Art, Culture & Heritage

Timaru is the largest commercial centre in South Canterbury and its CBD (Central Business District) features one of New Zealand’s most significant collections of Edwardian buildings. The high quality of the architecture reflects times of growth and prosperity in the district’s history. Weave your way through the Timaru CBD and learn the history of these beautiful classic buildings.

Discovery Geraldine's history through this exciting trail. Visit historic buildings and places of significance as well as Geraldine's Museums.

Timaru Botanic Garden has an impressive variety of plants and flowers, an aviary, duck pond and playground. Located on 19 hectares of land in south Timaru - and dates back to 1864, when the site was first set aside as a public reserve. In 2014, the garden was recognised as a Garden of National Significance by the New Zealand Gardens Trust.

Located at 195 Main North Road, Geraldine is a varied collection of vehicles and machinery displayed in a huge modern 5600 sq M building, known as the Roger Mahan Heritage Centre.

Located in Geraldine, you’ll find collections from sontemporary artists such as Richard Bolton, Bernadette Parsons, Susanna Izard and Rachel Dewhirst. There are also featured works by Austen Deans, Michel Tuffery, Esther Hope and Margaret Stoddart. These historical pieces are increasingly sought-after by collectors. You’ll also find contemporary jewellery by Debra Fallowfield, sculpture by Stafford Allpress, ceramics by Madeleine Child and photography by Simon Schollum are part of the gallery experience.

Full of stunning artworks from notable New Zealand artists including Nigel Brown, Austen Deans, Marilyn Webb, Hamish Allan and plenty more. Debbie's sculptures feature throughout Timaru including the Aigantighe Art Gallery, the foyer of the Timaru District Council, St Mary's Church and at the top of the main street overlooking Caroline Bay, there you'll see her 3.2 metre bluestone piece titled Bronze

Susan Badcock Gallery was established in 2014 and exhibits work by three generations of her family - her grandfather Douglas Badcock, father John Badcock, and Susan herself. With a continually changing exhibition calendar they showcase the work of both emerging and established artists.

Chris and Julie welcome everyone to visit their gallery set on 5 acres with native bush and singing bell birds. You might just find the perfect gift or a one-off item for the garden or home. Explore the garden and check out the sculptures, take time out on the seat under the tree and wander along the native bush tracks before browsing the gallery.

Anne’s landscape paintings and whitestone sculptures are a feature of the gallery, and there are also items of pottery from when Anne and Mike were full-time potters. Their motto is 'from our hands to yours'. Anne accepts commissions and they are both passionate about meeting fellow artists and people wishing to take up art.

Stocking a wide range of cool prints and NZ designed art blocks, Paul's Gallery is also the place to go for custom picture framing.

You'll find a diverse range of pieces - painting, photography, sculpture, patchwork and ceramics. It's a not for profit gallery, set up with the same no-commission philosophy as the successful Scottish Design Exchange. A place where the buying public can invest in locally-made, quality products thereby helping support a vibrant arts community.

A wide range of contemporary and historic artworks is for sale and can been sent overseas for buyers. The gallery offers art valuations and a restoration service.