Timaru Must Do's

Caroline Bay Beach

A large lawn drops down onto the Bay where you’ll find a clean beach good for swimming. It’s also home to a rookery of little blue penguins. Take a coastal walk and look out for dolphins and whales. On your return, venture to Bay Hill to a row of eateries.

Caroline Bay Bird Aviary

Meet some big personalities among brightly coloured budgies, lovebirds, pheasants, parrots and cockatiels.

Central Timaru Historic Walks

This is a quick-fire way to get to know Timaru and its abundance of heritage architecture, such as the Theatre Royal and famous Grosvenor Hotel.

Annual Caroline Bay Carnival

Kicking off on Boxing Day for a solid two weeks, a bustling carnival commandeers the beachfront, showcasing free concerts, rides and traditional fête games.

Temuka Pottery

Two new initiatives have taken off over the last year: a ‘pre-loved’ Temuka Pottery area in-store and a showcase of local artisan pottery. Perfect for avid fans or new collectors.

DB Draught Brewery Tour

DB’s Timaru outpost produces DB Draught, Export Gold and Export 33. Watch how they’re made and then delivered by Clydesdale horses. Afterward, lock lips with a cold pint. Tours take place every day (except Sunday) at 1pm.

Centennial Park

Find peaceful, wide open spaces and plenty of room to walk and relax. Enjoy a scrawl of walking trails (dog friendly, too), mountain biking tracks and a purpose-built BMX park.

The Face of Peace, credit South Canterbury Tourism

Aigantighe Art Gallery

If you don’t want to amuse the locals with your pronunciation, it’s ‘egg-an-tie’. Exhibitions change regularly and the handsome grounds are dotted with impressive sculptures.

South Canterbury Museum

History buffs can gain a rich insight into the region and its people, including the legend of Richard Pearse, the fellow who built an entire aircraft in his shed in 1903.

TOP TIP: Download the new app, Timaru Trails for a detailed directory of self-guided walks in around Timaru, both central and scenic.

Te Ana Māori Rock Art Centre

Observe a significant collection of ancient Māori rock art. Following a one-hour guided tour of the museum, you can follow your guide, in your car, to the Ōpihi rock art sites. Tours run from November-April.

Pleasant Point Museum and Railway

A 20-minute drive from central Timaru, look out for ‘steaming days’ when you can ride a restored steam locomotive.

Timaru Botanic Gardens

Packed with ornamental ponds and fragrant roses, this is a dreamy spot to while away the hours. A diverse range of plant life is year-round attractive.

Little Blue Penguins

After a full day of fishing, little blue penguins/ kororā return at dusk. Make your

Little blue penguins © South Canterbury Tourism

Looking for a place to stay in Timaru? Book accommodation at aa.travel.co.nz