Southland Rural Heritage Centre
Home of the Thornbury Vintage Tractor & Implement Club since 1956
A fascinating world of discovery awaits visitors at the Southland Rural Heritage Centre.
Explore our extensive rural collections and discover Southland's Farming History.
Say 'gidday' to our club members 'hard at play' in the workshop. Enjoy the noise, fun and action when they fire up the working displays and machinery - bringing history alive!


Discover
Southland's
farming history


Explore our extensive rural collections


Fire it up boys! Enjoy the sights, sounds and action


Say Gidday to
club members
hard at play'
“An inspiring showcase of Southland’s rich agricultural history”
Rob Scott - Mayor of Southland
Southland’s Rural Heritage Centre spans several buildings, each housing local and regional farming collections and displays for visitors to explore.




The Thornbury Vintage Tractor and Implement Club Incorporated began in 1956, and is the oldest vintage tractor club in New Zealand.
Find out more about our club and how you can get involved.




Visitor Info
Our Location
The Southland Rural Heritage Centre is located in the township of Thornbury, only five minutes drive from Riverton, just off the Southern Scenic Route, or a leisurely 30 minute drive from Invercargill.
Address: 61 Foster Road, Thornbury 9883
Foster Road is the main road that runs through the centre of Thornbury township.
Entry
Entry fee applies - see website for prices.
Cash or online bank transfer. No eftpos available.
Toilet facilities available during opening hours.
Wheelchair accessible to most areas of precinct.
Opening Hours
Open on Sundays from 1:30pm - 4:30pm.
Also open by appointment.
Available for group tours & bookings.