Local Attractions

Situated 40 km north-west of Timaru, Geraldine is the archetypal 'country village', with an attractive English-style domain, well-preserved early buildings and many beautiful private gardens, several of which are open to the public.

It is situated among sheep and cattle farming and fruit and crop growing, and hosts the headquarters for the nearby forests.

The very active community supports several art and crafts ventures and over 200 organisations and clubs that cater for everything from mah jong to rugby.

Lying on the Inland Scenic Route, Geraldine is a popular stopping place for travellers to the Southern Lakes and is handy to many outdoor attractions.

Attractions

The Vintage Car and Machinery Museum houses a 1929 Spartan aircraft, vintage cars from 1907-1953 and farm machinery and tractors from 1874.

Barker's shop in the Berry Barn offers free samplings of Barker's fruit products and sells sundaes, fruit smoothies and gifts.

Talbot Forest Cheese (also in the Berry Barn complex) believe the best way to produce the tastiest, most full-flavoured cheese is to take a hands-on approach and make small batches. See cheese production in action and do the taste test.

The Geraldine Observatory is a great place to view the night sky. Host Peter Aldous, amateur astronomer with over 72 years experience, uses the latest technology and advanced equipment.

Many arts and crafts shops stock pottery, woodwork, preserves, stained glass, fine art and more.

Geraldine is a short distance from Peel Forest and the Mackenzie Region hydro lakes; the Rangitata River and the Orari, Waihi and Te Moana Gorges; and the Mt. Dobson, Fox Peak, Mt Hutt and Ohau ski fields. A little further away is Aoraki / Mt Cook.

See a list of things to do here.