For the past 4 years the Great Barrier Island Community Health Trust have organised a Garden Tour here on the island as one of their major fundraisers.  This has become a very popular event and there are limited tickets available.  Tickets  are available now for 2012.

The information below is a guide only and may change slightly for 2012

Garden Tour Home Page  |  Weekend Programme 
Transport (to/from/around the island)  |  Accommodation  |  More Information

TOURS

Nikau Tour $65pp

Good basic fitness:  Requires walking some distances but on relatively flat terrain. Six gardens ranging from charming cottages ones to sweeping coastal panoramas. Geographically involves central and southern Great Barrier Island.

Rewa Tour $65pp          

Moderate fitness level: Requires the ability to walk up hills/multiple stairs with ease.  The gardens are similar in variety and geographical situation to the Nikau Tour.

Totara Tour $85pp

For the adventurous and fit only:  Requires the ability to clamber into and out of boats, or up and down steep stairs.  Not a garden tour in the traditional sense but includes residences and bush in the western and southern end of the island. Strong walking shoes are advised.  (Tramping boots not necessary). 

To secure your tickets payment must be made at the time of booking. 

If you would like to order a lunch consisting of a salad sandwich, a piece of slice and a piece of fruit the cost for this is $10.  Payment for this lunch must be made when buying your tickets.

Great Barrier Island is renown for small cottage artisans.  At some of the gardens you visit, there will be locally produced items for sale.  Should you wish to purchase please remember to bring cash.

For those of you who have participated in garden tours previously and are unable to remember which Tour you were on, please enquire. Gerry can help you. 
Email or Phone: 09 4290 890

WEEKEND PROGRAMME

Saturday

The 'Spectacular by Nature' Garden tours meet at the Health Centre in Claris
at 9.00am and return at 4.30pm

Sunday

* Annual Stonewall Village, Tryphena ROSE SHOW (10am Market, 11am judging).

* Great Barrier Community Heritage and Arts Village Trust 'Spectacular by Nature'
   ART EXHIBITION & MARKET DAY - afternoon tea available.

TRANSPORT To/From and ON THE ISLAND

Special Fares are usually available on Sealink and Great Barrier Airlines and in 2011 a bus transfer service from Tryphena to and from the Health Centre was available at $7 one way and $10 return.  The nearest pick-up point and time are advised when accommodation is organised.  If you wish to hire a car for the weekend the contacts are:

www.aoteacarrentals.co.nz | www.gbirentacar.co.nz | rentals@medlandsrentals

ACCOMMODATION ON THE ISLAND

www.thebarrier.co.nz  |  www.islandaccommodation.co.nz  |  Sealink Packages

MORE INFORMATION

To get the most out of the Tours you will need a good level of fitness. Unfortunately those with moderate health disabilities will find the tours too strenuous.

The tours will be on rain, hail or shine, unless Friday flights are cancelled in which case tours will be postponed until Sunday or the following weekend. 
Phone Gerry 09 4290 890 Friday evening for details if weather looks doubtful.

Please bring a packed lunch, refreshments will be available.  If you have booked your lunch for $10 this can be collected when you register on the morning of the tours. 
If you have food allergies please advise Gerry when making your booking.

If wet bring gumboots/raincoat.

If hot remember sunscreen, hat or an umbrella.

It is recommended that you bring sturdy walking shoes as access to some properties is on uneven terrain.

Please be at the Health Centre (adjacent to the Claris airport) for registration by 9.00am, ready to leave promptly at 9.15am.

We will have raffles and a lucky ticket prize so make sure you bring your tour tickets with you.

We look forward to welcoming all visitors who haven't been on a Garden Tour before and welcoming back returning participants.  Please let your friends and family know about the Garden Tour and pass on the information to any Garden Clubs you know of.

This is the Health Trust's annual fundraiser to purchase medical equipment for our Health Centre on Great Barrier Island.

Kind Regards

Gerry

Email or Ph 09 4290 890

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