Garden Cruise to New Zealand

ITINERARY

Day 1 Friday November 21, 2014 Sydney departure 
This afternoon we board the Holland America Oosterdam on this fantastic garden cruise to New Zealand. Be up on deck as we cruise Sydney Harbour and out through Sydney Heads.

Day 2 Saturday November 22, 2014 At sea
The morning will be free to explore the ship. In the afternoon we will have Garden Trivial Pursuit, dividing the group into teams to compete in answering garden questions. This is a great way to meet your fellow group members and there will be prizes for the winners.

Day 3 Sunday November 23, 2014 At sea 
We have a free day at sea today to enjoy the many facilities and activities aboard the ship. In the afternoon, Helen Young will give a talk on her career in horticulture and the media, and answer any questions you might have.

Day 4 Monday November 24, 2014 Milford Sound 
Nothing can prepare you for the majesty of Milford Sound, star of Fjordlands National Park. New vistas mesmerise at each turn, towering Mitre Peak, rising 1692metres above the sound, plunging waterfalls, bottlenose and dusky dolphins, fur seals and fjordland crested penguins are among the wonders in this place of outstanding natural beauty.

Day 5 Tuesday November 25, 2014 Dunedin 
Arriving at Port Chambers this morning, we’ll be met by our private coach to travel into the city of Dunedin. Originally founded by Scottish settlers and known as the Edinburgh of the South, it features beautifully preserved buildings overlooking parklands. We’ll visit the Glenfalloch Woodland Garden, situated in a fertile coastal valley above the harbour. Originally developed by Philip Brady in 1917, it has a collection of superb European trees from 1872, underplanted with azaleas and rhododendrons. Fuchsias and native ferns grow luxuriantly beside Russell Creek. Returning to Dunedin, we visit the historic Jacobeanstyle Olveston House, containing a treasure trove of art and antiques, set in an acre of garden.

Day 6 Wednesday November 26, 2014 Akaroa 
Today we call into the pretty village of Akaroa. Originally founded by the French, it is now a delightful town that still retains the ambience of France. We visit Grehan Lea, built in the 1850s and once the mill manager’s house, surrounded by a luxuriant cottage garden. At Potter’s Croft, we explore three acres of private country garden next to a gently flowing stream. There are roses everywhere, mixed with lush lawns, trees, wisteria and scented white Azores jasmine. Lastly, we visit the sculpture and mosaic art garden at Linton, built in 1880 and once the bank manager’s house. There are surprises everywhere in this garden, filled with marvellous plants among whimsical and flamboyant mosaic installations created by artist and horticulturist Josie Martin.

Day 7 Thursday November 27, 2014 Picton 
This morning we arrive in Picton, located in one of the sunniest parts of New Zealand, the top of the South Island, it is a quaint port town nestled deep in the Marlborough Sounds. We travel to the nearby town of Blenheim to visit Upton Oaks. Surrounding a 100-year-old Victorian homestead, this renowned garden comprises a series of rooms contained within a formal framework of hedges and walls. It has been recognised as a Garden of National Significance. Also designated a Garden of National Significance is Winterhome, which features bold, classical French lines and magnificent views of the sea. Sue and Richard McFarlane are well known for their gorgeous garden with its walled canal garden, formal parterres, pools, woodland and avenues.

Day 8 Friday November 28, 2014 Wellington 
Arriving in Wellington, the nation’s capital, we enjoy a private sightseeing tour of the main city sights, including the Houses of Parliament, known locally as “the Beehive”. At Mount Victoria, there are breathtaking, 360-degree views of the city, and we also visit the Wellington Botanic Garden, famous for its rose garden and begonia house. In the afternoon we travel to Masterton, where we experience a very different garden, Assisi. It is in a stunning location on the side of a hill, with wonderful views over the Wairarapa landscape from the architect-designed house. The dynamic owners made a decision to concentrate on natives to suit the climate, and have planted hundreds of grasses, flaxes, renga lilies and cabbage trees.

Day 9 Saturday November 29, 2014 Napier 
Today we visit the unique city of Napier in the Hawke’s Bay area. During our city tour, our driver-guide will provide in-depth information about the art deco architecture of the city. In February 1931, a large earthquake levelled almost all the buildings of Napier and raised the seabed by 2.5 metres, so the town was rebuilt in this popular 1930s style. We’ll see the National Tobacco building and many shops and houses that are fine examples. We continue with a visit to Trelinnoe Park, one of New Zealand’s finest woodland gardens. Under the shelter of large trees, a vast array of exotic and native species thrive. Plants from the Himalayan high mountains, and from semi-tropical areas of Mexico and Brazil, are grown in this extensive plantsman’s garden.

Day 10 Sunday November 30, 2014 Tauranga (Rotorua) 
We dock in Tauranga and travel to Rotorua to visit two gardens today. The 12ha Tikiteret garden, developed since 1987, incorporates a natural stream, established trees and bog plants including hostas, iris and primulas. Bridges cross the stream, which is lined with a collection of Japanese maples and cherry trees, while azaleas and rhododendrons cover the slopes beyond. We travel on to visit Classic Roses, a rose and perennial garden, which will be full of colour and fragrance. The owners will guide us around their garden as well as providing information on the care of roses.

Day 11 Monday December 1, 2014 Auckland 
Auckland is the largest city and commercial centre of New Zealand. Our morning tour of this harbour city takes in the main sights, including the Harbour Bridge, which spans the beautiful Waitemata Harbour, and Mount Eden, for a panoramic view. At Ayrlies Garden, created from 1964 by Beverley and Malcolm McConnell, gardening is an art form. Covering 4.5ha, it is one of New Zealand’s finest and best-known gardens, incorporating three large ponds, cascading waterfalls, a rose garden, rockery, meadow garden and the stimulating “Lurid Border”. There’s also an adjoining 14ha wetlands reserve. This is a superb seasonal garden to which you will want to return.

Day 12 Tuesday December 2, 2014 Waitangi, Bay of Islands 
Our final stop is the spectacular Bay of Islands, one of the most historic areas in New Zealand and comprising of 150 scenic islands. We will have a sightseeing tour to Waitangi, including the Treaty House where the Treaty between settlers and Maoris was signed in 1840. In the Treaty Grounds, as well as stands of historic native trees, there is a small semi-formal garden planted to suit the period. Don’t miss seeing one of the world’s largest carved war canoes.

Day 13 Wednesday December 3, 2014 Tasman Sea
Today we will enjoy a relaxing day at sea. You may choose to attend an informative lecture, have a swim in the pool, indulge yourself at the day spa or just enjoy a book in a comfy deckchair.

Day 14 Thursday December 4, 2014 At sea 
Today you are free to enjoy some of the many activities available aboard Holland America Oosterdam. In the afternoon, Helen will host a trivia quiz based on our travels and experiences, to round off our journey.

Day 15 Friday December 5, 2014 Sydney, Australia 
This morning we arrive in Sydney. After breakfast we will disembark and the cruise will conclude.

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CABIN
Inside
L - Interior, queen or twin beds; Deck - Verandah; Twin share $3750; Single $5225
K - Interior, queen or twin beds; Deck - Main, Upper Verandah; Twin share $3910; Single $5275
J - Interior, queen or twin beds; Rotterdam, Navigator; Twin share $3975; Single $5325

Outside Stateroom
F - Oceanview, queen or twin beds; Main Deck; Twin share $4350; Single $6060
DD - Oceanview, queen or twin beds; Main Deck; Twin share $4400; Single $6150
D - Oceanview, queen or twin beds; Main Deck; Twin share $4425; Single $6225
C - Oceanview, queen or twin beds; Main Deck; Twin share $4475; Single $6275

Balcony Stateroom
VD - Oceanview with Balcony, queen or twin beds; Upper Verandah; Twin share $5250; Single $8975
VC - Oceanview with Balcony, queen or twin beds; Upper Prom, Verandah; Twin share $5275; Single $9050
VB - Oceanview with Balcony, queen or twin beds; Upper Verandah; Twin share $5325; Single $9150
VC - Superior Balcony, queen or twin beds, large setting; Upper Prom, Upper Verandah; Twin share $5375; Single $11,775
SY - Superior balcony, queen or twin beds, large sitting; Upper Verandah; Twin share $6875; Single $11,775

Inclusions:
Travel on Oosterdam in the selected cabin category.
All meals, entertainment and service charges on Oosterdam.
Leadership by Helen Young.
Tour management by Travelrite International.
Sightseeing tours and visits to gardens in Dunedin, Akaroa, Picton, Wellington, Napier, Rotorua, Auckland and Waitangi.
Port and handling charges cruise taxes.
Not included in the price are:

Flights are not included. Please ask our travel consultants to give you up-to-date airfares.
Travel insurance.
Additional travel arrangements not detailed in the itinerary. These will be quoted for separately.
Passport and visa fees.
Drinks on board.
Lunches when not on the ship.
Gratuities at the rate of US$11.50 will be added to your ship-board account daily.
Availability:
All cabins are subject to availability. Please call for fares and information on other cabin categories. A limited number of cabins are available for single occupancy. Please call for details on 1800 630 343.