Alpine Splendour Tour

Nestled at the northern end of the spectacular Southern Alps the gardens of St Arnaud will delight and surprise you.  This tour includes your transport, a delicious Devonshire tea at the historic Tophouse and a sumptuous lunch at the Alpine Lodge. DOC Botanist Sandra Wotherspoon will lead us for a walk alongside a picturesque stream, through pristine native forest filled with the song of the fantails and bellbirds that abound there.  A portion of the ticket price goes towards plants for the forest restoration project. For this tour you must wear sturdy footwear and bring a warm jacket.
 

Rustic Retreat – Richard and Karen Thoms

Rustic Retreat – an eclectic mix of quirky garden art, native and alpine plantings with ponds, boardwalk through the wetlands and also a wee studio available for rent. Initially just swamp land covered in manuka, over the last sixteen years the gardens have evolved as have the buildings, thus creating privacy and seclusion, frequented by wonderful native bird life such as Tuis, Bellbirds, Wekas, Kakas and Robins.
 

Avarest – Steve and Margaret Anderson

Margaret’s grand parents purchased Avarest in the early 1900’s with her parents replacing the old and tiny cottage in the 1960’s with the existing house. They were keen gardener’s thus the rhododendron collection began in earnest. Margaret and Steve purchased the property in 2002 and continued the tradition building it into the extensive collection you will see today. The Rhododendron’s have been very cleverly under planted amongst the native forest and due to the Alpine growing season, will still, along with the daffodils, be putting on a show for us in November.
 

The Garden of Geoff and Robin Robinson

This exclusively native garden has been developed over the past thirteen years. The challenging elevated hillside site had first to be cleared of the many introduced exotic plants present. The substantial numbers of plants used were native plants indigenous to this location. Planting in this glacial moraine country meant everything needed to be broken up with a crowbar, backfilled, composted and given a lot of “tender loving care” to survive. Clever use of plant combinations are showcased in his garden.
 

Tophouse

A Category “A” listed Historic building, the Tophouse historic hotel was built in 1887. Made of cob, (solid mud) it was designed to accommodate travellers passing through the area. It boasts the Country’s smallest bar, not necessarily the most peaceful though, as the bullet holes in the walls will attest. You will be mesmerised by stories of the past, view the historic rooms and experience the unique atmosphere of this 124 year old building, whilst savouring your Devonshire tea in front of the open fire, or in the garden. 
 

Department of Conservation

Hunter’s Garden Marlborough is thrilled DOC Botanist Sandra Wotherspoon has made herself available to lead a short walk through the beech forest, adjacent to Black Valley stream. She will guide us through native flora and give us an overview of the restoration project taking place. You will view exhibits showcasing the native flora and fauna, and be informed on the history and geology of the unique Alpine area.

Morning/Afternoon teas and Lunch are included in this price.