Timaru Information
With its crisp ocean views spreading north to the hazy snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps, the port city of Timaru has plenty to offer the most discerning visitor. Often referred to as the hub of the central South Island, the Edwardian-influenced city's Caroline Bay has hosted family holidays for more than 100 years. From the Maori word Te Maru, which means “the shelter”, the coastal area itself owes its existence to a large extinct volcano beyond the city known as Mt Horrible, which provided the Bluestone foundations for not only the marine foreshore but many of the city’s historic buildings.
Cultivated plantings of flowers and trees within the central city area provide abundant colour, with a stand-out feature being the bay’s Trevor Griffiths Rose Garden, a fusion of both contemporary and old-world design in a city that has become synonymous with the rose itself.
The Port of Timaru is one of the biggest man-made harbours in the world, and is associated with both import and export trade largely supporting the region’s agricultural producers. Dining is a pleasure in the city itself, with contemporary and traditional cuisine served overlooking the ocean views of the bay. A large shopping area lining the paved main street offers both fashion and functionality, with popular chain stores flanked by retailers unique to South Canterbury.
Other points of interest around the city include the last remaining Landing Service Building in the Southern Hemisphere, the botanical gardens and sporting facilities of international standards.
Attractions:
- Visit Aigantighe Art Gallery and Sculpture Garden
- Call into the Phar Lap raceway and check out the life sized bronze horse, the famous Phar Lap.
- Take a Dolphin Cruise
- Take advantage of the great outdoors with rock-climbing, mountain-biking or swimming
- Stroll along the beach at sunset
- Play a recreational game of golf, bowls or tennis
- Visit one of the areas stunning river gorges
- Relax on the Shakespeare walk in the Botanic Gardens
- Tour the DB Mainland Brewery
- Grab a taste of local history from the South Canterbury Museum
- Catch the summer carnival at Caroline Bay from Boxing Day through to mid-January
