REGISTRATION
Registration is available to Members, Assessors and Friends of the NZ Gardens Trust. Final Date for Registrations 15 March. Registration includes garden entries, morning/afternoon teas, lunches, the conference dinner and conference transport.
Early Bird Price: $825 incl GST until 31 January
Full Price: $875 incl GST 1 February to 25 March or until sold out
CANCELLATION
50% refund before 15 March, thereafter at the discretion of the Trustees.
ACCOMMODATION
We will be staying in two hotels in Timaru and travelling from there. The Grosvenor or the Benvenue. We have a discounted room rate for delegates. Contact your chosen hotel for your booking and mention you are part of the NZ Gardens Trust Conference.
Benvenue: Kelly stay@benvenuehotel.co.nz 03 644 4049
Grosvenor: Booking # 61295 reception@thegrosvenor.co.nz +64 3 687 9190
TRANSPORT
Buses will be leaving Christchurch Airport at 10.00am OR for those driving to Christchurch and wanting free parking while away they will be leaving Casa Rossa (139 Old Tai Tapu Rd, Halswell) at 10.30am. Please indicate which pick up point you require.
We will return to these two locations on Sunday by 2pm.
REGISTRATION
9 April
9-10am at the Novotel at Christchurch Airport OR
9.45-10.30am at Casa Rossa Garden for those leaving cars in Christchurch
CONFERENCE ITINERARY while details await confirmation
CONFERENCE DAY 01 Thursday 9th April
9am-7pm
Begin the conference with a journey through some of Canterbury’s finest private gardens and landscapes. After departing Christchurch, the day unfolds with visits to the elegant Frensham and the renowned Broadfield Garden, both known for their superb planting and design. Enjoy a relaxed welcome lunch and where you’ll meet the trustees and fellow delegates. This is followed by a visit to Meadowbank Lodge a new addition to the NZ Gardens Trust family. The afternoon continues at the historic Ashburton Domain and Public Gardens before travelling south to Timaru for a free evening.
CONFERENCE DAY 02 Friday 10th April
8am-6.30pm
Venture south to Ōamaru for a day rich in gardens, heritage and flavour. Start with morning tea and a wander through the kitchen garden and shop at Riverstone Kitchen, before visiting the gracious Brookfield Park Garden. Explore the Ōamaru Public Gardens and walk into the Victorian Precinct for lunch at the Grain Store. The afternoon features a visit to the Douglas Family Trust arboretum at Waianakarua, including the presentation of a commemorative tree, followed by herbal teas and hospitality at Willow Park. Return to Timaru for a free evening.
CONFERENCE DAY 03 Saturday 11th April
8am-5.30pm, 6.30pm-10.45pm
Today combines garden visits with the conference programme. Coaches will visit Craigmore Station for morning tea to view the Māori Rock Art and hear about regenerative farming practices before a walk through the Timaru Botanic Gardens. From there, the group continues to the Trevor Griffiths Rose Garden before walking to Sopheze on the Bay for lunch and the plant silent auction. The afternoon features three guest speakers - Philip Smith from O2 Landscapes, Roselyn Fauth from WuHoo Timaru and David Kennedy from the International Antarctic Centre, followed by the NZGT AGM. In the evening, enjoy the conference dinner at the historic Landing Service building, with keynote speaker Ross Palmer, raffles and celebration.
CONFERENCE DAY 04 Sunday 12th April
8.15am-2pm arrival at Christchurch Airport.
The final day takes you inland to Geraldine. Begin at Barkers with a visit to the riverside plantings and time to explore the shop before travelling to Capricorns, the private garden of Ros and Philip Burdon. Enjoy a generous morning tea and time in the garden before returning north. The conference concludes with drop-offs at Casa Rossa and Christchurch Airport, wrapping up four days of gardens, gatherings and southern hospitality.
PLEASE NOTE: The itinerary may change so please check the itinerary supplied at the conference registration.
