Taranaki's flower festival joins the tour

Taranaki's renowned Rhododendron Festival is on the itinerary for a Taranaki and Manawatu Garden Tour in October and November.

The five-day tour leaves Auckland on the Overlander on October 29, with tour guide Allison Elliott.

Accommodation is in first-class hotels.

Visits include private gardens, the Pukeiti Rhododendron Trust, Pukekura Park and Cross Hills at Kimbolton.

There is also a two-hour Whanganui Riverboat cruise on the paddle-steamer Waimarie.

The tour costs $859 a person, share twin.

Contact: Andy Leightons Travelwise Holidays on 0800 116060.