Marlborough Farm, Garden & Sheep Round-Up

Two beautiful ‘Gardens of National Significance’ are found in Marlborough, the wine and garden province of New Zealand. The English-inspired garden of Dave and Sue Monahan was developed around a restored 1911 South Pacific villa house. The manicured grounds feature brick walls, ponds, perennial borders and a 17th century-style Elizabethan ‘knot garden’, divided into sections by colour. Pass through Blenheim, the aptly named Wither Hills, whose dry, yellow grasses yield to the rolling farmland of Dashwood Pass and the pretty Awatere Valley. Marlborough’s weather is legendary, and a bright, sunny day allows grand views across the valley to Mt Tapuaenuku. Your destination is Winterhome, a working sheep farm, that includes a stunning 10-acre formal garden with world-class design that takes visitors in many unexpected directions past fish ponds, water features, a citrus grove, floral avenues, and even an avocado orchard. Stop near the farm gate for a sheep dog demonstration, where the adorable and incredibly smart dogs skillfully muster a flock of sheep. Look on as an expert shearer relieves a ewe of its gorgeous fleece in a matter of moments. Enjoy a delicious coastal country-style lunch and return to port after this lovely day. Special Notes: Please wear comfortable flat-soled shoes, clothing suited to the weather conditions, a hat and jacket, plenty of biodegradable sunscreen and bring bottled water. Not advisable for guests using a wheelchair.

Photography

Please bring your camera!

Refreshments

Enjoy a snack. A delicious country-style lunch accompanied by wines from acclaimed Marlborough winery, Vavasour, at Barewood Farm