Limited Spaces Available
Escorted Tour

Akaroa & High Country Gardens

Discover two of the South Island’s most captivating destinations on this carefully crafted escape. Begin in Akaroa, where French heritage and a gentle, unhurried pace set the tone for your first days — lose yourself in a selection of beautiful gardens and soak up the quiet charm that makes this corner of New Zealand so special. From there, head inland to Methven, the gateway to the rugged High Country, where more stunning gardens await alongside a 4WD journey out to the legendary Mesopotamia Station. This is a getaway that seamlessly blends beauty, tranquillity, and adventure.

What our previous clients say:
“Nicely paced and the variety in the gardens was interesting. We use Pukekohe Travel because of the attention to detail and the interesting places you find to visit.” - Bev & Glynn, November 2024.

Your travel itinerary

Saturday 07 November

Auckland - Christchurch

Dinner

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

Sunday 08 November

Christchurch – Akaroa

Breakfast Lunch

This morning, 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, stop for lunch at the Ōtomomiro Hotel in Governors Bay before continuing on to Akaroa for a two-night stay.

Monday 09 November

Akaroa

Breakfast Dinner

After a leisurely breakfast, 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 Giant’s House sculpture mosaic garden by Josie Martin – a quirky garden of national significance. Josie, an artist and horticulturist, also has a gallery and cafe onsite for lunch (own expense). The rest of the afternoon is free to explore Akaroa at your leisure.

Tuesday 10 November

Akaroa – Methven

Breakfast Dinner

Today, visit Broadfield Estates — a six-star, 3.5-hectare garden twenty years in the making that sets itself apart through originality in every detail, from its design and planting to its meticulous upkeep. Wander through a rich mix of natives, beech and kauri forest, a rose garden, lilies, peonies, and a peaceful canal. Afterwards, make your way through Darfield and Windwhistle before arriving in Methven, where you’ll settle in for a three-night stay.

Wednesday 11 November

Methven

Breakfast Dinner

This morning visit Sue and Ted Rollinson’s six-acre Rakaia Gardens, where Sue will lead a garden tour and host morning tea. Their garden incorporates rhododendrons, camelias, annuals, perennials and roses. After lunch (own expense) at a nearby café, head back to Methven where you have the afternoon at leisure.

Thursday 12 November

Methven (Adventure Day)

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Today takes you deep into the High Country on an unforgettable 4WD adventure. Travel by coach to Peel Forest Park, where local guides will meet you before heading out to the iconic Mesopotamia Station — learning about the landscape, history, and way of life in this remarkable corner of New Zealand along the way. The group splits into two, with 4WD vehicles taking you up to the upper Rangitata River, where the scenery speaks for itself. Lunch is served at the historic Mesopotamia School before returning to Methven in the late afternoon. This one is sure to be a standout day.

Friday 13 November

Methven – Ashburton - Christchurch

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Today’s journey heads to Ashburton and Trott’s Garden, a six-star garden of excellence on the town’s outskirts. Among its many highlights are 650 rhododendrons in bloom within a beautiful woodland setting. From there, continue to Akaunui for lunch and a visit to Diana and Ian Mackenzie’s garden, set around their 100-year-old home. It’s a place of wonderful diversity, and with azaleas, roses, and peonies all likely to be flowering during your visit, it promises to be a memorable final day in the countryside. Return to Christchurch for a Farewell Dinner tonight.

Saturday 14 November

Christchurch - Auckland

Breakfast

After breakfast enjoy free time before a coach transfer 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
Three lunches
Entry fees to the following gardens: Fisherman’s Bay, Óhinetahi, Giants Garden, Broadfield Estate, Rakaia Gardens, 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
	$3,997	$4,967

*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 02 October 2026

Cancellations

Deposit is non refundable
After full payment 02 October 2026 no refund

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend all clients purchase travel insurance to protect against cancellations, lost items, and delays that could lead to unexpected costs. Please ask us for a quote.

Health and Mobility

To ensure the tour is enjoyable for you and others in the group, a good standard of fitness and mobility is required. The ability to walk unaided for 500 metres and negotiate steps and uneven surfaces is essential. Mobility frames and wheelchairs are not practical or permitted. It is expected you will arrive on tour 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

Prices From

$3,997NZD

per person twin share

Travel Dates

Depart: Sat 07 Nov 2026
Return: Sat 14 Nov 2026
Duration: 7 nights