Hanmer Springs Fete & Stunning Country Gardens and Art Tour

• 2023, October 27

  • $1990 per person twin share. Single Supplement $510

Duration: 5 Days

Day 1 (L,D)

We will pick you up around 10am either at Christchurch airport or at one of the designated areas that you will choose from the list sent to you. We will drive through Waipara Valley wine region – home to pinot noir and citrusy chardonnay, continuing through Hurunui farmlands. Before arriving at Hanmer Springs we will have a stop for lunch, after which we will visit two fabulous gardens, then check in at our accommodation and unwind a little before we have dinner at one of the Hanmer’s local restaurants.

​Day 2 (B, L, D)

After delicious breakfast we will visit the elegant gardens of Rotherham, Hawarden & Waikari. One of the gardens we visit today is renowned for their roses – over 170 roses in a selection of vibrant colours. You will have a chance to see an artist’s studio where the art exhibition will be displayed. We will also take a tour at an English themed garden nestled around an English styled home.

Day 3 (B)

The day of the wonderful Hanmer Springs Fete. 2021 marks the third year of this fete. There will be over 100 high quality stalls from across New Zealand, so do not forget to bring some pocket money with you.

After some free time at the Fete, we are going to pay a visit to two gardens that are set against the backdrop of the Hanmer Mountain Range. Delightful combination of formal and informal design ideas, exotic & native plants provide added appeal for visitors. There will also be time for you to relax at the renown Thermal Pools, so bring your togs if you would like a try.

​Day 4 (B, L, D)

Today we farewell this beautiful alpine township for our next night stay in Amberley. Along the way we have wonderful scenery again of the winding Waiau river then on through Cheviot to the edge of the word garden above Gore Bay. You are rewarded here with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and the garden that benefits from the unique microclimate, also they have a craft shop and interior design accessories to tempt you. Then we head on to Tipapa Historic Homestead nestled in a valley alongside Tipapa stream. The original owners the Acton-Adams family began planting trees from the 1880s, now beds of colour, roses, rhododendrons, camellias and fruit trees are all there for you to admire. There is also a ceramic and art exhibition for you to enjoy and to purchase if you wish.  From here we drive on to the beautiful Waipara Valley to an amazing Sculpture Park, this is something very different and will blow your mind at the magical outdoor exhibition and all there is to see here. This is one of Brenda’s favourites, you will not be disappointed.  Moving on to Amberley for our one night stay and our last evening meal together.

Day 5 (B)

After breakfast we visit our last garden on the program, it is in Amberley. This lovely garden is a stimulating mix of gardens, from the intimate and cool shaded gardens, past perennial borders full of colourful flowers, through Mediterranean and gravel gardens featuring stunning succulents and architectural plants, further out sweeping tussocks and an Iris filled bog garden (simply beautiful) there is also a tiny vineyard plus a super productive veggie garden and an orchard.  There are many frost-hardy plants and succulents for sale.

After we leave the garden, we carry on towards our next little surprise visit, stopping for lunch then we show you a favourite place for fishing fans where river salmon is the catch they are after. These last two visits will give you an insight to small community areas. Now we will travel back to Christchurch where we will say our goodbyes. We should arrive back at approx. 4 pm.

NOTES
B = Breakfast provided 
L = Lunch provided
D = Dinner (main meal) provided (please note any drinks will be at your own expense)