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[ South Canterbury - New Zealand ] |
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[ South Canterbury - New Zealand ] |
Enjoy the unique country village atmosphere and admire the grandeur of the many historical buildings and museums. Take time to stroll the beautiful totara forests and walkways, many of them within walking distance of the township. The domain, with its lovely, extensive rose gardens, is the ideal place to bring out the picnic.
Geraldine was discovered in the 1840s, but it wasn’t until 1854 that Samual Healings built the first bark hut in Talbot Street . He married a Maori woman, Aga Hei, and the totara tree which he planted to mark the birth of his daughter still stands on the site today in Talbot Street , opposite the police station. Sheep were quickly established in the area, together with pit saw milling of the native bush. When the bush had been cleared, wheat crops were grown across the plains. Originally called Talbot Forest , Geraldine was renamed Fitzgerald in 1857 after the first superintendent of Canterbury , the Irishman, Edward Fitzgerald. The name was finally changed to Geraldine which was the Fitzgerald’s family name in Ireland . Today Geraldine is in the heart of a prosperous farming area with sheep, cattle, deer, dairy cows, cropping and fruit growing in abundance. Almost 2400 people live in the town and its surrounding areas.
Stroll the village streets and sample some of the finest cuisine. Experience the relaxed atmosphere of our cafes and wine bars, they will certainly lure you in. Sampling some of the finest cheeses and fruit products produced locally is a must. The aroma of freshly baked breads from the local bakeries will be very hard to resist.
You’ll always be welcomed in Geraldine with the friendly hospitality of the locals. Take your pick of a variety of accommodation - from luxury lodges, hotels, motels, homestays, bed & breakfast, farmstays, backpackers and holiday parks. Whatever your desired type of accommodation you’ll find just the perfect bed here. Many of these are within walking distance of the village.
Within Geraldine and its surrounding areas live many talented arts and crafts people. Their works can be viewed in some of the galleries within the village, or in studios at their private homes. Many stained glass windows, both here and overseas, were created by local stained glass artists. Visit our world-class glass blower. Established, renowned painters, potters, sculptors, and wood turners live within a short distance of the village. The inspiration of the setting and atmosphere of Geraldine draws more artists to settle here every year.
Experience the thrill of rafting world-class grade five rapids in the Rangitata Gorge or be guided on a four-wheel-drive adventure into the amazing ‘Lord of the Rings’ film set of the Rangitata Valley .
Experience a fishing or hunting safari with qualified local guides on some of the best rivers and game parks in New Zealand .
Experience a round of golf on one of our two great courses, or perhaps a day skiiing with the choice of four fields just one hour’s drive from Geraldine.
Experience the many walking tracks in local bush reserves and enjoy a magnificent day out suitable for people of all fitness levels with amazing scenery, abundant bird life and breathtaking views.
Talbot Forest Scenic Reserve - Talbot Forest has five short well maintained tracks: Wheel Chair Track 5 mins / Mahoe Track 5 mins / Reservoir Track 5 mins / Matai Track 5 mins / Kahikatea Track 15 mins.
Kakahu Bush - Situated in Hall Road Geraldine. Kakahu Escarpment 10 mins / Marble Gorge 30 mins / Balancing Rock 1hr 10 mins / Pinnacles Lookout 2hr 10 min (track times all one-way)
Geraldine’s River Walk - A pleasant 20-30 minute walk runs beside the Waihi River .
Peel Forest Park - A great range of tracks available for all levels of fitness. Tracks are in the Clarke Flat area, Te Wanahu Area, Blandswood Area and the Mt Peel Range . A comprehensive map is available from DOC or the Geraldine Information Centre listing all the walks.
Geraldine Visitor Information Centre
Corner Talbot and Cox Streets, Geraldine
Phone 03 693 1006
Fax 03 693 1008
Email information@geraldine.co.nz
www.southisland.org.nz
Proudly produced by:
Geraldine District Promotion Association Inc.
Email:gdpa@geraldine.net.nz
