Explore Museums & Collections
The Central South Island is famous for its scenery, we all know this. But it’s not just this on offer – with Ōtautahi Christchurch at its centre, the region is stacked with cultural experiences and well-known museums.
Delve a little bit deeper and you’ll discover a plethora of off-the-beaten-track museums and collections well worth a visit. Get some original travel yarns to avoid being the modern version of your auntie and the slideshow of her trip.
Okains Bay Museum
Not only are there 20,000 artefacts on show at the Okains Bay Museum, but it’s located in the ridiculously picturesque Okains Bay at the heart of Banks Peninsula. Explore the once-private Māori and early European settler collection, and the significant heritage precinct it sits within, including a working blacksmith shop, tōtara slab cottages and whare whakairo (carved house).
Ashburton Aviation Museum
Dogged restoration and aviation enthusiasm are on display at the Ashburton Aviation Museum, found at a previously operational World War II training airfield. They’ve got the only Harrier Jet on display in Australasia – that’s the one that takes off vertically – among a range of other ex-RNZAF airplanes. It’s more than likely your guide on the day will have worked on restoring the planes around you.
The Garage Gallery
This roadside gallery has become infamous for large-scale landscape paintings and connecting you with the artists themselves. Found in the quaint settlement of Kimbell, just north of Fairlie, the gallery’s industrial setting juxtaposes with the bright colours and creative forms on display. After a piece for the home or office? These guys specialise in making art-buying a simple process. They’ll sort you out.
Gemstone & Fossil Museum
The ultimate hidden gem (‘scuse the pun) museum is the Gemstone & Fossil Museum in Birdlings Flat. This tight little museum features a 50-year private collection of fossils and precious stones, many collected from the beach right outside. Be inspired by the display, then hit the beach yourself and fossick for treasure. Great for the kids.
