Timaru

Timaru

Information Centre

  • 2 George St, Landing Services Building, Timaru.

  • +64 3 688 4452

  • timaruinfocentre@teana.co.nz

Travel Information (approximate times)

Christchurch: 2h 15m
Tekapo: 1h 20m
Dunedin: 2h 30m
Queenstown: 4h 5m
Aoraki Mt Cook: 2h 35m

Visit the AA Travel Maps AA Travel

Discover South Canterbury

Timaru

With a population of 29,000 the port city of Timaru (from the Maori word Te Maru ‘place of shelter’) is the industry hub of South Canterbury, two hours south of Christchurch, the South Islands largest city.

Easy to reach, and well serviced with education, health and excellent infrastructure. Richard Pearse (Timaru) Airport is only a few minutes’ drive with regular flights to the capital city of Wellington.

Lifestyle and scenery are nothing short of spectacular, and it’s easy to make a life here. A bustling port and wide range of thriving manufacturing and processing industries supports the families who choose to make Timaru their home.

Discover Timaru

Founded in the late 1870’s Timaru is renowned for its Edwardian history and architecture, sport and leisure and is the base for major tournaments and events. You can visit Maori rock art, surf, mountain bike or snowboard – just a few of the bountiful options you could choose in a single day! The safe swimming beach of Caroline Bay and annual summer carnival has been a family holiday ‘must do’ for over 100 years.

Caroline Bay

Golden sands and a safe swimming beach ‘The Bay’ has boardwalks, native plantings and wildlife, CPlay EPIC children’s playground and pool, Aviary, sports, skate park, entrainment & events, home of iconic Caroline Bay Xmas carnival.

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Centennial Park Scenic Reserve

Also known by locals as The Scenic, a 65-hectare park inside Timaru city with walking/hiking tracks, bike trails, picnic areas for all to enjoy. Drive and park, bike or walk.

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Shopping & CBD

From boutique shops to retail chains mixed with cafes and businesses, Timaru’s busy CBD is alive amongst Victorian and Edwardian architecture.

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Botanical Gardens

Timaru Botanical Gardens is 19 hectares of mature gardens established in 1874, open daily from 8am until dusk. Plant collections and arboretum, duck ponds and childrens play areas, education centre.

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Metro MyWay Bus Service

MyWay Bus Service: Get around Timaru using the new on-demand public bus transport. Here you will find all information on how to use MyWay, the service zone, fares and operational days and hours

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Art & Culture

A rich blend of historic sites, tradition and contemporary art galleries and museums throughout Timaru and South Canterbury.

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What’s On

See What’s On in Timaru and South Canterbury, or add your own event.

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Timaru Businesses

An impressive mix of both long established and new businesses choose to invest and grow here, creating a formidable capability resulting in export, primary, manufacturing and tourism sector growth.

Featured Events

So much to see and do here. Find out What’s On or add your own South Canterbury event.

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