OCTOBER 2020

Day 1:  Auckland– Hamilton    (D)

Wednesday 14:                                                  

Join your coach and fellow travellers as we travel down the southern motorway past the market gardening area of Bombay.  We will follow the    Waikato River through lush farmland passing by the wine growing area of Te Kauwhata and the coal mining town of Huntly before arriving in the City of Hamilton.  This morning we will visit Waikato’s most visited attraction—Hamilton Gardens where we will explore an enchanting world of secret gardens. The international award winning Hamilton       Gardens is unique: it tells “the story of gardens”.  Its concept acknowledges there is a story to tell about gardens, their development over time and across cultures, and their use.  The concept has been compared to a museum, where each garden collection has historic integrity and provides a window into the story of civilizations, their arts, beliefs and lifestyles.  Time to enjoy a wander at your own pace.

This afternoon we’ll enjoy an hours cruise onboard the Waikato River Explorer (fully licensed café onboard).  Leaving from the Hamilton Gardens we cruise down through the center of Hamilton City—a totally unique way to view New Zealand’s largest inland city.  Highlights include several 100 year-old bridges, riverside sculptures & artworks while enjoying our Skipper’s unique commentary.  We may even pass a rowing crew out practicing.  On our return to Hamilton Gardens we are  transferred to our 4* Novotel Hamilton Tainui Hotel for 2 nights.  This evening join your Tour Manager for dinner at the hotel.

Day 2: Hamilton                (B MT AT  D)               

Thursday 15:

Our first visit today is to The TreeChurch ,a living, breathing structure designed and built by Barry Cox to be a place of interest and contemplation.  Set in three acres of distinctive gardens it was inspired by Barry’s love of Churches and although initially created as a private garden, Barry was persuaded to open the gardens to the public in 2015.  The TreeChurch is a very personal project and we therefore ask that visitors be respectful of the Church and surrounding gardens.  Barry has always been a keen observer of Churches and passionate about trees, combining these two interests Barry decided to construct his own living Church – thought to be the first in the world.  Our next garden is Waikato’s best kept secret—Moondance Manor Garden. “Its visual banquet radiates English charm and beauty”.

Moondance Manor Gardens are extensively planted with abundant flower beds, expansive lawn areas, a wealth of native and exotic trees, a large ornamental pond and island, substantial formal hedging – all set on over a hectare bordering the Waikato River. There is always an array of colour with hellebores, fox gloves, primrose, iris, hyacinths, geraniums, lilies, roses, camellias, magnolias, wisteria and hyrandeas and many other gorgeous plants to delight the eye.  We will enjoy a light  morning tea here.

Then its onto Cambridge—a majestic tree-lined town and the Equine Capital of New Zealand.  Time here for lunch (own expense) and to wander around the town.  You’ll see classic colonial buildings such as Cambridge Primary School (1879), the Town Hall (1909) and the Old Court House (1909) which now houses the local museum. The town’s original Post Office (now the restaurant called Alpino) was built in 1908 but its clock tower was removed in 1934 (after the Napier earthquake sparked fears it could topple) and it now stands in Jubilee Gardens.

After lunch we will make our way to  one of Waikato’s icon—Zealong Tea Estate—the only commercial tea estate in New Zealand producing 100% organic award-winning tea, and a world-leading destination for tea, art and hospitality.

Our Tour Guide will lead us along the tea trail through the history of tea as we explore unique sculptures and scenic stops to learn how tea is picked and processed. Naturally we will enjoy a cup of this popular beverage with perhaps something sweet on the side.  We will return to our hotel in time to freshen up before dinner.

Day 3: Hamilton—Auckland                   (BL)

Friday 16:

After breakfast we will have some free time to enjoy Hamilton City.  You might want to visit the Waikato Museum just a 2 minute walk from the hotel and located on the banks of the mighty Waikato River.  Be inspired by the stories of the region, its rich heritage and artistic vibrancy as they welcome you in the spirit of manaakitanga, as they would a guest to their own home. We depart Hamilton late morning for our return to Auckland.  Enroute we will visit Clara Vaile garden—a country haven, featuring  fragrant roses, lavender and other aromatic plants, 15 areas to sit and contemplate, numerous orchards and an old English potager. A bridge over blue grasses leading to a secret garden, then a tree stump adventure in the shape of a Koru.  There is also a beach themed garden with beautiful shells, a stone seat with pebbles from the Sea of Galilee embedded into it.  A chamomile bench seat surrounded by a rosemary hedge.  A trough containing a selection of kitchen herbs as well as a mint walk on steppers. The property is Interspersed with beautiful fruit trees and natural food which self-perpetuates in many areas. The secluded area at the end of the section is well worth the meandering stroll to reach, starting at the glasshouse.  We will include a light lunch here before re joining our coach for our return to Auckland.  On arrival back into Auckland late afternoon we are transferred back to our home addresses.

 

LOOK WHATS INCLUDED!!!

• Quality coach travel from Auckland with experienced Coach Driver (prices available from other centres)
• Quality accommodation at 4* Novotel Hamilton Tainui Hamilton in twin rooms with private facilities
• Breakfasts & Dinners daily
• Visit Hamilton Gardens
• Cruise on Waikato River
• Morning tea at Moondance Garden
• Visit to Treechurch Gardens
• Afternoon tea and tour of Zealong Tea Estate.
• Light lunch at Clara Vaile Gardens
• Services of an experienced Tour       Manager from  Auckland back to     Auckland (subject to numbers)
• FREE home pick up and return in the greater Auckland area

  

NO SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT !!!!

A limited number of single rooms are available at no extra cost!!

 

DEPOSIT:

A deposit of $300 per person is payable to hold a seat on the tour with the balance payable no later than 14 September 2020.

 

 LOYALTY DISCOUNT:

Previous travellers receive a $20 discount off the brochure price (not combinable with any other offers).

 

INSURANCE:

We strongly suggest you take out domestic cancellation insurance to cover for cancellation due to illness etc. Please phone us for further   details.

 

CANCELLATION CHARGES:

Deposit:  Fully refundable up to 14 September 2020

15 Sept—30 Sept 2020: 80% of tour cost

01 Oct—14 Oct: 100% of tour cost.

 

* Please note that if the tour is cancelled due to any Government regulation

we will refund all monies received back from our suppliers so you can book with confidence.

 

 

Tour is subject to normal booking conditions of Supreme Tours & Travel Ltd