Having picked you up from your hotel we drive through Christchurch and past the city centre. Here you can assess the progress of the rebuild following the 2010/2011 earthquakes.

We will discuss the reasons for the event, its impact and the exciting plans for the future. We head towards the Port Hills which overlook Christchurch and present stunning views of the city, Canterbury Plains, Lyttelton Harbour and the distant Southern Alps.

After dropping into Lyttelton Harbour you will have time to explore a private Garden which has been growing since 1865 and includes a great variety of exotic trees, rhododendrons, camellias and a good variety of New Zealand native plants.

Head over the crater rim to another private garden that is fifteen years old; the garden has a strong New Zealand theme and a largely formal layout. Within the evergreen structure of totara hedges, there are many native New Zealand plants and hybrids of exotic varieties raised in the South Island.

Head towards Christchurch city stopping for a relaxing lunch, then visit the Botanic Gardens. Here you will see exotic trees that are some of the largest, the tallest or the oldest of their kind in New Zealand. You will see spectacular colour, intriguing sculptures, and memorial plantings that celebrate local and international history. If time permits we will stop into another public garden that is rich in history, colour and tranquillity.

Your local guide from Canterbury Trails will then drop you off at your accommodation and bid you farewell.

Tour Inclusions

• Hotel pick-up
• Travel by deluxe mini coach
• Visit 2 private gardens and 1 or 2 public gardens
• Home-baked morning tea
• Delicious cafe-style lunch
• Fully escorted tour with knowledgeable local guide
• Hotel drop-off