englishwomanabroad

At the end of our 6 week trip to New Zealand my husband and I have 3 nights unplanned between Lake Tekapo (3 nights) and Akaroa (5 nights) before flying home from Christchurch.
Should we stay in Christchurch, if so where, we will probably have had enough of self catering and an hotel suggestion would be good.
What about Geraldine or are there any vineyards with nice accommodation or anything else that we should be doing? Suggestions Please!

Melnq8

I assume you'll have already visited Mt Cook?

I like Geraldine, but have never spent more than a night or two there. The Peel Forest is nearby (walking tracks). I can recommend a good B&B in Geraldine if you're interested. No wineries in the vicinity that I'm aware of (unless I missed one, which would be a crying shame). Geraldine is home to Talbot's Forest Cheese and Barkers curds and jams.

https://www.barkers.co.nz/
https://www.newzealand.com/us/geraldine/

You might consider driving the 'back way' from Tekapo/Geraldine to Christchurch - via 72/77/73. This will take you alongside Rakaia Gorge (wonderful track there, not to mention the views) and through some sleepy country towns overlooked by Mt Hutt. Plentiful walks through here too if that's your thing (it's mine).

There's loads to do in/around Christchurch if staying in a city appeals - Botanic Gardens, Quake City, Segway tours of the earthquake recovery, etc. The wine growing region of the Waipara Valley is just 40 minutes of Christchurch. Some beautiful wine and food up that way.

Diamantina

If you're interested in "vineyards with nice accommodation", I'd echo Melnq8's suggestion of Waipara, now known as the North Canterbury Wine Region. They have an excellent website listing wineries, restaurants and accommodation.
https://www.northcanterburywines.co.nz/
For cellar doors, accommodation, restaurants, and activities:
https://www.northcanterburywines.co.nz/experience/
In 2017, its Black Estate Winery was judged the Best Winery Restaurant in the country:
https://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/ne...in-the-country
Black Estate Winery also has accommodation.
Pegasus Bay has a beautiful restaurant, as well:
https://www.pegasusbay.com/pages/restaurant
Greystone Winery has a "PurePod" accommodation. I love the wines of Greystone/Muddy Water.
https://www.purepods.com/location/greystone/
In general, the wines of North Canterbury are excellent. It would be a little more than a 2-hour drive north of Akaroa.

When will you be here? The North Canterbury Wine and Food Festival is on Sunday, March 10, 2019.
http://www.ncwineandfood.co.nz/

In Christchurch, you might enjoy The George.
https://www.thegeorge.com/

Have you looked at the Akaroa Cruise Ship Schedule? The village can be overwhelmed during cruise ship visits.
akaroa-cruiseship-schedule-2018.pdf
https://www.odt.co.nz/news/national/...ise-ship-chaos

englishwomanabroad

Thank you Melnq8 for all that helpful information. I would love the Geraldine B&Binformation please.
We will probably go with staying in Geraldine and Christchurch.

englishwomanabroad

Thank you Diamantina. The Akaroa cruise schedule certainly caused a fright but I think that we are happy to go with our five days there and forewarned is forearmed! The George looks a little pricey tho very nice. From Christchurch we may well take time out to visit the wineries so thank you for your help.

Melnq8

Here you go:

https://truenz.co.nz/bed-and-breakfa...ichlyn-park-bb