AUCKLAND

The morning is spent discovering Auckland. Explore the harbor area, perhaps take in a WETA workshop tour and learn how Orcs are born (well, okay…made) and/or a visit to the Sky Tower - your choice.  A short ferry ride, taking in the harbor views, is next on the agenda as we head to Devonport  for lunch and a wander. Perhaps a visit to Loopine Wool Company, where you could could meet American expat owner Alanna Penk. Tonight we will have our welcome dinner down at one of our fabulous restaurants.

AUCKLAND TO WELLINGTON 

Today we leave the 'City of Sails' and head to the Capital of Wellington another city with a spectacular harbor view and many points of interest. Our first night there is a chance to settle into our hotel grab a later lunch and maybe some snacks as tonight we are heading out on our night walking tour to see if we can spot a Kiwi or two.

WELLINGTON

Today we will have a tour of Te Papa New Zealand renowned museum, we will have a walk though both Māori cultural influences and what makes New Zealand unique.

There is time today to explore and enjoy this very vibrant and compact city, perhaps the Sunday markets, or a walk down colorful Cuba Street. You can take a stroll around the beautiful waterfront, take a hike into the hills, or jump on the cable car for spectacular views and then a walk around the gardens.

MIDDLEHURST SHEEP STATION

Today will take the ferry across Cook Straight, this 3 hour or so journey has incredible scenery and an opportunity to sit back with your stitching and be inspired. Then we will be picked up and after a 45 minute drive taken to a beautiful winery where we can have a tasting and enjoy some platters before heading to the beautiful Middlehurst Sheep Station in the Awatere River Valley!  We will be met by the Macdonald family who have prepared a spectacular couple of days for us. Sue Macdonald is a fleece specialist and micron guru. Willie tends the flock and the land. Both are stewards with a profound love, respect, and awe for their beautiful part of the world. We will enjoy a yarn and wonderful meal together.

MIDDLEHURST SHEEP STATION

After a hearty farm breakfast, we’re off to watch the sheepdogs muster a mob of sheep into the yards. With us sheep deep in Merino wool by then, Sue will share her approach for the chosen breeding and genetics at Middlehurst Station. The afternoon is devoted to “fleece to fabric” with the possibility of a relaxed workshop with Jo. We have lunch and dinner today. Yes we can turn the hot tubs on for those who want a soak, they are wood-fired and just a short walk from your rooms. 

CHRISTCHURCH

It is with heavy heart that we must leave the station and continue our journey.

Today is a big driving day through Molesworth station which is spectacular so we will still stop at a historic point for a stretch, we will have a lunch break and continue to the Garden City of Christchurch, where we will spend the next three nights.

CHRISTCHURCH

Our day in Christchurch we plan to do a punt down the Avon river as well as a visit to a local creative group, and enjoy high tea at Mona Vale with some time to explore the beautiful gardens.

CHRISTCHURCH

We will drive down the scenic West Coast to Akaroa where our first stop is the Giant’s House, home of the artist and horticulturist Josie Martin. We visit her remarkable gardens, followed by lunch in the house and hearing from Josie about her work. After our visit, we head into the small town of Akaroa and walk along the oceanfront, with perhaps a chance to nab Hokey Pokey - the uniquely New Zealand honeycomb crunch ice cream. Our evening is a chance for people to try out one of the many lovely eateries.

OAMARU

A fond farewell to Christchurch, as we head to Wild Earth Yarns. They are small batch carders and spinners from small fleece flocks, producing some lovely yarns. After a tour with owners Jacqui and Graham Mclaughlin we peruse the bespoke yarns in their store. Then head to Ashburton, home of Ashford spinning wheels. We have a presentation, lunch in the Ashford Café and have ample time to explore their sizable Aladdin’s Cave of a store … a treasure trove even if you’re not a spinner. Then we are off  to Oamaru, check in to our hotel, grab a bite to eat in town, before heading down to catch sight of the Blue Penguins as the whole colony pours back in from the ocean to roost for the night.

OAMARU

We plan to start the day with a visit to McClean & Co Weavers owned by Rod and Sue McClean. Rod and Sue work from home and that is where we learn about their restored Hattersley looms on which they produce unique fabrics from locally produced New Zealand wool. The rest of the day is spent exploring quaint and quirky Oamaru: Crafted art gallery, the Textile Emporium and the Steampunk Museum HQ! 

OAMARU TO DUNEDIN 

We head down the coast for a beach walk this morning, and along Moeraki Boulders Beach to check out the large spherical boulders exhumed by coastal erosion. We can grab a bite to eat in their café before heading further south to Dunedin to the Royal Albatross Centre. This is the world’s only mainland Royal Albatross breeding colony. Given that we are there during the time when adults fly in to feed their chicks, we have a shot at getting a glimpse of the great birds in full flight. We also have the opportunity to have a boat trip here as well for added viewing opportunities. We then to the historical town of Dunedin where we you can enjoy one of the many cafes and restaurants or say at the hotel as that is also Fable hotel an historical building which you can enjoy.

DUNEDIN

After exploring the day in Dunedin, we head to Larnach Castle built by merchant baron William Larnach for his wife Eliza in 1871 in Scottish style. We are given a tour and have a chance to visit the beautiful gardens before heading to our own private dinner in the Music Room. 

ARROWTOWN

We leave Dunedin and drive towards Queenstown we will visit Arrowtown to take in the autumn foliage and walk about town for a bit before heading into Queenstown on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Our hotel is a short walk to town and the lakefront, or perhaps you would like a gondola ride followed by an adrenaline-spiking zipline ride...

QUEENSTOWN

Our last full day together we will enjoy the TSS Earnslaw Steam boat to a remote farm for lunch and tour which is a lovely way to spend the day is this beautiful part of the world. Then we will enjoy our farewell dinner together.

DEPARTURE

After our farewells the night before, a final breakfast together, some of you might what to add another couple of days to the beautiful part of the world, otherwise you can grab a taxi or uber to the airport and reflect on your amazing adventure. Until we meet again...

I have lived in New Zealand since the mid 90's after emigrating from Ireland and the UK as a child. Fifteen years was spent growing up in Australia in New South Wales.  Her love of fibres started as a child when her mum taught her how to crochet, and her nana taught her to knit. She has a love of all things fibre, so embroidery, mixed textiles and fibres, are like a chocolate box of yummy things to choose from. Jo did weaving as a major work at High School and loves to be creative when she has the opportunity.  She is an active relaxer so there is always something on the go. For over thirty years Jo has travelled to over 50 countries and led tours around the world. New Zealand is one of the best places for beauty, culture and friendly locals coupled with wonderful fibres to touch and create with. Did you know there used to be more sheep in New Zealand than people!