There's more to Geraldine than meets the eye...
Most visitors drive right through, because there is no lake, no beach, and no mountain views downtown.
But as soon as you step foot in our idyllic country town, you'll discover the real charm of Geraldine:
- Fantastic local artisan foods, including cheese, gin, preserves, beers..
- A stunning array of boutique shops
- A vibrant cafe scene
- Genuine country hospitality
- The headquarters of Barker's of Geraldine
- Extensive walking trails downtown, including through a pristine slice of native forest
- The gateway to little-known wilderness gems such as Peel Forest, Mesopotamia, and the upper Rangitata River
...and best of all, there are no crowds!
A fantastic foodie destination...
Food & beverage manufacturers
- Barker's Foodstore & Eatery
- Humdinger Gin
- Geraldine Cheese Co.
- House Of Hop Brewery & restaurant
- Waihi Bush Organic Farm - in Country Rumours store
Cafes serving drinks and/or breakfast and lunch
- Barker's Foodstore & Eatery
- Verde Geraldine
- The Running Duck
- Mundell’s Cafe
- The Record Keeper
- Geraldine Farm Shop & Cafe
- Geraldine Berry Barn Bakery and Cafe
- Woodbury Cafe
- The Green Man Peel Forest
Sit-down restaurants serving evening meals:
- The Village Inn
- Royal India Restaurant
- House of Hop
- Austin92 Restaurant in nearby Temuka
Takeaway food options
- Kebab World
- Re Burger Geraldine
- Be Foodie
- Geraldine Fish Supply
- Jack's Chinese takeaway Geraldine
- Subway
A pristine slice of wilderness...
Discover stunning bush walks in Talbot Forest, right in the heart of town, or venture 18 minutes inland to Peel Forest, where you'll encounter some of the oldest and largest totaras in the South Island.
Beyond Peel Forest lie the upper reaches of the Rangitata River, where you can explore breathtaking high-country farmland and alpine views. Book a day tour.
Wilderness highlights around Geraldine include:
- A network of short trails in Talbot Forest, just a ten-minute walk from The Vicarage Geraldine
- Excellent trails in nearby Peel Forest, from the wheelchair-accessible Big Tree Walk to the rewarding hike up Little Mount Peel
- Orari Gorge Scenic Reserve. 1.5 hr track (15 mins from Geraldine)
- The breathtaking Mesopotamia Station, drive through Peel Forest and on up the Rangitata Gorge.
Countless treasures to discover in town...
The Vicarage is located in the heart of Geraldine, within easy walking distance of our restaurants, attractions, and trails.
Situated just behind The Vicarage, the Barker's Foodstore & Eatery is the perfect breakfast option.
With a virtual reception, we envision The Vicarage as your "home away from home," with flexible check-in hours and countless little touches that make your stay special - from the bottle of port in the sitting room and the complimentary bottle of wine for guests who book direct to the chocolates, tea and coffee, Barker's preserves, and history booklets you will find around the property.
Art Galleries
- McAtamney Gallery and Design Store
- Susan Badcock Gallery
- Green-Gold Gallery
- Merivale Fine Arts
Museums
- Geraldine Military Museum
- Geraldine Historical Museum
- Roger Mahan Heritage Centre
- Geraldine Vintage Car & Machinery Museum
- Route 79 Museum
Day Spas
- Ilu Day Spa
- Bella Salu Beauty Therapy
Walks & Sporting Activities
- Mundell’s Entertainment – Golf, Driving & Flying Simulators
- Geraldine Golf Club
- Bike Hire & Mountain biking trails
- Geraldine Sculpture Trail
- Talbot Forest (native bush walks on the Geraldine Downs)
Specialty shopping
- Record Keeper – Vinyl record store & Café
- The Cottage Pantry & Gallery
- The Geraldine Farmer’s Market – Saturday mornings next door beside the Church. Oct-Apr
- The Geraldine Craft Market – On Wilson St. 8.30am-3.30 pm, weekends & public holidays
- Louk NZ Made Clothing
- Grandpa’s Toys
- Geraldine Alpaca Centre
- Talbot Silver
- Forget Me Not Gifts
- Joosh
- The Kitchen Cupboard
- Flowers Inc
- Trio Boutique
- Outline Clothing
- AOK clothing
- The Page and Post Booksellers
- Tievoli Trading – design store
- The Pin Tin
- Food Over Fire
- Artisan butchery, fish shop, chemist, garden & hardware shops, supermarket.
The Vicarage Experience...
The Vicarage is located in the heart of Geraldine, within easy walking distance of our restaurants, attractions, and trails.
Situated just behind The Vicarage, the Barker's Foodstore & Eatery is the perfect breakfast option.
With a virtual reception, we envision The Vicarage as your "home away from home," with flexible check-in hours and countless little touches that make your stay special - from the bottle of port in the sitting room and the complimentary bottle of wine for guests who book direct to the chocolates, tea and coffee, Barker's preserves, and history booklets you will find around the property.
One night isn't enough...
The one recurring complaint we get from guests is that they wish they had stayed longer!
Take the time to relax, indulge, and immerse yourself in beautiful Geraldine.
Choose your way to experience Geraldine...
Geraldine is the perfect long weekend getaway, first or last night in New Zealand, alternative to Lake Tekapo, boutique wedding destination, and even a ski hub.
Choose Geraldine for your first or last night in New Zealand
Located less than two hours from Christchurch Airport, Geraldine offers a friendly, laid-back way to start or end your stay in New Zealand.
Once you arrive, toss aside the keys and stretch your legs in our wee town.
Plus, our delightfully comfortable beds are the ideal cure for jet-lag!
Break up the drive between Christchurch and Queenstown with a stay in Geraldine
Lake Tekapo might be stunningly scenic, but it has a reputation as an overcrowded tourist destination.
Choose to avoid the crowds and the minimum-night restrictions and stay in Geraldine instead for an even more indulgent experience.
Plan a memorable destination wedding
With superb events hosted by the local Stonebridge Estate, Geraldine is a deservedly popular wedding destination.
Book your bridal party at The Vicarage and enjoy our spacious facilities and picture-perfect setting.
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Use The Vicarage as a luxury base for skiing the nearby resorts
Geraldine is located at a key point on the "powder highway," with four ski fields nearby.
Stay with us and sample:
- Mt Hutt (1.25 hours from Geraldine)
- Fox Peak (1 hour from Geraldine)
- Mt Dobson (1 hour from Geraldine)
- Roundhill (1.5 hours from Geraldine)
And when you return each evening, warm up with a glass of complimentary port in our sitting rooms!