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Timaru City
Geraldine
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The official website of the Timaru District Tourism Agency
Destinations
Destinations
Timaru City
Geraldine
Temuka
Pleasant Point
Peel Forest & Mesopotamia
See & Do
See & Do
Top 10 Things
The Timaru district is full of fun things for the whole family. Caroline Bay, little penguins and Māori Rock Art are just some of them, here are our Top 10 Must Do’s.
Family Fun
Get out and make the most of Timaru district with these family friendly activities. With playgrounds and wildlife encounters to beaches and attractions, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained.
Tours & Experiences
Explore museums, visit high country stations, take a scenic helicopter flight or go on a guided hunting trip, there are plenty of different ways to see the region.
Arts, Culture & Heritage
Visit galleries and museums, discover ancient Māori rock art, admire vibrant street art and wander through beautiful heritage gardens.
Sports & Outdoors
You can do it all in Timaru district, from surfing to hunting game to swimming in the ocean. It's a great destination all year round.
Walk & Bike Trails
Walk and bike along our costal tracks with breathtaking views. From short walks to hikes, coastal trails to bush tracks, there’s over 30 walking & cycling trails to discover.
ROAM
Go for a ROAM around the beautiful Central South Island lakes and visit fabulous locations like Aoraki/Mt Cook, Tekapo and Ōmārama.
Timaru Trails
Explore Timaru district’s fascinating history, art scene, food, walking & biking tracks and more with the free Timaru Trails app.
Eat & Drink
Eat & Drink
Cafes & Coffee Shops
Restaurants
Bars & Breweries
Artisian Creators & Markets
SCOFF
Plan Your Trip
Plan Your Trip
Accommodation
Motels, Hotels and Motorlodges
Boutique and B&B
Holiday Parks and camping
Itineraries & Inspo
Cruise in Timaru
Tours for cruise passengers
Things to see and do
Services
Cruise schedule
Cruise FAQ's for passengers
Information Centres
Seasonal Guides
Getting here and getting around
Tiaki Promise
Maps, Guides and Brochures
Events
Events
Events Calendar
Key & Featured Events
Business Events
How to list an event
See & Do
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Top 10 Things
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By Destinations
Geraldine
Peel Forest & Mesopotamia
Pleasant Point
Temuka
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Wider Timaru District
Caroline Bay Track
A return track from the city to the clifftop, offering great views along Caroline Bay. Starting at the top of the Piazza steps, the trail takes you across the Bay reserve area. Highlights include The…
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York Street Gallery of Fine Art
Full of stunning artworks from notable New Zealand artists including Nigel Brown, Austen Deans, Marilyn Webb, Hamish Allan and plenty more. Owner Debbie Templeton-Page’s sculptures feature throughout…
Phone: 027 634 7353
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Hunting in the Timaru District
Looking to head out on a self guided hunting trip? Check out the local hunting blocks here.
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Native bats
South Canterbury is home to an important population of critically endangered bats/ pekapeka. One of the best places to see them is in Talbot Forest in Geraldine. If you head there on dusk you migh…
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Alps 2 Ocean 4×4 High Country Station Tours
Experience the beautiful Central South Island from your base in Timaru District. Explore pristine lakes, mountains and fjords, glaciers, rainforest and 4WD through High Country Sheep Stations.
Phone: 0800 425 772
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Pleasant Point Railway Museum
This is a must visit as it’s been rated as one of New Zealand’s best preservation railways. They run fully operational steam locomotives – including the 1922 locomotive Ab699 – and a rare replica of…
Phone: 03 614 8323
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Talbot Forest Reserve Walks
Talbot Forest Scenic Reserve is the last remnant of an extensive forest that once covered the Geraldine area. The first reserve was created in 1879 and was added to in 1886 and 1962. There are four s…
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Dennistoun Bush
This is a flat, easy walk through 40 hectares of magnificent ancient forest with huge kahikatea, lowland tōtara and mataī. There is a short side trip to one of the historic saw pits in the area. Also…
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Taumatakahu Stream Reserve
Starting at the end of Studholme Street and running through the centre of the township, the walk is an easy, flat track that meanders along the Taumatakahu Stream. Stop to feed the ducks or play on t…
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South Canterbury Aviation Heritage Centre
Located at Timaru Airport, visitors can view the collection of aircraft, learn about local aviation heroes, including New Zealand’s first aviator, Richard Pearse, and even sit in the cockpit of the F…
Phone: 021 571 893
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Best surfing breaks in Timaru
Our top picks of Timaru surf breaks Lighthouse Reef A 20-minute drive from Timaru, Lighthouse Reef is a right hand reef break best for advanced to expert surfers. On a rocky reef south of…
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Geraldine Farm Tours
Experience an authentic, intimate and up-close real working New Zealand farm set at Beauly Farm, in the South Canterbury foothills near the historic village of Woodbury. Watch sheep shearing and a wo…
Phone: 03 692 2900
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Pareora River Track
Follow along the banks of the Pareora River to the river dam. Limestone rocks provide drama on the banks and tall trees provide plenty of shade. Start by climbing over the stile on the road indicated…
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Timaru District Outdoor Pools
The Timaru District has four great heated outdoor pools located at Timaru, Temuka, Geraldine and Pleasant Point.
Phone: 03 687 7200
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Allans Track
Follow Acland Falls Track from Te Wanahu Flat and turn left onto Allans Track after about 500 metres. Allans Track then joins Deer Spur before dropping steeply to Fern Walk, which can be followed bac…
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Mini Golf
Round up the whole family for a day of competitive fun at one of the district’s mini golf courses. Cafe Mes Amis Orari Station Road, Orari 03 693 6006 Visit website The Shearer’s Q…
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Saltwater Creek Track
A well formed, gravel track mostly on the flat follows the winding Saltwater Creek. Start on King Street beside the bridge and follow the track along the north side of the river. If you wish to ke…
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River Walk
The riverside walk, located right in the heart of Geraldine, winds its way along the Waihi River taking in Rhododendron Dell, magnificent in spring, as well as a small oasis of native bush found adja…
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Mt Nimrod
This track has great views and a waterfall that plummets through a rock arch. From the campground, take the bridge across Nimrod Stream where the loop track takes you on an anti-clockwise circuit of…
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McAtamney Gallery & Design Store
Located in Geraldine, you’ll find collections from contemporary artists such as Richard Bolton, Bernadette Parsons, Susanna Izard and Rachel Dewhirst. There are also featured works by Austen Deans, M…
Phone: 03 693 7292
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HOSS (House of Sports Simulation)
Immerse yourself in a virtual realm offering the utmost in immersive and lifelike indoor sporting encounters. HOSS showcases cutting-edge technology in two sporting domains (motorsport and golf), cra…
Phone: 0274 428 824
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The Farmyard Holiday Park
This is more than just a holiday park, it’s a farmyard you can visit during the day. They have animals including donkeys, alpacas, llamas, goats, kune kune pigs, highland cattle, cows, sheep, guinea…
Phone: 03 693 9355
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Self drive Māori Rock Art sites
The Timaru District has the highest number of studied Māori rock art sites in New Zealand. This is due to our many river ways that early Māori used as their roads while travelling throughout the Sout…
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Timaru’s little penguins
Timaru’s Caroline Bay is home to a colony of the world’s smallest penguin – the Little Penguin/Kororā. Over the summer months (October – March) view them returning from a day’s fishing along Marine P…
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Geraldine Sculpture Trail
The Sculpture trail includes four tracks, taking you through Talbot Forest, along Waihi River and around Geraldine Domain. The trail is beautiful in spring with rhododendrons and other flowers in ful…
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Street Art
Take a self-guided tour of the Timaru District’s street art. Expressive murals scale buildings, lay hidden in alleyways and add a bold and bright feel to our towns. Timaru Trails Street Art Tour
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Timaru Heritage Trail
Timaru’s city centre features one of New Zealand’s most significant collections of Edwardian buildings. The high quality of the architecture reflects times of growth and prosperity in the district’s…
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Alpaca Walks
Meet, feed, and walk alongside friendly alpacas while taking in the peaceful countryside of Winchester, South Canterbury. Ideal for all ages, this hands-on encounter lets you discover each alpaca’s p…
Phone: 020 4011 7629
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Paul’s Gallery & Framing
Stocking a wide range of NZ prints and art blocks, Paul’s Gallery also offers custom picture framing.
Phone: 03 688 1398
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Opihi River Track
Follow along the stopbank of the Opihi River from Temuka through to Pleasant Point. Stop along the way for a picnic, a swim or a fish. Return the same way you came, or arrange for someone to pick you…
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Little Mount Peel (Huatakerekere)
Little Mount Peel/Huatekerekere via Deer Spur Walk This is one of the most popular peaks in Canterbury. From the car park at Blandswood, walk up the steep Blandswood Lookout Road to the top. Follow…
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Pekapeka Gully Track
The track is named after the rare native long tailed bat (pekapeka) which inhabits the area. The tiny thumb sized bats can occasionally be spotted in the evenings. Start at the end of Hislop Street a…
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Tuhawaiki (Jack’s) Point
This walk follows the coast past the historic Tuhawaiki (Jack’s) Point Lighthouse (1), and offers spectacular coastal views. You can walk, run or bike and it’s also dog friendly. Please ensure any…
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Fishing Timaru’s rivers and streams
The Timaru District’s backcountry rivers and creeks provide some of the best salmon and trout fishing in New Zealand. Popular fishing spots Popular fishing spots include the nearby Opihi…
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Claremont Bush Track
A short, but sweet walk, the Claremont Bush track allows you to take your time and enjoy the native bush and bird life. Keep an eye out for bellbirds (korimako), fantails (piwakawaka) and a rare nati…
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Naked Soul Space
Discover South Canterbury’s only Float and Contrast Therapy retreat. Nestled just outside Timaru is a sanctuary where the senses rest and the soul awakens with float therapy, fire & ice and massa…
Phone: 021 959 699
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Acland Falls
The track climbs steeply and then drops into a small stream. The falls (14 m), a short walk up the stream bed, are named after J B Acland of Mt Peel Station. The sunnier and drier aspect of this nort…
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Disc Golf
A game for the whole family, courses are located in Timaru at Caroline Bay and West End Park, and there is an 18 hole course at Temuka Domain.
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Aigantighe Art Gallery and Sculpture Garden
Timaru’s Aigantighe Art Gallery is home to an extensive permanent collection of New Zealand and international art. You can wander through the sculpture garden and head into the gallery to view featur…
Phone: 03 688 4424
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Southern Wide Helicopters
Go on an unforgettable adventure with experienced pilots and discover the magical mountain views, coastal sights and incredible wilderness from a birds-eye view.
Phone: 027 634 6341
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Little Kiwi Trail
Time for bed little kiwi! But where is he? Help mum kiwi find him. Follow the signs 1 – 10 around the Temuka Domain, starting at the carpark and help track little kiwi down. Enjoy the walk on the…
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Route 79 Museum
An eclectic showcase of classic cars, tractors, military vehicles, WWII artillery, memorabilia and more.
Phone: 027 949 8291
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Timaru Circuit Trail
This circuit is an excellent choice for people looking to connect multiple trails for an extended walking or cycling track. The 25-30km Timaru Circuit comprises a collection of eight tracks around th…
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Otipua Creek Track
Start on Coonoor Road, across the road from the Saltwater Creek/Coonoor Road walk. This walk follows Saltwater Creek to link up with the Centennial Park track. Paddocks on both sides of the river…
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Orari Gorge Track
The track initially follows an old bush tramway, which was used to extract logs. Continue straight on through a mosaic of regenerating trees before climbing to an open high point. The return leg is t…
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Kahikatea Walk
This track offers flat easy walking, with board walks over wetter areas. Saw pits are a reminder of the fate of most of this forest, with just a remnant of kahikatea swamp forest remaining. Gettin…
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Big Tree Walk
There are large mataī, kahikatea and lowland tōtara along the track, some of which are thought to be 1000 years old. The largest tree, a huge lowland tōtara, is almost three metres across. Look out f…
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Gallery 329
Run by a collective of artists, this is a not-for-profit gallery, where you’ll find a diverse range of pieces – painting, photography, sculpture, patchwork and ceramics. It is a place where the buyin…
Phone: 021 053 0373
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Chipmunks
With heaps to keep little minds and bodies entertained, this is the perfect place to tire the kids out, especially if the weather is less than ideal.
Phone: 03 688 8846
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Geraldine Historical Museum
The Geraldine Historical Museum showcases the contribution that organisations and individuals have made to the development of the Geraldine and wider Timaru District. The museum is open 7 days a week…
Phone: 03 693 7028
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Real Kiwi Horse Trekking
Take a ride through some of New Zealand’s most pristine landscapes taking in breathtaking views of the mountains, lakes, glacier fed rivers and Canterbury plains on a bespoke trekking adventure.
Phone: 0800 022 536
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Susan Badcock Gallery
Susan Badcock Gallery exhibits work by three generations of her family – her grandfather Douglas Badcock, father John Badcock, and Susan herself. With a continually changing exhibition calendar they…
Phone: 021 175 2853
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Geraldine Military Museum
Visit the South Island’s only dedicated military museum showcasing rare last-of-their-kind vehicles plus large scale displays from Vietnam and Germany.
Phone: 027 628 8686
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Mundell’s Race Centre
Mundell’s Race Centre is a fully licenced premises offering car, flight and golf simulators as well as a karaoke room.
Phone: 03 693 1101
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Geraldine Cinema
Located in the historic Geraldine Town Hall, the Geraldine Cinema is one of a few left of it’s type and age in New Zealand. Featuring sofas and arm chairs instead of traditional movie theatre seats…
Phone: 03 693 8118
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The Wetdog Gallery
Set on 5 acres with native bush and singing bell birds, you might just find the perfect gift or a one-off item for the garden or home here. Explore the garden and check out the sculptures, take time…
Phone: 021 196 6129
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Kakahu Bush Tracks
Kakahu Track This track follows the route of a wooden tramway, which over a century ago, brought marble chips from quarries in the gorge to the Hall Road kiln. Follow the marked farm track around…
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The Shearers Quarters – Cafe and more
The Shearers Quarters provides a fun visit for the whole family. Enjoy a meal at the cafe, play mini golf, meet the farmyard animals or explore the crazy maze.
Phone: 03 687 2682
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Allan Jones Walkway
Walk through to Torepe Fields which features an off-lead dog exercise area and frisbee golf course. Carry on through Torepe Fields and behind the golf course before returning to Domain Avenue for a s…
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Fern Walk
The early part of the track passes through Mills Bush, 16.2 hectares of virgin podocarp forest containing giant lowland tōtara, mataī and kahikatea trees, many of them probably 1000 years old. Their…
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Wuhoo Timaru
Timaru District has wonderful environment, and rich heritage and culture to explore. There is so much, it’s hard sometimes to know where to start. You can pop into the South Canterbury Museum and Tim…
Phone: 027 418 1269
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White Pine Track
This loop track starts from the campground, crossing a small stream and then gently climbing to a ridge where there are large kaikahikatea and tōtara. The most impressive is a stately tōtara about th…
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Homebush Track
This loop track starts from the campground, crossing a small stream and then gently climbing to a ridge where there are large kaikahikatea and tōtara. The most impressive is a stately tōtara about th…
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Art at Seadown
Anne’s landscape paintings and whitestone sculptures are a feature of the gallery, and there are also items of pottery from when Anne and Mike were full-time potters. Their motto is ‘from our hands t…
Phone: 027 283 5604
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Harlau House Garden Tours
Explore the splendour of Harlau House. Learn the history of this stunning 134yr old homestead, tour the magnificient gardens and finish with a delicious lunch from the licenced Harlau House Cafe…
Phone: 03 683 1887
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Otipua Wetlands Track
Embark on a journey through the captivating Timaru Otipua Wetlands, wander along the gravel tracks that wind around the four-hectare lake, offering picturesque views. Marvel at the diverse array o…
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Waitohi Bush
Here you will enjoy unrivalled panoramic views of the district, the abundance of native bird life and wonderful walks through the native bush. Waitohi Bush features a small campground with a toilet a…
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Timaru Botanic Gardens
Timaru Botanic Gardens has an impressive variety of plants and flowers, an aviary, duck pond and playground. Located on 19 hectares of land in south Timaru, it dates back to 1864, when the site was f…
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Timaru District Golf Courses
We have plenty of golfing options across the district. Beautifully scenic courses for all levels, including a driving range – perfect for some competitive fun. Timaru Golf Club 18 hole co…
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South Canterbury Museum
The South Canterbury Museum has a focus on the natural heritage and history of South Canterbury – land, life and people. They collect specimens, artifacts, images, documents and information that can…
Phone: 03 687 7212
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Merivale Fine Arts Gallery
A wide range of contemporary and historic artworks for sale and can been sent to buyers overseas. The gallery offers art valuations and a restoration service.
Phone: 027 833 6506
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Washdyke Lagoon
Situated on the northern side of Dashing Rocks, the Washdyke Lagoon reveals a fascinating rock shelf during low tide, featuring numerous rock pools. Explore the lagoon for crabs, shellfish and other…
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Timaru Botanic Gardens Walk
Wander around Timaru’s stunning Botanic Gardens. There are lots of tracks, you can follow the map or just plot your own course. Start at the Queen Street entrance and follow the road to the left p…
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South Beach Coastal Track
This track has been formed on the edge of a shingle beach. It follows the coast line north towards Timaru harbour and is good for cycling. The sea on one side, where the occasional seal, penguin or s…
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Big Rock Adventures
Abseil, jump and zipline your way through this remote canyon with an experienced guide. If you love water sports and are comfortable with heights, this will likely be one of the best things you will…
Phone: 021 179 2274
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Trevor Griffith’s Rose Garden
Trevor Griffiths Rose Garden in Timaru is a must-see for rose lovers. Named after a local nurseryman and author with a passion for growing old varies, the garden was deemed ‘a garden of excellence’ i…
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Ribbonwood Track
This track starts with a steep climb with rewards of breathtaking views across Geraldine. Along the way, you can enjoy paddocks to the left and bush and mountains to the right. The climb provides a r…
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Rangitata High Country Hunting
The Rangitata Valley is a world renowned New Zealand hunting destination. Rangitata High Country Hunting have exclusive access to some of the best properties in New Zealand, including Dry Creek Stati…
Phone: 03 696 3969
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Beautiful Mesopotamia
Hit the high country and enjoy the great outdoors at Mesopotamia.
Phone: 03 688 4452
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Timaru: perfect base for winter skiing
With 5 ski fields close the Timaru District, this is the perfect place to base yourself for a winter holiday. Mount Dobson: 1 hour from Timaru In less than an hour’s drive inland from Tim…
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Roger Mahan Heritage Centre
This museum houses a varied collection of heritage vehicles and machinery displayed in a huge modern 5600 square metre building, known as the Roger Mahan Heritage Centre.
Phone: 021 225 3140
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Kyle Park Transport Museum
Discover a vast collection of vintage tractors and old farm machinery, plus a large display of classic and vintage trucks. There are two working traction engines plus numerous steam powered items. …
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Explore Caroline Bay
A New Zealand Top 10 rated favourite family beach, Caroline Bay is located just minutes from Timaru’s CBD, and is a fantastic place to spend a day with the family. Dig your toes into the warm sand…
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Playgrounds
There are 43 council owned playgrounds in Timaru District. They will have you running, swinging rolling and jumping your way around the district’s playgrounds.
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The Raptor Experience
Get up close with New Zealand’s raptors in a unique, hands-on experience. Learn about the lives of our native raptor birds, their ways of hunting, what they feed on, dangers to their safety and their…
Phone: 0274 533 484
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CBay Timaru Aquatic Centre
A modern fitness and leisure centre, with three indoor heated pools, 50m outdoor heated pool (open November to March), two hydroslides, a children’s water play area, rapid river, bombing tower and ch…
Phone: 03 684 2229
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CPlay – Timaru’s award winning playground
Set along Timaru’s famous Caroline Bay, you’ll find a special playground designed to capture a child’s imagination. Step into an exciting adventure as you explore a shipwreck, conquer a towering ligh…
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Dashing Rocks Coastal Walk
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…
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Helicopters South Canterbury
Whether you’re after a scenic flight, a picnic with a view, hunting tranfers or a winter snow landing, Helicopters South Canterbury can cater to your needs.
Phone: 03 615 6966
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Glendeer Hunting & Fishing Guides
Experience New Zealand’s hunting and fly-fishing at it’s very best with Glendeer Guides, unbelievable heavy antlered red stags, beautiful wild brown and rainbow trout on the fly, magnificent bull tah…
Phone: 021 311 745
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Geraldine Vintage Car and Machinery Museum
For lovers of vintage machinery, this complex includes buildings full of unique vintage cars, vintage tractors, vintage farm machinery and plenty of other exhibits.
Phone: 03 693 8756
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Emily Falls
The track starts on the left a little way up the steep Blandswood/Lookout Road. After a steeper section the track forks left down to Rata Stream. Follow the stream down for 100 metres then exit right…
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Centennial Park
Centennial Park spans 65 hectares at the edge of the Timaru City limits. In the heart of the park, you’ll find the Centennial Park Lake recreational area. It has ample parking for cars, an expansive…
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Te Ana Māori Rock Art Tours
Te Ana Māori Rock Art provides the only guided tour to see real rock art in New Zealand. The Te Ana guided tour takes you to a protected rock art site where you will learn the history of the drawings…
Phone: 0800 46 83 262
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Movie Max Digital
Playing the latest releases for the whole family, Movie Max Digital is the region’s premier cinema.
Phone: 03 684 6987
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Temuka Courthouse Museum
Housed in the historic former Temuka Courthouse, this museum is home to over 6,000 items recording the history of Temuka from farming, to industry, family history and social history.
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Central South Island Trail – South Canterbury Portion
This easy track is a great way to see some of the best scenery that the South Island has to offer. The Central South Trail takes you along the countryside from the seaside town of Timaru, through Ple…
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