The Blooming Heart of Canterbury
-
Port
Lyttelton (Christchurch), New Zealand
-
Activity Level
Moderate
-
Excursion Type
All
-
Wheelchair Accessible
No
-
Starting At
$169.95
-
Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
-
Duration
Approximately 4 Hours
-
Meals Included
Meals not included
New Zealanders are known for their genuine hospitality and for pride in their homes and gardens. This enchanting experience invites you to meet some locals who open their doors to share their personal spaces, offering a glimpse into the harmonious blend of a century-old farmhouse and woodland garden that defines New Zealand living.
A scenic drive takes you along the shores of Lyttleton harbour and to the top of Dyers Pass for a view from the Canterbury plains to the Southern Alps — the views are spectacular.
Arriving at Ballymoney — a gorgeous old farmhouse — for a heartfelt, warm welcome from the homeowners. As you step into their home, you're treated like family, invited to share in their stories and traditions and become part of their home for a few hours.
After a traditional morning tea or coffee, explore the house and garden with your hosts. They happily share their knowledge and experience developing their much-loved property over the past few years. The garden features established peonies, rhododendrons, roses, perennials, and mature trees with an avenue of quince trees leading down to the cutting garden and to the farmland beyond.
The centennial home has recently undergone a significant renovation. It has been tastefully restored into a traditional New Zealand family home with many warm, welcoming features, from the open fires and farm kitchen to the bedrooms with garden views.
You'll leave with a profound appreciation for a seamless blend of Kiwi hospitality and a welcoming home and garden.
Notes:
Travel time is approximately one hour each way. Shade is limited; to avoid sunburn, wear light, long clothing suitable for use as a cover-up. Bring a hat and sunglasses; wear biodegradable/reef-safe sunscreen. Bring bottled water. Areas within the venue are accessible via 2 steps that participants must be able to climb without assistance.