Timaru is located approximately midway between New Zealand’s two largest cities on the South Island — Christchurch and Dunedin. While many travelers pass through Timaru on State Highway 1, this charming town offers plenty of attractions to fill a day or two if you decide to stay. From a diverse range of accommodation to delightful dining and drinking spots, we’ll provide you with all the information you’ll need in our Timaru Travel Guide!
Getting to Timaru
If you’re driving between Christchurch and Dunedin, you’ll likely pass through Timaru. However, it’s easy to overlook this lovely town if you stick to the usual tourist routes on the South Island.
Timaru is just a two-hour drive south of Christchurch and 2.5 hours north of Dunedin, making it feasible for a day trip. The route from Christchurch tends to be quite dull, with limited sights along the way. In contrast, the drive from Dunedin offers a more scenic experience, featuring numerous beaches, walking paths, and quaint towns. You can also reach Timaru from inland destinations like Lake Tekapo.
Timaru History
Before whalers and sealers arrived in the 1790s, Timaru had a rich history of Māori settlement. The town made significant progress with the establishment of its port and artificial harbor in the 1870s, which remains a key part of its economy surrounded by fertile farmland. Notable figures from Timaru include Richard Pearce, who was among the first individuals worldwide to take flight in an airplane, and Phar Lap, one of New Zealand’s most legendary racehorses.
The Town Centre
Timaru’s main shopping street, Stafford St, is lined with elegant historic buildings from the town’s prosperous past. It’s an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll, enjoying a coffee, and indulging in a bit of shopping.
You’ll find a variety of excellent restaurants and casual dining options here. There’s a local farmers’ market on Sundays as well. Outside of Stafford St and a few surrounding streets, there’s not much else to explore besides Caroline Bay, which is Timaru’s popular seaside destination.
Caroline Bay
Caroline Bay offers more than just a beach experience. Venture inland from the shore to discover parks, playgrounds, art installations, a paddling pool, a skatepark, and much more.
During the Christmas and New Year period, Caroline Bay Fair takes the spotlight. It brings back memories of my own thrilling experience on “The Hurricane” ride many years ago.
The beach here is lovely — truly one of the nicest town beaches on the South Island. Keep an eye out for little blue penguins at sunset!
Other Things to Do in Timaru
Most of the attractions in Timaru are located around the town center and Caroline Bay. Highlights include the Timaru Museum and the Piazza.
If you’re up for a bit of exploration, the Timaru Botanic Gardens are worth a visit, and you could also venture out to Jack’s Point Lighthouse — the best option if you’re looking for a walking trail around Timaru.
READ MORE: 14 of the Best Things to Do in Timaru
Nearby Towns and Attractions
A number of charming small towns are just a short drive from Timaru. Our top pick is Geraldine, known for its delightful holiday town atmosphere and the popular café Barkers — a well-known name in New Zealand.
Geraldine serves as the gateway to Peel Forest, where you can enjoy peaceful forest trails or take on the challenge of a hike up Mount Peel.
Waimate is another notable spot to explore — keep an eye out for wallabies! Pleasant Point features an old train that occasionally operates (although not much else happens there), while Temuka is your go-to destination for ceramics.
Timaru Weather
From my childhood memories (I left Timaru at age 10), the weather here is generally pleasant. It isn’t as cold as Dunedin and doesn’t get as hot as Christchurch during the summer. Timaru’s climate is likely as favorable as you’ll find on the South Island outside of the Nelson/Marlborough regions.
Where to Stay
Most of the motels in Timaru are situated on the hills overlooking Caroline Bay, conveniently located within walking distance of both the beach and the town center. If possible, opt for accommodations that offer stunning views!
Eating and Drinking
The primary dining and drinking establishments in Timaru can be found in the town center, with a few others located at Bay Hill, which provides a lovely view of Caroline Bay — a perfect spot for newcomers to Timaru.
Timaru is renowned for its U-Bake hot cross buns, which have been voted the best in New Zealand numerous times, as well as unique pies from May’s Pies. If you visit Timaru in September, don’t miss the Scoff food festival, featuring a range of exciting dishes to sample. While I haven’t attended myself, a friend of mine shares amazing photos from the event every year!
Timaru Itinerary
You can easily explore Timaru’s highlights in just a day or two since most attractions are conveniently located in the town center. While a brief stop for a couple of hours could suffice, you might find it worthwhile to spend the night. A one-night itinerary might involve arriving in Timaru, enjoying the sights at Caroline Bay, wandering through the town center, and possibly visiting the museum.
On your second day, consider visiting Jack’s Point Lighthouse, exploring Waimate or Geraldine, and if you’re feeling adventurous, embark on a hike up Mount Peel.
Shopping
Timaru’s main street features a variety of charming shops, making it a lovely place for a stroll. For ceramics, head to Temuka; for jams, sauces, and more, visit Geraldine; or peruse an art gallery in Timaru.
Are you planning a trip to New Zealand? Check out our South Island travel guide!
I’m a South Island local — born in Timaru and raised in Dunedin. I left the island in 2006 and returned 10 years later. Having seen a good chunk of the world I realized how special this place is — the most beautiful island in the world! Seven years (and almost 400 posts) later I’m still helping locals and tourists alike plan their trips around the South Island.
