Due to some considerations relating to the NZ Flower Show location at Okahu Bay the organisers have sadly advised that they have had to postpone the show until November 2017. Kate Hillier and her team apologise for any inconvenience.
With so many wonderful gardens to be seen in the Auckland region we have decided to continue with our tour as planned.
In place of the NZ Flower Show we will experience a wonderful day in the Coatesville area visiting the beautiful gardens of “A La Fois”, “Pinelee”, “Mincher” and “Totara Waters” at Whenuapai.
This comprehensive short break runs from Wednesday 23 to Saturday 26 November 2016.
$1949 (single supplement $475).
Includes return airfares, hotel accommodation, coach travel, garden entries, most meals & more!
Download the Brochure & Booking Form
The following is a glimpse of “Mincher” where we also enjoy a light lunch.
Approached by a chestnut-lined drive which winds past old orchards and streams, Mincher, a large rural garden just north of Auckland’s CBD, is home to many varieties of waterfowl and birdlife including Grey Teal, Aylesburys, Kingfishers, Shining Cuckoos, Tui and Kaka.
The structure and formality of the Georgian styled home is reflected in the immediate surrounding planting with long perennial borders and a parterre before gradually loosening to a more cottage style area under the ancient apple trees.
Passing through the “kissing gate” under the mature willows reveals a different vista of expansive grassed areas, encompassing “The Ride”edged with pin oaks, winding gravel paths weaving through a mix of native and exotic planting and the Rhododendron Walk, a blaze of glorious colour in Spring.
The neighbouring traditional walled kitchen garden with its Victorian inspired glasshouses and adjoining gardener’s cottage nestled in its own pretty garden provides a quiet spot for contemplation.
Set against a backdrop of typically Northland podocarp forest, the Bush Walk features lookouts over the Mahonui Stream. Explore the 60m long bog garden and Drogo, the croquet lawn encircled with trimmed Totara and stroll under the pergola, espaliered with Manchurian pears.