We've Done the Hard Yards to Bring You the Best Boutiques and Galleries of South Canterbury
The finest galleries and boutiques dotted around South Canterbury.
Words by: Petra Nyman
Photos by: Nancy Zhou
The South Canterbury towns of Timaru, Geraldine and Fairlie are dotted with interesting boutiques, galleries and stores to explore. If you don’t know where to look for the good stuff, you might pass by without knowing what you’re missing out on. Luckily for you, we’ve done a thorough look around these towns to make sure we can point you in the right direction for the best shopping around the region.
From popular fashion to art galleries filled with unique original arts, and carefully curated gift stores, there’s much to discover and appreciate in this part of the country. Let us take you on a tour of the best boutiques and galleries in South Canterbury, and you may just come away with a new appreciation for these cute wee towns all within easy reach from the big smoke of Ōtautahi Christchurch.
Susan Badcock Gallery
Old Post Office Building 47 Talbot Street, Upstairs, Geraldine
A celebration of a family of artists, the Susan Badcock Gallery showcases works by five generations of the creative family. Wander up the stairs of the Old Post Office Building in the heart of Geraldine and find the intriguing gallery with its many rooms. Other local artists are invited to exhibit their works in the gallery as well, so there is always something new to see. Susan is a huge advocate of South Canterbury art and works at the gallery herself most of the time either in her studio, where she hand-paints her stunning black & white photographs or behind the gallery desk.
The Little Red Fox Boutique
70 Main Street, Fairlie
A fashion lover’s paradise, The Little Red Fox boutique in Fairlie stocks many leading New Zealand and Australian brands, such as Elwood, Superdry and Antler. There is something for both men and women in store, plus a small number of quality children’s clothing for the little humans in your family. Why not browse through the racks and try on an item that tickles your fancy? You might just come across your next special linen jumpsuit or summer dress, or perhaps a new felt hat or a pair of sunnies are in order.
The Garage Gallery
785 Fairlie-Tekapo Road, Kimbell
Located in the heart of the beautiful Mackenzie country, The Garage Gallery appropriately concentrates on showcasing stunning landscape oil-on-canvas pieces. The artworks exhibited at this roadside gallery are made predominantly by resident artist Nathanael Provis, who creates timeless feature pieces inspired by the New Zealand landscape. A number of large, original investment pieces can be viewed and purchased too, and even if you are not on the market for a new centerpiece for your home, it’s well worth dropping in to admire the wonderful brush work on show at The Garage Gallery.
Millie Rose
281 Stafford Street, Timaru
While Millie Rose is famous for its stunning and delicious cupcakes, there’s more to this store than getting your sugar fix. A mixture of a gift store, fashion outlet and patisserie, Millie Rose is not your usual shop encounter, but that’s exactly what makes it an interesting browse-through. An assortment of dresses and other clothing hangs on one side of the store, while on the other, gifts and homeware awaits. At the far end, you’ll find a cabinet filled with colourful wee cakes – simple as that.
York Street Gallery of Fine Art
21 York Street, Timaru
An eclectic collection of original artworks in various mediums are exhibited at York Street Gallery of Fine Art. Run by sculpture artist and art enthusiast Debbie Templeton-Page, this unique gallery is unlike any you will have previously visited. The gallery holds a selection of high quality artwork to view and purchase and Debbie is extremely knowledgeable about each piece that hangs on the walls. You might find yourself having cuppa and chatting about art, and perhaps before you know it, you will have chosen to take home that piece that first grabbed your attention.
More South Canterbury Stories
The Best Food and Drink in South Canterbury
Road Trip to the Mackenzie: A Day in Geraldine and Fairlie
The Best Independent Bookshops in New Zealand
12 Hours in Timaru
Make the most of your flying visit to Timaru with our 12 hour guide, which will have you sipping the best coffee, nipping into intriguing boutiques and galleries, learning about the ancient practice of Māori rock art and filling up on the best food in town.
Neat South Canterbury Places
Barker's Foodstore & Eatery
Barker’s Foodstore & Eatery sits in a stunning setting on the banks of the Waihi River in the heart of Geraldine.
Ministry of Works
Ministry of Works is the social go-to for both Twizel residents and visitors alike.
Black & Co
Black & Co is located in the south end of Timaru’s CBD and focuses on quality fashion pieces for men and women, luxurious homewares and unique jewellery, the store is a must-visit.
Fairlie Bakehouse
What began as a tiny family business with a team of four thirteen years ago, has grown to be one of the best known and most awarded pie-shops in the country – Fairlie Bakehouse.
The Little Red Fox
The Little Red Fox is a contemporary fashion store located in the Mackenzie country town of Fairlie. Housed in a high ceilinged, stone-clad building in the centre of town, natural tones and raw wood beams set the scene for a pleasurable browsing experience.
