Springtime in New Zealand: A grand adventure to the gardens & natural wonders of the North & South Islands In two parts: October 8 - 21, 2019 ...
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HARDY PLANT SOCIETY OF OREGON’S 2019 TOUR Springtime in New Zealand: A grand adventure to the gardens & natural wonders of the North & South Islands In two parts: October 8 - 21, 2019 (North Island) & Oct. 20 - Nov. 2, 2019 (South Island) New Zealand is a land of stunning beauty and diversity. With volcanic peaks and geothermal hot spots on the North Island to the uplifted “southern Alps” and glacial plains of the South Island, it is filled with contrasts. From tip to tip, New Zealand is roughly the length of Portland to southern California, having a similar range of climates but in “reverse” since it lies in the southern hemisphere. The northern tip enjoys a definite subtropical climate (similar to San Diego) while the extreme southern end is a much cooler temperate one (with alpine areas, too). With all of this diversity comes a wide range of garden styles featuring a wide range of plants - both native and exotic! Join us on one or both of our tours as we explore the gardens and natural wonders of these two main islands of New Zealand - the North Island and the South Island. We will visit the very best private and public gardens. We’ll enjoy fabulous sights, geologic wonders, country towns, a Maori cultural performance, wine tours and tasting, and cruises on the Milford Sound, the Bay of Islands, and across the Cook Strait. We’ll see fabulous gardens, see unfamiliar plants, make some new friends, enjoy the camaraderie of other gardeners, do a little shopping, and meet the wonderful and friendly people of New Zealand. In short, we’ll experience the very best that New Zealand has to offer!
Springtime in New Zealand: North Island October 8 - October 21, 2019 Day 1 (Tuesday, October 8) D wines. Continuing our journey northward we reach the seaside town of Whangarei where we have the rest Arrive in Auckland and meet your transfer to our first of the afternoon free to explore the shops along the tour hotel in the city center. You have the rest of the harbor and perhaps visit the famous Clapham’s Clock day at leisure to explore the city. Museum. Dine on your own this evening at one of Early arrivals may want to visit the many lovely harbor side restaurants. Stay the the Maritime Museum on the night in Whangarei. waterfront or perhaps stroll down Queen Street and peruse Day 3 (Thurs, Oct. 10): Whangarei - Paihia B all the shops. In the evening, join the group for a welcome Our day today begins with a stop at the pretty dinner in our hotel’s rotating sky Whangarei Falls followed by a tower restaurant where we take visit to the nearby Whangarei in 360 degree views of the city. Quarry Gardens. The gardens Stay the night at the Sky City include an amazing variety of Hotel in Auckland. both subtropical and temperate climate plants, all tended by the Day 2 (Wed., Oct. 9): Matakana - Whangarei B,L local garden society. In the afternoon, we arrive at the Bay of Islands and make our way to the Waitangi Following a hearty breakfast, we depart Auckland Treaty Grounds & House, the birthplace of the New and begin our trip to the part of New Zealand known Zealand nation we know today, for a guided tour of as “Northlands”, more specifically to an area on the the house, the Maori exhibits, and the surrounding eastern coast of Northlands called the “Bay of landscape. Following our tour, we make our way to Islands”. En route, we visit the Totara Waters our hotel in Paihia where we stay the next two nights. Subtropical Garden before lunching at Omaio, the Dine on our own this evening. private garden of Liz Morrow. In the afternoon, we visit the Brick Bay Winery & Sculpture Park with the Day 4 (Fri, Oct. 11) B,D opportunity to taste some of New Zealand’s fabulous We stay in the local area today. After breakfast, we visit a private garden in Kerikeri known for it’s series of garden rooms with a subtropical theme. Next, we visit the Kerikeri Mission Station and Stone House, the former (colonial) governor’s house. We then have Northlands free time for lunch in Paihia before we board our boat for a half-day cruise to Cape Brett and Hole in the Rock. In the late afternoon, we have more free time in Paihia or, alternatively, to explore the bayside town of Russell before retiring at our hotel for the evening. Dine at our hotel with the group.
Springtime in New Zealand: North Island October 8 - October 21, 2019 Day 5 (Sat., Oct. 12) - Pahia-Auckland B Day 7 (Mon., Oct. 14) - Auckland-Rotorua B,L Today we conclude our excursion to Northlands and Today is a travel day; we make our way from return to Auckland. We choose a different route, Auckland to Rotorua. Along the way, we stop for a heading down the west coast to see the Waipoua visit and guided tour of the Hamilton Kauri Forest which holds Gardens, leaving plenty of time to New Zealand largest tree - wander about the gardens at our own “Tane Mahuta” which means pace. After lunch, we continue on to the “Lord of the Forest” in Hobbiton movie set for a guided tour of Maori. After lunch, we visit “The Shire”! On arrival at our hotel, the Kauri Museum, a we’ll have the opportunity to soak in the wonderful collection of hot thermal waters of the nearby wood crafts, amber, and Polynesian Spa Pools before calling a close to our antique milling machines. long day. Spend the next two nights in Rotorua. Dinner is on our own this Dine on our own this evening. evening. Stay the next two nights in Auckland. Day 6 (Sun., Oct. 13) - Auckland B Our full day in Auckland includes several garden visits: the Eden Garden, carved out of another rock quarry; the Auckland Botanical Garden, a large garden divided into areas based on the continents and their associated plants; and the incredible (and private) garden of Ayrlies, a must-see for any garden tour of New Zealand. Dinner will be on your own. Day 8 (Tues., Oct. 15) - Rotorua B,D After breakfast, we use our private motor coach to explore the sights around the geo-thermally active area of Rotorua. We enjoy the sights at the Wai-O- Tapu Thermal Wonderland, followed by a guided tour of the Rotorua Museum at Government Gardens. In the afternoon, we have free time to find a light lunch, to visit the museum’s surrounding gardens, and to explore the shopping district in Rotorua before returning to our hotel to freshen up. This evening we have a special tour of the Te Puia Thermal Reserve plus a Maori cultural performance including a traditional Hangi-style dinner!
Springtime in New Zealand: North Island October 8 - October 21, 2019 Day 9 (Wed., Oct. 16): Rotorua - New Plymouth B just one night. We enjoy a dinner with our tour Today we make a “geographical jump”. We depart group this evening. Rotorua and make our way south and west to New Plymouth. Along the way, we stop at the Lava Glass Sculpture Garden followed by the spectacular Huka Falls. After lunch by the lake at Taupo, we head to Tikorangi, the Jury garden where world renown magnolias like “Vulcan” and “Black Tulip” were developed. After exploring this wonderful garden, we make our way to New Plymouth where we stay the next two nights. Dine as a group this evening. Mt Taranaki near New Plymouth on the North Island Day 12 (Sat., Oct. 19): Wanganui - Wellington B Following breakfast, we continue to make our way to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city. We begin our day with a visit to Paloma garden, a large garden full of surprises - considered “fabulous” by many HPSO travelers on the 2016 tour! After lunch, we visit two nurseries with display gardens as we make our way to Wellington. Upon arrival in Wellington, we have the remainder of Day 10 (Thurs, Oct. 17): New Plymouth B the day free. Stay in Wellington two nights. Dine this After breakfast, we head to Pukeiti Garden with it’s evening on your own. recently renovated glass houses, cafe, and expanded displays. Pukeiti contains one of the finest Day 13 (Sun., Oct. 20) - Wellington B,D collections of rhododendron species and hybrids in On our final full day of our North Island tour, we the Mt Taranaki area (if not the world). We spend a have a full day sightseeing tour of the city! Our visits couple hours wandering about the extensive grounds, will include Mt Victoria, the Wellington Botanical noting the many fabulous tree-sized rhododendrons Garden, and a guided tour of Te Papa Museum. The as well as companion plants. After rest of the afternoon will be at leisure. In the lunch, we visit two more excellent evening, we have our farewell dinner at a seaside gardens - Ngamamaku Garden, and restaurant. Te Kainga Marire Garden - a garden designated of “national significance”. Day 14 (Mon., Oct. 21) B We then return to New Plymouth After breakfast, for those not continuing on the South where the remainder of the day we Island tour, transfers will be provided to nearby are free to see the town, the beach, Wellington International Airport. and to find a restaurant for dinner. Day 11 (Fri., Oct. 18): Hawera - Wanganui B, D Our journey today will take us towards the southern- most area of the North Island. Our goal will be to get to Wanganui, about half-way to Wellington. After making an early start, we visit several absolutely wonderful private gardens in the Hawera area before we reach our hotel in Wanganui where we will stay
What’s Included Approximate route of the North Island tour The North Island tour includes: - 14 days (13 nights) lodging in hotels rated from 5- stars to 4-stars - All breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 6 dinners - Services of a motor coach (bus) and driver - Local Tour guide - All gratuities for included meals & services, tour guide, & driver - Admission to featured gardens and attractions ************** Please note: Arrival and departure airfare to/from New Zealand is NOT included; participants make their own way to the starting point in Auckland. Please refer to the last page for additional items not included Price Springtime in New Zealand: North Island The tour is limited and priced to 25 participants. HPSO members only. Prices are in New Zealand Dollars (NZ$) as follows (with US$ estimates) for tour only: [As of October 10, 2018, exchange rate of approx. US$0.655 to NZ$1.000] Per Person Sharing Single Rate a double room NZ$ 4,990 NZ$ 6,459 US$ 3,268 US$ 4,231 In addition to the prices quoted above will be a contribution of $260 to HPSO. Because HPSO is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, your contribution may be tax deductible. Please consult with your tax advisor. Because the tour is priced in New Zealand dollars but will be invoiced to you in US dollars, the estimated US$ price may change depending on the currency exchange rate at the time when final payment is made to the agent.
Springtime in New Zealand: South Island October 20 - November 2, 2019 Day 1 (Sunday, October 20) D Arrive in Wellington and meet your transfer to our first tour hotel, The Rydges Wellington, just adjacent to the waterfront. Early arrivals can take a tour on their own to the Botanical Gardens and the Te Papa Museum. In the evening, join the group at the hotel for our “welcome dinner”. [Note: for those doing both islands, the complete tour, this day does not apply. This day/ night overlaps and only applies to those arriving for just the South Island tour. If you are continuing from the North Island tour, the tour continues with Day 2 below.] Day 2 (Mon., Oct. 21): Wellington-Blenheim B,D Hortensia House After breakfast, we depart Wellington and head to the ferry terminal for our crossing of the Cook Strait for of the rugged Marlborough coast. In the afternoon, an arrival in Picton on the South Island. On arrival, we head to one of the dozens of local vineyards to we visit the Hortensia House garden, a bit of “France” relax in the garden and savor the local wine! Stay the in the heart of the Marlborough region of New night in Blenheim. Zealand! Afterwards, we visit the Upton Oaks Garden before reaching our hotel in Blenheim where we stay Day 4 (Wed., Oct. 23): “The Wild West Coast” B,D the next two nights. Dine with the tour group this We make a geographical jump today, departing evening at the hotel. Blenheim to make our way to the south island’s wild northwest coast. Before we leave the Marlborough Day 3 (Tues, Oct. 22): Blenheim B area, though, we visit one more private garden, Welton House. Here we find a modern garden design We stay in the local area today. We begin by visiting overlaid on a farm/vineyard established in the 19th another highly rated country garden built around an century, adding quite a twist. Plant enthusiasts old farm homestead, Barewood. (“hortheads”) will also find the palette interesting. With old-fashioned roses and white After our visit, we hit the highway for our journey wisteria draped around the through the mountains to our night’s stay at verandas, this garden is the perfect Punakaiki. Along the way, we make photo stops of example of a romantic garden. the beautiful forests and lakes. Reaching the coast, After our visit to Barewood, we we stop at the seal colony at Cape Foulweather as well head nearby to Paripuma garden, as the stunning Pancake Rocks. Stay one night in filled with native plants, and with its sweeping vistas Punakaiki. Group dinner this evening. Wellington
Springtime in New Zealand: South Island October 20 - November 2, 2019 Day 5 (Thur., Oct. 24): To Christchurch B Day 7 (Sat., Oct. 26): Christchurch (Akaroa) B Following a leisurely breakfast, we travel down a bit We have another fun-filled day planned today! Our of the west coast taking in the beautiful scenery and excursion takes us to some wonderful private gardens perhaps stopping in at a few shops to look (or on the Bank’s peninsula centered around the little purchase) some of the local greenstone carvings, a seaside town of Akaroa. Departing after breakfast, we specialty of the area. We then head up into the head to the Garden at French Farm mountains, cross over Arthur’s Pass, and make our where we find a vast array of way across the Canterbury plains to the south island’s wonderful plants in a lovely setting. largest city of Christchurch. If time remains of our Next, we go to Akaroa for lunch (on day, we can explore the city at leisure. Stay the next our own) followed by a visit to The three nights in Christchurch. Giant’s House - a garden where plants take a back seat to quirky/fun/wild mosaics. Our last visit on the Bank’s Peninsula is to another private garden at Fisherman’s Bay with its fantastic views. We wind up our day back in Christchurch with time to find a lovely restaurant for dinner on our own. Day 8 (Sun., Oct. 27): Oamaru B,D Day 6 (Fri., Oct. 25): Christchurch B,L Today, we say good-bye to Christchurch and make our way south along the east coast. Our first garden Today we have half of the day free to explore visit will be to Ohinetahi, another beautifully Christchurch, New Zealand’s garden city. But first, designed garden. Next, we visit Broadfield Landscape though, we have a special visit to one of the finest Garden. Although this garden has plenty of exotic gardens on the south island, Flaxmere. Our visit is plants, it emphasizes native plants for year-round timed to coincide with the annual Art in the Garden interest. Each garden room adds a new element in festival! Flaxmere is a large well-designed country the design. We climb the “mount” in the garden to garden, including many water features. It adds a lot get the overview. When we reach our final of “wow” factor to our south island journey. destination for the day at Oamaru, we enjoy strolling Following our visit and a picnic lunch, we have the the specialty shops in the “old town” center. Our last whole afternoon free in Christchurch for lunch visits garden visit today, time-permitting, is the Oamaru to Hagley Park and the Christchurch Botanical Botanic Garden, a public garden with several themes - Gardens and perhaps wander into the city center to from Asian to contemporary. We have a group dinner see how the city is re-generating from the disastrous this evening at our hotel in Oamaru. We stay here earthquake of 2011. We dine on our own this just one night. evening.
Springtime in New Zealand: South Island October 20 - November 2, 2019 Day 9 (Mon., Oct. 28): Timaru - Dunedin B,L,D Day 11 (Wed., Oct. 30): Te Anau B,D Before we depart Oamaru, we make an early visit to Today is another “geographical jump”. We need to another private garden, Parkside. We don’t have a reach the city of Te Anau in the southern “Alps” by long journey today; our destination is Dunedin. On the end of the day. Following an early departure our way, we stop to see the famous (and most from Dunedin, we head first to a nearby private unusual) Moeraki Boulders strewn on the beach. garden, the Wylde Willow Garden. Next, we make a When we reach Dunedin, we have time to visit the slight detour from our route to see the truly fabulous Dunedin Botanical Gardens before checking spectacular private garden of Maple Glen. After into our hotel. Tonight we enjoy a 4-beer-tasting lunch, we get back on the main highway to Te Anau event and 3-course dinner with our group. Stay two where en route we stop to visit Castlemaine Garden. nights in Dunedin. Finally reaching Te Anau, we check into our lakeside hotel where we stay for one night. Enjoy a group Dunedin train station dinner this evening. Day 12 (Thurs., Oct. 31): Milford Sound - Queenstown B,L Our stay in Te Anau is a short one since our real goal is the Milford Sound. Following an early breakfast, we quickly depart towards Milford Sound to catch our 2+ hour “Encounter Cruise” on Day 10 (Tues., Oct. 29): Dunedin B,L the sound including a picnic lunch. In the We have a day of sightseeing of Dunedin and the afternoon, we board our Otago Peninsula. We begin with a visit to the historic small charter planes for a Olveston House and its small surrounding garden. We scenic flight over the then head out to the peninsula for a tour of Larnach snow-capped peaks to Castle and gardens (with wonderful views of the sea), the city of Queenstown. and then head nearby for a view of the albatross We have the rest of the colony. With luck, we see a few birds gliding above, day at leisure to relax, catching the uplifting breeze. Upon our return to the shop, or catch our breath Dunedin city center, we have the remainder of the after an amazing day! afternoon free. Dinner will be at leisure this evening. Stay the next two nights in Queenstown. Maple Glen Day 13 (Fri., Nov. 1): Queenstown B,D For our last full day of our South Island tour, we have one more private garden visit - Chantecler Garden. The rest of the day, we have time to wander the city center and harbor side in Queenstown. This evening we enjoy our group farewell dinner at a special restaurant in Queenstown where we say good-bye to our many new friends. Day 14 (Sat., Nov. 2): Queenstown B After breakfast, transfers are provided to the Queenstown Airport. Thank you for joining us on our tour of New Zealand!
What’s Included The South Island tour includes: - 14 days (13 nights) lodging in 4-star hotels - All breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 7 dinners - Services of a motor coach (bus) and driver - Local Tour guide - All gratuities for included meals & services, tour guide, & driver - Admission to featured gardens and attractions - Milford Sound cruise & flight over southern alps ************** Please note: Arrival and departure airfare to/from New Zealand is NOT included; participants make their own way to the starting point in Wellington. Please refer to the last page for additional Approximate route of items not included the South Island tour Price Springtime in New Zealand: South Island The tour is limited and priced to 25 participants. HPSO members only. Prices are in New Zealand Dollars (NZ$) as follows (with US$ estimates) for tour only: [As of October 10, 2018, exchange rate of approx. US$0.655 to NZ$1.000] Per Person Sharing Single Rate a double room NZ$ 5,875 NZ$ 7,619 US$ 3,848 US$ 4,990 In addition to the prices quoted above will be a contribution of $260 to HPSO. Because HPSO is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, your contribution may be tax deductible. Please consult with your tax advisor. Because the tour is priced in New Zealand dollars but will be invoiced to you in US dollars, the estimated US$ price may change depending on the currency exchange rate at the time when final payment is made to the agent.
Practicalities Our Tour Guide: Terry Thomsen traveler, this will be the 22nd tour that Bruce has planned Terry will be our tour guide/manager for the New Zealand and organized. Bruce is currently the organizer of the tours. He was our tour guide for our previous NZ tour in HPSO Travel Club and is sometimes a guest speaker to 2016 and was appreciated by the local garden groups. An avid photographer, Bruce has group. Terry is a native of NZ. He over 70,000 photos from the many HPSO tours he has has a master’s degree in Botany; his taken. HPSO members have enjoyed many of his photos thesis was on the distribution of in the weekly HPSO email/newsletters (including this NZ’s southern beech trees using brochure!). Please contact Bruce with any questions on DNA analysis. He currently spends this itinerary, the registration process, or any other his time leading small groups information related to HPSO tours at: tramping (hiking) in NZ’s back admin@hardyplantsociety.org country as well as writing a book on NZ’s native plants and animals. We are very lucky to have him as our tour Tour Company: guide/manager for the New Zealand tours. ATS Pacific Level 5, Chorus House, 66 Wyndham Street Tour Planner, Administrator, & Escort: Auckland 1010 Bruce Wakefield NEW ZEALAND A past HPSO president and our current Office Director, Bruce Wakefield, will be the administrative contact and Tour reservations will be escort for this tour. As an avid gardener, plantsman, and accepted online beginning on November 3rd (2018) Price Recap Based on 25 participants # of Nights & Meals Per Person Tour & Dates in 2019 Sharing a Single Rate double room North Island Tour (only) 13 nights (Auckland to Wellington) All breakfasts, NZ$ 4,990 NZ$ 6,459 October 8 - 21 2 lunches, 6 dinners US$ 3,268 US$ 4,231 13 nights South Island Tour (only) All breakfasts, (Wellington to Queenstown) 4 lunches, 7 dinners NZ$ 5,875 NZ$ 7,619 October 20 - November 2 Milford Sound & US$ 3,848 US$ 4,990 southern alps 25 nights Complete Grand NZ Tour All breakfasts, - Both Islands 6 lunches, 12 dinners NZ$ 10,667 NZ$ 13,807 (Auckland-Wellington-Queenstown) Milford Sound/ US$ 6,986 US$ 9,043 October 8 - November 2 Southern Alps If the minimum number of participants is not reached, a supplemental charge may apply. In addition to the prices above will be a contribution to HPSO (North Island, US$260; South Island, US$260, Complete Grand combined tour, US$500) The rates quoted above are estimates based on the exchange rate of US$0.655 dollars (66 cents) to 1.000 NZ$ as of October 10, 2018. The actual price will be based on the exchange rate at the time payment is made to the tour company. Please see the next page for additional terms and conditions and other information.
Springtime in New Zealand Tour Conditions & Other Information Acceptance of your tour reservation - Tour due in two installments. If any overpayment caused reservation requests are processed in the order by last-minute fluctuations in the exchange rate received. You will be notified by the tour escort occurs, such overpayment will be refunded to you in a once your reservation request has been accepted. timely manner, or added features and benefits will be included on the itinerary as compensation. Participants - The tours are designed for a Conversely, any shortage will be billed on a minimum number of participants. If the tour does supplemental invoice. not fill to the minimum, there is a supplemental Late payments of installment invoices in excess of 21 charge per person. If this situation occurs, days will be subject to a 10% penalty. If final payment registrants will be advised of the change in pricing is not received by the supplier’s deadline, all prior and will have the opportunity to reconsider their payments will be forfeited and the reservation tour application. Please do not book any non- canceled. refundable airfare until you have been notified by In addition to the tour price, a $260 contribution to your tour escort. HPSO will be added to your invoice for each tour. If participating on the complete Grand tour (both Deposit - A 25% deposit per person per tour islands), then there is a $20 reduction (for a total of segment is required to hold your reservation once $500). you have been notified of your acceptance on the tour(s). Deposits as follows: North Island Payments by credit card - Because this tour is priced ($800/$1000-single); South Island ($960/$1240- at cost, payments by credit card will incur a 3.5% single); Grand tour of both islands ($1700/$2200- service charge to cover bank processing fees. single). Land tour costs included: All hotel nights, meals, and The agent/company for this tour is ATS Pacific - visits specified in the itinerary plus a private motor The Hardy Plant Society of Oregon acts only as coach and services of a driver, services of a tour guide, representative for the tour participant with respect hotel porterage (where available) of one piece of to communications with the Agent. luggage per person, restaurant gratuities for included meals, and gratuities for the tour guide and driver. Liability Waiver: The tour participant must submit a signed Liability Waiver & Release to HPSO Costs not included - Airfare, items of a personal within 30 days of acceptance of the tour application. nature such as wine, alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, milk, etc, with meals, telephone calls, laundry and personal services, room service, gratuities for This is a non-smoking tour. Smoking is not housekeeping/room attendants, etc. permitted on the coach or during group meals or group activities. However, overseas many people Cancellation and refunds - Regardless of the reason, do smoke, and it is not possible to insure that you cancellations result in a costly process of emails, won’t be exposed to smoke during the tour. letters, toll calls, and faxes, refund checks, extra bookkeeping expenses, etc., plus often the loss of Tour participants must be physically and revenue for the tour company if time doesn’t permit mentally fit. The success of any tour depends on resale. Cancellations can also affect the per-person each person’s ability to participate and to cooperate price of the entire tour since pricing is dependent on with other tour members and with the tour guide the number of people. To offset the expenses and any nonrefundable deposits and/or lost revenue, the and escort. This tour is moderately physically cancellation fee per tour is as follows: demanding and is not suitable for anyone who has difficulty walking on uneven ground or climbing • If the minimum number for the tour has not yet been reached, then an administrative fee of $50 may be steps. incurred to process a refund. Travel & Cancellation Insurance - Because • If the tour is full and if the space is subsequently filled from a waiting list, then a $100 fee will be unforeseen situations do arise from time to time, incurred. participants are encouraged to consider purchasing travel and/or cancellation insurance. Neither • If the tour is full and if the space cannot be filled, HPSO nor ATS Pacific provides travel or then the entire 25% deposit plus installment cancellation insurance. However, participants will payments made-to-date may be forfeited. This, in find many third party companies via the internet part, may depend on suppliers’ charges and that provide this coverage. overhead expenses. • If the tour is canceled by HPSO because the The tour is priced in New Zealand dollars. minimum number of participants is not reached by However, you will be invoiced in US dollars at the the suppliers’ deadline date, then all money will be exchange rate in effect at the time. Payment will be refunded.
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