Geraldine Sculpture Trail

Geraldine Sculpture Trail Map 

The Vision 

The Geraldine Sculpture Trail is a work in progress. The vision is to create a destination of great significance to the district, with free walks offering an experience that blends art and nature. 

According to Geraldine.nz, "Encompassing flowing water, sparkling sunlight, native forest, birdsong, vistas of inspiring artwork and stories of local history, culture and nature, the Geraldine Nature and Sculpture Trail will be free, accessible to all and totally unique to New Zealand." 

Comprising four loops, the Geraldine Sculpture Trail will eventually be formed from a mixture of existing and new trails around Geraldine. Most of the loops can already be walked, at least in part, and the first two sculptures (on loan from Aigantighe Gallery in Timaru) have been installed in Todd Park, on the Waihi River Trail. 

The Four Loops of the Geraldine Sculpture Trail

1. Waihi River Trail - 45 minute loop 

Constructed wholly in 2023, the Waihi River Trail follows the banks of the Waihi River, connecting via the Kennedy Park footbridge and the Todd Park road bridge. Flat and wheelchair/stroller accessible, this trail winds through a peaceful stretch of forest on the Kennedy Park side of the river and passes beneath arching trees in Todd Park. 

In spring, blooming rhododendrons draw the eye with vibrant splashes of colour in the stretch of forest between Todd Park and the town centre, while the trees in Todd Park are laden with flowers. 

The only two sculptures currently located on the Geraldine Sculpture Trail (installed November 2023) are on this loop, in Todd Park. 

2. Geraldine Domain Trail - 1 hour loop 

The Geraldine Domain Trail begins on existing walkways through the Geraldine Domain. One new section of walkway was constructed in early 2024, while the remaining portion of the loop following the Waihi River is still to come. 

Passing the Geraldine Domain playground and a set of public toilets, this loop will be wheelchair/stroller accessible. Like the other town loops, the Geraldine Domain is planted up with stunning rhododendrons. 

3. Rhododendron Dell Trail - 20 minute loop 

The Rhododendron Dell Trail follows existing trails through the stretch of forest behind central Geraldine. However, these will be upgraded in February 2024 to conform to a wheelchair/stroller accessible standard. 

A gentle loop perfect for all visitors to Geraldine, the Rhododendron Dell Trail is especially stunning in spring, when its namesake flowers are in full bloom. The Rhododendron Dell Trail can easily be combined with the Waihi River Trail for a longer walk. 

Guests staying at The Vicarage can access the loop by descending the ramp behind the Barker's Foodstore & Eatery. From here, you can view the sculpture of Anthony Barker. 

4. Talbot Forest Trail - 50 minute loop 

Unlike the gently meandering loops around the town centre, the Talbot Forest Trail plunges visitors into a pristine native forest. Though well-formed and comfortable to walk, the Talbot Forest Trail will not be wheelchair/stroller accessible, and the walk gains some elevation. This loop follows existing trails through Talbot Forest, though these will be improved. 

Mere steps into Talbot Forest, visitors feel as though they have entered true wilderness. Geraldine is very lucky to have such a stunning native forest directly adjacent the town centre, and by including it in the sculpture trail, more visitors will be encouraged to experience this gem. 

Planned Work on the Geraldine Sculpture Trail

Over the coming years, the Geraldine Sculpture Trail will continue to come together, one piece at a time. Look back at this page for updates on the loops as they are completed and sculptures as they are installed. 

Planned work includes: 

• Sculptures installed on each of the trails - the first permanent installation will be a Llew Summers sculpture titled "Peace"
• A viewing platform to be located parallel to the Main North Road bridge on the town side
• Construction/upgrade of the Rhododendron Dell Trail
• Completion of the Geraldine Domain Trail
• Upgrades of the Talbot Forest Trail

Posted by Michael Barker on February 11, 2024