Timaru is the largest urban area in South Canterbury and is based around its busy port and the dairy industry.

The city’s most popular holiday spot is Caroline Bay, one of New Zealand’s safest swimming beaches and there are plenty of other diversions including a maze, mini golf, children’s paddling pool and playground. In town, there are plenty of recreational facilities catering for tennis, golf, bowls, yachting and swimming.

Enjoy one of the many scenic walks including the Botanic Gardens, or take a stroll around the Trevor Griffiths Rose Garden on Caroline Bay.

Take a marine cruise in search of dolphins and other marine wildlife.

A working blacksmith is available to visit in his forge where you can hear the tales of the smith. If it is culture you are after, visit the Aigantighe Art Gallery or the South Canterbury Museum and go back in time in the southern hemisphere’s last remaining Landing Service Building.

For those with an eye for architecture, Timaru itself is a showcase of fine Edwardian examples.

Timaru  is served by regular daily bus and coach services to Christchurch, Dunedin, Oamaru, Invercargill, Te Anau and Queenstown and by Air New Zealand Link air services from Christchurch.

There are no passenger train services from Timaru to Oamaru, Dunedin, Invercargill, Mt Cook, Methven, Queenstown or Christchurch.