SLOW DOWN ON THE ROAD TO AORAKI-MT COOK

Heading south towards Aoraki Mt Cook? Why not slow down and make Geraldine part of the journey.

Tucked into the heart of this charming country town, The Vicarage Geraldine is a stylish boutique stay with a wonderfully relaxed feel. Beautifully restored and thoughtfully designed, it’s the perfect place to pause, unpack and settle in for a night or two.

Self check-in makes arriving easy and fuss-free. No formalities – just let yourself in, make yourself comfortable and start enjoying Geraldine.

And there’s plenty to enjoy. Barker’s Foodstore & Eatery is right next door, making breakfast and coffee an easy start to the day. Wander into town and you’ll find galleries, artisan shops and local food producers, all within an easy stroll.

Feeling like stretching your legs? Talbot Forest is close by, with peaceful walks through native bush, while Peel Forest offers longer walks and a chance to properly get amongst the great outdoors.

Geraldine also punches well above its weight when it comes to food and drink. Discover locally made gin at the artisan gin distillery, pick up some delicious cheese, browse the galleries or settle in with a locally brewed beer. It’s the sort of place where you can spend a few unhurried hours simply wandering, tasting and enjoying the good things.

Then, when you’re ready to continue your journey, you’re perfectly placed for the Mackenzie Country and Aoraki Mt Cook, with Lake Tekapo around an hour away. Christchurch is also within easy reach, making The Vicarage Geraldine a great stop at either end of your South Island adventure.

Sometimes the best part of a journey is giving yourself time to enjoy the places in between.