The beautiful Village of Geraldine

by Dave Stanton
(Geraldine, New Zealand)

The Beautiful Village of Geraldine


Geraldine Village, Lonely Planet rated as "New Zealand's most beautiful town" and it's not hard to see why! This sub-alpine village has more than meets the eye. Highly recommended on our must see list when you visit or stay is the new 1066 medieval puzzle world , the Giant jersey and Allison Art all found on Wilson Street. Kiwi Country complex and the "Four peaks plaza", which includes a boutique cheese factory, an Alpaca shop, Barker?s tasty conserves, sauces & beverages for which the village is well known, and of course the famous Berry Barn Bakery.

For ?Thrill Seekers and outdoor adventurers? there?s many wonderful bush walks at the Kakahu limekiln, Talbot Forest and nearby Peel Forest. The world?s best Trout and Salmon fishing, White Water rafting the Rangatata River, horse trekking, Golfer's paradise an incredible sixteen courses within an hours drive, Fly a plane at Rangatata Aerodrome, Four Wheel drive Safari?s, or visit the Village's Museum and Vintage Machinery Museum. In winter there is Skiing/snowboarding, (Eight different fields within an hour) and Ice skating and hot pools nearby at Tekapo......and then there is always the Challenge of a trek up ?Little? Mount Peel (1311mtrs).

As Geraldine is home to many famous Nz Artists, so you might like to grab an Art trail brochure from the information centre. For evenings, there?s the choice of Geraldine?s old-time Cinema or in season nightly entertainment at ?The Taste", "The Easy Way Café? , "Mandel's" or ?Village Inn Cafes?. There is a choice of ten takeaway's and Cafe/Restaurant dining venues. The New Stonebridge Conference and Events Centre has been drawing people to town in the celebration of weddings, conferences, birthday parties and other events in a romantic garden park lake side setting.

Now for a place to Stay? We love Aoraki Cottage at Wellspring farm. The cottage is great and Dave and Nikki the host are really nice people.