Today we start our Spring fling in the beautiful Waikato. Our first stop is for lunch at the historical Woodlands Garden Grove Country Café. This is a magical place nestled within the historic Woodlands Victorian Estate. The Homestead is a category 1 Historic listed place and the gardens are home to NZ’s largest Eucalyptus tree! Here, you will have the opportunity to visit the old Kauri Homestead established in 1815 and wander the gardens.

After our leisurely lunch and getting to know our fellow traveller’s, we arrive at our accommodation in Cambridge for our 4-night stay. Unpack your bag, make a cuppa and put your feet up before heading out for a beautiful dinner only a few minutes from our motel. 

(Lunch, Dinner).

Today is an open day for you to enjoy at your leisure as the festivities begin at Blossfest! With its masses of bluebells, primulas and, of course, cherry blossoms this is a fabulous day out. In addition, be entertained by a wide variety of music and dance acts and keep your eye out as street performers wander the beautiful gardens creating a dreamy carnival atmosphere.

In 1996, Paul & Anne moved to the property and there was little but grass, and over the years the garden expanded in all directions! The ponds, streams, waterfalls, drystone walls and the wide variety of plantings, make this property up to be the lush haven that it is now. Paul & Anne were soon inspired to create ‘Blossfest’ after many a trespasser would stop to take photos of their blossoms. 

We meet again at midday for a lovely high-tea experience together before exploring the events and activities of the festival further. Tonight we share stories of our days adventures whilst dining at a local restaurant.

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

Comfy shoes are the order of the day as we drive to The Sculpture Park at Waitakaruru Arboretum to enjoy an ‘art-in-nature’ experience. With over 100 sculptures and installations, this is one of New Zealand’s largest outdoor galleries. The trail winds around a landscape of ponds, cliffs, rocks & thousands of trees created from a former derelict quarry.

We enjoy lunch in the café and allow plenty of time for you to enjoy this amazing property at your leisure. 

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

Today, our morning visit is to the stunning Takapoto Estate. This living sanctuary and family legacy, sits on 3 kilometres of waterfront on Lake Karapiro. The land has been lovingly restored with over 800,000 native trees and plants that now provide a thriving eco sanctuary to the neighbouring Maungatautari Mountain. 

On this foundation, Takapoto Estate has built world-class equestrian facilities, function areas, boutique cottage accommodation, a horse breeding program, vineyards and wines, a market garden, and Angus bulls.

Later we visit The Goodlife Retreat and ‘what began as a home has become our sanctuary” is how Paul and Nat describe their oasis. We won’t share too much with you on this visit now as we believe the element of surprise is part of the experience but trust us – you won’t be disappointed! 

(Breakfast, Morning Tea, Afternoon Tea, Dinner).

Today we are homeward bound, but not before we finish exploring the wonders of Waikato. And a trip to the Waikato would not be complete without a visit to the Hamilton Gardens. Here, we enjoy a 90 minute tour followed by lunch.  

And lastly we finish the fun on a high note as we take a leisurely jet boat ride on the Waikato River. This ecological River cruise, takes in the sites as our driver shares with us stories of the area. For 60 minutes our boat takes us upstream through the narrow Cambridge Gorge whilst capturing a glimpse of stunning waterfalls, fish and bird life. We learn the history of the ‘mighty Waikato and visit the base of the Karapiro Dam and Power Station. Don’t worry – no spins unless we ask for one or two! 

On arrival in Auckland we say our fond farewells and we sincerely hope you’ve enjoyed your holiday with Seemore Tours where you see more, do more & have more fun. 

(Breakfast).