Taranaki Garden Festival

From Auckland we travel south to Hamilton Gardens. Explore the stunning collection of enclosed gardens showcasing the cultural meaning and context of each from ancient Egypt to the modern garden—a journey through 4,000 years of garden history and creativity.

Visiting New Plymouth’s town gardens, we discover how even the smallest spaces can be transformed into charming, peaceful retreats—each garden is unique in size, layout, and landscape.
Later we travel to Pukeiti one of the worlds biggest and most diverse rhododendron collections developed over eight decades along with other exotics amidst the native rainforest.

Today we visit some of the regions most beautiful and outstanding country gardens including Cairnhill - a vibrant, colourful garden framed by a canopy of deciduous trees underplanted with hosts and heuchera, and Stanleigh with views to both the coast and mountain on fine days. Enjoy a picnic lunch in one of the gardens.

Day Four: New Plymouth to Palmerston North
Breakfast & Dinner

Today we travel south and stop at a variety of small and large gardens, all with interesting plantings and some unique design features. Late afternoon we arrive in Palmerston North for our overnight stay.

Distinction Hotel Palmerston North   1 night

 

Day Five: Palmerston North to Taupo
Breakfast & Dinner

This morning we travel to Kimbolton, north of Feilding where we visit Cross Hills Gardens, which are ablaze with colour. Explore the 7 hectares of gardens featuring New Zealand's largest and most comprehensive collection of flowering rhododendrons and azaleas.
Overnight on the shores of Taupo

Suncourt Hotel Taupo  1 night

 

Day Six:  New Plymouth to Auckland

Breakfast & Lunch

Leaving Taupo we travel to Gordonton and Zealong Tea Estate for a tour, tea experience and delicous High Tea before arriving back in Auckland at approximately 5.00pm.