The Peski Pop of Geraldine

As we were packing up preparing to leave the Ashburton NZMCA Park, Robin got talking to one of the custodians.  The caravan opposite us had been empty while we had been there,  one of the windows was wide open, and chairs and tables had been left outside.  No one was sure if the caravan had been abandoned, stolen, or if the occupants had gone out in their car and met with an accident.  The caravan didn't seem to be registered with NZCMA either.  The custodian was seeking advice from Head Office with help tracing the owners down and deciding on a course of action.  Very strange indeed.

We got on our way and traveled 61km down SH1 to Geraldine, passing over another long bridge, this time over the Rangitata River.  The Rangitata River is another braided river, and didn't seem to have much water at all.

Long bridge over the Rangitata River

There are several options to stay in Geraldine, but the Peski Pop (park over property) is a favourite of ours.  We had been in contact the previous day to ensure there was room for us, asked for a non power site, and had been given a site number.  And there it was, with our name, and envelope for the fees, and an information sheet..

Park here

The Pop was fairly empty when we arrived, But sure enough, one after another, the caravans and motorhomes rolled in during the late afternoon.  The grounds are beautiful in this Pop, graceful sweeping lawns, flower gardens and mature trees full of happy tweeting birds.

Peski Pop

Geraldine can trace its history to 1854 when surveyor Samuel Hewlings built a house on this spot, and was also the site of the first school.  A plaque marks the area, together with a large totara tree. The totara tree was planted by Samuel Hewlings to commemorate the birth of the first child of European descent born in the Geraldine district.

Site of the first house in Geraldine

No visit to Geraldine is complete without stopping at Barkers, which is a big part of this small town.  Starting off as sheep farmers, for over 50 years the Barker family went on to process fruit  into an array of jams, preserves and drinks.  But the shop wasn’t where we remembered.  Several years previously, the company purchased the former St Mary’s Church Vicarage on the main Geraldine road, a category two listed heritage building, and transformed into boutique accommodation.  And adjacent to this is the Barker’s new Foodstore and Eatery.  

Barkers new store and café

First we went to the store, had a few tastings and purchased several items to take away.  Then we sat in the lovely airy café and had a drink each, a milkshake for him, and a coffee for me.  Believe it or not, it was so hot and muggy we really didn't feel like eating anything!

Back at camp we discovered we had a few more neighbours.  It was so nice sitting out under the shady awing, in the late afternoon and early evening. relaxing with a cool drink to hand.  All the while the many birds were chirping away in the trees.  There was a definite change in weather though,  it poured with rain overnight, and the next day was rather chilly.  What a difference a day makes, it was such a shame as we had been looking forward to another day of lovely fine weather.

A few more vans arrived