The drive on SH8 through Geraldine to Burkes Pass passes through rolling foothills to the edge of the Southern Alps. Geraldine is one of the prettiest towns in South Canterbury. It’s a good place for a break, having just exited the rather uninspiring Canterbury Plain.
The town has long been a centre for food production, and it shows. There are several specialty food stores and cafes, plus an excellent farmers market on Saturdays. If you have time, stay a night and explore the nearby Peel Forest. This well-preserved ancient stand of forest is only 21 kilometres to the north.
Continuing on, the main road towards Tekapo takes you across rolling farmland to Fairlie, where you approach the edge of the Southern Alps. From there, you rise to 500 metres above sea level at Burkes Pass into a profound change of scenery.
Golden grass and tussock lands replace the greenery as you enter Mackenzie Country. If you don’t already know, this is named for a famous sheep rustler from the 1850s. From there, the road will reach 800 metres when you reach Tekapo.
