There are plenty of fun activities for families to make the most of those long hot summer days …

•  Splash around in one of the many water holes dotted around the district.  Check out the Orari, Te Moana and Waihi gorges for old fashioned summer water fun
• Grab an ice cream and wander along the shady riverside trails
• Get on your bike and ride some of the excellent trails, both around town and along the Orari River.  There are rides for all levels from toddlers learning to balance to the hard core MTB crew.  Bikes can be hired from Geraldine Top Ten Holiday Park or for the more serious rider from Alps 2 Ocean.
• Join the world wide craze and search for painted rocks hidden around the town.  Check out the Geraldine Rocks Facebook page for hints on where to find the rocks and to records your finds!
• Discover some interesting geo caching sites in and around the town – even better on a bike!
• Experience Lord of the Rings scenery by taking a drive along the Rangitata Valley to Wow corner – you’ll know it when you see it.  Travel on to explore the place where author Samuel Butler (Erewhon) first made his home
• Take a dip at the Geraldine Outdoor pool and then barbecue your lunch or dinner at the Gas BBQ in the domain while the kids play on the playground under the shade of the tall trees
• Stroll the main street on a Saturday morning from October to April and sample the delights of the Geraldine Farmers Market and Geraldine Craft Markets
• Enjoy fresh fish and chips as the sun goes down while soaking in the mountain views, from Mt Hutt to Mt Peel, at the Talbot Forest Picnic area on Tripp St
• Get your out your rod and fish for salmon at the mouth of the Opihi River, just a short drive from Geraldine
• In December catch a glimpse of giant Mt Peel Lilies when you visit the Church of the Holy Innocents in Peel Forest, resting place of crime writer Dame Ngaio Marsh
• Pick your own fresh berries, warmed by the sun, at Stancrdu Berry Farm
• Attend a Sunday service at the tranquil St Anne’s Church in the aptly named Pleasant Valley.  It is the oldest church still in use in South Canterbury and was hewn from wood grown behind the church site
• Walk in the footsteps of miners and sawmillers on the Kakahu Bush Limestone Walk and gather wild blackberries along the path in autumn as a special treat.  This area is rich with Maori Rock art.