Waimate District Art
Some of Aotearoa’s oldest art galleries sit in limestone overhangs not too far out of town.
In town there’s a well-stocked art gallery if you’re hunting for a piece to take home.
Plus the towering painted silos watch over a town of murals.
You can wander the street art on foot, using the Waimate app and see it all at your own pace.
Explore the ancient art galleries of Aotearoa.
The limestone caves and rocks around Waimate District were painted for hundreds of years by Māori travellers on their seasonal hunting and fishing expeditions.
Most have been lost over time, due to erosion and damage from stock; but three sites within 40 minutes of Waimate are dramatic examples of the artists' skills.
Māori rock art
Silo art
Waimate is home to one of country’s largest pieces of street art, on the landmark Grain Silos.
Two good mates - Barry Sadler, of Transport Waimate Ltd, which owns the silos, and Waimate artist Bill Scott collaborated on the project to decorate the silos with murals celebrating the town’s past.
There’s a walkway around the edge of the yard that houses the silos. Enter via Queen Street, it’s clearly marked with signage. There’s also a viewing platform on Dash Street.
Please note that the Transport Waimate yard is an industrial work site and strictly off limits. They operate a business with big trucks and machinery, so please keep out of their yards.
Queen Street Waimate
Public art
Waimate’s heritage buildings are an evolving canvas for local artist Bill Scott - who also painted the silos.
Take a stroll around town to spot his brushwork of scenes from the past, you can use the Waimate App to navigate your way and learn the history behind the murals. Bill uses historic photos to inspire his murals.
And don’t miss getting a photo with the bushman!
Art tours on the app
There’s more art waiting on the Waimate App.
You can walk around the town art, and drive around the district one by taking the Waimate Art Walk.
If you’re keen to dig a little deeper, head to the website and have a look.
Waimate Art Gallery
A standout regional gallery.
Discover established and emerging artists worth adding to your collection.
Waimate Art Gallery
18 Shearman Street, Waimate.
Phone: 027 439 1979
Opening hours:
Thursday - Sunday, 11am - 3pm.
Open 10.30am on Saturdays in summer and by arrangement.
The Old Tin Shed
A creative space offering:
school holiday programmes
term-time workshops
sip 'n' splatter sessions
scrap 'n' sticks
birthday parties
Plus a range of creative activities for adults and children.
Rather than formal lessons, the focus is on providing guidance, materials, space and inspiration to help people explore their creativity and find their inner artist