New Zealand Awaits: Join Our 2027 Garden Adventure
(Updated: Sept. 24, 2026, 5:27 p.m.)
A glimpse of the exceptional public and private gardens featured on the tour, including, from left, Ohinetahi, The Giant’s House, Ayrlies Garden, and Hamilton Gardens. Photos by Charlotte Glen, NC State.
Imagine wandering through remarkable private gardens, discovering plants found nowhere else in the world, and taking in some of New Zealand’s most dramatic landscapes—all with one of the country’s leading horticulturists as your guide.
Join the Extension Gardener Travel Study Adventure to New Zealand, February 26–March 12, 2027, for a 15-day journey across the North and South Islands.
Along the way, we’ll explore exceptional public and private gardens, distinctive native flora, and unforgettable scenery while gaining a deeper appreciation for New Zealand’s horticultural culture. Our guide, renowned New Zealand horticulturist and plantsman Jack Hobbs, brings decades of experience and an insider’s perspective on the gardens, plants, and places we’ll visit.
Extension Master Gardener volunteers, their travel companions, and members of the public are all welcome. You do not need to be a Master Gardener volunteer to join the adventure.
Interested? Commit by October 15
Traveler commitments are needed by October 15. If this adventure is on your wish list, now is the time to explore the details and reserve your place.
A $1,000 per person deposit is required to confirm your reservation. Deposits are refundable, less a $250 per person cancellation fee, for 60 days from the processing date or until 90 days before departure, whichever comes first.
Discover New Zealand’s distinctive native flora, including, from left, New Zealand flax (Phormium tenax), tree ferns (Cyathea and Dicksonia species), and cabbage tree (Cordyline australis). Image by Charlotte Glen, NC State.
From Subtropical Gardens to Alpine Landscapes
One of the joys of this journey will be experiencing the remarkable variety of New Zealand’s gardens and landscapes as we travel from Auckland in the north to Christchurch in the south.
On the South Island, the scenery becomes part of the garden adventure. From our base in Queenstown, experiences include Walter Peak High Country Farm and the unforgettable landscapes of Milford Sound.
Spectacular landscapes along the journey include, from left, Governors Bay near Christchurch, the Remarkables mountain range in Queenstown, and Otago Harbour in Dunedin. Photos by Charlotte Glen, NC State.
Tour at a Glance
February 26–March 12, 2027
15 days, 14 nights exploring the North & South Islands
3 nights in Auckland
3 nights in New Plymouth
3 nights in Queenstown
2 nights in Dunedin
3 nights in Christchurch
Tour price: $8,495 per person, double occupancy Single supplement: $2,235
International airfare to New Zealand is not included.
Meet Our Guide and Preview the Journey
Want to learn more before deciding? Watch our Gardens of New Zealand Preview & Q&A with Jack Hobbs and Matthew Brumley of Earthbound Expeditions. Jack shares a glimpse of New Zealand’s plants, gardens, and landscapes, while Matthew provides an overview of the journey and what travelers can expect.
Ready to Explore New Zealand?
If you’ve dreamed of experiencing New Zealand—or simply love discovering remarkable gardens with fellow plant enthusiasts—this is a unique opportunity to see the country through a horticultural lens.
Traveler commitments are needed by October 15.
View the complete itinerary, tour inclusions, pricing, and registration information on the Earthbound Expeditions website.
Questions About the Tour?
For questions about registration, travel arrangements, or tour logistics, contact our travel partners at Earthbound Expeditions:
