If you're looking for a relaxed, laid-back winter getaway, then Geraldine is the place for you.

    

                    

                
            
            

                
Day 1
Morning
Take a hike in the beautiful Peel Forest Scenic Reserve
Peel Forest is one of the last remaining low-lying native podocarp forests in Canterbury and is a stunning place to explore. A range of walks to suit everyone, walk 30 minutes to the Big Tree, or hike to the top of Huatakerekere/Little Mount Peel to see the beautiful winter sunrise.
            
            

    

                    

                
Enjoy lunch at Verde Cafe.
Housed in the historic telephone exchange building, Verde is a lively and welcoming cafe. With warm service and exceptional coffee, Verde is the perfect spot for lunch. All their food is made from scratch using fresh, seasonal produce.
            
            

                
            
            

    

                    

                
            
            

                
Afternoon
Sample local artisan food products.
Humdinger Gin is a multi-award-winning gin, made locally in their boutique distillery in Geraldine. Now offering distillery tours, learn about their story, the gin making process, and enjoy tastings of the handcrafted gins. Barker’s Foodstore and Eatery is an iconic local brand, producing drink syrups, condiments and sauces. Try out their delicious beverage and condiment tastings and grab your favourites to take home from the shop. The Geraldine Cheese Company is a multi-award-winning artisan cheese producer in Geraldine. Watch the cheesemakers work in the factory, taste their fantastic range of cheeses, and grab cheese and extras for a cheese board.
            
            

    

                    

                
Browse through the local galleries.
Geraldine is home to a few galleries with inspiring artworks. Be sure to explore the Susan Badcock Gallery, where contemporary works are beautifully displayed in a historic building. McAtamney Gallery and Design Store, which offers a diverse mix of fine art and unique design pieces and stunning fine art by emerging and established artists at Merivale Fine Arts.
            
            

                
            
            

    

                    

                
            
            

                
Evening
Watch a film at the historic Geraldine Cinema.
The Geraldine Cinema features sofas and armchairs instead of traditional theatre style seats, so you can sit back and relax and enjoy the latest blockbuster or independent film.
            
            

    

                    

                
Head to a local favourite for dinner.
Enjoy a delicious dinner paired with a beer tasting at House of Hop Restaurant & Brewery. Located just 10 minutes from Geraldine, in the beautiful Gapes Valley, House of Hop offers your favourite pub classics such as burgers, tacos and ribs. Their in-house brewery produces some great beer available on tap or order a beer tasting.
            
            

                
            
            

    

                    

                
            
            

                
Spend the night at a luxury accommodation.
Stay the night under stars at Ngā Whare Mānatu, featuring four private individual whares (houses) among native planting on the hills behind Geraldine. Sit back and relax in your private hot tub before heading inside to watch the stars through the ceiling skylights.
Fiery Peak Eco-Retreat and Glampsite is the perfect place for couples looking for the chance to unwind and reconnect with the beauty of nature. Relax and recharge in a private wood-fired hot tub with views of the mountains and night sky.
Nestled in the heart of Geraldine, The Vicarage is a beautifully restored accommodation. The perfect blend of modern comfort and heritage charm, this accommodation is close to the shops and cafes.
            
            

    

                    

                
Day 2
Morning
Take a nature walk in Geraldine.
The Geraldine River Walk, located right in the town, winds its way along the Waihi River.
Talbot Forest Reserve is the last remnant of an ancient podocarp forest. Walk the four short tracks through the native forest with kahikatea, matai and tōtara.
The Domain Trail is an easy loop around the Geraldine Domain, a large open space with a children’s playground and amazing street art alongside.
            
            

                
            
            

    

                    

                
            
            

                
Go shopping down Geraldine’s main street.
There you'll find a fantastic collection of independent, locally owned stores. Shop for unique homewares, flowers, boutique clothing and handcrafted goods. Some local favourites are AOK Clothing, Fox & Thread, The Tin Shed, The Page and Prose Booksellers and The Cottage Pantry.
            
            

    

                    

                
Afternoon
Spend the afternoon looking through museums.
Discover the rich history of the local area and people at one of the many museums in Geraldine. Head to the South Island's only dedicated military museum with a fantastic display of vehicles and memorabilia. Check out the classic cars, tractors and machinery at Geraldine Vintage Car and Machinery Museum.
            
            

                
            
            

    

                    

                
            
            

                
Get your adrenaline pumping at Mundell’s Multi Hub.
Experience high-speed thrills with car simulators at Mundell’s Multi Hub, test your swing on the golf simulators, or take to the skies with the immersive flight simulators.
            
            

    

                    

                
Evening
Warm up with a mouthwatering curry.
Stay in the heart of Geraldine township and have an authentic Indian meal at Royal India. Warm your soul with rich and comforting flavours with the tastiest Indian food.