Springtime in New Zealand: a Grand Adventure to the Gardens & Natural Wonders of the North & South Islands

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 frst of the afernoon 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 (Turs, 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 prety 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. Te 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 afernoon, 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 “Northlands” Zealand nation we know today, for a guided tour of as , more specifcally to an area on the the house, the Maori exhibits, and the surrounding eastern coast of Northlands called the “Bay of Totara Waters landscape. Following our tour, we make our way to Islands”. En route, we visit the our hotel in Paihia where we stay the next two nights. Subtropical Garden before lunching at Omaio, the private garden of Liz Morrow. In the afernoon, we Dine on our own this evening. 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. Afer 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 Bret and Hole in the Rock. In the late afernoon, 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. Afer lunch, we continue on to the “Lord of the Forest” in Hobbiton movie set for a guided tour of Maori. Afer lunch, we visit “Te 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 crafs, 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 Afer 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 Termal Wonderland, followed by a guided tour of the Rotorua Museum at Government Gardens. In the afernoon, we have free time to fnd 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. Tis evening we have a special tour of the Te Puia Termal 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. Afer lunch by the lake at Taupo, we head to Tikorangi, the Jury garden where world renown magnolias like “Vulcan” and “Black Tulip” were developed. Afer 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! Afer 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 (Turs, Oct. 17): New Plymouth B the day free. Stay in Wellington two nights. Dine this Afer 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 fnest Day 13 (Sun., Oct. 20) - Wellington B,D collections of rhododendron species and hybrids in On our fnal 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. Te as well as companion plants. Afer rest of the afernoon 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 signifcance”. Day 14 (Mon., Oct. 21) B We then return to New Plymouth Afer 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, and to fnd a restaurant for dinner. Wellington International Airport. 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. Afer 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 a double room Single Rate

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 frst tour hotel, Te 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. Tis day/ night overlaps and only applies to those arriving for just the South Island tour. If you are continuing fom the North Island tour, the tour continues with Day 2 below.]

Day 2 (Mon., Oct. 21): Wellington-Blenheim B,D Hortensia House Afer 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 afernoon, 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! Aferwards, we visit the Upton Oaks Garden before reaching our hotel in Blenheim where we stay Day 4 (Wed., Oct. 23): “Te 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 We stay in the local area today. We begin by visiting . Here we fnd a modern garden design another highly rated country garden built around an overlaid on a farm/vineyard established in the 19th old farm homestead, Barewood. century, adding quite a twist. Plant enthusiasts With old-fashioned roses and white (“hortheads”) will also fnd the palete interesting. wisteria draped around the Afer our visit, we hit the highway for our journey verandas, this garden is the perfect through the mountains to our night’s stay at example of a romantic garden. Punakaiki. Along the way, we make photo stops of the beautiful forests and lakes. Reaching the coast, Afer our visit to Barewood, we Cape Foulweather head nearby to Paripuma garden, we stop at the seal colony at as well as the stunning Pancake Rocks. Stay one night in flled 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 (Tur., 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-flled 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 litle purchase) some of the local greenstone carvings, a seaside town of Akaroa. Departing afer 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 fnd a vast array of way across the Canterbury plains to the south island’s wonderful plants in a lovely seting. 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 Te 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 fnd 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 frst 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 frst, Broadfeld Landscape though, we have a special visit to one of the fnest designed garden. Next, we visit Garden gardens on the south island, Flaxmere. Our visit is . Although this garden has plenty of exotic Art in the Garden plants, it emphasizes native plants for year-round timed to coincide with the annual 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 fnal 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 afernoon free in Christchurch for lunch visits Oamaru to Hagley Park and the Christchurch Botanical garden visit today, time-permiting, is the Botanic Garden Gardens and perhaps wander into the city center to , a public garden with several themes - see how the city is re-generating from the disastrous from Asian to contemporary. We have a group dinner this evening at our hotel in Oamaru. We stay here earthquake of 2011. We dine on our own this evening. just one night. 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 frst 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. Afer 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 (Turs., 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 afernoon, 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 fight 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 uplifing breeze. Upon our return to the shop, or catch our breath Dunedin city center, we have the remainder of the afer an amazing day! afernoon 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. Te rest of the day, we have time to wander the city center and harbor side in Queenstown. Tis 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 Afer breakfast, transfers are provided to the Queenstown Airport. Tank 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

Per Person Sharing a double room Single Rate

NZ$ 5,875 NZ$ 7,619 US$ 3,848 US$ 4,990

Our Tour Guide: Terry Tomsen 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/newsleters (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 [email protected] 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 Pacifc Level 5, Chorus House, Tour Planner, Administrator, & Escort: 66 Wyndham Street Auckland 1010 Bruce Wakefeld NEW ZEALAND A past HPSO president and our current Oﬃce Director, Tour reservations will be Bruce Wakefeld, will be the administrative contact and accepted online beginning on escort for this tour. As an avid gardener, plantsman, and November 3rd (2018)

Price Recap Based on 25 participants

Per Person Tour & Dates in 2019 # of Nights & Meals 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 nature such as wine, alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, within 30 days of acceptance of the tour application. 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 • If the minimum number for the tour has not yet been difficulty walking on uneven ground or climbing reached, then an administrative fee of $50 may be steps. incurred to process a refund. • If the tour is full and if the space is subsequently Travel & Cancellation Insurance - Because filled from a waiting list, then a $100 fee will be unforeseen situations do arise from time to time, participants are encouraged to consider purchasing incurred. 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.