Nestled at the foot of the rugged Southern Alps, Geraldine is the perfect place for a break…
Just one and a half easy hours of travel from Christchurch and the airport, 30 minutes from Timaru it is a great location for the night, weekend or for a full week of holiday. We are in the centre of the South Island and are a short and spectacularly scenic trip from the lakes and New Zealand’s tallest mountain- Mount Cook.
Located at the foot of the rolling downlands and bisected by the tranquil Waihi River, Geraldine is where the countryside literally comes to town. From the bustling main street it is a mere five minute stroll to beautiful walks, delightful gardens and lots of fun things for the family to do. Our park is in the heart of this vibrant community where cafes and restaurants fringe the streets, so get settled with us and then head into town for a gourmet breakfast, lunch or evening meal, or maybe just a cup of coffee…. the choice is endless and the quality exceptional!
Come and enjoy a relaxing escape, fun family holiday, business stop over or romantic weekend away with us at the tranquil Geraldine Holiday Park. Check out the range of accommodation to suit all budgets that we have to offer along with an abundance of attractions and activities to entertain you.
Geraldine’s reputation as a home to gifted artists and artisans is growing all the time and many of these talented people, for example the late Austen Deans and John Badcock, have their work on sale in the town itself or from nearby studios. Some of the creations come in edible form too – Geraldine’s cheese maker, chocolatier and the internationally recognised Barker’s fruit products all have outlets in the town. Also on display in a local shop is a recreation of the Bayeux Tapestry. It is at approximately half scale.
A short drive from Geraldine is Peel Forest. This is a very precious and extensive podocarp forest with abundant birdlife, and with many reminders of the region’s early European pioneers. Follow the road beside the Rangitata River (a world-class white-water rafting and salmon fishing river, which also provides vital irrigation to surrounding districts) into the upper Rangitata River valley for some of the most spectacular alpine and high country scenery in New Zealand. It is not difficult to see why The Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson chose this superb valley as an important location in his films.
Today Geraldine is in the heart of a prosperous farming area with sheep, cattle, deer, dairy cows, cropping and fruit growing in abundance. Almost 3000 people live in the township and surrounding areas.