Timaru: where art, culture & heritage collide
Heritage buildings
Simply walk down our main streets and you’ll find architecture dating back to the 1870s – the Landing Service Building on George Street is case in point.
There’s the extraordinary neoclassical church, the Sacred Heart Basilica built in 1909, on Craigie Ave.
St Mary's Church is based on English architecture showcasing an impressive appearance of Timaru and Oamaru stone, this was opened in 1866. It took the parishioners 28 years to build as they were able to afford it over time from 1800-1909.
Ancient rock art
Spend an hour at the Te Ana Ngai Tahu Rock Art Centre to see some of South Canterbury’s Māori rock drawings.
Statues and sculpture
Or head to the corner of Stafford and Strathallan Streets to view a statue of New Zealand’s first-ever world boxing champ, Timaru blacksmith Bob Fitzsimmons.
He won his first title way back in 1880.
National and international art
The Aigantighe (pronounced ‘egg-and-tie’) Art Gallery on Wai-iti Road is a must-do for fine art lovers.
Some of New Zealand’s most significant artworks are in this spectacular gallery – paintings by the likes of Frances Hodgkins and Colin McCahon.
The sculpture gardens are one of the most photographed locations in Timaru.