Geraldine ? No, I have never met her before

Day 1 : Christchurch

Exhausted or not, depending where do you arrive from… We have a good plan for you if you are not too excited to drive right away, I mean on the left, to your accommodation. Take our shuttle and get over gently from your jetlag.

Day 2 : Christchurch

You deserve a full day to enjoy the most British town of the country. Christchurch has a lively entertainment scene, strong cultural heritage, gorgeous parks and gardens, lots of sports facilities and good shopping. Among the 'must sees' are the weekend Arts Centre market, Christchurch Cathedral, Botanic Gardens and International Antarctic Centre.

Day 3 : Christchurch - Kaikoura (190km - 2h25)

Drive north to Kaikoura to organize your next day experience of whales and dolphins watching by boat or helicopter. Kaikoura is located on a rocky peninsula, protruding from lush farmland beneath the Mountains.  In the waters off the peninsula, a complex marine system provides an abundantly rich habitat for marine mammals and seabirds making it an ideal place for getting 'close to nature'.

Day 4 : Kaikoura - Nelson (240km - 3h00)

After whales and dolphins watching, her you are on the road again to the north coast through the Marlborough vineyards to reach Nelson, the art city. Nelson and Richmond are a paradise for lovers of coffee and fine art with its numerous galleries and street cafes. Enjoy the year-round sunshine, fine local wines, abundant seafood, and a relaxed holiday atmosphere. Take a walk down a heritage trail, drive out to Richmond for a laidback shopping experience, or perhaps indulge in a glass of the region's finest wines in the vineyards just beyond the centre of Richmond.

Day 5 : Nelson

Discover the creative paradise that is Nelson - an irresistible blend of lifestyle and stunning landscape at the top northwest corner of the South Island. From the northern edge of the Southern Alps across the fertile plains and out to a great sweep of beaches, this place is beautifully laid out under a generous sun that delivers New Zealand’s highest sunshine hours. Discover the diverse landscapes in each of these areas.

Day 6 : Nelson - Golden Bay (120km - 1h30)

You have quite a short drive to reach Takaka, the gate of Golden Bay and make a plan for the following days to know what you want to see as there are so many different things to do.

Days 7-8-9 : Golden Bay & Abel Tasman National Park

In this hidden corner of New Zealand are the world class Kahurangi and Abel Tasman National Parks and the famous Farewell Spit and Waikoropupu (Pupu) springs. On your journey you will experience many scenic contrasts; from smooth shifting sand dunes to rugged glaciated mountain valleys; from placid seaside beaches to bubbling fresh water springs; from luscious green lowland pastures to untouched high alpine meadows and forests; from water-worn limestone caves, crags and canyons to wind-shorn coastal cliffs.

Day 10 : Golden Bay - Nelson Lake National Park (200km - 2h30)

From beaches to mountain lakes, you would better be an outdoor activities addict than an indoor exhibitions visitor! Here you are in the northern end of the Southern Alps.

Day 11 : Nelson Lake National Park

Featuring two lakes, Lake Rotoiti and Lake Rotoroa, Nelson Lakes National Park is an accessible outdoor adventure playground. For water sports, pretty Lake Rotoiti has a water ski lane and a swimming raft as well as several boat jetties. Lake Rotoroa has been designated a wilderness lake, providing a wonderfully peaceful experience for those wanting to get away from it all.

Day 12 : Nelson Lake National Park - Hanmer Springs (240km - 3h)

What a nice drive from Lewis Pass to Hanmer Springs. Have a Japanese break in Maruia Springs; by the time you reach Hanmer Springs you will get dry, ready to get wet again! Whether you like walking, swimming, pampering or entertaining yourself, you will have a great time.

Day 13 : Hanmer Springs

Set in a breathtaking natural landscape, surrounded by forests and mountains, Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa offers visitors a wide range of experiences, from soothing indulgence to exciting family fun. The Thermal Pools & Spa has a range of pools - nine open-air thermal pools, three sulphur pools and four private thermal pools, as well as a sauna/steam room. A freshwater, heated pool and a popular family activity area - complete with water slides, water toys and picnic area - ensure the Thermal Pools & Spa offer something for everyone.

Day 14 : Hanmer Springs - Methven (210km - 2h40)

Not only famous for the excellent skiing on nearby Mt Hutt, it is also the place to be if you wish to fish, play golf, jetboat, tramp, mountain bike ride, or hot air balloon. Of course, not all the excitement goes on in the Great Outdoors! Methven has a lively nightlife, with a variety of restaurants, bars and a nightclub.

Day 15 : Methven - Geraldine (85km - 1h05)

What a short drive on the inland scenic road to get to Geraldine.

Geraldine’s reputation as a home to gifted artists and artisans is growing all the time and many of these talented people have their work on sale in the town itself or from nearby studios. Some of the creations come in edible form too - Geraldine’s cheesemaker, chocolatier and the internationally recognized Barkers fruit products all have outlets in the town. We can organize for the most adventurous the best rafting experience in New Zealand. It is the 'total day experience' which you will remember.

Day 16 : Geraldine - Christchurch (140km - 1h45)

Depending on your flight schedule, have a look at the International Antarctic Center before you drop off your car at the airport.