South Canterbury is often referred to as the food bowl of New Zealand so comes as no surprise that the rich, fertile countryside around Geraldine boasts some of the most amazing produce our country has to offer.  Turning high quality fresh produce into delicious fare that will delight the most discerning of palates has become the trademark of Geraldine.

Chief among the local producers is Barkers, the preserves and condiments icon, still proud to be operating on the corner of the family farm, with what must surely be the most picturesque outlook in the world for a manufacturing business.  Visit the Foodstore & Eatery to taste the products in action and to select a suitable accompaniment for your cheese from the Barker’s range of chutneys and relishes or stock up on their fruity preserves and refreshing cordials.

When visiting Geraldine make sure you pop into Four Peaks Plaza to sample some of the award winning cheeses at the Geraldine Cheese Company and take a peek through the square window to see cheese being made right in front of you in the micro plant.

You’ll find the Waihi Bush Organic Farm Shop, located in Country Rumours further along Talbot Street, where you can sample from their range of organically produced health food products, including the very popular Waihi Bush Flax Oil.

For a sweet treat take a stroll along the picturesque main street and tucked down Wilson St you’ll find the Cottage Pantry and Gallery (where food and art meet in heavenly partnership) for old fashioned sweets and chocolates as well as a treasure trove of store cupboard staples, natural foods including specialist flours, as well as organic and gluten-free products, grains and pulses.

From October to April each year the Geraldine Farmers Market is the place where the locals shop for fresh seasonal produce.  It is the perfect place to catch up with friends over coffee and a baked treat under the trees in the churchyard, while local bands entertain the milling crowds.

In summer head a little further out of town to Stancrdu Berry Farm to pick a range of berries straight from the wine.

The honey shop, situated on the very aptly named ‘honey corner’ at the northern entrance to the town offers a tour through every possible application of the apiary nectar.  Get wonderfully flavoured honey and a range of honey based health products to boot.

Crossing over the highway in the other directions brings your to Peelview Orchard.  A place with a checkered history as a bootleg cider producer back in Geraldine’s dry days and now the purveyor of juicy succulent apples and pears.  Order online for delivery further afield.

As if this isn’t enough, our old fashioned butchery is acclaimed the length and breadth of the South Island for its locally sourced succulent meats available at affordable prices.  Check out the range of deli items to make the most of any meal.

With all this bounty on their doorstep the eateries of Geraldine give their sophisticated city counterparts a run for their money in the contemporary food innovation stakes with several having scooped awards for their fare.

For something a little different pop out to the Valley Brewery Company where you can taste several locally brewed beers and purchase direct from the cellar door.

Check out the Outstanding Food Trail on the Timaru Trails app to create your own itinerary and explore food all around the district.  And find out more about Geraldine’s range of eateries, offering something for every palette, pocket and appetite see here.

To whet the appetite before you arrive in Geraldine you might like to visit your local supermarket to try any of Barker’s range, Addmore Elderflower drinks and Heartland Chips.  Then take a taste sensation journey to Geraldine and share in a little slice of our delicious paradise!