Deryn Thorpe is a fanatical gardener, passionate about communicating her love of gardening to others. She is an award winning garden journalist, writing regularly for Gardening Australia magazine and other gardening publications. She co-presents the multi-award winning ‘All The Dirt’ www.allthedirt.com.au , Australia’s most popular gardening podcast. Deryn has edited garden books and worked as a garden TV presenter and is a regular presenter on ABC garden radio and a vivacious and popular speaker at festivals and garden clubs. She volunteered for six years with Open Gardens Australia and opened her own beautiful, cottage style garden to the public. She is an Honourary Life Member of the Horticultural Media Association Australia (HMAA) and the Nursery and Garden Industry WA. Deryn loves showing people the world, worked as a European tour guide in the 1980ies and has led garden tours in Australia and overseas since the 1990s.
Thank you, Deryn I thoroughly enjoyed the tour. Everything ran very well thanks to your meticulous organization. All our drivers were kind and obliging to our requests. SL
Thoroughly enjoyed it. The small group was great. MM
Deryn was an excellent tour leader and expert garden guide and very enthusiastic and adaptable. RG
A good experience. CF
I enjoyed that Travelrite organised everything for me. Most of the properties were great and well organized time wise and talked about by the owners or volunteers. VG
I took this tour on the personal recommendation of Deryn after a similar ASA tour I had booked was cancelled last year. This tour was much better than what ASA had planned which was too long with too many included meals. I like the way not many meals are included as I prefer to do my own thing for food. MT
We thoroughly enjoyed the tour. It had the right balance of large and smaller gardens. Travel distances weren't too long between gardens. We had a very good coach driver. Deryn Thorpe was a very informative and professional guide. KM
VIEW ITINERARYDAY 1 Saturday 18 November, 2023 Christchurch
We board our flight in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Perth to fly to
Christchurch. On arrival in Christchurch we travel to our hotel for checkin.
DAY 2 Sunday 19 November, 2023 Christchurch
This morning we travel into the centre of the city damaged by the 2011
earthquake. We will drive by the city landmarks to see the rebuilding the
city has undergone. We continue to the Christchurch Botanic Gardens with
time to explore these beautiful and tranquil gardens which are rated 5★ on
the NZ Garden Trust. Deryn will take the group through her favourite part of
the garden, the heritage rose display. The 21 ha garden started in 1863 and
has grown to include many plant collections in conservatories, herbaceous
borders and a selection of natives. In the evening we will enjoy a dinner to
formally meet Deryn Thorpe and other tour members.
DAY 3 Monday 20 November, 2023 Christchurch
This morning we visit two gardens rated 6★ by the NZ Garden Trust.
Ohinetahi garden has a formal design with some areas laid out in 1865 by
botanist Thomas Potts. A series of perfectly proportioned garden rooms give
a strong sense of structure and protect the garden from the sea breezes. In
the afternoon we visit Broadfield Estate set on 3.5 ha featuring many natives
used in original ways, a kauri forest and beech forest and NZ raised varieties of
rhododendron, maples, perennials lilies and roses.
DAY 4 Tuesday 21 November, 2023 Christchurch
Today we travel to the pretty village of Akaroa, originally founded by the
French which still retains the French ambience. We will visit the Giant’s House a
6★ garden created by Josie Martin a painter, sculptor artist and horticulturist.
It has a unique mosaic garden and is full of colourful sculptures. We continue
with a visit to Fisherman’s Bay Garden. It is an idyllic garden filled with bright
colours and varied textures, which offers breath-taking views of the Pacific
Ocean. Tour members wishing to dine with the group please meet the tour
manager in the lobby this evening.
DAY 5 Wednesday 22 November, 2023 Christchurch
We travel north first to visit Amberley House, established in 1876. An extensive
pond network is surrounded by 2,500 specimen trees many over 100 years
old. We continue our journey to Flaxmere gardens, rated 6★ by the NZ Garden
Trust, where we will see seven acres of boldly designed garden designed to
make the most of the alpine views. Stone walls and old bridge timbers add
earthy elements and complement the ponds. When we visit the late clematis,
roses and water irises should be in bloom.
DAY 6 Thursday 23 November, 2023 Omarama
We journey to Lake Tekapo, situated on the lake of the same name, where
we will see gorgeous mountains in the distance. On the journey we visit
Trotts Garden rated 6★ by the NA Garden Trust. The four hectare garden has
650 rhododendrons in the woodland gardens, a peaceful water garden, an
English style formal herbaceous border and a sculptural knot garden. Our final
destination is Omarma for an overnight stay.
DAY 7 Friday 24 November, 2023 Queenstown
We journey to Queenstown, the magnificent holiday capital of New Zealand.
Sitting on Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by towering mountains, its scenery
is among the most spectacular in the world. We will stop to visit Da’Vella
Gore’s two acres of English garden, scented by lavender, roses and honey
suckle, before we arrive in Queenstown.
DAY 8 Saturday 25 November, 2023 Queenstown
Today we visit Chantecler, a 40 acre property with 12 acres of themed
garden styles with a breathtaking backdrop of The Remarkables. We drive to
Arrowtown, a spectacular goldrush town dating from the 1860s. We’ll take our
time exploring its historic main street, before travelling to the Gibbston Wine
Region for a tasting of its world famous pinot noir wine.
DAY 9 Sunday 26 November, 2023 Queenstown
We will enjoy some of the best tourist activities today starting with a gondola
ride to Bob’s Peak for a magnificent view of The Remarkables, Queenstown
and Lake Whakatipu. We then visit the waterfront for a cruise on a restored
vintage steamship around Lake Whakatipu, NZ’s longest lake. The afternoon
will be free for individual exploration. Tour members wishing to dine with the
group please meet the tour manager in the lobby this evening.
DAY 10 Monday 27 November, 2023 Queenstown
This morning we visit A Wild Dream. This garden features three thousand roses
and a thousand lilies. The scent of these flowers will follow us around the garden
as we examine sculptures showing different yoga positions, scattered around. In
the afternoon we visit the four acre Birchwood Garden set against magnificent mountains. The garden was designed by Paul Bangay and the former owner
Margot Robinson, it features a green, white and a mauve colour pallet with 300
‘Sally Holmes’ roses, masses of catmint, lavender and mature trees.
DAY 11 Tuesday 28 November, 2023 Dunedin
Today we travel to the city of Dunedin. Originally founded by Scottish settlers
and known as the Edinburgh of the South, it features beautifully preserved
Victorian and Edwardian buildings overlooking parklands. The remainder
of the afternoon will be free for individual exploration. Why not visit the
Dunedin Botanic Gardens, the oldest public garden in NZ, and stroll through
the rhododendron dell, take a city walk to see vibrant street art or journey to
the past in one of the local museums.
DAY 12 Wednesday 29 November, 2023 Dunedin
This morning we visit New Zealand’s ‘castle’ which overlooks the Otago
Peninsular. Built from 1871, by William Larnach, merchant banker and
politician, Larnach Castle showcases beautiful Victorian craftsmanship and
antiques. The Barker family bought the 14-hectare property in 1967 and
restored the house and garden which attained a 6★ Garden of International
Significance award from the NZ gardens trust. The 7 acres of gardens include
an extensive collection of native plants. Returning to Dunedin, we visit the
historic, Jacobean-style Olveston House, containing a treasure trove of art and
antiques, set in nearly half a hectare of garden. In the evening we will enjoy a
farewell dinner to say goodbye to Deryn and group members.
DAY 13 Thursday 30 November, 2023 Departure
This morning we transfer to the airport for flights back to Australia.
| TWIN FARE PER PERSON | SINGLE FARE |
|---|---|
| $6,200 | $7,550 |
Touring can involve a considerable amount of walking and stair climbing in the places visited and it is important that all tour participants have a level of physical fitness that allows them to take part in this activity without the need of assistance from others.
TOUR OPERATOR:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd (ABN
64 005 817 078) is the tour organiser. Tour members must
complete and sign the Travelrite International booking form.
DEPOSIT AND PAYMENT:
A deposit of $900 per passenger
should be sent with a completed Travelrite International
booking form. Final payments are due to be paid to Travelrite
International 60 days prior to the commencement of the
tour A 1.5% administration fee will be added to payments by
credit card.
CANCELLATION CHARGES:
Number of days before departure.
REFUNDS:
The cruise is based on arrangements which do not
allow for any refunds in respect to sightseeing, accommodation,
meals or other services not utilised after the tour has
commenced.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS:
All passengers will require a valid
passport with six month validity. If not an Australian
passport holder check with Travelrite International for visa
requirements.
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
Adequate travel insurance is highly
recommended to cover cruise members for the consequences
of unforeseen events during the cruise and for cancellation
fees which could result from events such as illness, accident,
death etc.
BAGGAGE:
Passengers qualify for 23 kilos of baggage on
flights to join or return from the New Zealand tour. The coach
can only accommodate 1 piece of luggage per person.
MINIMUM TOUR NUMBERS AND CONDITIONS:
The fly/tour arrangements have
been made on the basis of a minimum number of passengers
travelling. In the event that less than the required number of
passengers have confirmed their booking 60 days from the
date of departure, Travelrite International reserves the right
to cancel the tour, giving a full refund of monies paid, or offer
arrangements to proceed with the tour at a modified fare.
TOUR ORGANISATION:
Travelrite reserves the right to change
advertised entrances if necessary for the smooth operation of
the tour.
TOUR PARTICIPATION:
Children under 5 years of age are ineligible on coach & cruise tours. Children under 18 years of age must be
accompanied by an adult. Passengers with disabilities are welcome on Travelrite & Cruise Offers tours provided they are accompanied by a companion capable of providing
all necessary assistance, and do not require special assistance from Travelrite & Cruise Offers personnel. Travelrite and Cruise Offers reserves the right to
refuse to carry anyone if it is felt the individual cannot cope with the requirements of coach & cruise tour travel and who may require services and facilities that
Travelrite & Cruise Offers cannot guarantee will be available. You agree to not hold the Travelrite & Cruise Offers responsible for any decision made by any of them or
any service provider to refuse to carry you, provide any facilities or accommodation to you or to provide any service to you.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd is the
tour organiser. Travelrite International Pty Ltd, its agents,
officers, affiliates, and/or suppliers of services pursuant
to, or in connection with these fly/tour, shall act only as
agents in making arrangements for hotels, transportation,
including transportation by ship, restaurants, or any other service and do not assume any liability whatsoever for any
injury, damage, death, loss, accident or delay to person
or property due to an act of negligence or a default of any
hotel, carrier restaurant company or person rendering any
services included in fly/tour, or by act of God. Further, no
responsibilities are accepted for any damage or delay due
to sickness, pilferage, labour disputes, machinery breakdown,
quarantine, government restraints, weather, terrorism
or other causes beyond their control. No responsibility is
accepted for any additional expense, omission, delays, rerouting
or acts of any government authority. Baggage is at
owners’ risk throughout the fly/tour. The passage contract
between the carriers concerned, when issued, shall constitute
the sole contract between the carriers and the purchasers
of this fly/tour and/or the passengers. The right is reserved
to withdraw any fly/tour and/or make such changes in
the fly/tour as may be found desirable or necessary for the
convenience of the parties and the proper carrying out of the
fly/tour. This contract shall be construed in accordance with
the laws of the State of Victoria and any legal action must be
taken in Victoria, Australia.
DELAYS AND UNFORESEEN EVENTS:
You engage Travelrite
International to book this tour on your behalf and you
acknowledge that Travelrite International acts as your agent
for the purpose of making contracts between you and
the various providers of accommodation, transportation
and other services that comprise the tour. Travelrite may
without reference to you provide or make available to you,
or may as your agent engage any third party to provide or
make available to you, any good or service which Travelrite
reasonably believes is necessary for your benefit to maintain
the tour itinerary, repatriate you or otherwise accommodate,
transport or sustain you in circumstances in which the tour
itinerary fails wholly or partly for any reason. You appoint
Travelrite International your attorney for this purpose. You
agree to pay Travelrite any cost thereof and you indemnify
Travelrite in respect of any cost it incurs in this regard.
Travelrite advises you to obtain travel insurance generally
including in respect of the risk that any such good or service
may become required.
TRAVEL VACCINATION POLICY:
While highly recommended,
COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters are no longer required
for guests traveling with us. It is your responsibility to comply
with specific vaccine and/or booster requirements imposed
by airlines, cruise lines and/or authorities in the destinations
visited, as well as requirements for accessing restaurants and
venues, which may be more restrictive than the above. No
refunds will be given if you are unable to undertake some
or all of their vacation due to failure to comply with these
requirements.
HOW TO BOOK:
Bookings can be made by completing a
booking form and sending it with a deposit of $900 per
person to:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd
423 Whitehorse Road
Balwyn, Victoria 3103
Further information or a booking form can be obtained by contacting
Travelrite International on the following numbers:
Toll Free: 1800 630 343
Phone: (03) 9836 2522
Email: balwyn@travelrite.com.au
ABOUT TRAVELRITE INTERNATIONAL:
Travelrite International
Pty Ltd (ABN 64 005 817 078) is a well-established
travel company which has been marketing throughout
Australia for over 40 years. It has an office at Balwyn which
is accredited with IATA and ATAS No.A10538. As such it
directly represents the major airlines of the world and all
major domestic and international hotel, tour and transport
operators. Travelrite International Pty Ltd is a full member of
the Australian Federation of Travel Agents – AFTA
“The whole tour was wonderful and the group was a good mix of personality. The gardens visited were interesting and varied.”
“Very enjoyable. Good mix of people in the group.”
