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Tour Overview:

October 22  - November 1, 2008

Maureen Jones, 2007 New Zealand Specialist of the Year and avid gardener, will be leading a tour to the most beautiful public and private gardens on New Zealand's breathtaking south island.  With reverse seasons, we will be visiting during the height of spring blooms.  The gardens selected are remarkable and will feature lectures by master gardeners.  The tour includes local sightseeing to cultural sites featuring native NewZealand exhibits.  We've made arrangements to take good care of you while you drink in the beauty and charm of this amazing country so come join us.

Tour Highlights:

Priced:     $3,695 Twin Share *

             $4,295 Private Single *

Based on preliminary pricing and subject to change.*

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Day-by-Day Itinerary:

Day 1 Wed, Oct 22 - USA/NEW ZEALAND

Day 2 Thu, Oct 23 - CROSS THE INTERNATIONAL DATE LINE

You lose a calendar day in transit but regain it on your way home.

Day 3 Fri, Oct 24 - CHRISTCHURCH

"Kia Ora" and welcome to New Zealand.  Upon arrival in Christchurch and after completing immigration formalities and clearing customs, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in. You will have the opportunity to freshen up, before we leave by private coach for our visit to Mona Vale Gardens.  In this country of outstanding beauty, Christchurch is known to the "Kiwis" as ghe Garden City and internationally as the recipient of the Garden City of the World title in 1993.  The beautiful Mona Vale gardens, five and a half hectacres of landscaped lawns gently rolling down to the Avon River are a significant part of this prestigious status. After your visit, re-join the coach for a transfer up to the Cashmere Hills to enjoy a buffet lunch as the Sign of the Takahe Restarurant, an impressive old stone building in a great setting.  After lunch we return to the hotel for unpacking and resting up before we gather for our group welcome dinner and get better acquainted. Heritage Hotel (L, WD)

Day 4 Sat, Oct 25 - CHRISTCHURCH

Today begin with a buffet breakfast in our hotel before departing at 9:00 am for a private coach tour of the Garden City, with its tree lined Avon River and many elegantly landscaped parks and suburbs. We will pass some of Christchurch's most significant architectue, from the neogothic beauty of the Cathedral and Museum to the striking designs of the Town Hall and Arts Centre.  Next a visit to Mona Vale HOmestead, set in the landscaped floral parkland.  There is a garden for every season, ducks on theriver, a lily pond and a fernery.  We continue on to the upper Cashmere Hills for sweeping views of the city, Lyttleton Harbour, Canterbury Plains and weather permitting the Southern Alps. We will return to the hotel where your evening is at your leisure. Heritage Hotel (B)

Day 5 Sun, Oct 26 -  CHRISTCHURCH

After breakfast we depart in our private coach to Governors Bay via the Port Hills, Sign of the Tahake, Sign of the Kiwi and visit "Ohinetahi" private garden estate, the historic residence and gallery of renowned New Zealand architect, Sir Miles Warren.  We will take morning tea here before we visit "Taunton", the garden creation of Barry Sligh also in Governors Bay.  We will then venture to the Waipara Valley, Canterbury's premier wine trowing region and located 50 minutes north of Christchurch.  Its ideal cool climate nurtures Pinot Noir, Reisling, Chardonnay and Sauignon Blanc varietals.  The tour includes wine tastings, lunch platters, and tea or coffeeat either the MudHouse or Waipara Springs.  We will return to the hotel at approximately 3:15 pm where the remainder of the day is at your discretion. Heritage Hotel (B, L)

Day 6 Mon, Oct 27 - CHRISTCHURCH/MOUNT COOK/DUNEDIN

This morning we will eat our last breakfast in Christchurch and set off early (approximately 7:10 am) for Dunedin via Mount Cook.  Our journey takes us through the rich pastoral farmlands of the Canterbury Planins and Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki to reach the spectacular surroundings of Mount Cook Naitonal Park.  Enjoy panoramic views fromt eh Hermitage AlpineRestaurant (lunch on your own) and absorbe the alpine isolation of Mount Cook Village before jurneying further south vis the picturesque Waitaki Valley to reach historical Oamaru.  Traveling the old Mount Cargill route, we follow along the harbour entrance to Dunedin, south island's southernmost city and rich in architecture and culture. Kingsgate Hotel  (B)

Day 7 Tue, Oct 28 - DUNEDIN

After taking our breakfast, we depart by private coach for your sightseeing tour of Dunedin city, beginning with a drive around the Octagon, where Robbie Burn's statue was erected in 1877 in salute of Scotland's national poet. Then, continue for a drive through the city's Town Belt, a scenic woodland drive, and to the University of Otago. A brief stop is made at the university, founded in 1869 and displaying an impressive array of stone buildings.  From here, continue to Dunedin Botanic Gardens. Established in 1863, is a garden of great variety.  Next, visit Tannock Glen, a private garden of the Dunedin Rhododendron Group. It commenced in 1973 on a four acre site high above the Dunedin Botanic Garden. The prime focus is to build a significant collection of rhododendron species, 200 to date and there are also over 150 hybrids.  After your garden visits, you are returned to your hotel.  Kingsgate Hotel (B, L)

Day 8 Wed, Oct 29 - DUNEDIN

This morning, depart your hotel by private coach for your sightseeing visit to Larnach Castle.  Over a century old this large garden surrounding historic Larnach Castle on the Otago peninsular is at an altitude of 300 metres. The scenery is spectacular and though the garden is subjected to wind and low rainfall it contains a unique collection of plants seldom seen elsewhere. Some remnants from the original plantings 120 years ago Springs.  Garden features: Alpine Garden, Arboretum, Formal, Herbaceous Border, Informal, Plant Collections, Sculpture, Water Feature (s).  Enjoy a buffet lunch at Larnach Castle.  After lunch re-board the coach for a scenic drive to your next activity Monarch wildlife cruise, Experience unrivalled viewing of the exciting diversity of wildlife which abounds on spectacular Taiaroa Head; the only mainland nesting place for Northern Royal Albatross in the world, and home to N Z fur seals, and eight other nesting bird species. You may also see, dolphins, sea lions and a fascinating array of rarely seen ocean birds including other species of albatross, penguins and marine mammals in their natural environment.  After your visit, re-board your coach for your transfer to Penguin Place.  Visit the Penguin Place Conservation Reserve, which is the home of the Yellow-eyed Penguin, the world's most endangered penguin. Experience nature at its best with an informative guided tour into the natural nesting area of the world's rarest penguin. Photograph undisturbed activity at close range through a unique system of hides and tunnels.  Re-join your coach for your return transfer to your hotel Kingsgate Hotel  (B, L)

Day 9 Thu, Oct 30 - DUNEDIN

This morning, depart your hotel by private coach for transfer to Dunedin Train Station.  Depart Dunedin Railway station on board Dunedin's Prestige Rail Experience, the Taieri Gorge Limited and travel a 78 km journey through Dunedin City's unique scenery and heritage, only accessible by train.  Marvel at kaleidoscope of scenery.  Travel through Suburban Dunedin, to pass through the fertile farm land of the Taieri plains before climbing into the Taieri River Gorge.  The Taieri Gorge famous for its sheer cliff faces and sudden ravines framing the tranquil Taieri River.  Relive the history of Dunedin's pioneers as they cut a railway line through this rugged and impenetrable country.  Marvel at the wrought iron latticework viaducts and narrow tunnels left in their wake.  Relax and listen to the live commentary as you discover the real Dunedin. You also have the opportunity to get closer to the environment of the Gorge during sightseeing stops. A fully licensed buffet car provides all the comforts of any café, with friendly staff on hand to answer any questions. On return to Dunedin, private coach transfer to your hotel.  Kingsgate Hotel  (B, D)

Day 10 Fri, Oct 31 - DUNEDIN

This morning, we depart our hotel at 9:00 am by private coach for your sightseeing tour of Dunedin.  First, enjoy a guided tour of Otago Museum which is  Dunedin's most visited attraction.  Explore world class collections, exhibitions, culture, nature and heritage.  Discover the treasures and special stores of this amazing region when you visit the Southern Land, Southern People Gallery.  Explore the Tangata Whenua Gallery with its impressive displays of Maori Cultural artefacts.  Learn about the cultures and traditions, past and present, of the peoples of the Pacific Islands.  Discover an outstanding array of international treasure in the People of the World Gallery.  Discover  Otago's special natural history.  From the huge northern royal albatross right down to tiny insects.  After your tour, re-join your coach for your journey to the Otago Peninsula to visit Glenfalloch Gardens.  Glenfalloch, Gaelic for 'hidden valley', is located on the Otago Peninsula, just 15 minutes from Dunedin city - there are panoramic views stretching all the way down the harbour to Taiaroa Head. The gardens 12 hectares, lying to the sun, is sheltered from the prevailing winds and rises 110 meters over its boundary length. There are many old oak, walnut, elm, horse chestnut, birch and English beech planted from 1872 giving an air of maturity. Glenfalloch was developed as a private garden from 1917 when many rhododendrons and azaleas were planted - these with Prunus and Magnolia are best seen in spring. In autumn the garden is a multitude of colors with maples contributing a splash of brilliance. Many flowering and fruiting native plants have been established to attract birds adding a further touch.  Garden features: Coastal Garden, Herb Garden, Informal, Native Bush, Plant Collections, Rose Garden, Water Feature (s), Water Garden(s) Woodland Garden. On completion of our tour, re-join your coach for transfer back to your accommodation.  Tonight, enjoy a Haggis dinner with beverages to be paid directly. Kingsgate Hotel  (B, D)

Day 11 Sat, Nov 1 - NEW ZEALAND/USA

At a required time, private coach transfer from your hotel to Dunedin airport to connect with your international departure flight.  Depart Dunedin and connect through Auckland on your international flight  (B)

Itinerary may be subject to change.

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