Ellerslie Garden Tours 2014

Celebrate the garden capital with over 20 hand-picked gardens across Christchurch and Canterbury.

Ellerslie Garden Tours will visit some of the regions most acclaimed private and nationally important gardens including Middle Rock, Coniston, Winchmore, Dalkeith, Ohinetahi, Otahuna and Millstream.

The carefully selected tours include a half day heritage trail through the Christchurch Red Zone with Avon River advocate Diana Madgin. This special tour begins in the Christchurch CBD and follows the river all the way to the Estuary.

“The tour takes in the enormity of the the earthquake damage – and the vulnerability of this coastal land. Even three years on it will be a real eye-opener for our out-of-town visitors”, says tour organiser Freda Hunter.

For lovers of Canterbury’s English heritage, the grand homes and gardens of Otahuna and Ohinetahi are sure to wow. The later is a category 1-listed heritage house with a distinguished garden compromising an amphitheatre, comprehensive architectural library, art gallery and many contemporary outdoor sculptures.

Francophiles will enjoy Akaroa Art & Gardens, from the captivating garden at French Farm to the dramatic natives set against stunning Pacific ocean vistas at Fisherman’s Bay.

No matter what your garden penchant may be, the 2014 programme has something for all tastes and ages.

[one_half]

Ellerslie Garden Tours run from Wednesday 26 February to Sunday 2 March 2014 and include a selection of full and half day tours.

Most tours provide morning tea and some include lunch and afternoon tea. An experienced guide will host each tour. Brochures are available from the Canterbury Horticultural Society or Christchurch City Council offices (from mid November).

Make sure to reserve your ticket as the number for each tour is limited.

Bookings will be available from Mid November

Bookings can be made online or by telephoning the CHS office on (03) 366 6937 or in person at the Canterbury Horticultural Centre, 57 Riccarton Ave Hagley Park South Christchurch (eftpos and credit card available).

Having recently celebrated our 150th Anniversary, the Canterbury Horticultural Society is one of the oldest horticultural organisations in New Zealand. A considerable influence on the development of Christchurch as the Garden City of New Zealand, it has always been a horticultural innovator and looks forward to participating in the rebuild of Christchurch. The Society has been organising tours for over 20 years and has established a reputation for its carefully crafted itineraries, excellent guides and seamless organisation.

ENDS

[/one_half]

[one_half_last]

High resolution images are available on request

Media contacts:

Freda Hunter
Tour Director
Canterbury Horticultural Society
Tel: (03) 366 6937
Email: tours@chsgardens.co.nz

Emma Velde
Communications Officer
Canterbury Horticultural Society
Tel: (03) 366 6937
Email: info@chsgardens.co.nz
(Please contact Emma for images)

[/one_half_last]