Top 5 Walking Trails
The Timaru District is full of walking trails with stunning coastline, rolling hills and native bush. Whether you’re after a short stroll or a scenic hike, each trail offers a chance to enjoy fresh air and spectacular views of our region’s natural beauty.
1. Tuhawaiki (Jack’s) Point, Timaru
This walk follows the coast past the historic Tuhawaiki (Jack’s) Point Lighthouse, and offers spectacular coastal views. About halfway, you’ll find the Tuhawaiki (Jack’s) Point Lighthouse. This is a 5km for a return trip. You can start at either Scarborough Road or Ellis Road car parks. Or access this track from the coastal walk starting at the corner of Stuart St and Fraser St and follow the coast until you reach the lighthouse.
Distance: 5kms
Time: 1 hour
Difficulty: Moderate
2. Huatakerekere / Little Mount Peel, Peel Forest
Via Deer Spur Walk
Distance: 9.2km
Time: 4-6 hours
Difficulty: Advanced
Via South Ridge Track
Distance: 7km
Time: 7 hours
Difficulty: Advanced
3. Dashing Rocks Coastal Walkway
Experience the beauty of Timaru’s coastline, enjoying panoramic views over Caroline Bay, wandering over ancient lava flows and examining the rocky cliffs that proved treacherous to early shipping. Set off on this loop walk from Caroline Bay, wander the Benvenue Cliffs past the historic Blackett’s Lighthouse and the site of ancient shipwrecks.
Distance: 4.2km
Time: 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy + gradual inclines
4. Big Tree Walk, Peel Forest
Distance: 1.6km
Time: 30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
5. Centennial Park, Timaru
Just beyond the edge of the Timaru town centre, you’ll find Centennial Park, a 65 hectare reserve offering a variety of walking and mountain biking trails for all levels. Within the park you’ll also find playgrounds for the kids, sheltered BBQ areas, a large duck pond as well as a BMX track, MTB skills track and pump track. From the south entrance you can carry on along the Otipua Creek to Saltwater Creek walkway and out to the coast.