The Rangitikei and Whanganui districts were settled by the first European settlers earlier than Hawke’s Bay but in many ways the regions share a similar history of development. Having led a number of tours across these districts, we’ve sought to include what we believe have been the best experiences of historic homesteads, gardens and activities we could capture in a 4 Day tour. Following the turn of the 20th century the Whanganui and Rangitikei districts were well placed to benefit from the pre-World War I economic boom. More than 100 years on, many grand houses are still set in mature grounds and gardens and, in some cases, are still occupied by the original families, hidden away in the countryside.
Day 1: We set out heading south and, after morning tea, arrive in the settlement of Bulls. We’re going to be hosted for lunch at the Bulls Friendship Club Hall. You’ll be astonished at the history of this little town. After lunch we visit Overton, a homestead near Marton dating from the 1880s. We then head on to Whanganui, our base for the next couple of nights.
Day 2: We first make a visit across the river to the unique Durie Hill Elevator which has, since 1919, been carrying passengers up through the hill to the suburb and war memorial above. Then we cross town to the Bason Botanic Gardens for morning tea before carrying on west to Bushy Park homestead, designed by Charles Natusch, for lunch and a guided tour. From here we head back to town for a guided tour of the stunning, nationally renowned, Sarjeant Gallery, recently re-opened after being closed for a decade for major renovations.
Day 3: Our morning begins with a visit to Paloma, a remarkable garden near Fordell out of Whanganui. We’ll enjoy a guided tour of the garden and a cuppa with the owners. Our next destination north of Marton is, in our view, one of the great country houses of this or any other district. Merchiston is one of the few grand Edwardian homes, anywhere in the country, that has been continuously occupied by the family that built it. In fact, the building is in the same fine condition it was when the last workman left in November 1908. We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch in the garden here followed by a guided tour of the house by the family. We carry on to Palmerston North where we overnight.
Day 4: Our day begins with a visit to another Charles Natusch designed homestead, Wharerata, these days surrounded by Massey University. The home was built for Arthur Russell, formally of Mangakuri Station in Hawke’s Bay. We’ll enjoy a talk and tour of the property as well as a cuppa here. Our next stop, before we make our way home, is at the astonishing Italian Renaissance-style garden of Villa Candotti in the heart of Manawatu. Since moving to the property in 2003 Peter and Jeanette Cranstoun have designed, planted, styled and utterly transformed what was a 2 acre sheep paddock into a magnificent formal garden complete with a Florentine villa. We’ll enjoy a guided tour of the garden with Peter as well as lunch here too. From here we re-commence our drive back to the Bay and home.
All the properties we visit during this tour highlight the commitment and passion that past and present generations have shown to the land and its heritage. We feel lucky and privileged to be able to visit all of these remarkable places.
We know this tour will be popular so secure your place today.
