72 Hours in the Timaru District
Timaru has plenty to see and do in the space of 72 hours. Here’s just a taste of the highlights you can fit into a long weekend or the start of a holiday in the beautiful seaside city of Timaru.
Morning
Bike or walk Tuhawaiki (Jack’s) Point
Jack’s Point is a stunning coastal walk south of the Timaru CBD. Hire a bike from The Cyclery or go for a walk. It takes approximately 1 hour from Fraser Street at the South side of the Timaru port area. See the beautiful, historic lighthouse, take a seat at the lookout point and enjoy the expansive views across the Pacific Ocean. Keep your eyes peeled as you may just see seals or even Hector’s Dolphins playing in the waves.
Afternoon
Hold a Raptor at The Raptor Experience
Get up close with NZ’s Raptor birds with The Raptor Experience. Learn about these beautiful and majestic birds, their cultural significance, how they hunt, what endangers them and what to do if you come across and injured bird. You then get the chance to handle a Harrier Hawk and meet the gorgeous Little Owls.
Evening
Grab a cocktail at Hector Black’s Lounge Bar
You’ll struggle to find anything quite like it! One visit to Hector’s will have you hooked with its quirky charm and laid-back vibe. Comfortable, homely, great cocktails, and southern hospitality at its finest await in this uniquely eclectic gem.
Morning
Enjoy a sunrise stroll on Caroline Bay
There something about a sunrise walk on the beach that is just good for the soul! Head down to Caroline Bay and enjoy a stunning sunrise walk and breath in the crisp sea air.
Head inland to boutique Geraldine
40 minutes inland from Timaru city, you will find the boutique village of Geraldine. Explore the town with its beautiful array of locally owned and operated stores. Flower’s Inc, Page & Prose Booksellers, AOK Clothing and The Cottage Pantry are some favourites. Then head to one of the local cafes such as Barker’s Foodstore & Eatery, Verde, House of Hop and The Running Duck.
Afternoon
Enjoy Geraldine’s artisan food products
Spend an indulgent afternoon discovering the region’s finest products, from handcrafted cheeses to locally distilled gin. Visit Humdinger Gin Distillery to enjoy a tour of the distillery and sample award-winning small-batch gin made right here in Geraldine. Stop by Geraldine Cheese Company to sample a delicious range of award-winning cheeses made on site, and view the factory in store to see how they are produced. Finish your tasting trail at Barker’s Foodstore & Eatery, where you can try their range of drinks, jams, chutneys, and sauces at the tasting stations before choosing your favourites from the store to take home.
Morning
Get an alpine experience with a day trip to remote Mesopotamia
Nestled at the foot of the Southern Alps, 2 hours up the Rangitata River Valley, you will find the untouched world of Mesopotamia. The name Mesopotamia, which originates from the Middle East, means “the land between two rivers”. It’s a great place to take a day trip. Pack a picnic and enjoy the beautiful drive up the valley.
At Mesopotamia Station, you can visit the old school, graveyard and see part of the Te Araroa Trail that runs the whole length of New Zealand. If you’d like to take a guided experience up the valley, we highly recommend Alps 2 Ocean who run their “Road to Mesopotamia” 4×4 tour which is a fantastic guided experience of the area.