Discover a unique part of New Zealand from your base in Timaru District, on the east coast of the central South Island.
Timaru activities and attractions - the best things to do in the Timaru District.
Find your style of accommodation here.
The official Timaru District event calendar and portal for event managers.
Take your pick from the best places to eat in Timaru District.
Get out and make the most of Timaru District with these whānau friendly activities.
This play area welcomes individuals of all ages, abilities, and sizes, promoting inclusivity in its design. Step into an exciting adventure as you explore a shipwreck, conquer a towering lighthouse slide, interact with the mahika kai-inspired play zone, tackle a floor-is-lava obstacle course, and glide through the air on a 50-meter tandem flying fox—all while under the watchful gaze of the taniwha.
A New Zealand Top 10 Family Beach, Caroline Bay is located just minutes from the Timaru main street and is a fantastic place to spend a day with the family.
A must do when visiting the Timaru District, Te Ana Māori Rock Art provide the only guided tour to see real rock art in New Zealand! Te Ana provide a guided tour to a protected rock art site where you will learn the history of those specific drawings and movement of ancient Māori through the region. Pair a visit to the site with a walk through their state of the art, interactive centre in the Timaru CBD
Phone: 0800 46 83 262
Get up close with New Zealand's raptors in a unique, hands-on experience. Learn about New Zealand's meat eating birds, how they hunt, dangers to their safety and, their cultural significance. Meet some of the birds which we have rehabilitated and unable to go back to the wild.
Phone: 0274 533 484
Timaru's Caroline Bay is home to a colony of the world's smallest penguin - The Little Blue Penguin/Kororā. Over the summer months (October - March) view them returning from a day's fishing along Marine Parade at the southern end of Caroline Bay. It's worth putting the kids to bed late and what's even better, this is a FREE activity.
The South Canterbury Museum has a focus on the natural heritage and history of the South Canterbury region of New Zealand - land, life and people. They collect specimens, artifacts, images, documents and information that can be used to explore the region's heritage.
Phone: 03 687 7212
The Shearers Quarters provides a fun day out for the whole family. Enjoy a meal at the cafe, play mini golf, meet the farmyard animals or explore the crazy maze.
Phone: 03 615 9043
Brightening and energising Timaru’s streetscape are the motivations behind several unique artworks which have begun appearing on some of the city’s beautiful historic buildings. The Street Art trail explores these works.
Phone: 03 687 2682
For lovers of vintage machinery a visit here is a must. They have buildings full of unique vintage cars, vintage tractors, vintage farm machinery and plenty of other exhibits.
Phone: 03 688 4452
This is a must visit if you're in Timaru District on one of their open days. It's been rated as one of New Zealand's best preservation railways, but there's loads more to this attraction than that. They run fully operational steam locomotives – including the 1922 locomotive Ab699 – and a rare replica of a Model T Ford Railcar.
Phone: 03 614 8323
This is more than just a holiday park, it's a farmyard you can visit during the day. They have animals including Wallabys, Donkeys, Alpacas, Llamas, Goats, Kune kune pigs, Highland cattle, Cows, Sheep, Guinea pigs, Rabbits, Chickens, Possum, Peacocks, Water buffalo and cockatoo Polly will welcome you in reception
Phone: 03 693 9355
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 plain on a bespoke trekking adventure.
Phone: 0800 022 536