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INNOVATIVE INTERNATIONAL TOURS FOR LOVERS OF GARDENS, FOOD & WINECELEBRATE SPRING IN THE SOUTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND
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Since 1994 Susannah and Anne have been returning each year to share with their guests their passion for the Land of the Long White Cloud. A land where natural beauty, imaginative gardens and world class food and wines come together in natural harmony. We will start our journey in Christchurch a city described as 'More English than England'. A short trip north via the wine region of Waipara has us in a large country garden at the foothills of the Southern Alps for a sumptuous Welcome Lunch From Christchurch we travel south to Dunedin by way of some of the most glorious farming country laid out in patchwork quilt style with colourful fields and shelter belts. Here and throughout our journey we are greeted with typical Kiwi hospitality into specially selected private homes and gardens. Dunedin, originally settled by the Scots boasts grand stone buildings and the only true castle in New Zealand - Larnach Castle. A private tour of the castle and the superbly designed gardens will be a highlight followed by a harbour cruise to see wildlife that abounds around the Otago Peninsula From Dunedin we travel inland from the lush coastal farmland to the dramatic rocky barren landscapes that make Central Otago so unique. Our destination is Queenstown on the shores of Lake Wakatipu’, this vibrant town provides a seemingly limitless choice of exciting excursions.
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continued from column 1 ... The Central Otago soil and climate has proved and excellent environment for the cold climate wines, especially Pinot Noir. We visit some award winning boutique wineries and are hosted to a degustation lunch at exclusive Millbrook Resort. Leaving Queenstown we drive over the Crown Range to Lake Wanaka, a pristine lakeside resort town ringed by snow capped mountains. From Wanaka our destination is the historic Hermitage Hotel located at the base of the soaring peak of Mt Cook. An opportunity to explore the natural alpine terrain and perhaps sight some rare alpine plants. From Mt Cook we journey through a land reminiscent of Lord of the Rings- bare tussock covered ranges contrasting with the intense turquoise blue of glacier fed lakes. This area is a photographer’s delight - the rugged natural beauty is enhanced by masses of lupins that have sprung up in a giddy kaleidoscope of brilliant colours. The harsh beauty of the Mackenzie Country softens to English-style countryside as we approach the charming village of Geraldine and finally return to our hotel in the heart of Christchurch - The Millennium. This is a journey of the senses where the stark beauty of Nature joins the mystical culture of the grape and the table. |
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