garden tours victoria 2022

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Spring Gardens of Victoria

Victoria’s fine country gardens at the peak spring flush. Meet the gardeners behind each masterwork. See old favourites and cutting edge new gardens. It’s a gentle road around rural Victoria with generous hospitality and glorious gardens.

• Duration: 8 Days (approx.)

Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show

Stimulate your senses with a dose of botanical inspiration admiring new trends,world-class show gardens and an exhibition hall full of fresh cut lowers. It’s the southern hemisphere’s biggest garden festival. We’ll sample a few of Melbour

• Duration: 4 Days (approx.)

Gardens of Italy

Renaissance & Baroque Italian gardens are extravagant exercises in philosophy, mythology, allegory, mathematics & theatre. Alongside Italy’s cities, art & gelato, add the camaraderie of a Ross Tour, & you have an unforgettable experience.

• Duration: 17 Days (approx.)

Portugal & Madeira Flower Festival

Citrus scented streets, Art Nouveau buildings, mosaic pavements, blue/white ceramic tiles decorated walls, arcades, columns & water tanks, marble towns of the Alentejo; all go to make this spring journey through Portugal & Madeira.

• Duration: 16 Days (approx.)

Japan at Cherry Blossom time

Follow the delicate cherry blossom trail as it blooms across Kyoto, Kanazawa, Nikko and Tokyo on a 14 day tour that takes you inside Japan’s great gardens. Experience a fascinating mix of ancient Zen serenity and modernity that makes Japan

• Duration: 15 Days (approx.)

Japan Spring Festivals

Japan celebrates Golden Week with festivals of azalea, peony and wisteria. Our journey begins deep in the mountains of Nikko and then travels across four islands of the archipelago: Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu and Naoshima.

• Duration: 14 Days (approx.)

Europe's Finest Gardens

A spring tour of Europe’s finest gardens that starts with Keukenhof’s tulips and finishes at the Chelsea Flower Show. Long stays in great cities; Amsterdam, Paris and London. With our fine selection of luxury hotels, you will be pampered!

Singapore Garden Festival

Singapore is a mix of modernity & 19th-century charm wrapped in beautiful tropical gardens. The drawcard is the Singapore Garden Festival. The Gardens by the Bay with it’s Cloud Forest, Flower Dome and Supertrees will delight you.

• Duration: 7 Days (approx.)

Rose Gardens of England & The Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival

From Newcastle to York to Birmingham and finishing in Richmond with roses all the way! Famous gardens: Chatsworth, Castle Howard, Sissinghurst, Great Dixter, RHS Wisley, \David Austin Roses & the grand Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival.

• Duration: 13 Days (approx.)

Chelsea Flower Show & the Gardens of England

Travel through Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire to see an astonishing selection of the world’s finest gardens. Highlight is RHS members’ Opening Day at the Chelsea Flower Show. Stay in London, Tunbridge Wells, Winchester and Richmond.

Flinders Ranges

The Flinders Ranges is a treasure of ancient dramatic landscapes. Travel from Adelaide, through the Clare Valley into The Flinders Ranges. Experience spiritual, 800-million-year-old Wilpena Pound.

• Duration: 12 Days (approx.)

Springtime Tasmania

Tasmania’s cool spring is perfect for flowering trees, bulbs and rhododendrons; plus colourful shows of spring flowers. Painting with petals. Discover some of Tasmania’s finest gardens on this 8 day holiday.

Spring Gardens in New Zealand

New Zealand's gardens are amongst the best anywhere on earth. Throw in a warm Kiwi welcome and Garden Marlborough, and we have the perfect excuse to visit this beautiful region of the south island.

• Duration: 9 Days (approx.)

Japan in Autumn

Autumn in Japan is full of richly coloured gardens and landscapes. We will take you to 'Master' gardens to appreciate exquisite design. Share ancient traditions on this journey; it's more than a holiday, it's the total Japanese experience.

Western Australia Wildflowers

Let Australian plant lover Colin Barlow introduce you to the natural wonders of southern Western Australia. Meet milkmaids, honeypots, green kangaroo paws and mountain bells in the wild, and catch the extravaganza of the Kings Park Festival

South Australia and Kangaroo Island

Explore South Australi a& the coastal wilderness of Kangaroo Island. Gardens at their peak, roses mingled with iris & other favourites in the Barossa Valley & Adelaide Hills. Natural wonders of Admirals Arch & the Remarkables at Flinders.

• Duration: 10 Days (approx.)

NSW Gardens with Graham Ross

From Vaucluse House to the grand Mayfield Garden and Mt Wilson’s finest, to the newest garden hub at Little Hartley, Japanese masterpieces at Cowra and Gory’u, extraordinary Botanic Gardens and exquisite private treasures.

Norfolk Island

Norfolk Island, with ‘CinemaScopic’ scenery and relaxed atmosphere belies its layered history of settlements going back thousands of years to the Polynesian era. Market gardens here fed Sydney’s First Fleet settlers through convict times.

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FREE Bookings essential.

Session times

Tue - Sun - 10.30am Sat & Sun - 1.30pm Except Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday, Anzac Day, Mother's Day and King's Birthday.

Meet at the Visitor Centre, Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne

Free Guided Walk

A free guided walk is the perfect way to enjoy Melbourne Gardens. Led by a passionate guide, discover sensational views and the remarkable plant diversity of this sanctuary in the middle of bustling Melbourne.

Bringing sunscreen and mosquito repellent is strongly advised for all outdoor activities.

What's On at the Gardens

The Explorer - Melbourne Gardens

Aboriginal Heritage Walk

Forest Therapy at Melbourne Gardens

Secret Life of Birds

Flora and the Baron

Domain Discovery: Shrine & Gardens Tour

ClimateWatch Walk at Melbourne Gardens

Punting on the Lake

Sonica Botanica: Stories & Sounds from the Gardens

Seek and Find Nature Cards

Stellar Nights

The Explorer - Cranbourne Gardens

Forest Therapy at Cranbourne Gardens

Garden Highlights Walk

Free Daily Shuttle

ClimateWatch Walk at Cranbourne Gardens

Trees in the Australian Garden

Birds in the Australian Garden

Electric Mobility Scooter Hire

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Tour included with garden entry Tour duration: 45 minutes $15 Adult $12 Concession $9 Children (5-15 years) $40 Family (2 adults + 2 children) FREE admission for National Trust members. FREE garden admission for Glen Eira and Port Phillip residents No pre-booking required.

Garden Tours

See tour schedule - Various tour times

Join us for an insightful 45-minute social history tour of the garden

Event Navigation

• « Mansion Tours
• Love at the Estate – Valentine’s Day Dinner »

Rippon Lea Estate’s garden covers almost 14 acres and is of national significance.   The Estate boasts an abundance of beautiful trees, sweeping lawns, a lake, a look-out tower, an orchard of historically significant fruit varieties, and a windmill.  The archery hut, boat house and tennis pavilion are reminders of how previous owners of Rippon Lea spent their leisure time.  At the heart of the garden is a magnificent fernery, the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.  During this guided walk visitors will learn about the development of the Estate and hear how it has been shaped by the lives and fortunes of its owners.

The garden is tended by a Head Gardener, a staff of five gardeners and a team of volunteers.

Please note that the pathways can be wet and muddy, please bring suitable shoes.

No pre-booking required.

Jam Making Competition 2024

Are you a jam maker? Enter a jar (or two) of your best home-made jam in Rippon Lea Estate’s Stone Fruit & Raspberry Ja..

Significant Trees of Rippon Lea – a walking tour

The trees at Rippon Lea are an important part of the Estate’s history, with some dating back to the 1880s. This walkin..

Mother’s Day High Tea

This Mother’s Day, treat those special ladies in your life to a scrumptious Mother’s Day High Tea at the Rippon Lea..

Panel Discussion: The Significance of Heritage Gardens and Landscapes

Join this important conversation at the Botanica Festival on the significance of Heritage Gardens and Landscapes..

Botanica Festival

A celebration of our natural environment, gardening and sustainability...

Trust Makers’ Market

Shop lovingly handmade art and design on the sprawling lawns of Rippon Lea Estate..

Regency at the Mansion

Step into the Regency Era at Rippon Lea Estate...

Join us for an insightful 45-minute social history tour of the garden..

Bird Spotting Tours

Explore the diverse family of birds that call Rippon Lea home...

Picnic Hamper Orders

Indulge in a memorable outdoor experience with our exclusive range of Grazed and Boxed picnic boxes, filled with gourmet..

Mansion Tours

Step back in time during a guided tour of this magnificent mansion..

• Accessibility

We acknowledge the Bunurong people as the Traditional Owners of the land on which Rippon Lea Estate is located. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and recognise their continuing connection to lands, waters and communities.

Copyright 2024. National Trust of Australia – Victoria. All Rights Reserved. All images copyright National Trust unless otherwise stated. Website by The Mighty Wonton

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Be the first to hear about our latest news, get inspiration for great days out and learn about the work done by the National Trust to protect Victoria’s heritage.

• Monday to Sunday - 9:00am – 4:00pm

We are booking tours for 2023!

The majority of our individual and group visitors enjoy a self-guided exploration of our property, but guided tours are available for those wishing to see the gardens through the eyes of an expert. Tours are led by volunteers from the Victoria Master Gardener Association and cover the highlights of The Gardens at HCP, the history of the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific, practical advice for gardeners in similar climates, upcoming events, and more.

The cost is $30 per tour guide plus $9 discounted admission per participant (regular admission is $16 for adults or $12 for seniors and students). There is no admission charge for the group leader or bus driver. Each guide can take up to 12 people.

Tours generally last 45-60 minutes , depending on the level of discussion and mobility of the group. We recommend scheduling a bit of extra time for your group to visit our gift shop or wander the gardens on their own. Plants are available for sale from late April through October, however we are unable to provide phytosanitary certificates for visitors wanting to bring plants or seeds across the US border.

Guided tours must be requested a minimum of 2 weeks in advance (preferably 4-6 weeks) in order for us to schedule our volunteer tour guides. To schedule a guided tour, please email [email protected] with the following information:

• Date of visit and desired timeline
• Number of participants and desired number of guides (1 guide per 12 participants)
• Any particular areas of interest (i.e. seasonal blooms, drought tolerant gardens, deer-resistant plants, container gardening, etc.)
• Level of plant/gardening knowledge in the group (i.e. beginner, experienced, expert)
• Where tour participants are from, so that guides can use appropriate plant names
• Whether any participants have limited mobility (i.e. scooter, wheelchair, walker, cane, needing extra time or breaks)

Please note that garden pathways are made of loose gravel and have varying inclines and widths. Guests using scooters, wheelchairs, or walkers may require extra time or assistance in certain areas and may be shown alternate pathways to avoid steps. There are plenty of convenient benches throughout the gardens to take a break or rest if needed.

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Questions? We would love to hear from you!

Territory acknowledgement.

We at HCP gratefully acknowledge that we occupy unceded territory of the W̱SÁNEĆ and Lək̓ʷəŋən peoples. We recognize these lands and ecosystems are not our own. We recognize our role in the continuing process of dispossession, colonialism, and reconciliation. We recognize the need to do better. We humbly welcome all to join in this learning journey.

505 Quayle Rd. Victoria, BC V9E 2J7

Phone: 250-479-6162

Email: [email protected]

©2022 Horticulture Centre of the Pacific

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Mother’s Day Musical Garden Tour

Saturday, may 11 and sunday, may 12, 2024 10am to 4pm.

Join us for the Victoria Conservatory of Music’s signature fundraising event!

This beloved self-guided garden tour celebrates mothers, music, and our rich garden culture right here in the City of Gardens. Now in its 42nd year, this year’s tour features ten springtime garden gems from all over Greater Victoria – each one unique and sure to inspire.

Tickets are $45 (plus service and mailing fees when purchasing online).

Your ticket includes two days of exclusive access to ten private gardens, musical performances by our talented students and faculty, and master gardeners at select locations.

All proceeds raised through the Mother’s Day Musical Garden Tour keep music education, performance, and wellness accessible in our community. Thank you for your support!

Please note: There will not be a Plant Sale this year.

Presenting Sponsors:

Where to buy tickets

Note: All tickets are non-refundable.

Tickets are available for purchase at the Victoria Conservatory of Music Box Office at 900 Johnson Street (250.386.5311) and our Langford location at 210 – 1314 Lakepoint Way (778.265.5355). Credit cards, debit cards, and cash accepted; no cheques.

Tickets are also be available at these ticket outlets:

*Location accepts most payment types

Online mail order tickets are available until April 29, 2024 at 3:00pm.

Slip behind the garden gates and visit these ten hidden backyard gems!

Read on to find out more about each stunning garden. Addresses are provided when you collect your tickets, so be sure to buy early and visit each stop!

Garden Descriptions

Garden 1 Surrounding this elegant Rockland home is a large English-style garden integrated with native West Coast plants and trees. Wander by the waterfall flowing into a serene pond, a functional kitchen herb garden, a magnificent ancient magnolia, full rhododendrons, and azaleas.

Garden 2 Located in a steep rock outcrop, this older garden has been revitalized over the last five years. The front features many perennials, shrubs, and grasses while the back boasts an exciting plethora of fruit trees, roses, perennials, alpines, whimsical sculptures, and unique trees. Note: This property has a very steep driveway and may not be accessibility friendly.

Garden 3 Rhododendrons welcome you into this well-established garden, which features a wide variety of trees, including dogwoods, a weeping pear, a handkerchief tree, ginkos, locusts, and more. As you walk down the developing moss lawn, you’ll find garden beds filled with perennial interest and a sculpture garden.

Garden 4 Located next door to Garden 3, this property shows how similar topography can be interpreted by different garden owners. The woodland front garden provides privacy, while the back garden delights with colourful trees and shrubs including towering palms, Japanese maples, hydrangeas, blue spruce, and weeping birch. Accessibility note: the back garden contains uneven terrain.

Garden 5 This property works its architecture into the landscape, creating a unique garden that plays with levels. The front garden features tall grasses and pink dogwoods while the back boasts a perennial garden with ponderosa pines, a reflecting pool, and a bamboo garden. Note: This garden is not accessibility friendly.

Garden 6 This half-acre garden is filled with whimsy, with uniquely shaped Garry oaks, two ponds, and paths lined with eclectic art and glass sculptures. Here you’ll find an exuberant mix of shrubs, bulbs, and perennials, including rhododendrons, clematis, roses, ferns, hydrangeas, blue bells, tall grasses, and more.

Garden 7 A formal English garden is located to the side of this property, while a rose-lined path takes you to the lower Mediterranean garden. Complete with an olive tree, palm trees, and succulents, this garden features a grapevine-laden gazebo, a greenhouse, park benches, streetlamps, and ocean views.

Garden 8 Just under half of an acre, this property was designed to provide year-round interest with something always in bloom and providing a home for local wildlife. Featuring a variety of trees, shrubs, and perennials, this garden also is proud of its creative use of containers throughout.

Garden 9 Owned by a Master Gardener with a love for unusual plants, this property features a springtime garden in the front and an eclectic garden in the back. Here you will find Japanese hydrangeas, a spectacular viburnum, hostas, heritage perennials, various blooming shrubs, and forty varieties of fern.

Garden 10 A stone’s throw from Mattick’s Farm, this extraordinary owner-designed garden is full of variety. Built from scratch by the owners over nine years, you’ll find incredible crevice gardens, award-winning alpine troughs, tufa gardens, rare perennials, trees and shrubs from all over the Southern Hemisphere, and greenhouses bursting with succulents and cacti.

Call for Volunteers

If you enjoy plants and gardening, like working with the community, and want to join a fun bunch of volunteers, we want you!

As a thank you, volunteers will be offered one complimentary ticket for the tour.

Learn more about volunteering

Nurtured by generations of volunteers, the Mother’s Day Musical Garden Tour has grown to be one of the most loved and successful fundraising events in Victoria.

We are currently searching for volunteers to fill the following positions:

• Garden Sitters
• Traffic control

Learn more and sign up to volunteer for the event below:

History of the Garden Tour

The Garden Tour has been a treasured annual event in the community since 1982, bringing music lovers together to enjoy beautiful private gardens and delightful music from students of the Victoria Conservatory of Music.

About Ann and George Nation

Ann and George Nation created the Mother’s Day Musical Garden tour as a way to raise funds for the Victoria Conservatory of Music. The couple, along with a dedicated group of their friends and volunteers, organized every aspect of the tour – coordinating the gardens, publicity, sponsorship, plant sale, and offering tea and music to the hundreds and thousands of visitors who have attended the Garden Tour over these many years. George, an avid gardener, grew every single plant and cutting that he submitted every year to the Plant Sale; there are many people today who can look at their own magnificent gardens to see what is now a beautiful tree or plant that was created by the hands of George Nation!

The Nations nurtured the tour to become one of the most loved and successful annual charitable fundraising events in Victoria. They also continued the work started by Ann’s mother by providing very generous, loyal financial support that helped sustain the Conservatory over all of those many years. Their enormous contribution was recognized by naming the “Ann and George Nation Conservatory School of Classical Music” as a lasting legacy when the organization celebrated its 50th Anniversary in 2014.

George passed away on March 12th 2017 at the age of 97, and Ann passed away on June 1, 2019. We honour them for their energy, spirit, and unfailing support of and dedication to music education.

Times Colonist House Beautiful Features

Many of the Mother’s Day Musical Garden Tour homes and gardens have been featured in the Times Colonist House Beautiful feature. Look back at a few of our favourites:

May 2, 2015 | Sounds of Music in the Gardens

July 23, 2016 | Kid-friendly character in the Uplands

May 6, 2017 | Modern vintage in Fairfield

May 5, 2018 | A heavenly abode of heritage in Gordon Head

April 27, 2019 | A ship-shape seaside garden

May 10, 2019 | Mid-century Rockland gem

May 9, 2020 | Son of Victoria gardening legends has passion for landscapes

April 24, 2021 | From debris to delight, Sunnymead garden takes shape over 3 decades

April 30, 2022 | Spectacular water feature the beating heart of verdant landscape at Ten Mile Point home

Presenting Sponsors

Garden Sponsors

Notable Sponsors

In-kind Sponsor

• Music & ballet
• Short Breaks

Garden Tours

Enjoy our garden tour holidays and gain privileged access to some of the world’s most stunning public and private gardens. You may be an avid horticulturalist or simply enjoy strolling through beautiful gardens. In the company of our expert tour leaders – dedicated gardeners themselves – you will visit some of the world’s most stunning public and private gardens.

Autumn Gardens of the Blue Mountains

With Christine McCabe

22 – 26 April 2024 (5 days)

Open for sale

Autumn Colours of New England

With Elizabeth Swane

Tamworth, Armidale, Glen Innes and Tenterfield

30 April – 07 May 2024 (8 days)

Autumn on the Monaro

With Genevieve Jacobs

Gardens and Historic Homesteads of the High Country

06 – 10 May 2024 (5 days)

Gardens and Landscapes of England and the Channel Islands

With Julie Kinney

Cornwall, Devon, Jersey and Guernsey

24 May – 09 June 2024 (17 days)

Hills and Vales of South Australia

Barossa Valley, Adelaide Hills and McLaren Vale

September 2024 (8 days)

ON REQUEST **Register Your Interest**

Gardens and Wildflowers of Western Australia

Forests, Flowers and Private Gardens of the South West

03 – 12 September 2024 (10 days)

Autumn Gardens of Japan

Hokkaido and northern Honshu

23 September – 07 October 2024 (15 days)

Gardens, History and Art of the Hunter Valley

With Glen Halliday

New South Wales

10 – 14 October 2024 (5 days)

Gardens, Landscapes and History of North West Tasmania

With Mark Dickenson

20 – 28 October 2024 (9 days)

Korean Kaleidoscope

History, Culture, Art and Gardens of South Korea

20 – 30 October 2024 (11 days)

Norfolk Island Kaleidoscope

History, culture, gardens and landscapes

03 – 08 November 2024 (6 days)

Spring Gardens of Victoria

Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula

15 – 21 November 2024 (7 days)

Gardens of the South Island

From Wellington to Queenstown

24 November – 08 December 2024 (15 days)

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1300 727 095 (Australia) 0800 403 621 (New Zealand) phone +61 2 9299 5801 email [email protected] ABN 14 069 591 448.

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Seattle To Victoria Overnight & Butchart Gardens Christmas Lights Tour

• SAVE   20% on round-trip Victoria Clipper ferry when booking 2-nights or more in Victoria.
• See The Butchart Gardens come to life with a breathtaking display of more than 300,000 twinkling holiday lights
• Perfect for families visiting during the holidays, the kiddos will love counting all 12 Days of Christmas displays around the grounds
• Catch festive brass and traditional caroling performances nightly
• NOTE:   Motorcoach transfer between downtown Victoria and The Butchart Gardens and back as well as Butchart Gardens admission tickets are included in this package.

About this Trip

Experience holiday lights and more in Victoria, BC–recently named the #1 best city in the world by Condé Nast Traveller readers! Save up to 25% on a travel package that includes round trip Clipper tickets for two, two-night hotel packages, and a roundtrip for two to the Butchart Gardens to see the Magic of Christmas lights .

The Butchart Gardens’ Magic of Christmas:

Join Gray Line Sightseeing Victoria for fully narrated round-trip transportation between downtown Victoria and the Butchart Gardens. Celebrate the season with thousands of twinkling lights, festive greenery, and traditional carolers. Departure times:

Monday to Thursday:

Depart The Fairmont Empress – 6:00pm // Depart The Butchart Gardens – 9:00pm 

Friday to Sunday: 

Depart The Fairmont Empress – 4:00pm // Depart The Butchart Gardens – 7:00pm 

Depart The Fairmont Empress – 6:00pm // Depart The Butchart Gardens – 9:00pm

Dates: December 1 -January 6

All bus departures are from out-front of the Fairmont Empress Hotel at 721 Government Street. Please arrive at the kiosk 20 minutes prior to your scheduled departure.

Depart from downtown Seattle’s Pier 69 on the Victoria Clipper fast ferry and cruise directly into downtown Victoria. Upon arrival, check-in to your hotel before hopping on a deluxe motor coach at 6pm (Mon – Thur) or 4pm or 6pm (Fri – Sun) in front of The Fairmont Empress to head out to The Butchart Gardens. Stroll through the twinkling wonderland as more than 300,000 colorful lights illuminate the 55-acre grounds.

Keep your eyes peeled and see if you can spot all the enchanting 12 Days of Christmas displays. If you worked up an appetite strolling through the beautiful displays, consider capping off your day with a festive feast at Dining Room restaurant. Afterward, take a CVS Tours departing bus from The Gardens at 9pm (Mon – Thur) or 7pm or 9pm (Fri – Sun) for a relaxing ride back into Victoria.

On your second day in Victoria, grab brunch at one of the many excellent restaurants around town and use the rest of the day to explore the city and join in the holiday festivities before your early evening departure to Seattle. For more ways to help fill your day, check out a few of our favorite things to do:

• 10 Things to do in Victoria, BC this December (2022)
• Holiday Shopping
• How to Plan a Holiday Weekend Getaway in Victoria, BC

For more ideas, see 150 things to do in Victoria

Prices vary by season. Prices listed are minimum prices per adult. All applicable taxes included.

• This is a limited time offer and can only be applied to bookings made between November 14, 2023 and November 28, 2023, for travel occurring between December 1, 2023-December 31, 2023. • This offer does not apply to travel booked before November 14, 2023, nor does it apply to new bookings that replicate canceled bookings for the same period. • Offer applies only to bookings that include two adult round trip tickets and two-nights at participating hotels. • Reservations connected to this offer are non-refundable, non-changeable. • FRS Clipper reserves the right to modify or cancel the offer at any time. • Offer good while supplies last. • Offer limited to one booking per customer and account. • Offer may not be combined with other offers. • Offer does not apply to fees and taxes. • Offer is non-transferrable and may not be resold. • Note there is no Clipper sailing, and some activities may be limited on December 25th. • If you violate any of the offer terms, the offer will be invalid, and your reservation will be cancelled.

Select one of these great Clipper hotel partners when booking your trip and SAVE on your Clipper ferry! Available hotels may vary while booking, based on travel dates.

Hotel Grand Pacific

Delta Hotels by Marriott Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort

The Fairmont Empress

Chateau Victoria Hotel & Suites

Huntingdon Manor Hotel

The Parkside Hotel & Spa

We've curated a list of tours and activities we love and know you'll love them too.

"Butchart is beautiful any time of year, but especially so in December! The lights are fantastic and the whole place is just magical. It’s very easy to spend several hours walking around."

- Diane A., Victoria, BC TripAdvisor

"The Butchart Gardens Christmas lights are a magical addition to an already amazing place. The Gardens are decorated in the 12 days of Christmas theme and they really nailed it with the array of colors and designs! Beautiful and magical!"

- Chivohvoh TripAdvisor

"The gardens themselves were indescribable; without exaggeration, truly one of the most beautiful spots on planet earth. This trip is something I will never forget!"

- Ron R., Andover, MA TripAdvisor

Similar Experiences

Seattle to Victoria Overnight

Travel from downtown Seattle to downtown Victoria on our sleek, high-speed Victoria Clipper ferry and explore British Columbia's capital city!

Seattle to Victoria Overnight with Tea at the Fairmont Empress

Indulge in an experience steeped in tradition with tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel on an overnight getaway to Victoria, BC. Cozy up in the Empress’ striking Lobby Lounge and sip on 21 of the finest loose leaf teas paired with delicious treats.

Seattle To Victoria Overnight With Royal BC Museum

Combine your visit to beautiful and historic Victoria, BC with a visit to the Royal BC Museum. With fun and fascinating exhibits about BC’s culture and natural history, the museum is the perfect place for kids and the young at heart to play and explore!

Clipper Victoria Hotel Partners

Trip experience, clipper victoria tours & activities.

Clipper offers a variety of handpicked tours and activities to add to your package when booking your trip. List of available tours and activities vary based on travel dates.

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Choose an Option to Begin Planning Your Trip

For guests traveling internationally, please review our ID and Requirements carefully before booking travel.

• Includes one-way or round trip travel via the Clipper ferry.
• Routes available between Seattle and Victoria
• Includes travel to any of our destinations with activities or hotel stay or both.
• Enjoy the convenience of booking the entire trip all at once.

Need help planning your trip? Call our Clipper Pacific Northwest travel experts at 800-888-2535 between 9am-6pm PDT (Mon-Fri), 9am-3pm PDT (Sat-Sun).

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Clipper defines a child as 11 years and younger, but hotels and tours may have different child ages. Please enter the ages for all children 18 and under. Infants under 1 (<1) are free on the Clipper, but are not provided a seat.

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For your guests traveling to Canada, please read our ID and Requirements page carefully before booking travel. Thank you!

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TRAVELRITE INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMERS SAY...

“The whole tour was wonderful and the group was a good mix of personality. The gardens visited were interesting and varied.”

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• Charles A 1 contribution 0 5.0 of 5 bubbles A fun carriage ride. Nice tour of Victoria with sights and some history. Our horse woman Ursala was really charming, friendly and knew so much about the city. Our horse Maisey was quite good. A fun ride. Read more Review of: Beacon Hill Park Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour of Victoria Written 20 April 2024 This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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NEWS & UPDATES

Victoria hospice teeny tiny garden tour sunday, june 12, 2022.

Victoria Hospice Teeny Tiny Garden Tour Sunday, June 12, 2022 Annual fundraiser returns in-person for 17 th year

Plot your map, grab your hat, and prepare to be inspired. Tickets are on sale now for the Victoria Hospice Teeny Tiny Garden Tour on Sunday, June 12.

You’ll find elegant formal gardens and country-in-the-city spaces maximized for food production. Tender herbs, veteran trees, chickens and bees, and mesmerizing blossoms of all kinds are guaranteed to capture the interest of green-thumbed and armchair gardeners.

11 fabulous gardens featured this year include Solara and Tayler’s edible landscape, Linda-Mae’s woodland retreat, and Bonnie and Ruth’s urban oasis.

Edible landscape

Solara and Tayler’s backyard is lush with a wide variety of cultivated species with just a touch of the wild.

Greenhouses, compost systems, heat-radiating beds, moisture wicking beds, greywater systems, and chicken habitat are among the features packed into every square foot.

It’s a peaceful and productive hub where they grow their own food and support Hatchet & Seed , their edible landscape design and build business. Read more about Solara and Tayler’s garden.

Woodland retreat

Under the canopy of a 150-year-old walnut tree, a terraced enclave reaches through multiple tiers to a west coast-style boardwalk behind a snowberry bank.

Native ferns and woodruff, moss and forget-me-knots nestle around pools and hand-built benches where visitors are tempted to stay awhile.

Linda-Mae developed the garden with her partner, Michael, who died at Victoria Hospice in 2014. Together, they moved logs and earth, built garden rooms, and infused the space with art and loving memories.

Read more about Linda-Mae’s garden.

Urban oasis

When Bonnie’s mother, Ruth, created an urban oasis on her 1915 property in James Bay, she had bed and breakfast guests in mind – and wildlife.

She developed lush gardens to nourish birds, insects, and the soul of anyone who visits. When Ruth died in 2020, Bonnie inherited the beautiful home and garden, and Ruth’s love for both.

A private space sheltered by a big cedar and Portuguese hedge, the garden’s rich plant list includes maples, lilacs, three kinds of hydrangeas, three kinds of roses, smoke bush, honeysuckle, Fatsia trees, Russian sage, hostas, phlox to name a few.

Read more about Bonnie and Ruth’s garden.  

Tickets are $25 on sale at Capital Iron (Downtown and Westshore), GardenWorks (Blenkinsop, Oak Bay and Colwood), and Heirloom Linens in Broadmead Village.

Bonus: a virtual tour showcasing water vistas and whimsical surprises is included. Ticketholders will have the chance to win door prizes or to pick up a few keepsakes along the way.

Victoria Hospice thanks to Teeny Tiny Garden Tour sponsors Digital Direct Printing, First Memorial Funeral Services, Glass Smith & Co, Joyce Butler, The Avenue Gallery, Thrifty Foods, and VandeRuyt Wealth Management Group – National Bank Financial Wealth Management and supporters Capital Iron, GardenWorks, Heirloom Linens and Indigo Sky Graphic Design.

The Magic of Christmas

December 1 – january 6.

Christmas is a cheerful time of year at The Gardens. Bundle up and stroll through the Twelve Days of Christmas displays, sing along to the sounds of the season with Traditional Carollers or listen to the Festive Brass, then stop in at the Coffee Shop to warm up with a hot chocolate and gingerbread by the fire.

Lights Display

While the flowers sleep, The Gardens come to life with colourful displays of lights, including scenes depicting The Twelve Days of Christmas . Wander the pathways to discover each scene while you sing along to the classic Christmas carol.

The Japanese and Mediterranean Gardens are closed during Christmas.

Christmas Carols

With traditional carollers and a festive brass band, there’s no shortage of seasonal sounds at The Gardens! Step into the Piazza and sing along to classic carols sure to put you in the Christmas spirit. The sound of the festive brass instruments and traditional carollers will follow you down the garden path, greeting you at the beginning and end of your walk.

Traditional Carollers and Festive Brass alternate every half hour 5:00pm – 9:00pm.

Before or after your walk, enjoy The Gardens’ renowned fare in the Dining Room Restaurant . Festive dining is an experience to remember in Jennie Butchart’s former residence, or opt for more casual fare in the Blue Poppy Restaurant .

Snowflake Exchange

For children 12 and under, we invite you to make your own snowflake at home from an 8×11 sheet of white paper. Bring it to The Gardens when you visit, and we will trade you a cup of hot chocolate for your snowflake at our Coffee Shop. Your unique snowflake could adorn the windows of the Coffee Shop throughout the Christmas season.

Attention pet owners: Pets are not permitted inside The Gardens December 1 – January 6 between 3:00pm and 8:00pm, pets are welcome from 8:00pm until closing .  Click here  for more information on our pet policy.

Christmas Day

We will be closed Christmas Day to allow our staff to enjoy the day with their families and loved ones.

Due to ongoing staffing challenges, we are unable to offer ice skating.

Christmas Tickets and Planning

It is strongly recommended that you reserve your ticket in advance of your visit.  On busy evenings when we reach capacity, those without timed entrance tickets and those who have not rebooked their incorrectly dated tickets may not be admitted. This includes 12 Month Pass holders. If you are uncertain of the date of your visit at this time, you may purchase day of, subject to availability.

All timed entrance ticket sales are final. There are no refunds after the order has been made.  If you have purchased timed entrance tickets and are unable to attend on the designated time or date, and cannot rebook within the 2023 Magic of Christmas season, the dollar value of the unused timed entrance ticket can be applied to a future visit.  Tickets never expire. Outside of the Magic of Christmas season, you do not need to book a timed entrance ticket.

If you have purchased timed entrance tickets and are unable to attend on the designated ticket time or date:

• Select ‘Rebooking’ under the Categories option.
• Select the total number of tickets you need to rebook (note: ticket types are not necessary here).
• Select an available date and time.
• Arrive at the Admission Gate with BOTH your original timed entrance tickets and the Rebooked timed entrance tickets. Without both sets of timed tickets, you will not be admitted.
• Our staff will scan the original timed entrance tickets as proof of payment and to ensure that they have not been used for a previous admission.

If you know the date and time the other person would like to visit, you can simply purchase a timed entrance ticket for them through the ‘Christmas Tickets” portal on our website.  If you wish to gift a Magic of Christmas visit to someone, but you are unsure when they would like to visit, you may purchase gift e-tickets here .  It is important that the gift e-ticket recipient is aware that they will then need to reserve a Magic of Christmas timed entrance ticket and to do so under the “Complimentary Admissions” ticket category.

As tickets may be presented either on a mobile device or in printed version, we ask that you divide tickets up appropriately and ensure each vehicle has screen shots or hard copies of the tickets they will be using.

In order for our timed ticketing system to be effective we ask that all visitors make every effort to arrive at the time stated on the ticket.  We allow 10 minutes prior to and after this time as leeway for travel.

Your Dining Room reservation will stand in place of your timed entrance ticket, so there is no need to book tickets.  Arrive when you wish at our Admission Gate and provide your Dining Room reservation information.  Our Admission Gate Staff there will take your admission payment or accept your valid 12 Month Pass.  We ask that you arrive at the restaurant at the time of your reservation.

Pets are not permitted inside The Gardens between 3pm and 8pm, but are most welcome from 8pm until closing.  For the safety of your pet and other visitors, we ask that you keep your pet on a leash no longer than 4ft, under control and directly at your side at all times.

The average stroll through the Gardens during our Magic of Christmas season is about an hour.  Please allocate more time should you wish to enjoy one of our food services facilities, peruse our Seed & Gift store or take in a Festive Brass or Traditional Caroler performance.

Please book a “12 Month Pass Holder” timed entrance ticket and present it to the Admission Gate staff upon arrival.  Our staff will be happy to assist you in renewing your pass at that time. Should you be bringing guests with you on this visit, please select “Guest of a 12 Month Pass Holder” timed entrance tickets.  Please note that if the guests do not arrive with you in your vehicle, they will be charged the additional $3.50.

We do not. The Gardens will be open for your enjoyment until 10:00pm.

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• Home Tours Spring Gardens in New Zealand: Marlborough and Hurunui Gardens

Spring Gardens in New Zealand: Marlborough and Hurunui Gardens

New Zealand’s gardens are amongst the best anywhere on earth. Throw in a warm Kiwi welcome, Marlborough and Hurunui gardens, and we have the perfect excuse to visit this beautiful region of the south island.

• From $6,795 AUD

Check-in at Sydney International Airport for your flight to Christchurch. Meet Paula Benneian, your Ross Tour Leader at the departure gate. Christchurch is known as New Zealand’s Garden City, a unique destination where thriving garden traditions merge with dynamic urban renewal. Check into your hotel, Rydges Latimer. Celebrate together tonight at our Welcome dinner.

Rydges Latimer , Christchurch

Three exciting gardens today will set the tone for our tour.

A new private garden on the Canterbury Plain near Amberley is our first stop where a plant woman’s passion will give you some great inspiration. It is a garden that invites you to wander, explore and relax, with plenty of places to sit, and new delights around every corner. The wide grass paths take you from intimate and cool shade gardens, to sweeps of tussocks and prairie flowers, and through Mediterranean-inspired gravel gardens, featuring stunning succulents and aloes. From generous sunny borders filled with unusual and difficult-to-source perennials to an iris-filled damp garden. The garden has a gorgeous no-mow meadow, vineyard, and charming and productive vegetable garden. Tiny paths meander through arched hedges and down to the creek. There is a warm and sheltered pergola area for you to enjoy the garden.

Return to Christchurch for lunch at leisure in the city centre. This afternoon a guided tour of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens; the gardens boast an impressive collection of plants which provide a tranquil oasis. From the spring drifts of daffodils, spectacular summer roses and herbaceous border, stunning autumn leaf display and cosy conservatories to warm up in over winter, there’s something to delight in every season. The New Zealand Garden also offers an accessible glimpse into the country’s unique wilderness to lose yourself in throughout the year.

Finish the day with a visit to the garden of Robyn Kilty; the garden surrounds the cottage. In spring and summer, it is about life – watching plants grow, flourish and flower. Later in the season it is also about hibernation and death as some plants fade and die, and others are put to bed for the winter.

This evening is at leisure on return to the hotel.

This morning we depart Christchurch and travel north through Waipara, Hurunui and Culverden visiting gardens which are a part of the Hurunui Garden Festival. Meet Penny Zino, a powerhouse of energy and a mentor for many gardeners. Wander through her expansive Flaxmere before lunch is served on her terrace overlooking the garden.

Coldstream is next, with the most incredible display of rhododendrons in full flower.

This afternoon continue on to the resort settlement of Hanmer Springs which is bypassed by conventional tourist traffic and still survives as one of New Zealand’s quietest resorts. Dinner is included in the hotel restaurant.

Hanmer Springs Hotel , Hanmer Springs

Today, we meet Doreen Dryden at Loch Leven – the result of hard work by its owners over the last 33 years and is still evolving. This 3-acre garden is set on a small farm in the Amuri Basin. The structured and restful garden is made up of many different areas. Native areas provide shelter and an evergreen back drop along the Nor’west boundary. Hedging has been used extensively. Large borders are filled with a rich array of plants giving ever-changing vistas. Deciduous trees are planted throughout the large expanse lawn and garden. Wire art and locally sourced boulders are a focal point within the garden. A summerhouse nestled between peony beds and espaliered fruit trees adds tranquility.

This afternoon visit another local garden. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore the quaint township of Hanmer, perhaps do some shopping or soak in the thermal hot pools.

This morning we take the scenic road to Blenheim with a lunch stop in Kaikoura. The sea here is particularly rich in nutrients, which attract a wide variety of sea life. Sperm whales, the largest of all toothed whales, can be seen off this coast for 95% of the year.

Lunch is included at a local restaurant in Kaikoura before departing north along the east coast to Blenheim.

Afternoon visit to meet Wendy Palmer at Welton House in Grovetown, one of the Marlborough Festival gardens, a Garden of National Significance; Settled high on an ancient dune and surrounded by geometric rows of vineyard, Welton House Garden is at once thoroughly modern whilst proudly celebrating its 150-year history. Owner Wendy Palmer and her garden designer brother Ross have created a plant lovers paradise, filled with rare horticultural beauties and clever use of the more commonplace. Highlights include unique and extensive topiary hedges, which mirror the stunning Richmond Ranges, and powerful, oversized wooden steps, platforms and pergolas that settle the garden in its place. The productive kitchen garden, orchard and large-scale composting reflects the sustainability ethos of the garden.

This afternoon depart for Chateau Marlborough in Blenheim, where you will have an afternoon at leisure.

Chateau Marlborough, Blenheim

Two fine gardens today in the Marlborough region. Meet Carolyn Ferraby at Barewood, a ‘tour de force’ who helped pioneer ‘Garden Marlborough’ thirty years ago. Lunch on her wisteria fringed veranda will be memorable.

Paripuma is next, a large 20 year old garden developed from a barren, windswept beachfront; with a formal design. The grand vista from the front door across to Cloudy Bay is legendary.

Meet Huguette Michel-Fleurie this morning in her romantic Hortensia House filled with roses and hydrangeas, a dreamy garden with a pretty house, trout filled stream and Monet bridge.

Wine tasting then lunch at Alan Scott Winery.

Spring is exuberant at Woodend Garden with wisteria in full bloom along with daffodils, bluebells and peonies. Don’t miss Pollard Park, Blenheim’s town park is a gem.

Fist up Whitney Garden, a working garden with fruit trees and vegetable gardens. Then to Longfield Garden Estate for lunch & a wine tasting; followed by Kirsty & David Wraight’s Willow’s Green.

Before departing Blenheim this morning, visit Winterhome Garden; Hidden away and perched high above the Pacific Ocean, in a magical oasis of its own making, lies Winterhome Garden – a secret and not so little garden. Featuring nearly 10 acres of structured formal garden and park-like grounds, Winterhome is a true sanctuary for all those who wish to wander. Enjoy a casual lunch at The Store in Kekerengu.

This afternoon travel across the farmlands of the North Canterbury Plains and the Waipara wine district and on to Christchurch. Christchurch has emerged revitalized following the earthquake that devastated much of the city in February 2011. The destruction of several landmark historic buildings has led to the development of new city plans, a bold public art programme and innovative use of space. Christchurch’s historical charm and atmosphere has seen it often compared with England and it is often referred to as ‘The most English city outside of England’.

Dinner tonight is at your leisure – enjoy one of the many restaurants in the city centre.

After breakfast today depart the hotel and visit the beautiful old French whaling village of Akaroa on The Banks Peninsula. Akaroa was settled by the French in an early attempt to colonise New Zealand and still retains a good deal of French character in its street names, boutique shops and cafes.

After breakfast today depart the hotel and visit the beautiful old French whaling village of Akaroa on The Banks Peninsula. Akaroa was settled by the French in an early attempt to colonise New Zealand and still retains a good deal of French character in its street names, boutique shops and cafes. Make a stop at the Giant’s House, an historic Akaroa house with original artworks and terraced gardens with sculptures and mosaics.

Travel out to Fisherman’s Bay to visit Fisherman’s Bay Garden with its extensive variety of locally sourced native plant species offering visitors a unique snapshot of the rich and varied plants of Banks Peninsula. Explore the charming village with its cafes, art and craft shops and colonial style architecture. Lunch today is at own expense.

On your return to Christchurch, there is time to freshen up at your accommodation and then our Farewell dinner at the hotel.

Margaret Long’s Frensham is the last on our itinerary, some say its the best! Margaret’s superb skill with short and long vistas has made a strong structure . Her considered use of flowering shrubs; roses, peonies, wisteria, clematis, and the filtering of light which is created by judicious pruning has made Frensham one of NZ finest gardens. It is a 5 star rated Garden of National Significance. Transfer to Christchurch International Airport to connect with your homeward flight.

online booking form

You will be contacted by a Ross Tours Travel Manager to confirm your details and preferred method of payment.

• Cancellations received prior to departure will incur loss of deposit.
• Cancellations received between 119-60 days prior to departure will incur a 50% cancellation fee.
• Cancellations received between 59-30 days prior to departure will incur a 75% cancellation fee plus any non-recoverable costs incurred.
• Cancellations received within 30 days prior to departure will incur 100% cancellation fee.
• Cancellations must be sent in writing.
• Cancellation fee is based upon the total amounts paid including tours, airfares and all other travel arrangements.

Please refer to the Ross Garden Tours standard terms and conditions

New Zealand Small Group Tour: Explore the Stunning Gardens of Marlborough and Hurunui

Experience the botanical wonders of New Zealand’s South Island on an exclusive and intimate small group tour. Join us on a captivating journey through the fascinating landscapes of Marlborough and Hurunui, renowned for their exquisite gardens and warm Kiwi hospitality. Immerse yourself in the vibrant garden traditions of Christchurch, known as New Zealand’s Garden City. From there venture to Hanmer Springs, where you can relax in thermal pools amidst a picturesque oasis. Explore the renowned Garden Marlborough and the captivating Frensham Gardens, amongst others. Delight in the beauty New Zealand’s gardens have to offer on this unforgettable small group tour.

New Zealand Small Group Tour

Begin your extraordinary journey with our New Zealand small group tour, which is designed to offer unique, immersive experiences. Ross Garden Tours is globally recognised as a leading specialist garden tour company, inspired by our passionate founders, Sandra and Graham Ross, who wish to share the world’s most incredible gardens. So buckle up for a relaxed, effortless and inspiring adventure.

We take pride in providing our guests with a rich array of New Zealand’s most enchanting gardens, served with a side of the country’s sublime natural beauty. Our New Zealand small group tour is more than just a typical trip; it’s an intimate exploration of an exotic landscape, spiced up with exciting local anecdotes, culture, and history. Besides, our local guides add to your travels by sharing insights into the best local restaurants and shops in New Zealand.

We have meticulously curated our New Zealand small group tour for an unmatched travel experience. Led by our handpicked group of experienced leaders- specialists in garden, food, and travel; expect this journey to be nothing short of extraordinary. These leaders not only provide an engaging commentary to your tour but manage your daily itineraries and introduce you to all the must-see (and eat) destinations!

Tour Highlights

Embark on an exclusive and intimate small group tour to discover the botanical marvels of New Zealand’s South Island. Join us for a captivating journey through the intriguing landscapes of Marlborough and Hurunui, celebrated for their exquisite gardens and genuine Kiwi hospitality. Immerse yourself in the vibrant garden traditions of Christchurch, known as New Zealand’s Garden City. Continue your exploration to Hanmer Springs, where you can unwind in thermal pools surrounded by a picturesque oasis. Experience the awe-inspiring TranzAlpine Express, witness the striking Pancake Rocks, and uncover the enchanting beauty of Abel Tasman National Park. Visit notable destinations like Rapaura Springs, Marlborough Garden Festival and the captivating Frensham Gardens. Revel in the splendour that New Zealand’s gardens have to offer on this unforgettable small group tour.

Ross Gardens: Going the Extra Mile

Ross Garden Tours is more than just a tour company. For four decades, we have been creating narratives wrapped in travel. Our founder, Graham Ross, Australia’s leading garden communicator, hosts a Garden Clinic radio show and is known for his TV presence in Better Homes & Gardens. With Ross Garden Tours, you don’t merely experience a location; you live the story behind it.

How to Join the Tour

Joining our New Zealand tour is simple. Just give us a call at 1300 233 200 or inquire via our Contact Us page. We would love to serve and assist you in organising your dream travel experience. We invite you to join the Ross Garden Tour family, where travel is relaxed, effortless, friendly, and inspiring.

What is special about the New Zealand small group tour?

Our New Zealand small group tour is not your typical trip. It’s an intimate, immersive exploration of New Zealand’s most enchanting gardens and sublime natural beauty. You’ll also get the bonus of exciting local anecdotes, culture, and history, as well as insights from our local guides on the best restaurants and shops in the region.

What are the highlights of the New Zealand small group tour?

Highlights include Christchurch’s vibrant garden traditions, a relaxing visit to Hanmer Springs’ thermal pools, a scenic journey on the TranzAlpine Express, and the enchanting landscapes of Abel Tasman National Park. Explore renowned gardens like Frensham Gardens, all while enjoying the warm Kiwi hospitality.

Who are the tour guides for the New Zealand small group tour?

Our small group tours are led by a handpicked group of experienced leaders specialising in garden, food, and wildflower travel. These leaders manage the daily itineraries, provide engaging commentary, and introduce travellers to the must-see destinations in New Zealand.

How can I join the New Zealand small group tour?

Joining us is simple. You can either call us at 1300 233 200 or inquire via our Contact Us page. We would be delighted to assist you in crafting your dream travel experience.

What services do you offer apart from the New Zealand small group tour?

In addition to the tour itself, we can organise your flights and even your tickets for additional events in any cities you will be visiting. We also offer an extension before or after the tour, according to your preference. We make sure you can focus on enjoying your holiday while we take care of everything else.

Entrance fees to all gardens and sightseeing including;

• Christchurch Botanic Gardens, Flaxmere, Coldstream, Loch Leven, Welton House, Whitney Garden, Barewood Garden, Paripuma Gardens, Hortensia House Garden, Woodend Garden, Allan Scott Winery, Willow’s Green, Winterhome Garden, Fisherman’s Bay Garden and private gardens.
• Twin Share land only $6,795 AUD per person
• Twin Share including airfare $7,595 AUD per person
• Single Supplement $1,595 AUD
• All prices in Australian dollars
• Prices based on minimum 15 passengers.
• Previous Traveller $100
• Garden Clinic Member $50

• FULLY BOOKED

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