Geraldine, South Canterbury
Geraldine (Maori Heratini) is a relaxing farming town located in the Canterbury region of New Zealand's South Island. It has a population over just over 3,000 people.
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| Rainbow near Geraldine; photo by David Stormer |
History
The town, originally known as "Talbot Forest," was established in the mid-19th century as a sawmilling and farming settlement. The area's fertile plains and temperate climate attracted European settlers who developed it into a centre for agriculture and timber production.
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| © Geraldine Vintage Car and Machinery Museum |
Attractions
Talbot Forest Scenic Reserve located on the edge of the town, offers walking tracks through native bush, and abundant birdlife.
Geraldine Vintage Car and Machinery Museum has an impressive collection of vintage vehicles, tractors, and farming machinery, offering an insight into New Zealand's rural history.
A 9.5 km drive north from Geraldine, Peel Forest Park Scenic Reserve is the the largest reserve in the Geraldine area andoffers hiking trails, ancient trees, and opportunities to see native wildlife. Popular trails include the Big Tree Walk and the hike to Acland Falls.
Home to a thriving artistic community, Geraldine has several shops selling handmade crafts, jewelry, and artwork. The McAtamney Gallery on Talbot Street is also worth a visit.
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| Barker's Jam |
Famous for their fruit preserves, chutneys, jams and syrups, Barker's Foodstore & Eatery at 70 Talbot Street offers a range of delicious meals. Indeed, one of the standout names on jams and chutneys in supermarkets nationwide in New Zealand is Barkers of Geraldine. This small, family-owned business is also the town's largest employer. All the ingredients for its sauces and preserves are sourced locally. A visit to Barker’s Foodstore & Eatery offers the perfect opportunity to sample their delicious creations and experience firsthand why it truly takes a town to bring them to life.
The Farmyard Animal Experience at Farmyard Holiday Park offers the chance to get up close and personal with Alpacas, Chickens, Ducks, Goats, Guinea pigs, Kune Kune pigs, Rabbits, Sheep, Wallabies and others.
The Geraldine Cinema is housed in a 1920's building that was once the Town Hall.
The Geraldine Historical Society Museum is a free, daily-open museum that showcases the history of the area. It is based in and around the former Town Board Office building on Cox Street.
Geraldine Observatory is unfortunately now permanently closed.
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| Geraldine Historical Society Museum |
Access - Getting There
The town is 50 km south of Mount Somers and 35 km north of Timaru via State Highways 1 and 79.
It is also approximately 1 hour, 40 minutes (138 km) southwest of Christchurch on State Highway 1. Ample parking is available in town for visitors
Regular bus services connect Geraldine with Christchurch, Timaru, Queenstown and other South Island destinations.
International travelers can fly into Christchurch International Airport and drive or take a bus to Geraldine. The main domestic airport in South Canterbury is Richard Pearse Airport (Timaru Airport) with several scheduled flights daily to Wellington Airport. From Timaru Airport it is a 30-minute drive to Geraldine on the Seven Sisters Road or the SH1 and Earl Road.
i-SITE
Geraldine's i-SITE is at 38, Waihi Terrace, 7930 (in Mundell's Complex). Tel: 03 693 1101. It is open 9 am to 4.30 pm (hours differ in wintertime), 7 days a week, 364 days a year.
Stay in Geraldine
Some recommended places to stay include the Geraldine TOP 10 Holiday Park, just 2 minutes' walk from the centre of town and Forest Manor on Forest Road, a bed and breakfast with patio and garden views.
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