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.

At the heart of Oamaru’s Victorian precinct find the Grainstore Gallery, one of the forward-thinking institutions responsible for a resurgence of visitors and cultural events in the town. The Grainstore Gallery is the brainchild of local artist Donna Dementé and, as its name suggests, is housed within a 19th-century Victorian grain house. Visit the gallery to discover the work of a group of local artists whose quirky take on art has helped cement the city as an integral part of New Zealand’s cultural landscape.

Wander through the cavernous building to discover one-of-a-kind works by the rich local artistic community. Alongside a large body of work by Dementé, see works by Dyan Prujean, Kate Kovacs and Watts Davies. Pieces range from paintings on canvas to large sculpture work and hint at the relationship between the contemporary and the past using elements of the Renaissance and Byzantine eras.

Climb the stairs to a showroom filled with masks made of papier-mâché and other items. A small fashion boutique within the gallery sells notecards and posters, one-off artisan items and a collection of ephemera. Pick up hand-made souvenirs to take home or have them shipped internationally by the gallery’s delivery service to avoid having to carry items on your travels.

Spend an evening at the Grainstore Gallery to enjoy a live performance. Throughout the summer musical events are programmed by the gallery, featuring local and touring musicians. Listen to an acoustic folk performance in the company of local residents before making your way to one of the nearby restaurants and bars.

The Grainstore Gallery is located on Harbour Street in the heart of the historic Victorian precinct of Oamaru. The gallery is open daily and free to enter; however, some performances may be subject to an admission fee. Walk here from central Oamaru. Find parking by the harbour.

Attractions and Neighbourhoods near Grainstore 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.

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.

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 Grainstore 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).