Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 03-687 7372;
www.teana.co.nz
; 2 George St; adult/child admission $20/10, tour $125/50;
10am-3pm)
Passionate Ngai Tahu guides bring this innovative multimedia exhibition
about Maori rock paintings to life. You can also take a three-hour excursion (departing
2pm, November to April) to see isolated rock art in situ; prior booking is essential.
South Canterbury Museum
MUSEUM
(
www.timaru.govt.nz/museum
; Perth St; admission by donation; 10am-4.30pm Tue-Fri,
1.30-4.30pm Sat & Sun)
Historical and natural artefacts of the region are displayed here.
Highlights include the Maori section and a replica of the aeroplane designed and flown
by local pioneer aviator and inventor Richard Pearse. It's speculated that his mildly suc-
cessful attempts at manned flight came before the Wright brothers' famous achievement
in 1903.
Aigantighe Art Gallery
GALLERY
OFFLINE MAP
GOOGLE MAP
(
www.timaru.govt.nz/art-gallery
; 49 Wai-iti Rd; 10am-4pm Tue-Fri, noon-4pm Sat & Sun)
One of the South Island's largest public galleries, this 1908 mansion houses an important
collection of NZ, Pacific and European art from the past four centuries. Local luminaries
featured include Frances Hodgkins, Colin McCahon and Ralph Hotere. The gallery's
Gaelic name means 'at home' and is pronounced 'egg-and-tie'. If the gallery's closed,
take time to explore the sculpture garden.
Timaru Botanic Gardens
GARDENS
(cnr King & Queen Sts; 8am-dusk)
Established in 1864, these gardens feature
ponds, a conservatory, an aviary and a collection of roses and native tree ferns. The gar-
dens are south of the centre; enter from Queen St.
Sacred Heart Basilica
CHURCH
(7 Craigie Ave, Parkside)
Roman Catholic with a definite emphasis on the Roman, this beau-
tiful neoclassical church (1911) impresses with multiple domes, Ionian columns and
richly coloured stained glass. Its architect, Francis Petre, also designed the large basilicas
in Christchurch (now in ruins) and Oamaru. Inside, there's an art nouveau feel to the
plasterwork, which includes intertwined floral and sacred heart motifs. There are no set
opening hours; try the side door.
