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Spring Gardens of New Zealand & the Taranaki Garden Festival

A spring fling in New Zealand’s North Island timed for the Taranaki Garden Festival. Our tour starts in Auckland, then New Plymouth, and finishes in Wellington. Gardens chosen for this itinerary are inspiring, the passion and commitment of these garden makers is sure to awake and ignite your own.

  • 10 Days
  • calendar-icon OCTOBER 2026
  • Brochure Coming Soon!
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Itinerary
  • sun iconDay 1
  • calendar icon Wednesday 29 October 2025
Home to Auckland (D)

Meet your Tour Leader in the departure lounge at Sydney airport for your flight to Auckland. Or meet up for a Welcome Dinner at our hotel in Auckland City.

  • sun iconDay 2
  • calendar icon Thursday 30 October 2025
Auckland Gardens (B)

Two exciting gardens today. Morning visit to Ayrlies for a guided visit of Beverley McConnell’s large country garden, one of the most celebrated in New Zealand. Lush woodland planting complements her large ponds connected by a tumbling stream and edged in hosta, iris, and other damp-loving plants. Festooning old roses scent the air and tumble over their supports. Garden seats take advantage of planned vistas with distant views of the sea.

A panoramic city tour through Parnell, the waterfront and Viaduct Harbour area. Then free time in the city for lunch (own expense).

A lesson in lush jungle planting this afternoon in a garden that began as a blank canvas in 1995. With an understanding of the local microclimate, planting shifted to the subtropical and tropical. Privacy needs led to the installation of a lush, jungle environment with layered vegetation. The garden and house connect seamlessly. Dine at leisure tonight in one of the many fine restaurants near your hotel.

  • sun iconDay 3
  • calendar icon Friday 31 October 2025
Matakana (B/L)

Travel north this morning to Matakana and Omaio Garden on the Takatu Peninsula, for an understanding of New Zealand’s plants.

Omaio, a Maori name meaning “place of peace and tranquility”, is predominantly native, with a fusion of carefully selected exotics. Curved flowing shapes reflect the waves and coastal landscape. Buffet lunch will be served in the garden.

Mincher Garden, just north of Auckland CBD, is a garden with . A chestnut-lined drive winds past apple orchards and streams to a classic Georgian styled home. It’s the centrepiece with flowering cherries, rhododendrons, formal parterre and perennial borders. Nested into its own pretty garden is a walled kitchen garden with Victorian inspired glasshouse and gardener’s cottage.

The remainder of the afternoon and evening are free for you to explore Auckland.

  • sun iconDay 4
  • calendar icon Saturday 1 November 2025
Auckland to New Plymouth (B/L/D)

We are heading to New Plymouth today with a lunch stop in Hamilton.

A series of gardens here at Hamilton Gardens, was the brainchild of Dr Peter Sergel in 1979. It has been internationally recognized; each beautifully crafted garden is enclosed for an immersive experience.
The first collection is the Paradise Collection, with a Japanese Garden of Contemplation, a Chinese Scholar’s Garden, an Indian Char Bagh Garden, a Renaissance Garden, an English Flower Garden and a Modernist Garden. There is a Fantasy Collection, which consists of a Surrealist Garden, Productive Garden, Tudor Garden, Tropical Garden, Concept Garden, and Mansfield Garden. It’s all quite surreal! Travel south this afternoon to New Plymouth.

Check into our hotel for the next three nights with dinner included the evening.

  • sun iconDay 5
  • calendar icon Sunday 2 November 2025
Taranaki Garden Festival (B/L)

Our special selection of gardens today, opening for the Taranaki Garden Festival. Formerly The Rhododendron Festival, it was established in 1987. Forty gardens open for this ten-day annual event. Some of the gardens are recognised by the New Zealand Gardens Trust as National, International and Regional gardens of significance.

Hurworth Country Garden: a graceful country garden with flourishing beds and borders has been developed around a 1910 villa. Designed as a retirement project, it is immaculately presented with a particularly harmonious management of colour. Lunch is included today.

Riverlea Garden, this fine garden has been made by knowledgeable gardeners, using a well-chosen plant palette. There is a good balance between flowers, hedges and trees. The garden has been designed around a relocated and restored 120 year old villa.

Visit Te Henui Cemetery: a small group of dedicated volunteers have put their passion into this remarkable garden. It’s a riot of flowers all year round with a fine collection of perennials and bulbs.

  • sun iconDay 6
  • calendar icon Monday 3 November 2025
Taranaki Garden Festival (B/L)

First stop is Tikorangi, the famous Jury Garden outside New Plymouth. Plantsman and hybridist Felix Jury (well respected for magnolia hybrids ‘Vulcan’ and ‘Apollo’) laid out much of the garden as it is today. His son Mark continues his father’s grand obsession. Majestic old avenues of rimu trees and Monterey pines are carefully maintained.

Travel south this afternoon to Hawera to Gravetye Garden. This formal garden celebrates the simplicity of mass planting. Mixed flower border, sunken vegetable garden, reflection pool, pleached limes and laburnum arch; it’s the passion and delight of the owners who are spending their retirement fulfilling their dream.

Final stop today is Pukeiti with one of the world’s most diverse collections of rhododendrons and other exotics. The location on the side of Mt Taranaki means it gets between three and four metres of annual rainfall which results in extraordinary lush growth.

Travel back to your hotel with the evening free

  • sun iconDay 7
  • calendar icon Tuesday 4 November 2025
New Plymouth to Wellington (B/L/D)

We are heading to Welllington today with visits to two remarkable gardens enroute.

First stop is Paloma Gardens near Whanganui, that commenced in 1990 and is maturing rapidly due to the mild, almost frost-free climate. The Higgies have specialized in exotic flora; their passion for plants has fuelled what is possibly the finest plant collection in New Zealand. It’s the vision and energy of two extraordinary plant collectors.

Lunch is next in the Giraffe House at Greenhaugh gardens in Palmerston North. Lynne Atkins is a very keen gardener. Her garden has developed over 40 years. Roses and iris are favourites along with wisteria, clematis and flowery perennials. Lynne has invited us into her summerhouse for lunch.

Arrive in to Wellington, check into our hotel for the next three nights, with dinner included this evening.

  • sun iconDay 8
  • calendar icon Wednesday 5 November 2025
Greytown (B)

We are heading to historic Greytown with its main street lined with Victorian colonial buildings. Greytown was New Zealand’s first planned inland town, established in 1854 by settlers from Wellington who were looking for small, affordable portions of land to farm. They were assisted in their quest by Governor Sir George Grey and named the town in his honour.

Travel back to Upper Hut to Gillies Garden in the ‘Arts and Craft’ style, designed around a heritage Chapman Taylor Arts and Crafts style cottage. James Walter Chapman-Taylor is regarded as one of New Zealand’s most significant domestic architects of the first half of the 20th century. He was well-known as a photographer, builder/craftsman, and astrologer.

  • sun iconDay 9
  • calendar icon Thursday 6 November 2025
Wellington (B/D)

Take the historic Cable Car from Lambton Quay to the highest point of Wellington Botanical Gardens. Spectacular views as we walk back down through a beautiful series of gardens to finish in the Rose Garden. Time for coffee in the café (own expense) before we meet up with our coach and driver for a city tour.

Option to visit Te Papa National Museum this afternoon (included) for an overview of Maori culture.

Farewell Dinner at Logan Brown Restaurant tonight.

  • sun iconDay 10
  • calendar icon Friday 7 November 2025
Wellington - Home (B)

Free morning to explore Wellington. Transfer to Wellington airport for your Afternoon flight back to Sydney.

How to Book
To secure your booking and make your deposit, please complete our

online booking form

You will be contacted by a Ross Tours Travel Consultant to confirm your details and preferred method of payment.

Cancellation Policy
  • Cancellations received prior to departure will incur loss of deposit.
  • Cancellations received between 119-60 days prior to departure will incur a 50% cancellation fee.
  • Cancellations received between 59-30 days prior to departure will incur a 75% cancellation fee plus any non-recoverable costs incurred.
  • Cancellations received within 30 days prior to departure will incur 100% cancellation fee.
  • Cancellations must be sent in writing.
  • Cancellation fee is based upon the total amounts paid including tours, airfares and all other travel arrangements.

Please refer to the Ross Tours standard terms and conditions

Book This Tour

New Zealand Small Group Tour: Explore the Stunning Gardens of Marlborough and Hurunui

Experience the botanical wonders of New Zealand’s South Island on an exclusive and intimate small group tour. Join us on a captivating journey through the fascinating landscapes of Marlborough and Hurunui, renowned for their exquisite gardens and warm Kiwi hospitality. Immerse yourself in the vibrant garden traditions of Christchurch, known as New Zealand’s Garden City. From there venture to Hanmer Springs, where you can relax in thermal pools amidst a picturesque oasis. Explore the renowned Garden Marlborough and the captivating Frensham Gardens, amongst others. Delight in the beauty New Zealand’s gardens have to offer on this unforgettable small group tour.

New Zealand Small Group Tour

Begin your extraordinary journey with our New Zealand small group tour, which is designed to offer unique, immersive experiences. Ross Tours is globally recognised as a leading specialist garden tour company, inspired by our passionate founders, Sandra and Graham Ross, who wish to share the world’s most incredible gardens. So buckle up for a relaxed, effortless and inspiring adventure.

We take pride in providing our guests with a rich array of New Zealand’s most enchanting gardens, served with a side of the country’s sublime natural beauty. Our New Zealand small group tour is more than just a typical trip; it’s an intimate exploration of an exotic landscape, spiced up with exciting local anecdotes, culture, and history. Besides, our local guides add to your travels by sharing insights into the best local restaurants and shops in New Zealand.

We have meticulously curated our New Zealand small group tour for an unmatched travel experience. Led by our handpicked group of experienced leaders- specialists in garden, food, and travel; expect this journey to be nothing short of extraordinary. These leaders not only provide an engaging commentary to your tour but manage your daily itineraries and introduce you to all the must-see (and eat) destinations!

Tour Highlights

Embark on an exclusive and intimate small group tour to discover the botanical marvels of New Zealand’s South Island. Join us for a captivating journey through the intriguing landscapes of Marlborough and Hurunui, celebrated for their exquisite gardens and genuine Kiwi hospitality. Immerse yourself in the vibrant garden traditions of Christchurch, known as New Zealand’s Garden City. Continue your exploration to Hanmer Springs, where you can unwind in thermal pools surrounded by a picturesque oasis. Experience the awe-inspiring TranzAlpine Express, witness the striking Pancake Rocks, and uncover the enchanting beauty of Abel Tasman National Park. Visit notable destinations like Rapaura Springs, Marlborough Garden Festival and the captivating Frensham Gardens. Revel in the splendour that New Zealand’s gardens have to offer on this unforgettable small group tour.

Ross Gardens: Going the Extra Mile

Ross Tours is more than just a tour company. For four decades, we have been creating narratives wrapped in travel. Our founder, Graham Ross, Australia’s leading garden communicator, hosts a Garden Clinic radio show and is known for his TV presence in Better Homes & Gardens. With Ross Tours, you don’t merely experience a location; you live the story behind it.

How to Join the Tour

Joining our New Zealand tour is simple. Just give us a call at 1300 233 200 or inquire via our Contact Us page. We would love to serve and assist you in organising your dream travel experience. We invite you to join the Ross Tour family, where travel is relaxed, effortless, friendly, and inspiring.

Frequently Asked Questions for New Zealand Small Group Tour

What is special about the New Zealand small group tour?

Our New Zealand small group tour is not your typical trip. It’s an intimate, immersive exploration of New Zealand’s most enchanting gardens and sublime natural beauty. You’ll also get the bonus of exciting local anecdotes, culture, and history, as well as insights from our local guides on the best restaurants and shops in the region.

What are the highlights of the New Zealand small group tour?

Highlights include Christchurch’s vibrant garden traditions, a relaxing visit to Hanmer Springs’ thermal pools, a scenic journey on the TranzAlpine Express, and the enchanting landscapes of Abel Tasman National Park. Explore renowned gardens like Frensham Gardens, all while enjoying the warm Kiwi hospitality.

Who are the tour guides for the New Zealand small group tour?

Our small group tours are led by a handpicked group of experienced leaders specialising in garden, food, and wildflower travel. These leaders manage the daily itineraries, provide engaging commentary, and introduce travellers to the must-see destinations in New Zealand.

How can I join the New Zealand small group tour?

Joining us is simple. You can either call us at 1300 233 200 or inquire via our Contact Us page. We would be delighted to assist you in crafting your dream travel experience.

What services do you offer apart from the New Zealand small group tour?

In addition to the tour itself, we can organise your flights and even your tickets for additional events in any cities you will be visiting. We also offer an extension before or after the tour, according to your preference. We make sure you can focus on enjoying your holiday while we take care of everything else.

Tour Inclusions
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Tour Escorted by Angie Thomas
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  • ac-icon Air-conditioned motorcoach throughout tour
  • bed-icon Deluxe accommodation for 9 nights
  • lunch-icon Breakfast daily, 5 Lunches & 4 Dinners

Entrance fees to all gardens and sightseeing including;

  • Ayrlies, Urban Jungle, Omaio Garden, Mincher Garden, Hamilton Gardens, Taranaki Garden Festival, Paloma Gardens, Greenhaugh Gardens, Gillies Garden and Cottage, Greytown, Wellington
    Botanic Gardens, Te Papa National Museum
TOUR PRICE
  • Twin Share including airfare
    $7,995 AUD per person
  • Single Supplement
    $1,595 AUD
  • All prices in Australian dollars
  • Prices based on minimum 15 passengers.
Book This Tour
DISCOUNTS
Early Bird
$200
Book and pay before
calendar icon 27 June 2025
  • Previous Traveller
    $100
  • Garden Clinic Member
    $50
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{2025 Tours Programme}

If you are on our mailing list, our printed programme for next year should arrive in your mailbox this week. We have a packed programme full of new exciting tours like Bhutan & Nepal, Spain & Morocco, Ireland and Sabah and old favourites like Japan Spring Festivals, Northern India and Melbourne Flower Show.

You can see all our 2025 tours on our website: www.rosstours.com/tours

Or if you wish to receive our printed programme, please enquire via the website or call us on 1300 233 200.

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{On tour} New Zealand is putting on a show for us this week. Perfect weather conditions for our Spring Gardens tour. #newzealand #southisland #nz #rosstours #rossgardentours #rt_nzspring
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