This coastal South Canterbury town has a 3km beach, Victorian limestone buildings, and Māori rock art sites. A calm port city known for its fishing fleet and local penguins.
Timaru, a coastal city on New Zealand's South Island, lies between Christchurch and Dunedin. Walk along Caroline Bay's sandy beach to spot little blue penguins returning to their nests at dusk, examine ancient Māori rock drawings at Te Ana Centre, or admire 16th-century artworks at the Aigantighe Art Gallery. The city serves as a convenient starting point for trips to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, where you can hike alpine trails or cycle part of the Alps to Ocean route.
Getting to Timaru
Timaru sits 157 km southwest of Christchurch and 196 km northeast of Dunedin. You can fly to Timaru's Richard Pearse Airport from Wellington on daily flights. The South Island Main Trunk Railway and State Highway 1 run through Timaru, making it easy to reach by car or bus from major South Island cities.
Caroline Bay Beach and Boardwalk
A 45-minute coastal walk along Caroline Bay takes you past several penguin viewing platforms, where you can watch little blue penguins return to their nests at dusk. The Trevor Griffins Rose Garden within Caroline Bay Park has geometric flower beds that bloom from spring through summer, with over 1,200 rose varieties.
Museums and Cultural Sites
At the South Canterbury Museum, you'll find exhibits about local maritime history, Māori culture, and Richard Pearse's early aviation attempts. The collection includes fossil remains and the E P Seally natural history collection. The Aigantighe Art Gallery, set in an 1908 Edwardian house, contains artworks from the 16th century to present day, including New Zealand, Pacific, Asian, and European pieces. Walk through the sculpture garden to see contemporary outdoor installations.
Te Ana Māori Rock Art Centre
Eight significant Māori rock art pieces are on display at Te Ana Centre, including a rare depiction of the extinct Haast Eagle. Between November and April, you can join guided tours to original rock art sites, where guides explain tribal history and ancient artistic techniques.
Sports and Recreation
Play golf at one of three courses in Timaru: Highfield (18 holes), Gleniti (18 holes), or Timaru Golf Club (18 holes). Sir Basil Arthur Park has four senior and six junior football pitches, while the city also maintains rugby fields, tennis courts, and a public swimming pool.
Day Trips from Timaru
Drive west to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park for hiking trails with mountain views. Stop at Pleasant Point to try their famous custard squares and see the vintage steam trains. The Alps to Ocean cycle trail begins at Mount Cook Village and ends in Oamaru, where you'll find a well-preserved Victorian district and blue penguin colonies.
Caroline Bay Carnival
From December 26 through mid-January, Caroline Bay Park hosts daily live performances, carnival games, and side shows during the Caroline Bay Carnival, one of the South Island's largest summer festivals.