Waimate District: Culture, Art and Trails

Waimate District brings together historic buildings in town with public art, venues and trails in the surrounding area. Depending on your interests, you can take in the architecture and art in the townscape, include regular events in your plans or explore trails outside the centre. The events have different schedules: the market is held weekly, the miniature railway runs monthly, while film and event programmes, as well as the availability and function of an app, are subject to change.

Courthouse and Historic Sites

Waimate Museum & Archives is housed in Waimate’s former courthouse. The neoclassical building is a prominent feature of the town’s streetscape. The museum complex includes the 1879 courthouse, the former police station, a jail, stables and a pioneer cottage. The prominent courthouse stands alongside several other parts of a historic complex. The varied functions, from courthouse and police station to jail and stables, give the ensemble a diverse architectural character.

Another historic visitor attraction is the seven-hectare Bushtown Heritage Park, a short distance from the town centre. It features Edwardian cottages and historic buildings. The site offers a separate focus for visitors from the museum in the former courthouse. A miniature railway runs through the park on the second Sunday of each month from 1 to 3 pm. If you plan to ride, check the date before you travel.

Silos, Art and Culture

Waimate’s grain silos were built by hand in 1920 and are 36 metres high. Their murals depict the town’s past, bringing together a historic date, a specific height and public art on this striking structure. At the silo site, there is a signposted path along the edge of the site and a viewing platform on Dash Street. Industrial site controls may affect visitor access; follow the directions on site.

You can also explore Waimate’s public art on a self-guided walk around town using the Waimate App. As the app’s availability and function may change, check it beforehand if needed. Waimate Art Gallery is a regional gallery featuring established and emerging artists. Waimate Regent Theatre screens current films and hosts live events and performances by visiting artists. If you have a particular film or performance in mind, check the relevant dates, as the programme is subject to change.

Trails and Activities

Near Waimate, the Railway Track in Studholme Bush Scenic Reserve follows a two-kilometre former railway embankment. The trail runs alongside Deep Creek, wetlands and regenerating bushland. Its former railway route and varied landscape features give the trail its own character. Track conditions may change; check them before setting out.

Near Waimate, the Whitehorse Link Track connects with Centrewood Park and the Clydesdale horse monument. Also near Waimate, the Whitehorse Walkway climbs to Centrewood Park, where the White Horse stands. There are also shared and separate walking and cycling trails in and around Waimate. A 9-hole disc golf course in Victoria Park adds another activity in town.

Regular Events in Waimate

The Waimate Community Market is held every Saturday morning in Seddon Square. The annual Waimate Strawberry Fare is also held at Seddon Square in the town centre, on the second Saturday in December. Offerings include locally grown Waimate strawberries. The events therefore have very different schedules: the market offers a weekly fixture, while the Strawberry Fare takes place on a specific Saturday in December. Confirm the dates before your trip, and check the current Strawberry Fare event details if they are important to your plans.

Discover more destinations: Loburn, Lake Pearson, Diamond Harbour, Waikari, Waipara, Oxford, West Eyreton, Springfield.

For the main travel overview: Canterbury.