I appreciate any input, thanks in advance.

And do you mind coping with windy (and windy!) country roads both sealed and unsealed? (With blacktop or without... :-D )

Will you be heading down south across the Strait?

Are you planning to take in the Canterbury side - or mainly the West Coast? (Heaps of good gardens in Canterbury and Otago-Southland. If you look at the posting in this forum a few down from your own from the chap with the website, you could also include treats such as Pick Your Own.

I'm interested in all kinds of gardens, but would especially like to see any that feature native NZ flora and subtropical type plants. And I always love a good cottage garden as well. That's what I have, although right now it's covered under a foot of snow . . . great time for a vacation though!

I appreciate any suggestions. Thanks!

In addition to gardens you might also want to consider stopping in at some of the forest parks and national park areas (plus regional and city parks, of course.) There are usually some easy and interesting loop tracks to pleasant/interesting sites.

Remember to pack very comfy shoes, sunscreen, big sun hat and mozzie repellent...

Most of them seem to charge around five dollars, though some are less or free.

A few URLs to get you started perhaps:

all www.
marshwoodgardens.co.nz
tramplitewalks.co.nz
landsendtexotics.co.nz
tauponativeplants.co.nz
parnassus.co.nz
aucklandbotanicgardens.co.nz

koanga.org.nz
gardens.org.nz
heroicgardens.org.nz - based in Ak. Garden tour of LOTS of gardens. Two days - Feb 17-18

projectcrimson.org.nz

King Country tour - fax (add all the bits for international) 7 878 4837

Green's Subtropical Gardens - Maungakaramea, Whangarei.
Durant Subtropical Garden 40 Trig Rd, Whenuapai, Auckland
Waitoka Gardens - north of Taihape 06 388 7822 (ring ahead)

Worth a google - Pukeiti Rhododendron Trust
Cross Hills, Otari Native Plant Museum, Ayrlies.

There are heaps of others - I think the gardens.org.nz link will get you started. If you find you want to particularly follow an interest eg Fuchsias - do ask - and keep asking.

If you are members of the Automobile Association, there may be a reciprocal agreement between countries so you can go to branches here and get maps and travel advice.

You may also find the regional council offices helpful, and the conservancy or field offices of the Department of Conservation.

Hope you enjoy your visit.

Oh. A raincoat/umbrella is always prudent, ;-)

Thanks so much!!! If you ever get to Buffalo, let me know (snort!)