DAY 1:

Visit a traditional working farm nestled in the foothills of Four Peaks mountain range, near Geraldine. All our farms are family owned and run – meet the people and share their stories; see the dogs hard at work with sheep, cows and other animals … you might even get the chance to try your hand at shearing a sheep!

After a farmhouse morning tea with your hosts, a short drive through rolling pastures and downlands brings us to lunch and wine-tasting at historic Opihi Vineyard Café, featuring some of the region’s best produce. With its spectacular natural setting, extensive grounds and spacious lawns, this will be a lunch to remember.

A relaxing, sightseeing drive brings us to Barker’s of Geraldine, one of New Zealand’s leading food producers. Visit the family home farm – the place where it all began - for afternoon tea and a taste of Barker’s famous fruit jams, jellies and preserves.

We finish the day with a stroll around the picturesque small town of Geraldine before delivering you back to your homestay hosts for dinner, bed and breakfast.

DAY 2:

Visit Waihi Bush Organic Farm in the charming little settlement of Woodbury,
near Geraldine.  Here you’ll find a warm welcome and an introduction to just some of the district’s fine produce – Clearwater Dairy’s organic yoghurt, Talbot Forest Cheese, elderflower cordials and of course, Waihi Bush’s own flaxseed oil products. Enjoy morning tea with your hosts, plus a magical nature walk through the property’s ancient native forest accompanied by enchanting birdsong.

A short sight-seeing drive brings us to lunch in Geraldine at an historic cottage café/deli with a picturesque garden, then it’s on to the pretty seaside town of Timaru. With its colonial Victorian and Edwardian architecture, popular holiday beach Caroline Bay, busy fishing port and sweeping views from ocean to alps, Timaru is sure to enchant you.

We take afternoon tea at Davidson’s Apiaries on the outskirts of town, in their beautiful Maple Lodge Gardens. A rare treat, and a chance to sample some of Davidson’s many honey and health products.

And finally, it’s back via the historic pioneer trail to your homestay hosts for dinner, bed and breakfast.

DAY 3:

We start the day with a visit to a real country hideaway café for morning tea, then on to Waimate and a fabulous lunch at historic Te Kiteroa Lodge featuring local produce including Havoc free-range pork products and Nate’s Tree-hugger Organics fare. Lunch includes a tour and wine-tasting at Point Bush Estate Winery.

Five minutes down the road we find Ngahere Lavender Garden, a wonderfully relaxing setting for afternoon tea and a chance to sample the amazing range of oils. Plenty of time to enjoy a chat with your hosts about their historic, established garden.