Historic and natural artefacts of the region are displayed here. Highlights include the Māori section, a full-scale model of a ship's cabin from 1859, and a replica of the aeroplane designed and flown by local pioneer aviator and inventor Richard Pearse. It's speculated that his mildly successful attempts at flight came before the Wright brothers' famous achievement in 1903.
South Canterbury Museum
Timaru
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
0.74 MILES
One of the South Island’s largest public galleries, this 1908 mansion houses a notable collection of NZ and European art across various eras, alongside…
0.53 MILES
Fronting the town, this expansive park ranges over an Edwardian-style garden under the Bay Hill cliff, then across broad lawns to low sand dunes and the…
0.35 MILES
Roman Catholic with a definite emphasis on the Roman, this beautiful neoclassical church (1911) impresses with multiple domes, Ionian columns and richly…
0.86 MILES
Established in 1864, these gardens are a restful place to while away an hour or two, with a pond, lush lawns, shady trees, a playground and vibrant floral…
0.36 MILES
Rose aficionados should visit the Trevor Griffiths Rose Garden, where almost 1200 romantic blooms are set around arbours and water features. The finest…
0.23 MILES
Passionate Ngāi Tahu guides bring this innovative multimedia exhibition about Māori rock paintings to life. You can also take a three-hour excursion …
21.65 MILES
On the town’s northwestern fringe, Talbot Forest Scenic Reserve is a good place for a peaceful wander. Leafy delights include lofty kahikatea (white pines…
29.84 MILES
A somewhat dusty window on to rural NZ of old, this museum endears with its farm machinery, model aeroplanes, dodgy dioramas and eclectic ephemera…
Nearby Timaru attractions
1. Te Ana Māori Rock Art Centre
0.23 MILES
Passionate Ngāi Tahu guides bring this innovative multimedia exhibition about Māori rock paintings to life. You can also take a three-hour excursion …
0.35 MILES
Roman Catholic with a definite emphasis on the Roman, this beautiful neoclassical church (1911) impresses with multiple domes, Ionian columns and richly…
3. Trevor Griffiths Rose Garden
0.36 MILES
Rose aficionados should visit the Trevor Griffiths Rose Garden, where almost 1200 romantic blooms are set around arbours and water features. The finest…
0.53 MILES
Fronting the town, this expansive park ranges over an Edwardian-style garden under the Bay Hill cliff, then across broad lawns to low sand dunes and the…
0.74 MILES
One of the South Island’s largest public galleries, this 1908 mansion houses a notable collection of NZ and European art across various eras, alongside…
0.86 MILES
Established in 1864, these gardens are a restful place to while away an hour or two, with a pond, lush lawns, shady trees, a playground and vibrant floral…
7. Geraldine Vintage Car & Machinery Museum
20.36 MILES
Rev-heads will enjoy this lovingly maintained vintage car collection, featuring a 1907 De Dion-Bouton and a gleaming 1926 Bentley. There's also a purpose…
8. Geraldine Historical Museum
21.03 MILES
Occupying the photogenic Town Board Office building (1885), this cute little museum tells the town's story with an eclectic mix of exhibits, including an…