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Inspiring Gardens of New Zealand

Jan 09-21, 2024

13 days | New Zealand | alumni UBC Travel Club

 This trip is sold out. Please email Donna to be placed on the waitlist.
 
At the very moment you touch down in Auckland, New Zealand you will realise that you have reached an amazing place where stewardship of the land is unparalleled and gardens are held in high regard.

Join Gary Lewis on a return to New Zealand to discover a well-curated selection of New Zealand’s private and public gardens as well as some of the most spectacular sights and sceneries of the country. A botanical bucket list destination!

We start our trip on the subtropical North Island visiting gardens that are unique and diverse in their plant material including unusual trees, distinctive palms, tree ferns, succulents, and intriguing perennials. The South Island has a climate that is ideal for more temperate ornamental gardens with subtropical elements combining with choice trees and shrubs and a full range of perennials, roses, hydrangeas and more. You’ll also take in pastoral landscapes, rugged coastlines, and dramatic mountain ranges. We’ll be visiting the country’s marvelous Botanical Gardens as well as a selection of renowned gardens of national significance and special access private gardens as we enjoy the wonderful hospitality of our gardener hosts.

New Zealanders are not afraid of colour and revel in plant diversity and whimsy. You’ll be inspired by the tips, tricks and ideas you discover in New Zealand to take home to your own garden. Your study leader, Gary Lewis, will complement busy and inspiring days of touring with informal talks on the gardens and plants we`ll encounter. An optional extension will explore the wild side of New Zealand taking in native plants and pristine landscapes from seashore to mountaintop. Whether you’re a nature lover, a gardener or an adventure traveller, this is one of those trips of a lifetime.
alumni UBC Travel Club
Tour Cost (per person):
C$8395
Includes all taxes and gratuities.
Group Size:
18 – 24 participants

What’s included: Accommodations based on double occupancy in hotels listed or similar, ground transportation, all activities as described in the detailed itinerary, entrance fees, meals as specified in itinerary, gratuities for guides, driver, and included meals, meetings with gardeners and garden professionals, services of your study leader Gary Lewis, fully escorted by our New Zealand Tour Director, all taxes. 

"He [Gary Lewis] was pleasant and congenial and knew his geography and the best spots to find plants very well." - Quest Traveller

Itinerary at a Glance

DayActivity
1Meet in Auckland
2 Auckland Gardens, Hamilton
3Hobbiton, Waitomo Caves, New Plymouth
4Gardens of Taranaki
5Puketarata Garden, Whanganui, Wellington
6Botanic Gardens, Zealandia, Otari-Wilton’s Bush
7Ferry to Blenheim, Welton House, Eliza’s Garden Cottage
8Barewood, Paripuma, Wine Tasting
9Longfield, Winterhome
10Flaxmere, Coldstream, Christchurch
11Ohinetahi, Otahuna Lodge, The Giant’s House
12Gardens of Christchurch
13Depart Christchurch
Optional Extension: Lake Moeraki, Mount Cook National Park
Download Itinerary

Your Tour Leader

UBC alumnus Gary Lewis is the owner of Phoenix Perennials, a cutting edge retail nursery in Vancouver, and an expert on perennials and horticulture. He is one of Canada’s most knowledgeable plant experts with a deep and special interest in rare and unusual herbaceous perennials. He recently published The Complete Book of Ground Covers.

Email Us

Or call 1-800-387-1483 with any questions or to reserve your spot!

alumni UBC Travel Club
Tour Cost (per person):
C$8395
Includes all taxes and gratuities.
Group Size:
18 – 24 participants

What’s included: Accommodations based on double occupancy in hotels listed or similar, ground transportation, all activities as described in the detailed itinerary, entrance fees, meals as specified in itinerary, gratuities for guides, driver, and included meals, meetings with gardeners and garden professionals, services of your study leader Gary Lewis, fully escorted by our New Zealand Tour Director, all taxes. 

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Inspiring Gardens of New Zealand

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