Geraldine is a picturesque village located in South Canterbury with an enviable climate, great community spirit and excellent facilities for seniors.

The town has long been known as an excellent place to enjoy retirement, offering all sorts of activities, both active and more leisurely, to suit everyone as well as a friendly welcoming and safe community where you’ll soon feel very much at home.

A recent study of a range of data by the New Zealand Herald showed that the Timaru District, including Geraldine, was rated as one of the top 10% of places to retire in the country, based on a number of criteria.  Check out the rankings and criteria here.

Check out moving to Geraldine for all the key information you’ll need to know, while below you’ll find information specific to retiring in our lovely district.

 Settling in

Geraldine boasts more than 200 different clubs, sports groups, hobbies and special interest groups, including Lions/Lionesses and Friendship Clubs (formerly Probus) all keen to welcome new members.

As a small country town, volunteering and joining various groups/clubs is a great way to get to know people.  You’ll find newcomers here from all around New Zealand, who have chosen to move to Geraldine for the great climate, sense of community and excellent facilities, plus the proximity to many other South Island cities and airports.

The town boasts two golf clubs (and another dozen within a 30-minute drive) plus easy terrain biking trails, tennis courts, gym, bowling and squash clubs and a heated outdoor swimming pool.  Walking tracks abound, both along the river and through Talbot Forest.

There is a vibrant theatre and live music scene with various groups organising regular events including the Geraldine Players and Geraldine Academy of Performance & Arts.  The Geraldine Community Arts Council often hosts top quality travelling shows in conjunction with Arts on Tour and Creative New Zealand.  While the historic Geraldine Cinema shows all the latest films which can viewed from the comfort of their sofas and local eateries cater for palates of all types.

Before you know it, you’ll feel like a local and be enjoying a range of activities and hobbies with likeminded friends.

A place to call home

The housing stock in Geraldine is varied. You’ll find homes in Geraldine for all budgets and lifestyles, with your money going much further than other urban centres.  Prices begin at just under $400,000, with median house prices around $560,000 in June 2022 (data provided by REINZ) and premium top end properties in prime locations begin at about $700,000 and go up to $1.2 million.

Geraldine is a sought-after location for house buyers and prices tend to hold well even in times of economic downturn.  No less than three real estate agencies service the property needs of this busy town.

Services

The Geraldine Resource Centre is a great place to seek information upon arrival and will provide you with a welcome pack, plus assist with information and contacts to help you quickly and easily settle in and feel like a local.  While the Library Service Centre manages all council related enquires and the Geraldine Visitor Information Centre will provide you with plenty of ideas for exploring the area.

Geraldine is blessed with two doctor’s surgeries, pharmacy, a dentist, chiropractor and physiotherapy centre as well as two beauty therapy/day spas, library and more than a handful of hair dressing salons.  The Fresh Choice supermarket stocks a great range of fresh and grocery items with both telephone and online ordering available, pick up or delivery, and there are a range or artisanal food stores as well.

Older residents are also well served in Geraldine with information here on the town’s on eldercare services.