GARDEN MARLBOROUGH NEW ZEALAND
2 – 10 NOVEMBER 2020
ITINERARY
New Zealand’s gardens are amongst the best anywhere on earth. Throw in a warm Kiwi welcome and Rapaura Springs Garden Marlborough and we have the perfect excuse to visit this beautiful region of the south island with peonies and wisteria in full bloom.
DAY 1
Monday 2 November 2020
Home – Christchurch (D)
Check-in at Emirates, Terminal 1, Sydney International Airport for your flight to Christchurch. Meet Robin Powell, your Ross Tour Leader at the departure gate. Kia Ora and welcome to Christchurch! Check into your hotel overlooking scenic Latimer Square for the next two nights. Christchurch is known as New Zealand’s Garden City, a unique destination where thriving garden traditions merge with dynamic urban renewal. Celebrate together tonight at our Welcome dinner.
DAY 2
Tuesday 3 November 2020
Akaroa (B)
We’re heading to the historic French township of Akaroa. Nestled in the crater of an ancient volcano, this charming village will delight you with its historic buildings, magnificent harbour and passion for fine food. On the way, visit a garden offering a unique snapshot of the Banks Peninsula’s indigenous flora with outstanding views of the Pacific coastline. Then one of NZ’s most celebrated artistic gardens, where whimsical mosaic installations and sculptures will keep you smiling all afternoon!
Accommodation: Rydges Latimer Hotel, Christchurch
DAY 3
Wednesday 4 November 2020
Christchurch – Blenheim (B/L/D)
Morning stroll through Christchurch’s gorgeous Botanic Gardens started over 150 years ago with the planting of a single English Oak tree. Head north to Blenheim along the scenic Kaikoura coast road. Lunch is included today. Located in the heart of wine-growing Marlborough, Blenheim is one of NZ’s sunniest towns and a top destination for foodies and garden lovers alike! Check into your hotel and home for the next five nights. Dinner included tonight.
Accommodation: Quality Inn, Blenheim
DAY 4
Thursday 5 November 2020
East Coast & Awatere Valley Tour (B/L)
Rapaura Springs Garden Marlborough is NZ’s premier garden event, dreamt up by gardeners for gardeners and showcasing Marlborough’s most unique and sensational gardens. Today we head to the Ataware Valley to see a selection of large gardens, diverse in climate but all framed by spectacular scenery, from the rolling Pacific to the rugged Kaikoura ranges. Each visit begins with an introduction from the garden owner. Lunch at a superb coastal restaurant with breathtaking views.
Accommodation: Quality Inn, Blenheim
DAY 5
Friday 6 November 2020
Queen Charlotte Sound (B/D)
Experience the rhythm of coastal life today as you cruise the coves and hidden bays of beautiful Queen Charlotte Sound. Later, explore the seaside town of Picton. Built around a sheltered harbour, this tranquil pretty port boasts terrific cafés, restaurants and galleries. Dine together tonight at an acclaimed restaurant showcasing local produce and regional flavours.
Accommodation: Quality Inn, Blenheim
DAY 6
Saturday 7 November 2020
Blenheim Gardens Tour (B)
Touring Blenheim’s private town gardens provides inspiration aplenty this morning. Brimming with a profusion of luscious foliage and a myriad of spring flowers, these small spaces offer a plethora of design ideas! We head further afield crossing the Ōpaoa River to discover an intriguing selection of gardens and landscapes.
Accommodation: Quality Inn, Blenheim
DAY 7
Sunday 8 November 2020
Garden Fete (B/D)
The Garden Fete is a not-to-be-missed festival event and the perfect place to find all sorts of garden treasures. Spend the morning soaking up the festive atmosphere – perhaps treat yourself to a Pimms in the Blenheim Club. An afternoon visit to Hortensia House is a celebration of colour! Overlooking a lake, the garden’s blue ‘Monet’ bridge, blue gates and benches meld beautifully with masses of blue and yellow plantings and old fashioned roses.
Accommodation: Quality Inn, Blenheim
DAY 8
Monday 9 November 2020
Blenheim – Christchurch (B/L/D)
Today we travel back to Christchurch via a superb mountain route. Travel through the alpine village of Saint Arnaud in Nelson Lakes National Park, scenic Murchison and over the Lewis Pass to Hanmer Springs where we stop for lunch. Surrounded by dramatic mountains and towering forests, this lovely alpine village is also known for its hot springs. Continue through the upper reaches of the Canterbury Plains back to Christchurch. Come together tonight for our farewell dinner.
Accommodation: Rydges Latimer Hotel, Christchurch
DAY 9
Tuesday 10 November 2020
Christchurch – Home (B)
Morning visit to Frensham Gardens, one of the finest in Christchurch. With huge, impossibly green lawns, strong elements of design and a range of enviable plants grown to a state of lusciousness, it’s a garden you will never forget. Afternoon transfer to Christchurch International Airport for your homeward flight.
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 Manager to confirm your details and preferred method of payment.
CANCELLATIONS
Cancellations received 180-120 days 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 Garden Tours standard terms and conditions.
TOUR INCLUSIONS
TOUR ESCORTED BY
ROBIN POWELL
- Return group airfare Sydney / Christchurch / Sydney
- Air-conditioned motorcoach throughout tour
- Deluxe accommodation for 8 nights
- Breakfast daily, 3 lunches, 5 dinners and morning and afternoon teas as per itinerary.
- Guided tours of Christchurch, Picton and the Marlborough region
- Entrance fees to all gardens and sightseeing as per the itinerary including: Fishermans Bay Garden, Christchurch Botanic Gardens, The Giants House – Linton Akaroa Mosaic Sculpture Garden, Festival Garden tours, Queen Charlotte Sound Delivery Cruise, Hortensia House, Wither Hill Wines, Frensham Garden
- Fully escorted by Robin Powell
- Ross Tours travel wallet & bag
TOUR PRICE
Twin Share land only $4,295 per person
Twin Share including air $4,795 per person
Single Supplement $950
All prices in Australian Dollars.
Prices based on minimum 15 passengers.
Price is based on departure Sydney.
DISCOUNTS
Book and pay in full by 6/07/2020 to receive the Early Bird Discount of $200.00 per person off the final instalment.
Previous Traveller Discount $100.00
Garden Clinic™ Member Discount $50.00
OTHER TOURS
Singapore Garden Festival
Singapore is a city in a garden. An exciting mix of cultures, ultramodern ‘Supertrees’ and 19thcentury charm, all wrapped in
beautiful tropical gardens. Discover Gardens by the Bay, Flower Dome and Cloud Forest; a showcase of horticulture and garden
artistry at the 2020 Singapore Garden Festival.
England Rose Gardens
A flower-filled and rose-scented journey through England starting near the Scottish border at Newcastle, then York, Birmingham
and Richmond. Landmark gardens: Sissinghurst, Great Dixter, David Austin Roses, Castle Howard, Alnwick Castle… culminating at
Hampton Court Flower Show.
Chelsea Flower Show and the Gardens of England
Come with us to an England up to its knees in spring blossom, carpets of bluebells and meadows of wildflowers. Our
tour includes the cerulean Cornish Coastline. It’s a heavenly mix of gardens: Royal, public, and private with Opening
Day at the spectacular Chelsea Flower Show.
East Coast USA
From George Washington’s private garden at Mt Vernon to the contemporary Oudolf designed masterpiece on New York’s High
Line, we’ll visit majestic heritage homes and a trifecta of Pennsylvanian beauties: Longwood Gardens, Winterthur and
charming Chanticleer. It’s an East Coast USA garden adventure of a lifetime travelling with Graham and Sandra Ross through
Washington, Philadelphia, New York and Newport Rhode Island.
Portugal and the Madeira Flower Festival
Citrus scented streets, Art Nouveau buildings, mosaic pavements, blue/white ceramic tiles (azulejos) decorated walls, arcades, columns and water tanks, marble towns of the Alentejo; all go to make this spring journey through Portugal and Madeira one to remember. Highlight is Madeira’s famous Flower Festival.
Northern India
Opulent palaces, towering forts, vibrant spices, buzzing bazaars, cast their spell on you. During our 15-day tour of India you will
stay in luxury at Bombay, Udaipur, Jaipur, Agra, and Delhi and absorb the beauty of the world’s greatest Mughal gardens in an adventure
of a lifetime.