Family Fun
Geraldine and the surrounding area has an abundance of activities and places for families to enjoy. We have a wealth of natural areas of beauty and interest that you could easy spend the day or a few hours enjoying and that won’t break the bank. For those looking a a little adventure we also have a great range of activities from horse riding to rafting. All this in addition to the great facilities the Geraldine Holiday park has to offer; your only problem is how to fit it all in.
Walks & Scenic Reserves
Talbot Forest from Geraldine’s main street, is just a five minute stroll. The reserve offers four easy, shady walks through a rare remnant of lowland podocarp and hardwood native forest. Picnic facilities and toilets are available.
Geraldine Domain & Swimming Pool
Just across the road you have access to a great domain with picnic facilities and toilets. There is a wonderful children’s playground with facilities for children of a wide age. The Geraldine Swimming Pool is seasonal and is open normally mid November through to March. It is heated and has two pools and a paddling area.
 Geraldine Domain |
 Geraldine Public Swimming Pool |
 Playground within Domain |
The Waihi, Orari & Te Moana Gorges
Waihi Gorge Scenic Reserve is approx 14kms from Geraldine. It has picnic spots along by the Waihi River which are easily accessible. The river is accessible for swimming or paddling on a warm day.
Orari Gorge Scenic Reserve is approx 15kms from Geraldine. It is an 80 hectare scenic reserve with a circular walk through the forest approx 3,3km.
Te Moana Gorge is approx 18kms from Geraldine. It has extensive picnic areas beside the River which is normally shallow enough for playing in.
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Boating
Just approx 40 mins drive you will find Lake Ophua; a great spot for boating and fishing. Power boats are allowed and it is very popular with families for watersports. There are some great spots to picnic and spend the day. There are two main boat ramps and fees are approx $5. The Lions Club run a fishing competition on the lake every November.
A little further you will find Lake Tekapo, a popular tourist resort. It is a good location for boating and has a great beach for families. It can get quite busy. The resort has lots of other things to do including mini golf & hot pools.
 Boating on lake Ophua |
Caroline Bay
Children and their familes can enjoy safe beach fun at Timaru’s Caroline Bay. It has been a popular holiday destination since the early 1900s when excursion trains from Christchurch came to swim in the warm sea and picnic on the beach front. Today there is even more to enjoy with a great playground and timber boardwalk along the length of the beach through the man-made sand dunes and native grasses. From Boxing Day for two weeks the Caroline Bay Carnival has a full and varied programme of activities for all the family.