One of the most renowned areas of the country for gardens – particularly country gardens – is the North Canterbury district of Hurunui. In late October, every year, garden enthusiasts from around the country descend upon the district to enjoy access to some of New Zealand’s most impressive spaces. In October Bay Tours will be attending the festival for the first time at the suggestion of organizing committee member and local gardening guru Doreen Dryden, who extended the invite to Ken during a visit he made to her garden in early 2024. As well as visiting many different properties around the district over three days, this 8 Day tour is timed to include the wonderful Hanmer Springs Fete, a much-anticipated highlight on the North Canterbury social calendar, and attend race day at the picturesque seaside Kaikoura Trotting Club. There’s something in this tour for everyone. Here’s a summary;
Days 1 & 2: We overnight in Wellington on Day 1 and take the ferry across Cook Strait then drive to Kaikoura where we spend the night on Day 2.
Day 3: We depart Kaikoura this morning and over the course of the day make our way towards Hanmer Springs visiting gardens in Waiau, Rotherham and Culverden along the way. We settle into our home for the next 3 nights – the much-loved Drifter’s Inn right in the middle of Hanmer.
Day 4: Today we visit properties in the Waipara, Amberley and Hawarden districts before returning to Hanmer Springs where a soak in the Hot Pools might be just the thing before dinner.
Day 5: It’s the Hanmer Springs Fete today with the annual celebration held in the grounds of the historic Queen Mary Hospital – just a couple of minutes’ walk from our accommodation. It’s a FREE DAY for you so you can set your own itinerary today. Perhaps enjoy a walk amongst the tree carvings in the forest behind the village. Have a coffee in one of the excellent cafés or just relax and enjoy the festive atmosphere of this pretty place.
Day 6: We take our leave of Hanmer this morning and head to Cheviot for a look at a couple of stunning gardens before continuing on to Kaikoura and an afternoon at the trots on the seaside racecourse at South Bay. We’ll overnight in Kaikoura again.
Day 7: We continue our journey northward stopping at Blenheim. We’ll visit two stunning gardens – Welton House and Longfield – where they’re putting the finishing touches to things in preparation for the Marlborough Garden Festival the following week.
Day 8: After an overnight stay in Picton we take an early ferry back to Wellington and carry on to Palmerston North where we break for lunch before returning to the Bay in the afternoon.
We’re very excited about this tour which has been a long time in the making. The Hurunui Garden Festival is timed to showcase the North Canterbury region in all its late-Spring finery. Come and experience South Island hospitality and some spectacular properties and experiences. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity.
