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Earthbound Expeditions Inc.
P.O. Box 11305, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 USA
T. 800.723.8454 / T. 206.842.9775 / F. 206.238 .8480
www.EarthboundExpeditions.com
GG AA RR DD EE NN SS oo ff NN EE WW ZZ EE AA LL AA NN DD
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February 4 - 16, 2020
You are cordially invited! Please join me, Walter Reeves,
and escape winter on this stunning garden adventure to
New Zealand! Together, we will discover first-hand the rich
culture and sheer beauty of this isolated island paradise.
We’ll cruise Auckland’s spectacular bay, visit gushing
geysers, relax in hot springs and learn about Maori history,
music and dance in Rotorua. Then we continue south to
the capital Wellington. There we'll visit the excellent Te
Papa Museum and stunning Wellington Botanical
Gardens. After, we’ll fly south to Christchurch to board the TranzAlpine Express. We'll ride
the rails to Arthur’s Pass and then continue on to Franz Josef town and Queenstown for a
spectacular cruise on Milford Sound. February is summertime in New Zealand, so please join
me for what promises to be another amazing garden adventure!
TRIP AT GLANCE 1 Night overnight flight to New Zealand
2 Nights Auckland, New Zealand’s Northern Capital
2 Nights Rotorua
1 Night Masterton
2 Nights Wellington
1 Night Christchurch
1 Night Franz Josef Town
3 Nights Queenstown
3 Nights Sydney, Australia Post -Tour Option
Earthbound Expeditions Inc.
P.O. Box 11305, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 USA
T. 800.723.8454 / T. 206.842.9775 / F. 206.238 .8480
www.EarthboundExpeditions.com
JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS Auckland and Wellington Botanic Gardens Maori cultural center and feast Summertime
garden visits with local gardeners A scenic Trans-alpine train journey from Christchurch to
Arthur’s Pass The geysers and hot springs of Rotorua A full day cruising through the
fjords of the Southern Island Private garden visits with local gardeners Three fun-filled
days in Queenstown The National Museum of Wellington A group of like-minded
garden enthusiasts
YOUR GARDEN ADVENTURE INCLUDES With the Georgia Gardener, Walter Reeves
An expert Earthbound Kiwi guide
Visits to botanical and private gardens
Transport by first class coach Airport transfers while in New Zealand (for those arriving with the group)
All breakfasts plus 11 additional multi-course meals
Twelve nights of four star hotel accommodations
Porterage (1 piece per person)
Harbor cruise in Auckland
Maori cultural center and feast
Trans-alpine train journey from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass
Milford Sound cruise through Southern Alps
All sightseeing and attractions as listed in itinerary
Gratuities for your drivers and guides
Earthbound Expeditions makes an annual contribution to Carbonfund
TRIP FACTS 15 Days / 14 Nights (when including air travel)
$5,399 per person, double occupancy (land)
$1,199 Single Supplement
Depart Atlanta February 2, 2020
Trip begins in Auckland on February 4, 2020
Trip ends in Queenstown on February 16, 2020
Return to Atlanta on February 16
Post-tour extension to Sydney starts on February 16
Post-tour extension to Sydney starts on February 19
$1,995.00 GROUP AIR OPTION – including domestic flight Air New Zealand from Atlanta
Earthbound Expeditions Inc.
P.O. Box 11305, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 USA
T. 800.723.8454 / T. 206.842.9775 / F. 206.238 .8480
www.EarthboundExpeditions.com
“What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
YYOOUURR JJOOUURRNNEEYY BBEEGGIINNSS……..
Days 1 and 2: February 2 &3 - Depart Atlanta (or meet us in Auckland!)
Depart from your home airport today. Remember, you’ll lose one day crossing the
International Date Line, but not to worry, you’ll get it back upon your return to the USA.
Day 3: February 4 - Arrive in Auckland
To start off the day we’ll enjoy a morning cruise on the beautiful Aitemata Harbor and a
welcome lunch. Then, after lunch we’ll officially check in to our hotel. Free evening to rest and
relax. Sleep in Auckland (B, L)* Breakfast will be served in flight before landing, lunch is included today.
Day 4: February 5 - Gardens of Auckland
The Auckland Botanic Gardens covers 156 acres of land and native forest. Opening to the
public in 1982, the Auckland Botanic Gardens is a young garden by world standards.
However, it is widely recognized for its outstanding plant collections, Auckland regional
identity and the interest it has inspired in the community. A focus on creating unique gardens
and landscapes has resulted in a spectacular garden with a distinctive South Pacific flavor.
Enjoy lunch at the garden before setting off to meet some local gardeners. After, we’ll tour a
private home garden and speak with local gardeners.
In the late afternoon you can opt to catch a ferry to the quaint village of Devonport and take
in the views from atop Mt Eden, an extinct volcano. Or, you can visit Sky Tower, the tallest
tower in the southern hemisphere. Sleep in Auckland (B, L)
Earthbound Expeditions Inc.
P.O. Box 11305, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 USA
T. 800.723.8454 / T. 206.842.9775 / F. 206.238 .8480
www.EarthboundExpeditions.com
Day 5: February 6 - Auckland to Rotorua via the Gardens of Ayrlies: Depart Auckland and
travel to Ayrlies Garden, one of New Zealand’s best known gardens and a Garden of National
Significance. Use of color is a hallmark of Ayrlies, seen best in the Lurid Border where hot
colors are used to great effect. After visiting the Ayrlies Gardens, we'll travel through
magnificent countryside to Dalton's Plantation for a tour and time to stroll in the beautiful
gardens here. We depart for Rotorua in the late afternoon. Sleep in Rotorua (B, L, D)
Day 6: February 7 - Maori Performance in Rotorua
Enjoy a gondola ride to the Skyline Restaurant for a buffet lunch
served with spectacular views. This evening you will experience an
entertaining Maori Hāngī and concert. Sleep in Rotorua (B, L, D)
Day 7: February 8 - Rotorua to Masterton via Napier
Today we travel along the Thermal Explorer Highway to view the
mighty Huka Falls before continuing to Lake Taupo. Visit the Taupo
Museum, with its recreation of ‘100% Pure New Zealand Ora - Garden of Wellbeing', New
Zealand’s gold medal-winning entry in the 2004 Chelsea Flower Show. This special show
garden showcases central North Island flora.
Then we are off to have a walkabout in the Art Deco capital of New Zealand, Napier.
Enjoy the architecture, cafes and history of this small town before continuing south to
Masterton. Sleep in Masterton (B, D)
Day 8: February 9 - Masterton to Wellington via Wellington’s Gardens
Also known as the Otari Native Botanic Garden and Wilton’s Bush Reserve, this is the only
public garden in New Zealand that is entirely dedicated to native plant life. Because of its rich,
native collection, Otari-Wilton’s Bush is classified as a Garden of International Significance by
the New Zealand Gardening Trust. Sleep in Wellington (B, D)
Earthbound Expeditions Inc.
P.O. Box 11305, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 USA
T. 800.723.8454 / T. 206.842.9775 / F. 206.238 .8480
www.EarthboundExpeditions.com
Day 9: February 10 - Wellington’s Cultural Center and Botanical Gardens
Today starts with a city tour highlighting Wellington’s tremendous history and culture. Then
we’ll soak up a little history, art and culture at the Te Papa Museum. There is something for
everyone here and you won’t want to miss this museum which helps unravel the many
mysteries of this land.
This afternoon enjoy an excursion by cable car to the Wellington Botanic Garden! Here you
can see the protected native forest, specialized plant collections, colorful floral displays and
views over the city. After, we’ll tour the home of a local gardener to learn about the special
challenges and delights faced by local gardeners. Sleep in Wellington (B)
Day 10: February 11 - Christchurch: The Ohinetahi House and Gardens
We depart this morning for an early flight to Christchurch. Upon arrival we'll visit one of the
area's most beautiful gardens. The Ohinetahi House and Gardens lies in a protected valley in
Governors Bay just over the Port Hills from Christchurch. It is surrounded on three sides by a
steep volcanic crater rim while the view to the north-east sweeps straight out across Lyttelton
Harbour and Banks Peninsula. A garden was first made on this site in 1865 by T H Potts one
of New Zealand’s first botanists. He planted a great variety of exotic trees and shrubs, many of
which stand on the perimeter of the garden. Enjoy lunch here before we make our way to our
hotel. Sleep in Christchurch (B, L)
Day 11: February 12 - Tranz-alpine Train from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass
In a country known for spectacular scenery, today is tops! This morning we’ll board the
TranzAlpine train for a stunning alpine adventure from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass. Known
as one of the most famous and beautiful train rides in the world, we’ll traverse the fertile
farmlands of the Canterbury Plains and have thrilling vistas over deep gorges. Our plan is to
disembark at Arthur’s Pass (having seen the most beautiful scenery) and board our private
motor coach to Greymouth for lunch. From Greymouth we’ll continue on to Franz Josef
Town. Sleep in Franz Josef Town (B, D)
Earthbound Expeditions Inc.
P.O. Box 11305, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 USA
T. 800.723.8454 / T. 206.842.9775 / F. 206.238 .8480
www.EarthboundExpeditions.com
Day 12: February 13- Franz Josef Town to Queenstown
This morning we continue south from Franz Josef Town to Queenstown. Our scenic drive
takes us through Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and Mount Aspiring National Park.
We’ll stop for lunch along the way. We'll arrive in Queenstown in the late afternoon and have
a free evening in Queenstown. Sleep in Queenstown (B, L)
Day 13: February 14 - Queenstown
Queenstown is New Zealand’s adventure capital! Today is a free day to get out and enjoy the
scenery. Options include: jet boating, canyoning, white water rafting, paragliding, fishing,
biking, biking, and bungee jumping! Sleep in Queenstown (B, D)
Day 14: February 15 - Queenstown and Milford Sound: Don’t forget your camera today!
Today is a full day excursion to Milford Sound. Bounded by steep cliffs and dense rainforest,
Milford Sound is by far the best known of all of the fiords in New Zealand, and the only one
that can be accessed by road. Rain or shine, Milford Sound continues to captivate even the
most experienced traveler. At the pinnacle of Milford Sound is the iconic Mitre Peak -
standing a proud 5,000 feet above sea level, it is certainly an impressive sight to behold. It is
approximately 10 miles from the head of the fjord to the open sea, which means together, we
will comfortably travel the length of the fjord to open ocean and return today. Sleep in
Queenstown (B)
Day 15: February 16 - Return home with a lifetime of memories!
Having experienced some of the finest scenery and gardens in New Zealand, it is time to say
goodbye. You will be transferred to the Queenstown airport for your flight home after a
memorable holiday. For those returning to the USA, you will arrive home the same day.
-Itinerary Details Subject to Change-
Earthbound Expeditions Inc.
P.O. Box 11305, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 USA
T. 800.723.8454 / T. 206.842.9775 / F. 206.238 .8480
www.EarthboundExpeditions.com
Explore Sydney!
PPOOSSTT--TTOOUURR EEXXTTEENNSSIIOONN:: TTOO SSYYDDNNEEYY,, AAUUSSTTRRAALLIIAA $1,195 per person double occupancy (air to Australia from New Zealand included)
$375 single supplement
Arrive Sydney: February 16, 2020
Depart Sydney: February 19, 2020
POST-TOUR INCLUDES
• Air transport on Air New Zealand, one-way
• Airport transfers and city orientation upon arrival in Sydney
• Three nights accommodation in a centrally-located 4 star hotel
• Breakfast daily
• Evening dinner cruise on Sydney Harbor
Not Included: Any items not mentioned above
Note about the post-tour extension: Sydney is a stunning and safe world class city. This means
that it can easily be explored on your own. The post-tour extension has been created for your
convenience and it’s perfect for those travelers who have always wanted to visit Sydney and
don’t mind doing a bit of exploring on their own.
Earthbound Expeditions Inc.
P.O. Box 11305, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 USA
T. 800.723.8454 / T. 206.842.9775 / F. 206.238 .8480
www.EarthboundExpeditions.com
MM EE EE TT YY OO UU RR HH OO SS TT :: WW AA LL TT EE RR RR EE EE VV EE SS !!
Garden expert, writer, radio and television host Walter
Reeves grew up on a small Georgia farm in Fayette County,
where his family raised chickens and cows. Walter and his
four younger siblings were all expected to tend a large garden
for family sustenance. After eighteen years of farm life, he
swore that if delivered from tending animals and plants, he
would never garden again. Yet, for a guy who longed to see
the family farm recede in the rearview mirror as he headed to
college, Walter admits that the unrelenting lure of gardening
was stronger than he ever anticipated!
Oddly enough, Walter is now the most respected garden guru in the Southeast and the author
or co-author of nine books on gardening. For 23 years, Reeves has hosted “The Lawn and
Garden Show with Walter Reeves” Saturday mornings on Atlanta’s WSB radio, which is one
of the most listened-to radio shows in Atlanta among all 30 competing stations each Saturday
morning. He also writes a weekly column for the Thursday Atlanta Journal-Constitution and
distributes a bi-weekly e-mail garden newsletter. Walter hosted “Your Southern Garden” on
Georgia Public Television for 10 years. He has been for many years a member of the board of
directors of Southface, the Atlanta-based sustainability organization. Besides being the
authority on gardening in the South, Walter is also the father of Grey, the world’s best 28-year
old peripatetic son.
Earthbound Expeditions Inc.
P.O. Box 11305, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 USA
T. 800.723.8454 / T. 206.842.9775 / F. 206.238 .8480
www.EarthboundExpeditions.com
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Packing: We’ll be hopping scenic trains and planes on this journey. This means that at times
you will be moving and carrying your bag both on to a train or bus. We suggest that you pack
light and utilize wheeled luggage. Porters are available at the hotels, but not on the trains or
buses.
Physical requirements: In order to make the most of your trip, you should be able to walk
independently for one to two miles, often over uneven cobblestones and be able to stand for a
period of time during walking or museum tours or visits to other sights. You must also be able
to maneuver luggage onto trains and buses (see above).
Luggage: You should be able to comfortably manage your luggage through airports and while
boarding a train. Porters are generally available to assist you at hotels only. Some of the castles,
hotels and country inns we utilize do not have porters, but most of our lodgings are equipped
with elevators. The key is not to over-pack.
Concerts, Festivals and Events: If (for any reason) the organizers of a scheduled concert,
festival or event cancel or postpone a planned activity with little or no notice, Earthbound
Expeditions will do its utmost to secure a similar event or secure another concert(s). Strikes,
unscheduled delays, lack of funds and acts of God are beyond the control of Earthbound
Expeditions. Cancellation of an event, festival or concert is not cause for refund.
Hosted Journeys: If a host or special guest is unable to attend as planned, Earthbound
Expeditions will do its utmost to find another host who has similar interests, talents and
expertise. The inability of a host to participate in a tour is not grounds for a full or partial
refund.
QUESTIONS & RESERVATIONS 800.723.8454
EarthboundExpeditions.com
Earthbound Expeditions Inc.
P.O. Box 11305, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 USA
T. 800.723.8454 / T. 206.842.9775 / F. 206.238 .8480
www.EarthboundExpeditions.com
Proud Partners Since 2008
Earthbound Expeditions offers customized overseas adventures for universities, museums,
garden clubs, and numerous public radio stations. Earthbound Expeditions is committed to
supporting environmental education, local small businesses and providing guests with a one-of-
a-kind, authentic travel experience. Whenever possible, Earthbound reserves locally-owned
hotels, utilizes the talents of local lecturers, and dines in family-owned establishments.
Earthbound also supports projects like the Children’s Eternal Rain Forest of Monteverde,
Costa Rica, the Soweto Youth and Development Project of South Africa, the Mam a Rosie
Orphanage in Cape Town and is assist ing famil ies and projects in Cam bodia and the USA .
Environmental Commitment
Through Earthbound’s proud partnership with the Carbonfund.org, Earthbound Expeditions
makes annual donations so as to help offset a guest’s carbon footprint. For every guest who
signs up on an Earthbound Expedition, $50 will be donated back to the Carbonfund.
The Carbonfund.org motto, “Reduce what you can; offset what you can’t” fits perfectly with
Earthbound Expeditions’ long established philosophy of supporting locally-owned businesses,
promoting education and embracing the concept of “slow” travel.
By using a simple carbon calculator, Carbonfund.org is able to determine the size of your
carbon footprint for any specific domestic or overseas adventure. You then may purchase
carbon credits. These credits go towards supporting (1) renewable energy, (2) energy efficiency
and (3) reforestation projects.
For more information see: http://www.carbonfund.org/Calculators.
Listen to Matthew’s travel advice & stories on KNKX-NPR Public Radio:
http://knkx.org/term/going-places -0