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Geraldine (pop 2500) sits on the Downs at the edge of the Canterbury Plains and is a place to stop for refreshment if you are travelling on SH 79 to or from Mount Cook and the McKenzie Country. The early settlers took advantage of its setting and planted beautiful gardens and many exotic trees. Close to the town (1 km) is Talbot Forest a reserve for native trees.
Peel Forest with its walking tracks, and native trees and birdlife is 19km to the north.
Geraldine is the home of Barkers who make wine and many other delicious products from fruit. They have a shop behind the information centre. Also close to the information centre is an interesting museum devoted to local history.

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• Geraldine Location

The 1.5 hours return walk to Emily Falls is one of 13 walking and tramping tracks listed by DOC. For the full list see the Web link or pick up a pamphlet at the Peel Forest Store.

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• Emily Falls Location

Built by the Acland family, who live in the nearby (1865) homestead, the church was consecrated by Bishop Harper in December 1869. Dame Ngaio Marsh is buried here. Look for her headstone.

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• Mount Peel Church Location

Peel Forest Park (773 hectares) on the south bank of the Rangitata River is a remnant of a magnificent podocarp forest that once covered an area of 3,500 hectares. Thirteen walking tracks encompass a spectrum of walking times from 30 mins to 6 hours while the Rangitata River provides white water for an exciting rafting adventure. The Peel Forest Store acts as a visitor centre, camper's booking office, post office , petrol station, takeaway and tea rooms.

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