Geraldine

Travel Guide

Geraldine showing a house, wild flowers and a park
Geraldine which includes flowers
Geraldine featuring signage
Geraldine showing signage
Geraldine featuring a garden and wild flowers
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.

Geraldine Motels
Geraldine Motels
3 out of 5
97 Talbot Street, Geraldine
The price is €94 per night from 23 Mar to 24 Mar
€94
includes taxes & fees
23 Mar - 24 Mar
Stay at this 3-star motel in Geraldine. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (308 reviews)
"Loved having laundry on the premises. Excellent water pressure from shower. Had extra blankets which we appreciated on a cold rainy night"

Reviewed on 4 Mar 2025

Geraldine Motels
ASURE Scenic Route Motor Lodge
ASURE Scenic Route Motor Lodge
4 out of 5
28 Waihi Tce, Geraldine
The price is €84 per night from 4 Apr to 5 Apr
€84
includes taxes & fees
4 Apr - 5 Apr
Stay at this 4-star motel in Geraldine. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Talbot Forest Scenic Reserve and Geraldine ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (284 reviews)
"Great location to stay but not many options for restaurants for dinner."

Reviewed on 24 Feb 2025

ASURE Scenic Route Motor Lodge
Four Peaks Motel
Four Peaks Motel
2.5 out of 5
28 McKenzie Street, Geraldine
The price is €84 per night from 16 Mar to 17 Mar
€84
includes taxes & fees
16 Mar - 17 Mar
Stay at this motel in Geraldine. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Talbot Forest Scenic Reserve and Geraldine Historical ...
9/10 Wonderful! (149 reviews)
"Lovely place. Really nice owners who are obviously proud of the place. Clean, comfortable and great value. Very convenient for amenities in town..nice town. Would have liked to stay longer."

Reviewed on 28 Feb 2025

Four Peaks Motel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Holiday House with Style - Geraldine Retreat
Holiday House with Style - Geraldine Retreat
Geraldine
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Geraldine. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Geraldine Historical Society Museum ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (89 reviews)
Our Geealdine Holiday
"Very tidy, obviously been modernised, magnificennt lounge. Heaps of room iverall. The only slightly sour note is that a bigger clothesline is needed"

Reviewed on 28 Jan 2025

Holiday House with Style - Geraldine Retreat
Spacious, modern, centrally located house.
Spacious, modern, centrally located house.
Geraldine
Stay at this vacation home in Geraldine. Enjoy free WiFi and air conditioning. Popular attractions Geraldine Historical Society Museum and Geraldine Vintage ...
10/10 Exceptional! (7 reviews)
All good.
"Great place and great spot. Proximaty to many attractions and sports venues make it a superb alternative to the likes of Timaru, Temuka etc."

Reviewed on 24 Feb 2025

Spacious, modern, centrally located house.
Sunny Geraldine family bungalow
Sunny Geraldine family bungalow
Geraldine, Timaru
Stay at this vacation home in Geraldine. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Geraldine Vintage Car and Machinery Museum and Geraldine ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (4 reviews)
Property ok
"Had a good time"

Reviewed on 17 Apr 2023

Sunny Geraldine family bungalow
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do