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The official website of the Timaru District Tourism Agency

Family Winter Adventures in the Timaru District

This winter, discover just how much is waiting, so close. Family friendly activities, cosy cafes, up-close animal encounters and interactive cultural experiences, Timaru District is packed with memorable adventures all within easy reach.

Discover our heritage

Step back in time and uncover the stories that shaped the Timaru District. From museums and historic railways to art galleries and military history, there are great experiences for all ages.

Pleasant Point

Pleasant Point Museum & Railway

Step back in time at Pleasant Point Museum and Railway, where you can ride a heritage train, explore museum exhibits and experience life on the railway.

The Shearers Quarters - Cafe and more

Geraldine Vintage Car & Machinery Museum

Discover a treasure trove of vintage engineering at Geraldine Vintage Car & Machinery Museum, featuring vintage cars, tractors and machinery displays.

Royal India

Aigantighe Art Gallery

A must-visit for art enthusiasts, explore inspiring art exhibitions, an award-winning heritage house and a peaceful sculpture garden at Aigantighe Art Gallery.

The Farmyard Holiday Park

South Canterbury Museum

Head to South Canterbury Museum and explore engaging exhibitions that showcase the people, places and history of the region.

Mini golf

South Canterbury Heritage Aviation Centre

Explore aviation history at the South Canterbury Heritage Aviation Centre, featuring historic aircraft, exhibits and stories of flight in the region.

Geraldine Military Museum

Geraldine Military Museum

The South Island’s only dedicated military museum, the Geraldine Military Museum showcases rare last-of-their-kind vehicles and wartime exhibits

Find your winter comfort

Warm up this winter with cosy accommodation, indoor activities and relaxing experiences. There are plenty of ways to stay warm indoors and have fun.

Movie Max Digital

Movie Max Digital & Geraldine Cinema

Catch the latest blockbuster at Movie Max Digital in Timaru or enjoy the charm of Geraldine Cinema and settle in for an entertaining escape from the winter weather.

Mana & Meeples

Hobby Lords & Mana & Meeples

Challenge your family to a board game adventure at Hobby Lords and Mana & Meeples, where shelves are packed with games, puzzles, collectibles and fun for all ages.

The Shearers Quarters - Cafe and more

CBay Aquatic Centre & Chipmunks

Keep the whole family entertained with hydroslides, spa pools, a lazy river and saunas at CBay Aquatic Centre, or let the kids burn off energy at Chipmunks.

Mundell's Race Centre

Mundell’s Multi Hub & HOSS

Put your skills to the test at HOSS and Mundell’s Multi Hub with racing simulators, virtual golf and immersive flight experiences.

The Farmyard Holiday Park

Cosy Accommodation

Stay fireside at a cosy boutique retreat enjoying peaceful winter days and star-filled skies or relax in a Timaru hotel with ocean views and beautiful sunrises. 

Geraldine Military Museum

G+E Entertainment

Challenge the family to laser tag, Nerf battles or gel blasters at G&E Entertainment in Temuka for an action-packed day of friendly competition.

Taste local flavour

Taste your way around the Timaru District with hearty family meals, sweet treats, cosy cafes and welcoming eateries. There’s something for every appetite.

The Shearers Quarters

Refuel at The Shearers Quarters with fluffy pancakes, loaded wedges, juicy burgers, a big breakfast or tacos, then spend some time meeting and feeding the farm animals.

U-Bake

U-Bake

Pick up the best pies in the district, fresh sandwiches, gourmet donuts, flavoursome scrolls and indulgent cakes and slices on your road trip from U-Bake.

Royal India

Royal India

Royal India in Geraldine is a family-friendly dining spot, serving authentic Indian cuisine with a playground to keep the little ones happy.

Reburger

Ice Ice Baby

Treat the family to a sweet stop at Ice Ice Baby. Their handcrafted, award-winning gelato comes in a range of creative flavours and you can even grab a pint from the freezer to take home.

Curbside Toastie

Grab a gourmet toastie, homemade New York style bagel, focaccia sando, indulgent sweet treat or a thick shake from Curbside Toastie.

Evie's Bar & Grill

Harlau House Cafe

Gather the family at Harlau House Cafe for a hearty meal, or visit on Sunday to enjoy their much-loved buffet spread packed with delicious options for all ages.

Get close to nature

Meet friendly farm animals, walk alongside alpacas and get up close with incredible wildlife. These hands-on experiences are sure to delight animal lovers of all ages.

Alpaca Walks

Alpaca Walks offers a unique experience to meet, feed and walk alongside friendly alpacas in a beautiful rural setting.

Royal India

CPlay Playground

Burn off some energy at CPlay, the largest playground in the Southern Hemisphere. Climb the shipwreck and soar through the air on the flying fox.

The Shearers Quarters - Cafe and more

The Shearers Quarters

A great family outing, The Shearers Quarters has friendly farm animals to feed, mini golf course and a fun outdoor maze to navigate.

Mini golf

Mini golf, disc golf & soccer golf

Challenge your family to a round of mini golf, disc golf or soccer golf for a bit of friendly competition and fresh air.

The Farmyard Holiday Park

Farmyard Holiday Park

Meet and feed a wide range of friendly farm animals at The Farmyard Holiday Park including highland cattle, donkeys, emus, horses, alpacas and guinea pigs.

Central South Trail

The Raptor Experience

Get up close with New Zealand’s raptors at The Raptor Experience in a unique, hands-on encounter, where you can hold a raptor bird under the guidance of an experienced handler.

Explore our trails

Stretch your legs and embrace the outdoors with scenic walks, cycling trails and family-friendly adventures. 

Little Kiwi Trail

Follow the Little Kiwi Trail in Temuka Domain and help mum kiwi find little kiwi. Based on the book ‘Time For Bed Little Kiwi’ by Temuka author / illustrator Bob Darroch, follow the signs 1 – 10, starting at the carpark.

U-Bake

The Big Tree Walk

Walk amongst tōtara, mataī and kahikatea trees which are thought to be 1000 years old on the Big Tree Walk. A short and easy forest adventure the whole family can enjoy.

Royal India

Timaru Botanic Gardens – Birds

Stretch your legs at the Timaru Botanic Gardens, explore the winding paths, wander through the lush Fernery and meet the colourful birds in the aviary.

Reburger

Centennial Park

Test your skills at Centennial Park’s BMX track, MTB skills area and pump track. Discover the park’s trails ranging from easy walks to more challenging mountain bike tracks.

Geraldine River Walk

Geraldine River Walk

Perfect for families, this easy Geraldine Riverside Walk follows the Waihi River through native bush and gardens, with sculptures to spot along the way.

Central South Trail

Cycle the Timaru Circuit & Central South Island Trails

Hop on your bikes and discover the Timaru Circuit and Central South Island trails, offering scenic cycling routes ideal for exploring at your own pace.

Experience art & culture

Immerse yourself in the region’s creativity, history and culture through street art, rock art and interactive activities that inspire curiosity and imagination.

Te Ana Māori Rock Art Centre

Discover Aotearoa’s past at Te Ana Māori Rock Art Centre, where ancient Māori rock art brings history and culture to life. Make your own rock art, hold a moa bone, and explore the cave of the Taniwha.

The Shearers Quarters - Cafe and more

Street Art Trail

Take a self-guided wander along the Street Art Trail in Timaru and Geraldine where vibrant murals add a bold and bright feel to our towns. 

Royal India

Self Drive Māori Rock Art Sites

Set off on a self-drive road trip through the Timaru District, home to the highest number of Māori rock art sites in New Zealand and uncover ancient stories etched into the landscape.