Situated in the middle of the Maniototo Plains, Gimmerburn has been immortalised by acclaimed Central Otago artist Grahame Sydney in his painting, Family Trees - Gimmerburn Rd.
The name Gimmerburn means a young ewe, which is an apt name for this predominantly farming community noted for producing excellent fine wool. The Maniototo Irrigation Scheme commissioned in the early 1990s provided considerable security for finishing stock in the dry climate.
Many descendants of original settlers in the area still live and farm in Gimmerburn and include the Blakely, Cleugh, Davis, Dougherty, Scott, and Paterson families. The Paterson family’s Armidale sheep stud has produced many award winning, high quality fleeces.
Even though services such as the school and post office are now closed, the community hall and the sports complex of rugby field and tennis courts are well maintained. The old school building has been restored and is now privately owned. The cemetery, established in 1887 is still in use and well looked after by the community.
Once nearly every small township in the Maniototo area had a cricket and rugby team and Gimmerburn still boasts its own cricket team. The rugby ground and cricket pitch is well used and in 2007 the Gimmerburn-Patearoa Rugby Club celebrated its centennial at Gimmerburn.
The domain has hosted weddings and reunions. There is a children's playground and toilet and shower facilities available to freedom campers looking for a place to relax and freshen up.
The central location of Gimmerburn makes it the perfect base for a true Maniototo adventure.