Haven of peace and relaxation

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 33066, 6 November 1972, Page 21

Haven of peace and relaxation

For the w.eary businessman on keen sportsman Geraldine can offer the ideal week-end or full holiday period of relaxation, away from the hustle and bustle of the business world, and every Christchurch Show week-end the shops in Geraldine are open for business as usual. The Geraldine district has a charm that very few visitors can resist and the many attractions offered in the area have gained for the district a well deserved reputation as the ideal holiday centre. Coupled with this is the fact that it is within easy driving distance from Christchurch and other centres. Once you are in Geraldine a variety of car trips can be made within easy driving distance of the town. The Moana Gorge with its scenic beauty is an ideal picnic spot. Waihi Gorge can be explored on horseback through some of the most outstanding natural beauty in New Zealand. On a trip to Pleasant Valley you can visit Barkers Winery. Another attraction is the Hanging Rock Bridge over the Opuha River 18 miles from Geraldine. SCENIC FLIGHTS Scenic flights are available for any who wish to view the grandeur of the Southern Alps from the air, a magnificent view of Mount Cook, the glaciers and the West Coast

offer an experience never to be forgotten. The Geraldine camping ground is situated in a portion of the Geraldine Rose Gardens and recent improvements include a completely new ablutions block which will be ready for use this Show week-end.

Adjacent to the camping : ground are the Domain and ! swimming pool, while only a few miputes walk away would be possibly the most beautiful native bush reserve in New Zealand which provides visitors with magnificent walks and picnic spots. The rivers in the Geraldine County have often been described as the anglers’ paradise and the facts speak for this description. The Rangitata and Opihi rivers are noted for wonderful salmon and the Temuka and Waihi rivers, also the Ohape and Worners creeks, for grand trout fishing. SADDLE SAFARIS A new venture of interest to holidaymakers gives them the opportunity to explore by horseback the unspoilt beauty of the Waihi Gorge and to see Mclntosh Creek, the back boundary of the old Raukapuka Run — explore these areas of beautiful natural bush and enjoy some of the finest views in New Zealand. Although, because of the increasing popularity of Geraldine as a holiday centre, bookings should be made well ahead, with nine accommodation houses, motels or guest homes in the town itself, plus camping grounds and motels, close by Geraldine, can offer accommodation at most times. Geraldine is more than just a holiday centre—it is a prosperous town serving a wide area. Its townspeople are justifiably proud of its modern shops, department stores, garages and other businesses which service the area. All shops carry a wide variety of merchandise.