Reviews

What a wonderful night we had recently staying at The Vicarage Geraldine. The decor is stunning, of such a high quality and everything is perfectly appointed! The bed was heaven, with quality bedding that I was sad to get out of to be honest. The building has such a rich history and I love you have shared it with guests and honoured those that came before you. The complimentary bottle of wine (for those who book directly) and the port in the lounge for a wee tipple at the end of the night were both lovely! Oh, and having the Barker’s Foodstore & Eatery behind us was fantastic too, we took a few delicious things back to Auckland. Thanks, it was a fantastic way to end our holiday in the beautiful South. Leah P…

Leah P, Auckland

Geraldine is a wonderful town rich in history with trails less travelled. Need to get away but also away from tourism? Come stay at The Vicarage Geraldine. A boutique hotel in the perfect location that has every comfort you need. From warmed towels to a tipple of port. You are so welcomed, you can even do a load of laundry. Take a break and treat yourself. It’s worth it.

Teri A.

Thank you very much for hosting us at the Vicarage in Geraldine. I cannot think of anything you need to improve. The stay and accommodation was perfect. We have lived in NZ for 5 years, and have done a fair bit of travelling during this time. As I mentioned to you Brigitte, this is by far the best accommodation we have stayed at in NZ. Thanks again for having us. We are definitely planning on returning in the not-so-distant future. Regards, Daniel

Daniel

Our third visit to The Vicarage - now a six monthly "must" for us. It just gets better as we find more reasons to stay in Geraldine, not the least of which is the joy of experiencing sophistication and elegance when staying at The "V". Extremely helpful and pleasant staff, fabulous meals at your doorstep in the Barker's Foodstore Eatery + peace and serenity - why wouldn't you? Ian.

Ian

The Vicarage in Geraldine is a hidden gem! The building was beautifully restored a few years ago and turned into a luxury accommodation. The Self Check in was easy and convenient. The room was very clean and beautifully presented. The tiles in the bathroom were stunning! The blue-green reminded me of the gorgeous shades of the Pacific Ocean surrounding New Zealand. Reading about the history of the building and the work that went into the restoration was very interesting. If Geraldine is not on your route, staying at the Vicarage is worth the detour! Jordana from Canada.

Jordana, Canada

We have travelled the world extensively and have to say that the Vicarage is one of the top places we have stayed. Your attention to detail is impressive and you have done justice to the heritage of the building. Your restoration is outstanding. The people of Geraldine are friendly and welcoming. I am a travel agent in the US and will give The Vicarage an “outstanding” review. Renetta K

Renetta K

Thank you so much for a truly exceptional experience. We absolutely loved our stay at the Vicarage. It was everything we had hoped it might be and even more. In another life (pre-Covid) we travelled quite a lot and we have thought a lot about what makes a stay more enjoyable. The Vicarage definitely ticks all the boxes! We thought you had done a fabulous job with the renovation - honouring the spirit of the old building but bringing it into the current day. Our room was well-appointed, spacious, restful and so tasteful! We loved all the cheeky monkeys, the clever key lock boxes, the bathroom tiles, shower, Linden Leaves toiletries, luxurious towels, the uncluttered kitchenette, the provision of dressing gowns, hangers; comfy chair and ottoman, the down blanket, the wonderful crisp sheets (where to stop). My husband now wants to buy an electric jug like that one, as well as the down blanket! He also stripped and remade the bed to identify the make because it was soooo comfortable. The bottle of wine, the sitting room with its magazines and port, and the voucher for a Barker's preserve was the icing on the cake. Bravo!!! We’ve already recommended the Vicarage to friends and family who are keen to stay! We will definitely be back. Gill and Dan P.S. And thank you for your forbearance, professionalism and generosity during the Lockdown, moving our booking more than once. The communication was great and everyone we spoke to was super helpful.

Gill and Dan, Nelson

Gosh, where do we start? We have travelled a lot and lived overseas, so can confidently say we have stayed at different types of accommodation over the years. Put quite simply, The Vicarage would be one of the best we have ever had the privilege to stay at. We loved reading the history with the different vicars. The restoration of the house is absolutely superb. Your hard work, diligence, tenacity dealing with consents, research and the end result with refurbishing inside and out is outstanding. We cannot fault ANYTHING and can’t wait to return in the future; also the Barker’s food store is amazing! So, huge congratulations and all the best for the future.

J & R

Amazing place. Beautifully restored old building, everything done to the highest standard. Beautiful linen, really comfortable super king bed…I could stretch sideways

Peter

The best property we have stayed in in years! What an amazing place. Superior quality decor, comfort and ease of access. Luxurious bathroom with luxury toiletries. Aircon meant that the room was a comfortable temperature to sleep in. We used the laundry which was well thought out with easy-to-use instructions. Very handy for local eateries. Very quiet with no noise. Everything has been thought of. Excellent value for money. Highly recommend. Wish we could have stayed longer!

J & T

This is such a beautiful boutique hotel! You can tell a lot of thought was put into restoring this historical building and it just oozes charm. We had such an enjoyable stay! Annissa

Annissa

Thanks for a gorgeous stay at The Vicarage. Your obvious efforts to make this a really special place have definitely paid off. Attention to detail is exquisite. The renovation is such a success and the books that share the stories of making it happen were fascinating. It is a truly excellent and comfortable place. There are so many features that make The Vicarage unusual: the shared sitting rooms/kitchens were so well equipped and comfortable (and we met our fellow guests), the small outdoor verandahs, the milk and tasters for the excellent Barker products available very close by, the helpful communication and the fabulously comfortable beds. Thanks to all for making our stay special.

Cate, Canberra, Australia

What a find! We were winging our road trip and stumbled upon a gem! Like an Oasis in a desert. Such a wonderful, stylish, heartfelt place. Lovely touches like a bottle of wine and complimentary port. Board games. Beautiful amenities.

GlyndaK

The Vicarage was my home when I was a teenager and it was always a special home, full of love and laughter. Newly restored it is once again a special place, elegantly furnished to a luxurious standard and yet still so full of character. The Geraldine community has been very excited to watch this major restoration of an iconic Geraldine building and fully support the vision of Michael & Brigitte Barker who have pushed on and made it happen.

Rachel Harper (nee Smith)

The Vicarage is amazing - right up there with the best we have experienced Internationally. I cannot think of any thing you could do to enhance our experience. We will be spreading the word and encouraging friends and whanau to visit Geraldine and to stay at the Vicarage. We wish you every success.

Robyn from Auckland, Auckland

A very special experience. The renovation is exceptional. We loved our stay.

Marie Bristow

A step into history. Old buildings fascinate me and as a wheelchair user, when one says it is accessible, I just have to stay there. This was a little bit of luxury on our three weeks South Island road trip, and we were not disappointed. From the excellent communication from Kim in answering all my access questions, to seamless booking, to the sumptuous room we stayed in, this was an accommodation experience we will not forget. The Vicarage has been lovingly restored with careful attention to detail. The wheelchair accessible (Rev Harold Purchas) room on the ground floor was spacious, with a wonderful wet area bathroom. The bed was so very comfortable, and the room was quiet. A guest sitting room was next door with a gas fire, kitchenette and comfy seating. This was exemplary wheelchair access in an historic building which shows that it can be done and done well. We enjoyed a delicious breakfast at Barker's eatery next door the following morning. Highly recommend

Medievalscot

Fantastic blend of heritage features and modern luxury decor This heritage building has been tastefully restored. It's full of the original heritage features of The old Vicarage, but the decor is contemporary with a heritage twist. The best word to describe this accommodation is luxury. The location is fantastic, in the middle of Geraldine with lots to see and do, walking tracks at the front door and Barkers Foodstore and Eatery across the carpark.

Kate, Aoraki Tourism

Absolute Gem, had to book last minute due to weather. The building has been sympathetically restored to a very High standard with no expense spared, particularly love the wallpaper. Lovely touch with complimentary bottle of wine & token for a free jar of preserve from the adjacent famous Barkers outlet & Cafe. Sat in the upstairs communal sitting room & Christened the Scrabble with a glass of the lovely Port before bed. Highly recommended

Simon B

The very best renovations travel into the past to prescribe the future. The Vicarage has been immaculately restored and with great reverence for its origins, so you have an immediate sense of permanence of calm despite knowing it has "Just" happened. It neatly squares the circle and desire for all the modernity’s served up in a timeless fashion. In that sense it's the travelers equivalent of "Outlander" It reminds me of Daylesford Organics in the UK a lifestyle experience with food (the café) and hospitality (rooms). Kiwi's looking for an aspirational 'town in the country experience' should love it and the Boutique Operators in Europe should make this a stop when International Guests Return. I enjoyed the breakfasts and naughty cakes in the café and a platter delivered to the charming sitting room. You can walk along the river and up into the woods and of course the area is beckoning the tramper. I booked for one night but stayed for two it would be rude not to. My thanks to Lynleigh and Michael Barker and his lovely wife. Back for more most certainly

Michelle J

Just wanted to let you know we had a wonderful stay at the Vicarage. The renovation is absolutely outstanding and a lot of thought has gone into every detail. We also had a lovely dinner at the Village Inn and now have a large box of goodies from the Barker’s store to enjoy when we get home. Thanks once again and we look forward to returning soon.

R.T

Stunningly restored The Vicarage has been lovingly restored to its former glory and retains touches of it's former life as a Vicarage with rooms named after former Vicars of the Parish and some caricature's of those residents in one of the sitting rooms.This is luxury in the heart of Geraldine - just walking distance to everything and a really pleasant walkway by the river nearby.

Liz F

What a wonderful stay. From the moment you walk in the front door you can tell that this place is special and finished to the highest of standards. Our room, the Rev'd John Hayhoe room and adjourning sitting room was beautiful with the most amazing views over the little town of Geraldine and the river beyond. The bed was super comfortable and the ensuite had everything you could need, the little things and attention to detail makes this place so classy. Congratulations on the design and you should be commended on the pure comfort and elegance of the furnishings. Although you are in the town centre the room was very quiet and we had a lovely uninterrupted sleep. An easy walk to the town centre gave us a great choice of eating places and our breakfast next door at the Barkers new cafe was fantastic! Rob said he loved the big heavy doors..the design of the whole place is fantastic and you should be commended on a wonderful place. Thank you for a great night. Thank you, kind regards Sharon and Rob Bradley

Sharon & Rob Bradley

Geraldine Gem. Our stay at the newly opened Vicarage was a real treat.It is centrally located and beautifully restored with careful detail reflecting it's past use.Our room was very quiet, warm, spotlessly clean and had a super comfy bed and pillows...Outstanding accommodation that has a real wow factor and I would highly recommend.

jandn62

Amazing establishment and history! The rooms are beautiful and has so many thoughtful touches. We had a very comfortable stay and would come back again!

Karlee

Absolutely beautiful place to stay. Central in the middle of town with amazing amenities. An absolute credit to the hosts. Will definitely stay again next time we are in town.

Chelsea

A real Treat. Stayed one night on way to Terrace Downs, what a treat this was. Felt very special staying upstairs in Room 5. The decor and facility is just gorgeous. The sitting room attached, was so restful. A glass of Port and/or Brandy on offer as a nightcap. A complimentary bottle of wine in the fridge another surprise. So many little touches that just added up to a perfect stay. Room was so warm and cosy. Breakfast at Barkers right next door did not disappoint either. A must stay place in Geraldine, we will be back someday. A credit to the owners!

Robin M., Central Otago

Perfect for our wedding night. Great outlook, comfy bed, lovely decor, had fab shower, coffee maker in our room. We enjoyed the complimentary bottle of wine. We had a complimentary glass of port in the lounge room before bed. Beautiful restoration but with all the mod cons. If you looking for a night away with your honey- this is great.

Jane W