Visiting gardens in New Zealand is like having one foot in the known and familiar, and the other in a wholly different world. They’re totally relatable and wildly thrilling at the same time. 

Our North Island New Zealand tour explores an extraordinarily wide spectrum of gardens, from large private creations of a single mind over six decades, to others that manage to eke out tiny platforms on precipitous slopes. There’s rare remnant bushland on the itinerary, and a peek into professionally designed city gardens that are rarely if every open to the public. 

This tour is an exploration of gardening passion and purpose that is sure to fuel or reignite your own.

“I didn’t want it to end.”

Gillian Carter | 2022 NZ Tour Participant

“My second tour with Michael provided a perfect complement to my first. The NZ tour brought together in a very practical way the design pillars of a great garden, whereas the New Naturalism was all about the planting design. Both are vital elements in creating beautiful spaces. Michael’s observations and critical thinking make for a truly educational experience. On top of this Michael is the doyenne of tour leading - his friendliness and inclusivity ensures a fabulous time is had by all..”

Jacquie Chirgwin | 2022 NZ Tour Participant

While the primary goal of this tour, like all of our Travelling Masterclasses, is to simply see and experience truly wonderful gardens, we’ll also take the opportunity to talk to the owners, and amongst ourselves, about what each garden does particularly well, how it achieves its outstanding qualities, and what we can learn from it for our own designs or home gardens.

Michael will be leading this high-impact tour from start to finish, with help from some of the owners and designers of these inspiring gardens.

‘Professional garden design and home gardening are worlds apart, but there’s so much that we can learn from both. This tour takes a deep dive into both worlds, looking at principles and ideas translatable to any garden, anywhere, and leaning into the energy and enthusiasm that both emanate, in abundance. Wherever you are on your own garden journey or learning curve, I’ve no doubt that you will find your own purpose and passion supercharged by visiting these gardens and their amazing creators!’

Michael McCoy