Wanaka designer Kaz von Heraud-Parker's "Take a Break from the Quake" initiative will result in about 80 earthquake-affected people taking a free holiday in Wanaka or Queenstown this weekend.
Mrs von Heraud-Parker and other Wanaka volunteers put the programme in place last week to provide support and relief to people suffering from stress after the devastating Christchurch earthquake.
Mrs von Heraud-Parker and her daughter Maddie have been in Christchurch this week to make the holiday offers through various support agencies.
The programme has been supported by Lake Wanaka Tourism, Destination Queenstown and QLDC mayor, Clive Geddes.
Mrs von Heraud-Parker said yesterday putting the volunteer programme in place had been a "huge experience".
"They [Christchurch people] are turning the corner between rescue and recovery. But it is a fine line," she said.
She had experienced the series of strong aftershocks in Christchurch on Wednesday night and early Thursday morning and understood what residents were feeling.
"Quite a few families will be grateful to get away ... It was rock and roll. Like getting off a boat. Things keep moving," she said.
Air New Zealand has offered 1000 free flights for Christchurch quake victims seeking to take a break, which would be released to recipients once the Christchurch and Selwyn mayors have signed them off.
Mrs von Heraud-Parker believed some of those flights would be offered to the people coming to Wanaka and Queenstown.
In Wanaka, volunteers are now preparing to meet and greet the Christchurch visitors, cook meals and then clean the holiday homes that have been offered as accommodation.
A planned barbecue has been cancelled because of this weekend's forecast storm, Mrs von Heraud-Parker said.
