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), 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.

AUCKLAND TO WELLINGTON 

Today we leave the “City of Sails” and head to the capital, Wellington — another city with spectacular harbor views and many points of interest. Our first night there is a chance to settle into our hotel, grab a late lunch (and maybe some snacks), as tonight we’re heading out on a 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, a renowned museum, that will take us through 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

We’ll take the scenic ferry across Cook Strait — a three-hour journey offering incredible views and a perfect opportunity to sit back with your stitching and be inspired. After disembarking, a 45-minute drive brings us to a beautiful stop where we’ll enjoy high tea before continuing on to our home for the next two nights: the breathtaking Middlehurst Sheep Station in the Awatere River Valley.

We’ll be welcomed by the Macdonald family, whose deep care and passion for their land and animals are immediately evident. Sue Macdonald, a fleece specialist and micron guru, along with her husband Willie, who tends the flock and the land, will share their lives with us over the coming days.

Our time here is a true highlight — an immersion into Merino country life. We’ll watch the working dogs muster a mob of sheep, learn about breeding and genetics specific to Merino, and gain insights into the journey from fleece to fabric. There may even be a relaxed workshop with Jo for those who’d like to get hands-on.

Meals at the station are hearty and home-cooked, shared around the table with new friends and warm conversation. In the evenings, those who wish can enjoy a soak in the wood-fired hot tubs, just a short walk from your rooms — the perfect way to end the day under a canopy of Southern Hemisphere stars.

DRIVE TO CHRISTCHURCH

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

Today is a big driving day through Molesworth Station — spectacular scenery awaits! We’ll stop at a historic point for a stretch, have a lunch break, and continue to the Garden City of Christchurch, where we’ll spend the next three nights.

CHRISTCHURCH

Our time in Christchurch begins with a leisurely punt down the Avon River — a tranquil and charming way to see the city from a new perspective. We’ll also visit a local creative group and enjoy a delightful High Tea at Mona Vale, surrounded by beautiful gardens and blooming color.

The following day, we’ll journey along the scenic road to Akaroa, a coastal gem known for its French heritage and artistic flair. Our first stop is the Giant’s House — home of artist and horticulturist Josie Martin. We’ll explore her remarkable mosaic gardens, followed by lunch in the house and a talk from Josie about her work and inspiration. Afterward, there’s time to wander through the town’s boutique shops and along the oceanfront. Don’t miss the chance to try Hokey Pokey — New Zealand’s famous honeycomb-crunch ice cream!

In the evening, you’ll have time to relax or sample one or the town's many inviting eateries before we continue our journey south.

CHRISTCHURCH TO OAMARU

We'll bid a fond farewell to Christchurch as we head further south, with some woolly stops along the way. These small-batch carders and spinners work with fleece from small flocks to produce lovely yarns. After a tour with owners Jacqui and Graham McLaughlin, we’ll peruse their bespoke yarns in the store. We’ll make a few more delightful stops as we make our way to Oamaru, where we’ll enjoy one of the local restaurants for an easy dinner of your choosing.

OAMARU

We’ll start the day with a visit to McClean & Co. Weavers, owned by Rod and Sue McClean. Working from home, they’ll show us their restored Hattersley looms, used to produce unique fabrics from locally sourced 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’ll head down the coast for a morning beach walk along Moeraki Boulders Beach to see the large spherical boulders revealed by coastal erosion. We can grab a bite to eat in the café before heading further south to the Royal Albatross Centre in Dunedin — the world’s only mainland Royal Albatross breeding colony.

Given the timing, when adults fly in to feed their chicks, we might just glimpse these magnificent birds in full flight. There’s also an optional boat trip here for additional viewing opportunities. Then it’s on to the historical town of Dunedin, where you can enjoy one of the many cafés and restaurants, or relax at our historic hotel.

DUNEDIN

Enjoy a leisurely morning to explore Dunedin — perhaps visit the historic railway station — before we head to Larnach Castle for lunch and a tour. Built in 1871 by merchant baron William Larnach for his wife Eliza, the castle showcases Scottish architectural style. After a garden stroll, we’ll decide on a time to meet before heading back into Dunedin for dinner at a restaurant of your choosing.

ARROWTOWN

We leave Dunedin and drive towards Queenstown, stopping in Arrowtown to enjoy the spring foliage and a stroll through town before heading into Queenstown on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Our hotel is a short walk to town and the lakefront - or perhaps you'd like a gondola ride followed by an adrenaline-spiking zipline adventure!

QUEENSTOWN

Our last full day together we will enjoy the TSS Earnslaw steamboat to a remote farm for lunch and a tour - a lovely way to soak in the beauty of this part of the world. Then we'll enjoy our farewell dinner together.

DEPARTURE

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

Jo has 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!

Kay comes from New Zealand, a family of knitters, farmers, shearers and foresters, growing up around woolsheds and farms. She loves wool and textile arts, knits and has dipped into wool felting, wanting to do more with gotland wool. She is also fascinated with the history of wool and craft in communities and how people connect and build relationships and become friends through craft in their communities and more widely.   Kay has travelled for work and pleasure in New Zealand and to other countries.  She hunts out agricultural events and shows, including New Zealand’s national agricultural field-days, and is following New Zealand’s wool industry’s innovations.   Kay has worked with New Zealand's primary industries, having worked with farmers, horticulturalists, viticulturists/winemakers, and foresters. Most recently she advocates for New Zealand's rural communities so that people living in rural areas can prosper and achieve their aspirations.  In her spare time Kay gardens on the coast northwest of Wellington where she raised her two sons, knits, reads, practises yoga, cooks, enjoys music gigs, and finds a beach for an any season swim.