to explore the nearby Bounty Museum.

Dinner tonight is at popular Hilli Restaurant (or resort).

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4 – Paddock-to-Plate Experience

Today offers a wonderful introduction to Norfolk Island’s farming traditions. Visit a local market garden and cattle farm, meeting island producers and discovering the challenges and rewards of growing and farming on this remote island.

We then visit a local home for a delicious two-course paddock-to-plate lunch, prepared using fresh island ingredients. This afternoon, the groups swap over, visiting either Colleen McCullough’s former home or Fletcher’s Mutiny Cyclorama, ensuring everyone enjoys both experiences during their stay. Dinner is at our resort this evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 – Convict History, Pitcairn Heritage & Island Fish Fry

Delve into Norfolk Island’s remarkable past with a guided tour of the Kingston historic area. Discover stories of Polynesian settlement, convict life and the arrival of the Pitcairn Islanders. Visit the historic cemetery, Pier Store, Boat Shed and Crank Mill, and see the atmospheric ruins of the New Gaol.

This afternoon, visit Pitcairn Settlers Village, where you’ll learn about a local family whose ancestors have lived on Norfolk Island since 1856. Tonight brings another memorable experience – the Island Fish Fry at Orn Dar Cliff. Enjoy traditional island dishes in a spectacular clifftop setting as the sun sets over the coast.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6 – Naturalist Walk & Mt Pitt

Discover Norfolk Island’s natural treasures during a special guided walk with an experienced local naturalist. Explore forest, coastal and wetland environments while learning about the island’s native flora, birdlife and changing landscape.

This afternoon, enjoy a leisurely scenic drive taking in Ball Bay, Bumbora Beach and Mt Pitt. At Mt Pitt, relax over wine and cheese while taking in magnificent 360-degree views across Norfolk Island and the surrounding Pacific Ocean. Return to the resort for dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7 – Breakfast Bushwalk, Botanic Garden & Hundred Acre Reserve

Choose between two gentle morning bushwalks, both offering beautiful coastal scenery and opportunities to discover some of Norfolk Island’s distinctive native plants.

After breakfast, visit the Captain Cook Monument, marking the area where Captain James Cook and his officers landed in 1774. The coastal views are superb, stretching across to offshore formations including Bird Rock and Elephant Rock. Later, explore the Norfolk Island Botanic Garden and Hundred Acre Reserve, with time to appreciate more of the island’s unique plant and birdlife.

Our final evening features our included Farewell Dinner at The Homestead, a working farm renowned for its farm-to-plate approach and locally grown produce.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8 – Norfolk Island to Sydney

Enjoy a leisurely final morning with a visit to Burnt Pine, Norfolk Island’s main township. Browse the local market and shops for a few last-minute gifts or island treats before transferring to the airport for your flight back to Sydney.

Meals: Breakfast

THIS ITINERARY IS THE PROPERTY OF THE TOUR COMPANY AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.

Available dates: On application
Pricing: Available on application. Email info@travlink.net or within NZ call 0800 99 77 88 for more about this unique tour.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Auckland (or Wellington) to New Plymouth

Depart Auckland this morning and travel south through the green Waikato countryside, enjoying the changing rural scenery as we make our way towards Taranaki.

Arrive in New Plymouth this afternoon and settle into your hotel, your comfortable base for the next three nights. This evening, meet your fellow travellers over our included Welcome Dinner—the perfect beginning to our garden journey.

Accommodation: Three nights at Novotel New Plymouth Taranaki or similar

Meals: Dinner

Day 2 – Taranaki Garden Festival

Today is devoted to the renowned Taranaki Garden Festival, one of New Zealand’s premier garden events.

With magnificent Mt Taranaki providing a dramatic backdrop, this beautiful region is home to an extraordinary collection of private and public gardens. A highlight is Pukeiti, renowned for its spectacular rhododendrons, azaleas and woodland gardens.

Spring is a particularly lovely time to visit, when the gardens are filled with colour.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 – Gardens of Taranaki

Another wonderful day of garden discovery awaits as we explore some of Taranaki’s finest gardens.

Visit the gracious heritage garden of Tūpare, peaceful Waiongana Gardens and much-loved Pukekura Park. Each offers something quite different, from impressive plant collections and mature trees to beautifully designed landscapes and fascinating stories.

Please note: Gardens may vary subject to availability.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 4 – Taranaki & Wellington

There’s still more to enjoy before leaving Taranaki, with visits to two outstanding festival gardens—Cairnhill and Gravetye.

We then travel south at a leisurely pace through attractive farmland and native bush to Wellington. On arrival, settle into our centrally located hotel for a comfortable two-night stay.

Accommodation: Two nights at Copthorne Wellington or similar

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 5 – Wellington

This morning we visit the beautiful Wellington Botanic Garden, with its mature native forest, heritage trees and colourful seasonal displays.

We also visit delightful Gillies Garden before enjoying an included lunch. The remainder of the afternoon is free for you to enjoy Wellington at your own pace.

Perhaps stroll along the waterfront, browse the city’s shops and cafés or visit Te Papa Tongarewa, New Zealand’s national museum.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 – Cook Strait & Marlborough

Today brings one of New Zealand’s great scenic journeys as we sail across Cook Strait and through the beautiful Marlborough Sounds, with their sheltered bays, forested hills and sparkling waterways.

After arriving in Picton, we continue to magnificent Longfield Garden. Inspired by classic European garden design, this impressive estate features fountains, statues, roses, lavender, citrus and olive trees, along with a traditional English-style orangery.

Accommodation: Two nights at Château Marlborough, Blenheim, or similar

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 7 – Marlborough’s Private Gardens

Today we discover some of Marlborough’s delightful private gardens.

Visit charming Hortensia House, known for its beautiful hydrangeas and romantic, Monet-inspired planting. We continue to another specially selected private garden before visiting Welton House Garden.

Enjoy a guided tour through the garden—a lovely way to finish our day.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 – Flaxmere Garden & Christchurch

Leaving Marlborough, we travel south to the award-winning Flaxmere Garden, set in a wonderfully peaceful location near Lake Sumner Forest Park.

Recognised as a Garden of National Significance, Flaxmere is admired for its thoughtful design, mature planting and tranquil atmosphere.

After time to explore the garden and enjoy lunch, we continue through the Canterbury countryside to Christchurch.

Accommodation: Commodore Hotel Christchurch or similar

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9 – Akaroa & Banks Peninsula

Today we travel through the picturesque landscapes of Banks Peninsula to the charming French-influenced village of Akaroa.

Our first visit is the wonderfully imaginative Giant’s House, where colourful mosaics, sculptures and gardens combine to create one of New Zealand’s most distinctive garden experiences.

Later, visit beautiful Fishermans Bay Garden, where thoughtfully designed plantings are complemented by magnificent coastal views across Banks Peninsula.

We return to Christchurch this afternoon after a memorable day of gardens, scenery and discovery.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Notes

The gardens featured in this itinerary are indicative and are subject to availability. If a featured garden is unavailable, another garden of similar significance will be substituted.

THIS ITINERARY IS THE PROPERTY OF THE TOUR COMPANY AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.

Available dates: On application
Pricing: Available on application. Email info@travlink.net or within NZ call 0800 99 77 88 for more about this unique tour.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Auckland

Your journey begins in Auckland, where we head north to visit the lovely Mincher Garden, part of the New Zealand Gardens Trust. Set against a backdrop of native Northland forest, it’s a peaceful and inspiring place to start our tour.

Afterwards, we make our way to our hotel, where you’ll have time to settle in before meeting your fellow travellers and Botanical Guide over a relaxed welcome dinner.

Accommodation and meals: Two nights at JW Marriott Auckland Hotel or similar. D

Day 2 – Auckland Gardens

This morning we visit the much-loved Ayrlies Garden, often described as one of the most beautiful gardens in the world. Wander at your own pace and take in the sweeping plantings and thoughtful design.

Later, we visit the private garden ‘Sweetgum’, created by former NZ Gardener editor Lynda Hallinan. It’s full of personality and charm, and a real highlight for garden lovers. B,L,D

Day 3 – Waikato

Today we travel south into the Waikato to visit a gracious English-style garden set alongside the Waikato River—a lovely spot to relax and enjoy the surroundings.

We then explore Hamilton Gardens, famous for its themed garden collections from around the world. There’s plenty to see, with time to wander at your own pace before returning to Auckland. B

Day 4 – Queenstown

After breakfast, we fly south to Queenstown. On arrival, take in the fresh alpine air and beautiful lake views as we transfer to our hotel on the shores of Lake Wakatipu.

The rest of the afternoon is yours to relax before we come together again for dinner.

Accommodation and meals: Two nights at Novotel Lakeside Hotel or similar. B,D

Day 5 – Arrowtown

This morning we visit a special private garden in Central Otago, showcasing sustainable planting and clever design suited to the region.

We then continue to Arrowtown, a charming historic village where you can browse the shops or simply enjoy a wander. Later, return to Queenstown for some free time before dinner. B,D

Day 6 – Milford Sound

Today is a real highlight. Sit back and enjoy the stunning drive into Fiordland National Park, with stops along the way at Mirror Lakes, the Homer Tunnel and The Chasm.

We then board a scenic cruise on Milford Sound, where towering peaks and waterfalls create a truly unforgettable setting. Return to Queenstown this evening. B,L,D

Day 7 – Te Anau & Chinese Garden

We leave Queenstown and travel to Te Anau, a lovely lakeside town and gateway to Fiordland. On the way, we visit the beautiful Lan Yuan Chinese Garden—a calm and reflective space designed in the style of a traditional Chinese landscape.

Accommodation and meals: Distinction Hotel and Villas or similar. B,D

Day 8 – Otago

Today we journey north, stopping to visit the well-known garden of Alan Trott, admired for its thoughtful design and peaceful atmosphere.

We pause in Oamaru to visit its historic public gardens before continuing on to Dunedin, a city known for its heritage architecture and character.

Accommodation and meals: Two nights at Distinction Dunedin Hotel or similar. B,D

Day 9 – Otago Peninsula and Dunedin

This morning we explore the Otago Peninsula, home to some of New Zealand’s unique wildlife.

We visit Glenfalloch Woodland Garden, followed by a lovely lunch at Larnach Castle, set within beautiful grounds. Later, enjoy time at Dunedin Botanic Garden, New Zealand’s oldest. B,L

Day 10 – Canterbury

We travel north today, crossing the wide-open Canterbury Plains. Along the way, we visit a special private garden and enjoy lunch at Frensham, a relaxed country garden setting.

We also visit the historic Ohinetahi homestead and garden before arriving in Christchurch.

Accommodation and meals: Two nights at Rydges Latimer Christchurch or similar. B,L

Day 11 – Christchurch

Your tour finishes in Christchurch, a city known for its gardens and easy-going charm. After breakfast, there’s time to relax before your onward travel. B

Notes

The gardens featured in this itinerary are subject to availability at the time of your visit. In the event of unavailability, a substitute will be provided.

THIS ITINERARY IS THE PROPERTY OF THE TOUR COMPANY AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.

Available dates: Please check back soon for an update
Pricing: Available on application. Email info@travlink.net or within NZ call 0800 99 77 88 for more about this unique tour.

THIS ITINERARY IS THE PROPERTY OF THE TOUR COMPANY AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.

Available dates: Contact us to find out more
Pricing: Contact us today for the best offer. Email info@travlink.net or within NZ call 0800 99 77 88 for more about this unique tour.