Call today 027 222 1796
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Call today 027 222 1796
New Zealand gardeners are amongst the luckiest on the planet. Nowhere else in the world offers such as amazing range of plants, thriving in an area so easily accessible to the visitor. In such a young country New Zealanders have a fresh innovative approach to the garden tradition. On these tours you have maximum enjoyment without having to do any of the hard work associated with creating these wonderful gardens.
Kristin says: This is a superb three hour tour for those who love gardens and want to try some local wine.
Our first destination is a half-hour journey from the city into the country, where time allows you to wander the spectacular sights of this beautiful large private garden of 3.5 hectares, that is a garden of International Significance. This garden includes a Kauri forest with over 100+ trees and 100+ species of other Kauri forest trees, shrubs, climbers and ferns. Also a large beech forest, viewing mound, 120 m NZ border, a 140 m canal, sedge pond, formal rose garden, cricket oval and more. All framed in 1.5 km of totara hedges. The original design of beautifully established plantings in both a formal and informal layout will compel you to keep looking for what you will find next. A guided tour can be arranged if this is desired at an extra cost.
After enjoying a delightful locally produced platter style lunch in this garden setting, the tour will proceed a short distance to a winery in the Burnham area. The winery provides a welcoming relaxed environment in which to participate some free wine tasting or to stroll around.
$209 per person for 2 people including lunch and door to door transport.
$130 per person for 4 people including lunch and door to door transport.
$105 per person for 6 to 9 people including lunch and door to door transport.
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Kristin says: This is a superb tour for those who love their gardens but equally love art.
Our first stop will be at a garden developed (and continually evolving) over the past 25 years. Rhododendrons are a particular feature, but it’s an all-round garden – and absolutely full of sculpture. We are also privileged to be able to take you inside the house to view the extensive New Zealand art collection, representing the full range of some of the best New Zealand art.
We travel on, stopping for lunch, to another garden where sculpture is a major feature. The mission of this garden is to support contemporary New Zealand sculpture practice and to enhance native biodiversity in Canterbury.
Lastly, to a magnificent garden which was established more than 40 years ago. It has a series of garden rooms, filled not only with delightful plantings, but also with sculpture and offering larger views of the surrounding countryside to take the eye.
$490 per person for 2 people including lunch and door to door transport.
$285 per person for 4 people including lunch and door to door transport.
$220 per person for 6 to 9 people including lunch and door to door transport.
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Kristin says: This is my favourite tour, and includes my all-time favourite garden. The tour takes in a mix of traditional and native gardens.
First up, we visit a beautiful garden which has been developed over more than two decades. It was planned to give year-round interest and is managed by a knowledgeable plantswoman who has read and travelled widely in the pursuit of her passion for gardening. The tour will include a short introductory talk, time to meander, and there are also plants available for purchase should you be smitten by something you see.
We then travel on to a garden of 3.5 hectares – yes, that’s quite large at more than 8 acres for those of us not so familiar with metrics – and it includes both natives (including more than 100 kauri) as well as exotics. The aims for the garden are simple: excellence in design, planting and maintenance, with originality a priority – what more could you ask for.
We will have lunch at this wonderful garden and then travel on to our final destination, a magnificent garden which was established more than 40 years ago. It has a series of garden rooms, filled not only with delightful plantings, but also with sculpture and with larger views of the surrounding countryside to take the eye.
$510 per person for 2 people including lunch and door to door transport.
$295 per person for 4 people including lunch and door to door transport.
$225 per person for 6 to 9 people including lunch and door to door transport.
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Kristin says: This is a low-level fitness tour that is all on the flat of the Canterbury Plains. No need to wonder if the day will be too difficult – you will have a wonderful time (and so will I).
We will begin with a visit to a Garden that has been developed over 20 years around a former shingle pit. The movie “Much Ado about Nothing” inspired the Italian house and garden design. The garden contains an eclectic mix of trees an interesting mix of formal and informal garden rooms
We then travel on to have lunch at and then enjoy a garden of 3.5 hectares – yes, that’s quite large at more than 8 acres for those of us not so familiar with metrics, and it includes both natives (more than 100 kauri) and exotics. The aims for the garden are simple: excellence in design, planting and maintenance, with originality a priority – what more could you ask for.
Our last stop is a beautiful garden which has been developed over more than two decades. It was planned to give year-round interest and is managed by a knowledgeable plantswoman who has read and travelled widely in the pursuit of her passion for gardening. The tour will include a short introductory talk, time to meander, and there are also plants available for purchase should you be smitten by something you see.
$475 per person for 2 people including lunch and door to door transport.
$280 per person for 4 people including lunch and door to door transport.
$210 per person for 6 to 9 people including lunch and door to door transport.
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Kristin says: Are you ready for a really big day out? It will be well worth it as we will visit three gardens, each having the highest national significance rating of 6 stars. You will get to enjoy the Canterbury Plains as we drive through the farming land of dairy farms, cropping and sheep farming. We will be able to talk about this as this is the area that I live in. We will also drive over New Zealand’s longest bridge on the Rakaia River and get a good view of Mt Hutt if the weather is kind, as well as to see the mighty braided river.
Our first stop is a magnificent garden which was established more than 40 years ago. It has a series of garden rooms, filled not only with delightful plants, but also with sculpture and with larger views of the surrounding countryside to take the eye.
We then travel on to have lunch at and then enjoy a garden of 3.5 hectares – yes, that’s quite large at more than 8 acres for those of us not so familiar with metrics, and includes both natives (more than 100 kauri) and exotics. The aims for the garden are simple: excellence in design, planting and maintenance, with originality a priority – what more could you ask for.
Lastly, we will visit another large, superb garden, just pipping the previous one in size, at 4 hectares. The garden was a bare paddock in 1978 when it was purchased but, with a passion for gardening, it has been developed into the stunning beauty it is today. There are many features, from chrysanthemums and dahlias, to lilies and rhododendrons (now numbering around 650 and often grown from seed). The formal herbaceous border is 110 metres long and is a rarity as it is planted exclusively with perennials. Not to be missed also is the red border, comprising only plants with red leaves or flowers and extending for around 60 metres.
$670 per person for 2 people including lunch and door to door transport.
$380 per person for 4 people including lunch and door to door transport.
$285 per person for 6 to 9 people including lunch and door to door transport.
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Start the day at Ashford Village exploring all things related to wool – it’s a handcrafter’s paradise! Then we travel to Trotts Garden to enjoy a picnic lunch in this prestigious garden of international significance. After lunch we will visit the Ashburton Art Gallery, where artist Heather Sarin is exhibiting her artwork.
From $156.00 per person (minimum of 6 required), including lunch and door to door transport.
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Join Kristin on a Sunday Outing to Terrace Downs for a delicious Sunday Buffet at Hunter’s Restaurant. Pickup is around 10.30am. Available every week.
Enjoy live music from a range of talented Canterbury artists, along with a wide array of delicious foods, both classic favourites and exciting new additions.
This is with Door to door service. Just bring yourself if you would like to add anything with this event you are most welcome we could visit a garden on the way
From $170.00 per person Minimum of 7 People Max of 9.
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What better way to spend an afternoon with friends or family than in the tranquil setting of Terrace Downs Resort overlooking the beautiful golf course with Mt Hutt backdrop. This is what afternoons were made for!!!
Enjoy a selection of finely cut sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam, and a mouth-watering range of exquisitely presented pastries as well as our selection of coffee’s and freshly brewed leaf teas. Gluten Free is available, too.
We can do this any day.
Door to door service with your host Kristin
From $138 per person Minimum of 7 People Max 9
$10 more per person with a glass of bubbles
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Kristin says: If you’re like me and adore rhododendrons then this is the tour for you. It will be available from mid-October through to mid-November.
Visit a world-famous collection of azaleas and rhododendrons in a park-like setting with large exotic trees, but also including the cordylines (Cabbage trees), the ferns and the flaxes (Phormiums) native to New Zealand. Wander on a magical network of paths, and sturdy bridges criss-crossing a spring-fed stream. Masses of ferns fill in the gaps between the monumental gunnera at the water’s edge.
After lunch we travel to another rhododendron garden which is recognised as a collection of national significance – a hybrid collection that is one of the most comprehensive to be found, and includes an almost complete collection of Canterbury hybrids. The plants have been grouped to provide foliage and colour impact, while companion plants, such as the Himalayan lily, have been chosen as they naturally coexist with rhododendrons and have rarity value.
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Whether it’s for fun, education, or escape, Taste of Life Tours will arrange a well organised and hassle-free tour for your group. We are available for day, evening and overnight hosted tours from one to nine people in our comfortable vehicles.
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A fabulous time to celebrate a milestone birthday, or simply enjoy another year with precious friends.
We take the stress out of planning your birthday event, so you can create great memories with the special people in your life.
Join us for a wonderful day of celebration, safe in the knowledge that you and your guests will be picked up and dropped off, before and after the party.
We will create a bespoke experience for you or treat you to your ideal party tour.
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Special interest tours are tailored to your specific requirements and we are happy to accommodate any request.
Wine tours, gardens, art, farm and agricultural tours, environment, outdoor adventure, inspiring and more.
We can work with your existing plan or let us use our networks to open exclusive doors for you and your group.
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