Our Towns

Bringing the best short cycling films from around the world together for you!

Showcasing 2.5 hours of riveting bike films that have everything a cycle-centric audience could want – action, drama, humour, and plenty of inspiration. The evening is unashamedly and utterly, utterly, utterly designed and devised to delight the two-wheel devotee!

The 2025 treasure chest of films includes:
• an exhilarating film that redefines what’s possible on a gravel bike on technically challenging terrains
• a celebration of grit, camaraderie, and the beauty of “Type 2 Fun”, this film is an ode to the ride, not the finish line
• a captivating film that promises to take you on a journey of compassion, community, and the joy of cycling
• an uplifting film that follows a group of adventurers from Wānaka, New Zealand, who gather to cycle from town out to the local Ski Field and back, carrying all their gear, with the purpose to raise awareness about the climate impact that comes with travelling and adventuring
• an inspiring mountain bike ride through back country Queenstown that is both poetic and meaningful
• a life-changing experience for a group of friends who undertake a trip to a bothie (hut) in the Highlands of Scotland to show what can be achieved by people with disabilities in relation to having adventures
• a film that celebrates the art of “winging it” and how travelling by bicycle and the power of exploration can obliterate preconceptions and contribute to understanding others
• and a classic Kiwi story of a young trailblazer participating in a gruelling six-day mountain bike rally, exploring his boundaries with his own signature entirely unsupported style – fueled by a penchant for chocolate milk and a single-minded approach to making it happen
ALL in the mix!

These short films are a great reminder of why we love to ride our bike; with stories that captivate us, stories that move us, and most importantly of all – inspiring us to get out and ride. All celebrate the fun, adventure, and joy that cycling enables.

PREVIOUS ATTENDEE’S COMMENTS:
“One of the most inspiring events of the year”
“The Big Bike Film Night is always a wonderful, eclectic, wacky mix of films and I love it!”
“If you haven’t experienced the cinematic excellence of The Big Bike Film Night – then YOU MUST!!!”

So…listen to the voice inside you; it’s telling you to go. Grab your mates, GO ON… grab your bike and come along for the ride!!

Wednesday 21 May 2025, at the Craighead Auditorium, Craighead Diocesan School.

Website link: The Big Bike Film Night 2025

We’re wrapping up Youth Week 2025 with “Showcase on Sophia” – a FREE street event putting the spotlight on our region’s talented young performers. There will also be food stalls and cultural displays.

“Showcase on Sophia” is a combined effort of The Y Central South Island, Tongan Society South Canterbury, Refugee Settlement Services Timaru and Timaru District Council in celebration of Ara Taiohi’s Youth Week 2025.

The south end of Sophia Street will be blocked off for this event, so bring your appetite for fun, food and entertainment and join us in celebrating our amazing young people!

Youth Week 2025: “Take Our Place: Whai Wāhitanga”
#investinginthenextgeneration
#tewhakangaoitereangaāmua

Are you ready to elevate your bushcraft and navigation skills? Join us for an unforgettable weekend designed for recreational trampers, hunters, and adventure racers!

Join Us for a Night of Syrian Cooking Techniques!

Experience the rich flavors and culinary traditions of Syria at our special fundraising event!

26th May

6:30-9pm

Mountainview High School Cooking Block

This unique event is a fundraiser for former refugees living in Timaru. Come and learn about authentic Syrian cooking techniques from former refugees who have brought their heritage and skills to our community.

Bookings are essential! Reserve your spot now through Refugee Settlement Services:

Phone: 687-1120 Website: https://pssc.org.nz/contact-us-refugee-settlement-services/

Don’t miss this opportunity to support a great cause while enjoying a delightful culinary experience. See you there!

 SAVE THE DATE – WINTER WONDERLAND FESTIVAL 2025! 

We’ve just locked in the dates, and you’re the first to know!  Mark your calendars for 13 – 15 June 2025 because our Annual Winter Wonderland Festival is coming back, and it’s going to be bigger and better than ever!

Here’s a first look at what’s in store:
 Friday – The Winter Wonderland Market at Tekapo Springs 
 Saturday – A market & treasure hunt at the Market Square + fun activities at Four Square Tekapo
 Sunday – The Mid-Winter Swim with OJ on The Breeze

This is just the beginning, we’ll have more exciting events to be announced soon! Stay tuned, spread the word, and start planning your winter escape to Lake Tekapo! 

Wrap up warm and enjoy a fabulous winter evening in the Timaru CBD, as we celebrate Matariki, with multicultural food vendors, craft stalls, live music, kapa haka, fire dancers and a captivating light installation in The Royal Arcade. Timaru CBD Group and the Timaru Artisan Farmer Market are proud to bring this family event to the CBD for its fifth year.

Fri 27 Jun 2025, 4:30pm–7:30pm, Timaru CBD.

The Mackenzie 2026 – With a history best suited to a movie plot, the Mackenzie District is bursting with legendary stories.  The Mackenzie brought to you by Devold is an ode to the farming background in this majestic country. Join us this autumn to experience a journey of your own; one to remember and have you coming back for more. 

With five events to choose from The Mackenzie brought to you by Devold is a day of fun, sweat, and a #legendarymackenzie adventure!