Timaru's focal point is beautiful Caroline Bay. This well-equipped and safe swimming beach is bordered by a 20ha reserve which has children's playgrounds, gardens, tennis courts, an aviary, a skating rink and plenty of car parking.
Timaru is a busy coastal South Island port and holiday resort and is a gateway to the mountains, lakes and rivers of the Central South Island. The town is known for its elegant Victorian and Edwardian buildings, made of volcanic bluestone.
Caroline Bay Trust Aoraki Centre is now open and boasts a wide range of aquatic activities including a hydroslide, lazy river and toddler play area. The centre also offers gym facilities, beauty therapy services and a café.
Every Christmas/New Year, Timaru hosts the popular Caroline Bay summer carnival. The region's history can be explored at the South Canterbury Museum, Te Ana Maori Rock Art Centre, or take a wander through the Aigantighe Art Gallery or Timaru's lovely Botanic Garden.
Activities in the Timaru district include walking tracks, mountain biking, golfing and fishing. In winter there are several ski fields within reach – try heli-skiing or glacier skiing for something a bit different.
The Airport, Phar Lap Racecourse and Levels International Motor Raceway are situated within 7 minutes drive to the north of our motel.
Timaru Gardens
Stroll through the Timaru Botanic Gardens, a 210ha reserve bordering Caroline Bay with gardens, duck ponds and an aviary. The garden is noted for its work with rare and endangered species and its rose collections. Timaru district also has beautiful private gardens open for tours during summer.
Aigantighe Art Gallery
Timaru's art gallery contains more than 900 works, including a garden of sculptures. The Aigantighe Art Gallery in Wai-iti Road is renowned internationally for its art collection, innovative exhibitions and education programmes. The Aigantighe prides itself on being a friendly, thought-provoking art museum for everyone.
Caroline Bay Trust Aoraki Centre (CBay)
Timaru's new purpose-built aquatic centre offers great family entertainment. CBay caters for all ages and includes a toddler water activity area, spa pool and lazy river, hydroslide and training pools. The complex also has a café and gym.
South Canterbury Museum
The excellent museum explores the area's whaling history, with some good examples of scrimshaw (whale bone etchings). There are also local Maori artefacts and a replica of the first aeroplane designed and flown by local farmer and inventor, Richard Pearse.
Te Ana Maori Rock Art Centre
Located in the Landing Services Building, Te Ana offers the most significant collection of ancient Maori rock art in New Zealand. Experienced local guides share the stories of Maori rock art and visitors can enjoy the incredible interactive exhibition, with guided tours also available.
Landing Services Building
The last remaining building of its type in the southern hemisphere, it was built in 1870 from solidified lava (bluestone) and contains relics of Timaru's maritime heritage and also houses an i-SITE Information Centre, Te Ana Maori Rock Art experience, Speights Ale House and a function centre.
Ski Areas
The town is a convenient base for winter skiers, and there are several ski areas within two hours' drive including Mt Dobson, Fox Peak, Mt Hutt, Ohau and Tekapo.
We Love Timaru
For a list of up-to-date activities in the Timaru District please visit the WeLove Timaru website.
Timaru Playgrounds
A map with playgrounds in the Timaru area.