Geraldine’s giant slice of Kiwiana
Five metres wide, two metres high and weighing more than five kilograms, Geraldine’s Giant Jersey is not only the biggest jersey in the world, as certified by Guinness, but one of the most colourful.
The patchwork pieces were machineknitted by Michael Linton and sewn together by his wife Gillian in a deliberate effort to score a world record.
Michael was similarly moved to spend 33 years making a life-sized mosaic of the Bayeux Tapestry out of steel knitting machine teeth, not currently on show.
For a long time the jersey was on display in the Lintons’ knitwear shop in the South Canterbury town. Now it can be seen hung high in the town’s visitor centre, where you will be inspired to check out some of the many and varied local attractions.
Why go?
Because if you’ve just passed Rakaia’s big salmon and you’re on your way to Gore’s big trout, why wouldn’t you want to tick off Geraldine’s Giant Jersey? The town is on the picturesque State Highway 79 inland route to Otago, with lots to enjoy along the way.
Insider tip
The designs knitted into the jumper are all New Zealand-themed, with – naturally, this is Canterbury – an emphasis on sheep. Among the lambs, kiwi, tiki, and ko¯whai flowers, the really sharp-eyed will spot a nod to Australia, where the Lintons first got the idea for the jersey.
On the way/nearby
The designs also include skiers, kayakers, cyclists, and deer, because these are all activities you can enjoy in the area, plus plenty more. There’s fishing as well as hunting, horse-riding, canyoning and biking, and walking among giant podocarps in Peel Forest. If they are all too active, drive to the little Church of the Holy Innocents, where Dame Ngaio Marsh is buried.
Back in town, there’s local history, which includes Mesopotamia and Erewhon, at the museum, plus boutique shops and art galleries. There’s the Vintage Car and Machinery Museum, if you fancy inspecting a 1930s tractor and a Harley-Davidson hearse, or maybe Lillia’s Lace Museum might be more to your taste.
The Saturday Farmers’ Market is the place to go for artisan foods and, of course, the town’s most famous former-artisan producer, Barker’s, has its foodstore and eatery here. Geraldine is a foodie’s delight, with local producers of elderflower drinks, cheese, yoghurt, and beer. With accommodation ranging from campground to lodge, stay over to celebrate it all at the town’s annual Summer Fete on November 5, or Vintage Car and Machinery Museum’s annual Crank Up Day on November 7.
How much?
No charge to view the jersey. The visitor centre is open 8am-5.30pm every day.
Best time to go
Spring is great for masses of daffodils and rhododendrons, summer for the outdoor activities, autumn for the colours, and winter for the snow on the mountains.