On Fri, 08 Feb 2008 10:14:46 +0000, Sacha
wrote:

For his birthday present Ray is being given two tickets to NZ (and back!)
from my son and his wife. We'll probably go in January of next year, even
though his birthday is next month.
I've never been there but Ray went to NZ about 15 or so years ago but by now
there must be other, or more highly developed, gardens. Has anyone got any
particular recommendations? We won't be seeing gardens only but obviously,
those will be a major attraction for us! We intend to drive ourselves, as
and where the whim takes us but I want to start planning with the aid of
online maps, some of which show specific driving tours. I want, also, to
get him some books appropriate to the gardens of NZ, so again, any
suggestions will be most welcome.

Sacha, how wonderful! Our tour over Christmas and New Year was a
hectic organised coach tour, but if you go to Christchurch do go to
the Botanic Gardens there. The trees are magnificent, just huge and
so majestic.
The Pahutakawa (NZ Christmas tree was in flower in N. Island, and
juast amazing. I could see it had the same effect on Monty Don!
A valley full of "Wild" lupins was a beautiful sight. My friend
bought a book of NZ "Wild flowers" and most are escapes from English
gardens. We saw more sparrows, blackbirds and thrushes there than we
see at home now.
I would have loved to see that garden at New Plymouth which Monty
visited.
If you go via Singapore the Orchid garden there is stunning.
Plan carefully!


Pam in Bristol