Things To Do In Timaru, New Zealand

The port city of Timaru offers fine views and lots of things to do all year round.

Timaru Things to Do

Whether you’re here during the summer for the lovely beach or to go skiing, this an ideal place for the person who loves the outdoors.

Swimming and Fishing 

The major beach in the area is Caroline Bay. Right below the city center, it’s easy to find. It gets busy during the summer, so make sure you get there early. You can listen to live music concerts on the beach all summer long.  If you prefer to go cycling, you can rent a bike at several stores along Stafford Street or bring your own. Stafford Street is the major street in the area, offering lots of stores and shops to explore as well as several cafes. There’s a pier and wharf nearby that you can perch on to for fishing. This area is also home to several rivers that also offer good fishing. A local game shop can offer tours if you need guidance. In winter, there’s a nearby ski slope with hills that are ideal for beginners.

Museums, Parks and Galleries

Local resident Richard Pearse was a contemporary of the Wright Brothers. His pioneering achievements are honored at the South Canterbury Museum. Admission is free. You can see how he started the modern airline industry with his home built flying machines. You’ll also find exhibits about local wildlife and European history as well as the history of the original inhabitants. For a close look at the area’s flowers and birds, visit the regional botanical gardens. You can find duck ponds, where you can feed ducks to your heart’s content, a beautiful rose garden with beds that have been planted in intricate patterns, shady mature trees, a herb garden with fragrant herbs year-round, and a native garden. Another local museum well worth a visit is the Aigantighe Art Gallery. Housed in a local home dating back over a hundred years ago, the gallery is devoted to works both from local artists and those who have become famous throughout the centuries. The outdoor sculpture garden shows off additional works of art in a natural setting.

Editor’s note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about things to do in Timaru.