New Zealand in Focus

Geraldine & Central South Canterbury

Travel two hours south of Christchurch through the picturesque Canterbury Plains and you will arrive at our newest location, The Farmyard Holiday Park in Geraldine. Set up camp (or unpack in a cosy self-contained unit!) and get ready to uncover some of the many hidden gems that await you in this Central South Island destination. As the name would suggest this is not just a great place stay, it is a visitor attraction in its own right!

The Farmyard Holiday Park is set on 20 acres of land and along with a unique Kiwi farmyard experience offers accommodation styles to suit all guests, including tent sites and campervan sites, furnished cabins, and self-contained units that sleep 6-8 people. The park also features a TV lounge, campers’ kitchen and dump station. The swimming pool, various playground activities, grass tennis court, trampolines and bike tracks are sure to keep the kids entertained when they are not getting to know the many animals around the farm.

Owners Glenn & Rachel invite you and your family to make friends with the animals that call The Farmyard home all year round including donkeys, alpacas, llamas, possum, hens, pigs, wallaby’s, cows, goats, sheep, peacocks, turkey, rabbits, guinea pigs, and the turtle that welcomes arrivals in reception. If you visit during spring time you can even help feed the new lambs. Add to your farm stay experience with free kids donkey rides each morning or zip around on an afternoon quad bike ride during weekends and holidays like its Queen’s Birthday.

If you are looking to get out and about, Geraldine is full of attractions to suit all ages and budgets. Get your heart racing as you white water raft down the Rangitata River, devour the local produce at the farmers market, take home memento of your holiday from the craft market or be awed by the natural beauty of the region as you stroll one of the many walking tracks through Peel Forest.

If you are looking for a few must do experiences, here are our picks:

Geraldine Observatory

The region is known for its stunning starlit skies so a trip to New Zealand’s best private observatory is an experience like no other.

Peter Aldous is a passionate astronomer who welcomes visitors to his observatory to see and learn about the night sky. Peter owns an impressive array of telescopes and equipment and loves to share his wealth of knowledge by hosting small groups so all visitors have to opportunity to see and ask questions.

Peel Forest Horse Trekking

Get a close up view of the Rangitata River and mountainous terrain as you are guided through Peel Forest on horseback. Peel Forest Horse Trekking is suitable for beginner and experienced riders, and offer a range of trek options from one hour to multi day that include staying in a back country hut.

Rangitata Rafts

Rangitata Rafts is located near Peel Forest just 30 minutes from Geraldine and boasts spectacular scenery combined with a 2.5 hours rafting experience through the Rangitata Gorge. Along with their standard trip that encounters grade 2-5 waters there is also a family friendly grade 2 option through the gentle rapids of the lower Rangitata River.

Barkers of Geraldine

Barkers of Geraldine has been around for almost 50 years, crafting delicious fruit preserves, chutneys, fruit juice syrups, and condiments from the original family farm located just 8km’s from Geraldine.

You can pick up a taste of Barkers for yourself at their retail shop in the Four Peaks Plaza, cnr Talbot & Cox Streets.

Geraldine Vintage Car and Machinery Museum

The Geraldine Vintage Car and Machinery Museum is a one of a kind attraction displaying vintage cars, tractors, and farm machinery.

The unique exhibits awaiting you include:

John Britten‘s Campervan
A Harley Davidson Hearse
An Original Spartan Bi-Plane
Saunderson & Mill Tractor
Fordson Leopard Tractor c1930

Open daily from mid September to Queen’s Birthday weekend in June and every weekend during winter.

Once you have finished experiencing a day of true kiwi hospitality head back to The Farmyard Holiday Park and relax, sit back and cook your marshmallows over the open fire while taking in the pristine skies overhead.

For more information about Geraldine and the surrounding area visit http://geraldine.nz/

Photo credits: The Farmyard Holiday Park & Geraldine.nz

Feature Region – NEW ZEALAND – Geraldine & Central South Canterbury