Forrester Gallery

In Oamaru’s Victorian Precinct is a magnificent historical building that houses a highly regarded art gallery where you will find eclectic exhibitions and exciting events.

The Forrester Gallery in Oamaru is considered one of the finest exhibition spaces in New Zealand. See exclusive art collections and experience the creativity and culture of this diverse country.

Wander the three-storey gallery at your own pace to enjoy art that reflects the cultural landscapes of New Zealand. See the artistic influences of immigrants from all over the world and the rich symbolism of traditional Māori culture.

Contemplate the collection of work by well-known modern artist Colin McCahon. These brooding paintings of New Zealand’s mountainous terrain were donated by the artist’s family and are exclusive to the gallery.

Admire the majestic Corinthian columns and ornate stone carvings of the structure. This stately architectural work was built in 1884 as an impressive bank building and converted to a gallery space in 1983.

Participate in the innovative events that are held throughout the year. Listen to fascinating talks by visiting artists or be serenaded by musicians in the evening. Children’s holiday programs are run at specific times during the year and include fun activities, such as drawing and sculpture workshops.

Discover the atmospheric streets of the historic Victorian Precinct that surrounds the gallery. Visit the Grainstore Gallery where eccentric sculptures, paintings and masks are displayed in a beautiful old warehouse. Tour the Customs House Gallery and numerous small shops that sell original pieces by local artists.

Learn about Victorian arts and crafts with a visit to a traditional bookbinder’s shop or watch the woodworkers at Coppice Crafts. The tourist information centre can help you with opening times and local event information.

Taste some of the delicious foods in the area that are based on old-style recipes. Look for traditional bakeries and fudge shops as well as more modern fusion restaurants.

The Forrester Gallery has no entry fees but do check ahead for opening hours. Visit this high-quality art space and walk the elegant streets that surround it for a memorable day out in Oamaru.

Attractions and Neighbourhoods near Forrester Gallery

Steampunk HQ

Try out interactive displays, marvel at intricate creations, get lost in a light show or just have some bizarre fun at this art gallery with a difference.

Grainstore Gallery

Delve inside the minds of a group of local artists as you explore the curiosities of this fascinating gallery, housed within a former Victorian grain store.

Oamaru

Its gold rush days may be long gone, but the Waitaki District still shines and Oamaru is the jewel in its crown.

Moeraki Boulders

These ancient, geological oddities have been capturing the imaginations of scientists and the local people for years.

Moeraki Lighthouse

Get close to rare yellow-eyed penguins without disturbing their natural habitat and see the famous Moeraki boulders from this historic lighthouse.

Hotels near Forrester Gallery

Brydone Hotel Oamaru

115 Thames Street

Rated 4.0 / 5 by Guests

Located in the heart of Oamaru, this eco-friendly hotel is steps from North Otago Museum and Oamaru Hospital. Forrester Gallery and St Lukes Anglican Church are also within 5 minutes.

Oamaru Motor Lodge

391 Thames Highway

Rated 4.8 / 5 by Guests

Located in Oamaru North, this motel is within 2 mi (3 km) of Whitestone Cheese Factory, Janet Frame House, and North Otago Museum. Oamaru Hospital and Woolstore Complex are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Bella Vista Motel Oamaru

206 Thames Street

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Situated in the historical district, this eco-friendly motel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Oamaru Gardens and Oamaru Harbour. Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony and Bushy Beach are also within 3 mi (5 km).

289 Midway Motel

289 Thames Street

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Situated in Oamaru, this motel is within a 15-minute walk of Whitestone Cheese Factory, North Otago Museum, and Oamaru Hospital. Forrester Gallery and Janet Frame House are also within 15 minutes.

Ascot Oamaru Motel

500a Thames Highway

Rated 3.8 / 5 by Guests

Located in Oamaru North, this motel is within 3 mi (5 km) of Whitestone Cheese Factory, North Otago Museum, and Oamaru Hospital. Woolstore Complex and Forrester Gallery are also within 3 mi (5 km).

AAA Thames Court Motel

252 Thames Street

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in the heart of Oamaru, this motel is within a 15-minute walk of Whitestone Cheese Factory, North Otago Museum, and Oamaru Hospital. Janet Frame House and Forrester Gallery are also within 1 mi (2 km).

Alpine Motel

285 Thames Street

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Located in the heart of Oamaru, this motel is within a 15-minute walk of Whitestone Cheese Factory, North Otago Museum, and Oamaru Hospital. Forrester Gallery and Janet Frame House are also within 15 minutes.

Colonial Lodge Motel

509 Thames Highway

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Located in Oamaru North, this motel is within 3 mi (5 km) of Whitestone Cheese Factory, Janet Frame House, and North Otago Museum. Oamaru Hospital and Woolstore Complex are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Pen-y-bryn Lodge

41 Towey Street

Rated 4.7 / 5 by Guests

Located in Holmes Hill, this luxury lodge is within 1 mi (2 km) of St Lukes Anglican Church, Oamaru Gardens, and Grainstore Gallery. Oamaru Victorian Heritage Precinct and Oamaru Hospital are also within 1 mi (2 km).

Eden Gardens Motel

14 Joy Street

Rated 3.6 / 5 by Guests

Situated in Oamaru, this motel is within a 15-minute walk of Janet Frame House, Oamaru Hospital, and Oamaru Gardens. North Otago Museum and Forrester Gallery are also within 15 minutes.

Avenue Motel Oamaru

473 Thames Highway

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Situated in Oamaru, this hotel is within 3 mi (5 km) of Whitestone Cheese Factory, Janet Frame House, and Woolstore Complex. Grainstore Gallery and North Otago Museum are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Heritage Court Motor Lodge Oamaru

346 Thames Highway

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in Oamaru North, this eco-friendly motel is within 2 mi (3 km) of Whitestone Cheese Factory, Janet Frame House, and North Otago Museum. Oamaru Hospital and Woolstore Complex are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Northstar Motel

495A Thames Highway

Rated 4.6 / 5 by Guests

Located in Oamaru North, this eco-friendly motel is within 3 mi (5 km) of Whitestone Cheese Factory, Janet Frame House, and North Otago Museum. Oamaru Hospital and Woolstore Complex are also within 3 mi (5 km).

ASURE Ambassador Motor Lodge

296 Thames Hwy

Rated 4.7 / 5 by Guests

Located in Oamaru North, this eco-friendly motel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Whitestone Cheese Factory, North Otago Museum, and Oamaru Hospital. Forrester Gallery and Janet Frame House are also within 1 mi (2 km).

Highway House B and B

43 Lynn Street

Rated 4.7 / 5 by Guests

Located in Oamaru North, this bed & breakfast is within 2 mi (3 km) of Whitestone Cheese Factory, Janet Frame House, and North Otago Museum. Oamaru Hospital and Woolstore Complex are also within 2 mi (3 km).