By Ann:

Planning our trip and making it come true are not always identical. We were fortunate to have had a “South Island Consultation” with our friend Rand. Rand and Robin live in Whangarei currently but previously lived on the South Island. After a three hour download from Rand I was overwhelmed but excited.

Following Rand’s tips and advice we have had an amazing trip so far. Today we hit a location that I had no notes for. We knew we wanted to experience Arthur’s Pass on our way to Wanaka, but what happens in between?

Serendipity…that’s what happens. Or fate or just silliness! Tonight we are in Geraldine. Why? Because I had a very silly aunt named Geraldine and this is in her honor. Aunt Geri, you always were full of fun and today was no exception!

Our drive down from Arthur’s Pass was breathtaking with each vista more lovely than the previous. How is that possible? I don’t really question it, I just enjoy it!

Leaving our lovely cabin at Arthur's Pass behind.

View down the valley from Arthur's Pass

View up valley toward the pass.

View along the way.

We arrived in Geraldine and were pleased to find a delightful town filled with darling shops and welcoming people! We are at my favorite hostel thus far, The Rawhiti. Did I tell you they have free use if bikes here? Yay!

So within a half of an hour of arriving in Geraldine we were suited up and headed for the river path for mountain bikes. Well, we never really found a river that had water in it but we found a cathedral of Aspen trees and acres of farm land that entertained us on our 33 kilometer ride. Follow that up with a dinner with fresh salmon and you have serendipity in it’s perfect form!

Ann's best Geraldine pose.

Mountain biking through the trees...

...through the farms...

...and across the riverbed.

Next? Off to Twizel…stay tuned!