Café Verde

World-renowned as the hometown of Barker’s, makers of jam, preserves, chutneys, sauces and more, Geraldine is a name familiar to many. A picture-perfect country town, sitting prettily in the heart of South Canterbury on the banks of the trickling Waihi River. Huge, exotic trees line the surrounding town area, as do the lush, green foothills of the Southern Alps.

There’s a strong creative scene in this wee town, with a wonderful gallery filled with artworks by local artists, and plenty of uncommon giftware, crafts and produce waiting to be sourced. The compact town centre makes it easy to leave your car behind and explore on foot. A wonderful playground will keep the little ones in your family happy, and plenty of great cafés make refuelling in town an easy task. 

The wonderland of giant trees at Peel Forest is just a stone’s throw away, and plenty of activities from horseback riding to rafting, fishing, walking and biking are accessible right from the town’s doorstep. And whether you’re into camping or glamping, there are a number of accommodation options in town, so it’s well worth making Geraldine your destination rather than a mere stop-along-the-way elsewhere.

From the hopeful splashes of spring colour to the thick of a white winter, no matter the outside air temperature, memorable dining experiences abound throughout South Canterbury.