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A PLACE TO LIVE
Geraldine offers a relaxed lifestyle, nestled in the picturesque foothills of the Southern Alps,
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A PLACE TO WORK
Geraldine has a thriving business community with plenty of opportunities.
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A PLACE TO PLAY
Surrounded by rugged landscapes, Geraldine is the perfect base if you want adventure.
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THE PLACE TO BE
With small town community spirit, you're guaranteed a warm welcome in Geraldine.
Welcome to Geraldine
The Heart of South Canterbury, New Zealand
Experience South Canterbury New Zealand
From rugged alps across the tapestry of Canterbury Plains all the way to the ocean, South Canterbury is the perfect escape. For a family friendly holiday base, romantic hideaway or replenishing break away, the Central South Island region is full of hidden surprises and pristine starlit skies.
In Geraldine you'll enjoy a snapshot of New Zealand where kiwi hospitality thrives!
The Gateway to the Southern Lakes
Set at the heart of the Canterbury region at the foot of the Southern Alps, Geraldine is the gateway to the lakes in the central Mackenzie Basin and the beginning of the Starlight Highway to Tekapo's world renowned UNESCO Aoraki McKenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.
Geraldine is the perfect place to stop for refreshments or to stay the night and break your journey
Why you'll fall in love with Geraldine
Stay
Whether you're camping, need a motel, quiet B&B or a holiday home to rent, we've got you covered.
Play
We've a GREAT outdoors to explore! Walking, biking, rafting, horse riding is on our doorstep.
Shop
If you're in need of some retail therapy, we've a small selection of varied boutique stores.
Taste
Whether it's just a takeaway coffee or something more substantial, there's plenty of eateries to choose from.
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The Official Geraldine Visitor Guide
DOWNLOAD HERE OR GRAB ONE IN MOST STORES IN TOWN - IT'S FREE
The guide is filled with interesting information and maps to keep you busy. We bet you'll need a few nights in town to get do it all...
FEATURED ATTRACTIONS & PROVIDERS
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ADRENALINE OVERLOAD
FROM RAFTING TO HORSE TREKKING, ADVENTURE IS RIGHT HERE
Geraldine is set in the foothills of the Southern Alps sandwiched between the sweeping Rangitata River to the North and the McKenzie country to the South. Stunning scenery, combined with landscapes and rivers begging to be explored, makes Geraldine the perfect outdoors playground with some of the best adventure activities found anywhere in New Zealand.
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ART & ABOUT
DISCOVER GERALDINE'S STRONG CREATIVE ARTS SCENE
Artists and crafts folk are drawn to the picturesque beauty of the Geraldine district as well as the relaxed lifestyle. A number of renowned artists, including John Badcock, Mike Deavoll, Henry Lowen-Smith and the late Austen Deans have made homes in the area. Many artists have studios open to the public, or display at one of the range of galleries around town. Budding amateur artists can also learn from the masters at regular workshops held in the town.
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WALK AMONGST GIANTS
DISCOVER ANCIENT NATIVE BUSH AT PEEL FOREST
An historic bush-clad retreat named after British Prime Minister Sir Robert Peel, who died in the same year the New Zealand province of Canterbury was founded, Peel Forest offers excellent walking for all levels, with tracks through the bush leading to waterfalls and the 1311m summit of Little Mt Peel. The gateway to the Rangitata Valley, Peel Forest is the base for many adventure activities in the area, including rafting, kayaking and horse trekking.
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BACK IN THE DAY
DISCOVER GERALDINE'S RICH HISTORY
Geraldine is a town founded by names synonymous with the Canterbury’s pioneering days, when huge stations such at Mt Peel, Erewhon, Orari Gorge and Mesopotamia were first claimed and brought working families to the area. Logging and flax milling joined agriculture as the back bone industries of the area, forging communities who knew how to thrive on the land. Today, this special history and culture is celebrated in many museums in the district.
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ON YER BIKE
FROM LEISURELY TOWN OR COUNTRYSIDE RIDES TO CHALLENGING DOWN HILL SINGLE TRACK , GERALDINE HAS IT ALL
With its mix of flat plains and hills, Geraldine offers some great biking country, whatever your level. From mountain bike tracks to on-road rides you'll enjoy all that the Geraldine District has to offer.
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PEEL FOREST HORSE TREKKING
Experience breathtaking views of the mountains, the Rangitata River and the Canterbury Plains. Peel Forest horse treks are tailor-made for each individual; a certain number is not needed before heading out. Suitable for all age groups and all levels of experience too!
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BIG ROCK ADVENTURES
Canoyning is many different sports and fun activities all rolled into one. Hiking, swimming, rappelling, cliff jumps, water slides and zip lines. We dress you to swim and add some technical gear for the rappels, zip lines and slides. Once in the canyon, it’s an outdoor mission from top to bottom, through, over, under and between, a natural water park!
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GERALDINE VINTAGE CAR AND MACHINERY MUSEUM
The Geraldine Vintage Car and Machinery Museum is the finest of its type in the Southern Hemisphere. On display are vintage cars, vintage tractors, vintage farm machinery and plenty of other interesting things. Open 9.30 am – 4.30 pm every day from mid September to Queen’s Birthday weekend in June, thereafter every weekend during Winter.
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GRUMPY'S KIWI HOLIDAY PARK
Grumpy's Kiwi Holiday Park is a neat, tranquil, flat and spacious 2ha holiday park set in heartland New Zealand farming country at Orari Bridge, only 6km/5min north of the Geraldine village. There is accommodation to suit all budgets & an abundance of attractions and activities to entertain you.