Geraldine

Geraldine is a town in South Canterbury, approximately 35 km inland from Timaru at the foothills of the Southern Alps. Nestled at the foot of soft rolling hills and bisected by the Waihi River, the town is known for its thriving arts and crafts community.

The pretty main street with its mature trees, gardens, and historic buildings is always bustling with visitors and locals. Geraldine has a strong agricultural base and is a popular stop on the inland scenic route from Christchurch to the Mackenzie Basin. The climate is temperate with warm summers and crisp winters.

By Plane

The nearest major airport is Christchurch Airport (CHC), approximately 150 km north-east. Timaru Airport (TIU) is 35 km south-east.

By Car / Road

Geraldine is on State Highway 79, about a 30-minute drive north of Timaru and 90 minutes from Christchurch. Bus services connect Geraldine to Timaru and Christchurch.

The town centre is walkable. A car is useful for exploring the surrounding countryside including Peel Forest.

Geraldine Vintage Car Museum — A large collection of vintage and classic cars.

Peel Forest — A small settlement 20 km north with dense virgin native forest, walking tracks, and a historic church.

Barker's of Geraldine — A local food producer with a shop selling jams, chutneys, and gourmet foods.

Geraldine Gallery Walk — Multiple galleries and craft shops in the town centre.

Geraldine Domain — Park with walking paths and sports fields.

Browse the art galleries and craft shops. Visit Barker's for gourmet food tastings. Walk the Peel Forest tracks. Visit the vintage car museum. Explore the Waihi River walkway. Drive the inland scenic route to Fairlie and the Mackenzie Basin.

Cafes on the main street serve brunch and lunch using local produce. The historic Geraldine Hotel offers pub dining. The town is known for its artisan cheeses and preserves.

Local cafes serve excellent coffee. The Geraldine Hotel has a bar. The nearby Opihi Vineyard offers wine tasting.

Geraldine has motels, a holiday park, and boutique bed-and-breakfasts. Peel Forest has a Department of Conservation campground.

Geraldine is known for its craft shops, art galleries, and gourmet food stores. Barker's of Geraldine sells preserves, syrups, and chutneys. The town has supermarkets and a weekend market.

• Timaru — 35 km south-east, Caroline Bay and the South Canterbury coast
• Fairlie — 35 km north, gateway to the Mackenzie Basin
• Peel Forest — 20 km north, native forest walks and historic church
• Christchurch — 150 km north-east, the Garden City
• Pleasant Point — 20 km south-east, heritage railway and museum