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New Zealand’s Gardens & Natural Wonders

Tour/Cruise

Christchurch → Queenstown

A tour which suits first-time, as well as returning, travellers to New Zealand, this journey includes a balance of gardens and spectacular New Zealand scenery. Accompanied by expert Botanical Guide, Sarah O’Neil, we see the country’s gardens while they are at their spring best, while also appreciating the diversity of plant life that extends across the South Island, owing to New Zealand’s varied climate. We also behold the colossal peaks lining Milford Sound during a cruise.

This journey departs:

  • 10 November 2026

  • 13 November 2027

Highlights

  • Enjoy the chance to visit a host of the area's best private gardens with your Botanical Guide and meet their owners.

  • Witness the dramatic scenery of Milford Sound during a cruise and spend two nights in Queenstown.

  • Sarah shares her thoughts about the gardens and landscapes we are lucky enough to visit while in New Zealand.

  • Discover the highlights of New Zealand's flora from South Island's Trott's Garden to the Taranaki Garden Festival on the North Island.

  • Be escorted by an expert , who will offer insightful talks on various topics and be available for informal discussions, enriching your travel experience.

From price

$6,995
From price per person, twin share
Tour Provider Botanica
Number Of Days
8
Start Location
Christchurch, Australia
End Location
Queenstown, Australia
Age Range
Avg. 45+
Group Size
10 to 45
Tour Style
Luxury
Tour Themes
No specific theme
Physical Rating
Easy to Moderate

Departure dates

From price per person, twin share
Start End Availability Price
10 Nov 2026 17 Nov 2026 Available $6,995
13 Nov 2027 20 Nov 2027 Available $6,995

Itinerary details

Day 1 - Christchurch

Begin in Christchurch, known for its English heritage, as well as for being New Zealand’s oldest established city. Tonight, enjoy a Welcome Dinner as you meet your fellow travellers.

Day 2 - Ohinetahi and Private Gardens

Today we journey to the historic 19th-century Ohinetahi garden and homestead, the private home of New Zealand architect Sir Miles Warren. Afterwards, enjoy lunch at Frensham, a relaxed private country garden with a huge variety of plants. On our way back to Christchurch, we stop in at a special private garden, set on more than eight acres. The owners are proud of its excellent design, planting and maintenance – it even boasts its own Kauri forest.

Day 3 - Alan Trott Garden, Oamaru Public Garden and Dunedin

Traverse the Canterbury Plains today and admire the stunning alpine scenery of rugged mountain peaks. Travel via Ashburton, Timaru and Oamaru to Dunedin, stopping along the way for a visit at the garden of Alan Trott. The seven-acre masterpiece blends elegant woodland and formal design with highlights including intricate knot gardens, tranquil pools, and magnificent trees underplanted with rhododendrons and perennials. Stop briefly at Oamaru Public Garden, one of New Zealand’s oldest gardens, which has a five star ‘Garden of Significance’ rating. Arrive later in the city of Dunedin, which features the best collection of Edwardian and Victorian architecture in the Southern Hemisphere.

Day 4 - Dunedin Botanic Gardens, Larnach Castle and Otago Peninsula

Visit Dunedin Botanic Gardens, New Zealand’s oldest botanical garden, with more than 6,800 plant species. Travel to the Otago Peninsula, home to an array of wildlife, including the little blue penguin, northern royal albatross and New Zealand fur seals. During our time on the peninsula, we call in on Glenfalloch Woodland Garden, whose rhododendrons and azaleas contrast with its native ferns and indigenous trees. Enjoy a delicious lunch at Larnach Castle, which dates back to 1871 and is set within a magnificent private garden.

Day 5 - Dunedin Garden, Wildflowers and Te Anau

Today, visit a garden close to Dunedin, before travelling on to Te Anau, looking out for spring wildflowers along the way. Learn about all the introduced species that have coloured the landscape from your Botanical Guide.

Day 6 - Milford Sound Cruise and Queenstown

Enjoy nature’s garden at its finest as you explore Mirror Lake, Homer Tunnel and The Chasm, then take a spectacular cruise along Milford Sound. New Zealand’s most stunning natural attraction, Milford Sound comprises dramatic mountain peaks, reflective waters and steep forest-clad cliffs. Later, arrive in the picturesque city of Queenstown, set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu.

Day 7 - Private Garden and Arrowtown

Take a tour of a spectacular private, sustainable garden in Central Otago. Then visit the historic gold mining village of Arrowtown, where you’ll have time to explore the quaint shops along its heritage main street. This afternoon, enjoy free time in Queenstown before reconvening for dinner.

Day 8 - Queenstown

After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight home.

Frequently Asked Questions

You should choose this tour for its unique blend of spectacular New Zealand scenery and an exclusive focus on botany. Led by expert Botanical Guide Sarah O’Neil, you will have the rare opportunity to visit a host of the region's best private gardens and meet their owners, while also experiencing iconic natural wonders like Milford Sound.
This tour is designed for nature lovers and garden enthusiasts who appreciate botanical diversity and luxury travel. Those who enjoy expert-led educational experiences, stunning landscapes, and the charm of private estates will find this journey particularly rewarding.
The pros include the expertise of a professional Botanical Guide, access to exclusive private gardens, and a luxury travel style that covers diverse landscapes from the Canterbury Plains to Milford Sound. A potential con is that the itinerary is highly specialized toward botany and gardens, which may be less appealing to those seeking high-adrenaline activities.
This tour is a wonderful option for couples and solo travellers looking for a luxury experience and the chance to meet fellow travellers during events like the Welcome Dinner. While not specifically marketed for families, the easy to moderate physicality makes it accessible for various adult groups.
This journey is thoughtfully designed to suit both first-time visitors and returning travellers to New Zealand, offering a perfect balance of must-see landmarks and specialized garden visits.
The tour is rated as 'Easy to Moderate' in terms of physicality, suggesting it is accessible for many. However, specific accessibility details for the gardens and cruises are not provided, so we recommend contacting us for more detailed information regarding your specific mobility needs.
This tour is primarily focused on sightseeing and culture, specifically the botanical culture of New Zealand. It combines the beauty of natural landscapes with the architectural and horticultural history of the South Island.
The pace of the tour is moderate. It covers a significant distance from Christchurch to Queenstown over eight days, balancing scheduled garden visits and cruises with moments of leisure, such as free time in Queenstown.
The itinerary feels well-balanced. While it visits several locations across the South Island, it includes relaxed elements such as a Welcome Dinner, a leisurely lunch at Frensham, and a dedicated afternoon of free time in Queenstown to ensure guests don't feel rushed.
Yes, the tour includes major highlights such as a cruise of Milford Sound, visits to the Dunedin Botanic Gardens, explorations of the Otago Peninsula, and time spent in the picturesque city of Queenstown.
The tour is led by an expert Botanical Guide who provides insightful talks and is available for informal discussions to enrich the experience; however, the text does not explicitly mention the handling of foreign language barriers.
Disclaimer:
These FAQs have been generated with the assistance of AI to provide a general overview. They are intended as a starting point only and should be reviewed based on your knowledge, current supplier information and client requirements.
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