Details of
the Geraldine area for your use to find where
to go, what to
do, etc.:
Cross the Rangitata River and turn right on Route 79 to
get to the town
of Geraldine.
Not
too far after the turnoff on the right is the Tin
Shed dealing in New Zealand wool products. For an adventure you might
want to go to Peel Forest just beyond where the "Lord of the Rings"
Middle Earth was filmed.(four wheel drives available out of Geraldine).
The river also has a worldwide reputation for salmon fishing.
Geraldine itself can boast many artists, craftsmen and
wonderful shops.
Be sure to visit what Paula and I feel is one of New Zealand's top
artists, Peter Jean Caley.The Maori paintings on display are definitely
museum quality recently
having showed in Dubai and now in the USA. The $6
million exhibit, now on display in Geraldine, will be touring the USA
for six months. If you have that kind of money this is an investment
that will skyrocket.
A
small shopping centre, Berry Barn Complex, of artists is at the south
end of town just before you get to the Holiday Park right in town. Make
sure to
have a meal or a coffee or both at the EasyWay Cafe. One of the top
eateries in the South Island in our opinion. They usually have music on
Friday nights. In this small shopping complex you will find a shop
carrying
a good line of cheese and related food, another of berry products, one
of very special wooden objects and the Te Ariki Gallery,advertised as
"the South Island centre
for authentic Maori art and cultural items". We noted several items
never
seen in other galleries we have visited and all of very high quality
and
with decent prices.
Leaving
Geraldine west on Route 79 it is now time to explore one of the
most dramatic areas of scenery, that will take your breath away, the
Mackenzie Country. Depending on the time of day we enjoy stopping by
the Farm Barn along the way for a bite to eat. The road you turn into
to get to the Farm Barn goes on to a wonderful small lake created by
the dammed up Opuha River not even on maps. We have spent a night there
in the bus. Lots of space and frequented by the locals. It is about a
two-hour drive to Lake Tekapo from here.
The drive to
Mckenzie Country on Route 79 takes you through the
community
of Fairlie. The Old Library Cafe provides top quality food and coffee.
They have done an excellent job in the decor and the service is
friendly
and inviting. If you choose to continue south to US#One instead from
Geraldine take the road
south to Winchester instead of Route 79 and continue from there.
It is 7ms to Temuku and 36kms to Timaru.
Caley Art
Geraldine
Information
On
south to Timaru or west to McKenzie
Country:
South Island
Travelogue/Guide
If
you need to get in touch with Ron or
Paula
(or Sylvester and Chocolate):
© Copyright
2005
Ron Laughlin - All rights reserved
