Limited Spaces Available
Escorted Tour

Akaroa & High Country Gardens

Embark on a thoughtfully curated escape to two of the South Island’s most captivating destinations. First, immerse yourself in the charm of Akaroa, where French influences meet a serene, laid-back atmosphere. We’ve selected a collection of stunning gardens for you to explore, offering the perfect opportunity to unwind and appreciate this peaceful corner of New Zealand. Then, journey to Methven, the gateway to the rugged High Country, where a day of captivating garden visits awaits, along with an unforgettable 4WD adventure to the iconic Mesopotamia Station. This is a getaway that seamlessly blends beauty, tranquility, and adventure.

Your travel itinerary

Sunday 16 November

Auckland - Christchurch

Dinner

On arrival transfer to a central city hotel and meet your guide for a walking tour of the regenerated city. Welcome dinner with fellow travellers this evening.

Monday 17 November

Christchurch – Akaroa

Breakfast Lunch

This morning, we visit Ōhinetahi Gardens at Governors Bay, located at the head of Lyttelton Harbour. The historic Ōhinetahi Homestead is home to one of New Zealand’s finest formal gardens, gifted to the nation by Sir Miles Warren, architect of the Christchurch Town Hall. Afterward, we’ll stop for lunch at the Ōtomomiro Hotel in Governors Bay before continuing on to Akaroa for a two-night stay.

Tuesday 18 November

Akaroa

Breakfast Dinner

After a leisurely breakfast, we head to Fisherman’s Bay to visit Jill and Richard Simpson’s coastal garden, featuring evergreen natives, daylilies, poppies, roses, and more. Then, return to Akaroa to explore the quirky ‘Giant Garden’ mosaic by Josie Martin, a Garden of National Significance. Josie, an artist and horticulturist, also has a gallery and cafe onsite for lunch (own exoense). The rest of the afternoon is free to explore Akaroa at your leisure.

Wednesday 19 November

Akaroa – Methven

Breakfast Dinner

Today we plan to visit the 6 star 3.5 hectare garden ‘Broadfield Estates’, now 20 years old. Originality in design, planting and maintenance was the aim; the plantings include natives, a beech forest, kauri forest, a rose garden, lilies, peonies and a canal. On leaving, we continue via Darfield and Windwhistle and onto Methven for a three night stay.

Thursday 20 November

Methven

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Today is a rural garden day, exploring gardens nestled on sheep and cattle stations. First, we visit Rangiātea Gardens at Mt Somers, on Blair and Sara Gallagher’s hill country property. The garden offers stunning views of Mt Somers and features a gallery displaying agate rocks mined on the property, along with a jewellery shop. Next, we head to Surrey Hills Station, a Nationally Significant garden created by Paul and Sara Grigg. Set in the foothills, this lush, perennial garden beautifully blends with its rugged surroundings. Afterward, we’ll enjoy lunch at their stunning homestead.

Friday 21 November

Methven (Adventure Day)

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Today’s adventure includes 4WD vehicles best suited to explore the back country and appreciate life in this part of New Zealand. Our coach takes us to Peel Forest Park where we meet our local guides, then on to Mesopotamia (an iconic station) with the guide describing the landscape and history. The group now splits in two with a 4WD van taking you to the upper Rangitata River. Lunch is included at the now closed Mesopotamia School. This day is sure to be a highlight. Return to Methven late afternoon.

Saturday 22 November

Methven – Ashburton

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Today’s journey takes us to Ashburton for a visit to Trott’s Garden on the outskirts of Ashburton. This is a six star garden of excellence. See some of the 650 rhododendrons in flower in the woodland area and the formal tightly trimmed hedges that form a backdrop for the border plantings. Then on to Akaunui for lunch and a garden visit. Diana and Ian Mackenzie’s 100 year old home and garden. This is a garden of such diversity – our visit is when some of the azaleas, roses and peonies are in flower - a day to remember. Overnight in Ashburton and a farewell dinner.

Sunday 23 November

Ashburton – Christchurch - Auckland

Breakfast

Coach return to Christchurch airport for your early afternoon flight home.

Inclusions

• Air travel Auckland to Christchurch return

(Please request other options)

• Coach transport as outlined

• Seven nights’ accommodation including breakfast

• Six dinners

• Four lunches

• Entry fees to the following gardens: Fisherman’s Bay, Óhinetahi Giants Garden, Broadfield Estate, Rāngiatea, Surrey Hills, Akaunui and Trott’s Garden.

• 4WD adventure from Methven with local guides

• Pukekohe Travel escort subject to 15 passengers.

Cost

Cost Per Person * Auckland - Auckland	Twin Share	Single
	$3,747	$4,555

*This is a cash price. Credit cards will incur a 1.5% fee
*Itinerary and costs subject to change, airline and fuel charges and currency fluctuations prior to final payment

Exclusions

• Cancellation Insurance

• Items of a personal nature

Booking Conditions

• A non-refundable deposit of $300 per person will secure a place on the tour

• Full payment by 03 October 2025

Cancellations

Deposit is non refundable

• After full payment 03 Otcober 2025– no refund is available

Travel Insurance

We recommend travel Insurance. Please feel free to contact us for a quote.

Health and Mobility

•To ensure the tour is enjoyable for the whole group, a reasonable standard of fitness is required.

• Mobility frames and wheelchairs are not practical or permitted

• We expect you to arrive fit, healthy and ready to travel.

Terms and Conditions

For full terms and conditions please visit our website Terms and Conditions or please ask our tour consultant for a copy.

Note: Pukekohe Travel reserves the right to correct errors and omissions on our website without recourse.
* Itinerary subject to change