Things To See And Do

Caroline Bay is the most widely known of all the parks in the Timaru District. When speaking to some from outside Canterbury about Timaru they will usually mention Caroline Bay, whereas locals will often refer to it as ‘The Bay’. The beach is sheltered by the harbour breakwater and is the only sandy beach between Oamaru and Banks Peninsula. Whether you’re after a leisurely stroll along the boardwalk or after a game of beach volleyball, Caroline Bay has something for everyone.

Home to a unique collection of old roses, the Trevor Griffiths Rose Garden was gifted to the city by internationally celebrated rosarian Trevor Griffiths. In 2013 it was deemed ‘a garden of excellence’ by the World Federation of Rose Societies and has become a major attraction. The garden was designed by Sir Miles Warren and has more than 1200 roses and has a plant from every rose family in the world. This impressive garden is in full bloom from mid November to mid December each year.

Explore our stunning coastal tracks, take a short stroll or go for a long bike ride on the Timaru Circuit Trail, the choice is yours!  Bikes can be hired from The Cyclery and Point E-Bikes. Explore Timaru’s fascinating history, art scene, food, walking tracks and more with the free Timaru Trails App.

Find all the walking and biking tracks here.