Mark Christie, a 55 year old gentleman, married his beloved Rose in 2021. Sadly, a month after starting their married life, the couple learned that Mark had stage 4 melanoma.
Mark wished to share an adventure with his beautiful Rose to see the majestic scenery of Queenstown and spend time with family in Geraldine and Christchurch.
Race4Life volunteer Mark Taff provided chauffeur services to and from the airport, and our fabulous supporters GO Rentals, pulled out all of the stops to secure the last available rental car in Queenstown, enabling the couple to explore at their leisure. Thank you so much Helen and team for your incredible support!
The Crowne Plaza Queenstown hosted the couple in luxurious style and provided gourmet dining at their amazing Threesixty Restaurant and Bar, which boasts fine food and stunning lake views. The fabulous team also took care of their special guests when they were unable to make their dinner booking at the warm and welcoming Brazz Steakhouse & Bar.
The teams at Lone Star led by Dave and Joe’s Garage led by Birthe, stepped up yet again to provide absolutely delicious dining experiences.
Thanks to Mikayla and team at Realnz, Mark and Rose were able to experience Queenstown in style – a Lake Whakatipu cruise aboard the iconic century-old TSS Earnslaw. The couple did not stop there, completing their day with a stunning meal and visit to Walter Peak!
Mark and Rose also spent a day in historically rich Arrowtown, and were treated by The Fork And Tap Ale House Arrowtown. to a hearty lunch. A surprise including candles awaited the sweethearts as manger Helene discovered it was not only Rose’s birthday, but their wedding anniversary!
Rose, slightly apprehensive about driving, nailed the journey to Geraldine where some very special family time was enjoyed before heading to Christchurch and checking into the conveniently situated Quest Apartment Hotels – New Zealand & Fiji Cathedral Junction. The weather closed the gondola sadly but did not dampen their spirits as they thoroughly enjoyed more family time and tram rides around Christchurch, thanks to Emma at Christchurch Attractions.
Emma and team at Moment Cafe provided scrumptious breakfasts and Francesca’s Italian Kitchen – Christchurch, where Rose was very pleasantly surprised as she sampled something a little different on the menu, was gorgeous!
Of course, no visit to this exciting city is complete without visiting International Antarctic Centre, which provided entertainment, education and apparently a lot of huskies! Thanks again to Chantelle and her wonderful team.
This trip has created some beautiful memories for Mark and Rose and in Rose’s words, “This trip has made such a difference, it comes at a time when we so needed a break … and time together in a different setting, …it was amazing [and] each place treated us as VIPS.. right down to being driven in Mark’s Tesla car to and from the airport. Thank you again for everything”!
This adventure was made perfect by the incredible businesses that support us time and again. We cannot thank you enough!!!!
