Walk through an ancient forest, enjoy the buzz of whitewater rafting, admire fine art and visit a mini observatory in this town at the foot of the Southern Alps.
Explore Geraldine, a pleasant little country town that is known for its vibrant arts scene. Do the Gotham Challenge, gaze at the stars, admire vintage vehicles, float over foaming rivers and find ancient trees.
Geraldine is just a short detour from the highway from Christchurch to Timaru, about halfway down the east coast of the South Island. Set in the Canterbury Region, at the foot of New Zealand’s Southern Alps, Geraldine is surrounded by farmland, mountains, forests and rivers.
Get your blood pumping by going whitewater rafting on the Rangitata River. Originating in the Southern Alps, this mighty river pushes through the Rangitata Gorge, which forms the perfect setting for a thrilling ride. Kayaking and exploring waterfalls along the nearby Waihi and Orari rivers are gentler options.
Transport yourself back in time at the Geraldine Vintage Car and Machinery Museum to see its eclectic mix of cars and machinery. Keep the transport theme going by driving out to the smaller but also interesting Aviation Museum at Rangitata Airport.
For an out-of-this-world experience, gaze up at the night sky from the Geraldine Observatory. The domed building is regarded as one of the best private observatories in the country, also thanks to the in-depth knowledge of its enthusiastic host.
The next morning, disappear into the depths of the surrounding forests. Nearby Peel Forest is very popular for its ancient podocarp trees and abundant birdlife. Enjoy a short walk or camp overnight to enjoy some of the longer walks. Guided horse rides are great for checking out the scenery at a relaxed pace.
If you are feeling ravenous after all these activities, head to Geraldine’s Central Café and do the Gotham Challenge. The Gotham is a 4.4-pound (2-kilogram) burger that is free of charge, but only if you manage to eat all of it within 30 minutes. If this doesn’t leave you satisfied, nothing will.
Finally, check out the local arts and crafts scene with a visit to one of the many galleries and shops in the area. Browse high-quality local art and get locally made merino wool clothing before heading to cool climate of the nearby mountains.
