Timaru accommodation from NZ$99

Things to see and do

The hills of Timaru were created many years ago when the nearby Mt Horrible erupted and sent lava rolling across the area. As a result, the main streets of the town are filled with curves and crevices. As you wander around the town, you’ll see a number of buildings made using the volcanic rock. There are several nice parks and gardens in Timaru, including the Botanic Gardens, Centennial Park Reserve, and a delightful rose garden. Golf enthusiasts will be pleased with the selection of courses available, all of which offer stunning views. At Caroline Bay beach you can relax and enjoy the lazy atmosphere. You can also enjoy mini-golf, a maze, and skating. Jack’s Point and Patiti Point are also perfect for surfing, particularly in summer, as the waves in winter are a tad freezing.

One of the top local attractions is the South Canterbury Museum, where you can see Maori rock art and fossils, learn about the area’s history and heritage, and also discover sea maritime collections. Art lovers should take a peek at the collections at The Aigantighe Art Gallery. There are works from New Zealand, the Pacific, Asia, and Europe, as well as an interesting sculpture garden. Sip some local brew at the DB Brewery and see how the beer is made from local yeast.

Getting here

If you’re here in summer, visit the Caroline Bay Carnival which offers lots of fun for everyone, with stalls, shows, music, games, curiosities, and more! Have a look at our flights to Christchurch and stay with us in one of our Timaru hotels.