Iron Ridge Quarry

The ringing of an anvil can be heard high in the hills overlooking the beautiful Waipara Valley. Raymond Herber’s workshop is situated in the old Amberley Lime Works, which is now known as Iron Ridge Quarry Sculpture Park. The Sculpture Park is a vast amphitheatre that has been carved out of the limestone over the generations for the local farmers keen to use this fine lime.

Raymond purchased the property in 1997 and since then he has transformed it from a white dusty derelict quarry into a magical outdoor exhibition space. This was no small task, Raymond purchased a 20 ton excavator and a 10 ton tip truck, moving 350 truckloads of topsoil onto the property from a neighbouring farm. Raymond played with his Tonka toys for many years to create an environment for plants to grow. Hardy natives are the plants of choice given the tough dry climate. This is a place like no other and people now come from far and wide to picnic, spend time and enjoy this stunning setting. Raymond’s beautiful and sometimes wacky works on display throughout the property are guaranteed to entertain and inspire all ages.

Stunning seasonal food will be for sale for lunch, morning and afternoon tea, plus tea and coffee, for the duration of the Garden Festival, 10am – 4pm each day.

Raymond will be creating small affordable garden sculpture especially for the Hurunui Garden Festival, so don’t miss out!