Best walking & biking tracks to try this summer in the Timaru District
Whether you’re planning a leisurely stroll with the family, a scenic coastal ride, or a day out discovering hidden tracks with friends, the Timaru District serves up plenty of routes perfect for making the most of those long, sunny days. Check out our top picks for walking and biking trails to try this summer in the Timaru District.
Mt Nimrod
3-4 hours
3km
Advanced
Dogs not permitted
This track has fantastic views at the top and an amazing waterfall that plummets through a rock arch. A mix of forest and ridgelines offering a delightful variety of scenery as you hike.
Little Mount Peel/Huatekerekere
Via Deer Spur walk
4-6 hours
9.2km
Advanced
Dogs not permitted
Via South Ridge Track
7 hours
7km
Advanced
Dogs not permitted
This is one of the most popular hikes in Canterbury. There are magnificent views to Mt Somers, Mt Hutt and across the plains to the coast. The track weaves through lush bush and open ridgelines, giving you a real sense of the regions rugged beauty.
Dashing Rocks Coastal Track
30 minutes
2.2km
Easy + gradual inclines
Dogs on lead only
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. Set off on this loop walk from beautiful Caroline Bay, wander the Benvenue Cliffs past the historic Blackett’s Lighthouse, and the site of ancient shipwrecks.
Coastal Track
1 hour
5.7km
Easy
Dogs allowed off lead
This is a popular track if your up for a longer walk or cycle. The Coastal track is great for cycling. It follows the coast line from Timaru harbour to Otipua Wetlands and you can continue onto the Tuhawaiki (Jack’s) Point trail.
Tuhawaiki (Jack’s) Point
1 hour
5km (return trip)
Medium
Dogs allowed off lead
Offering spectacular coastal views, this is a 2.5km track one way, 5km for a return trip. You can start at either Scarborough Road or Ellis Road car parks. Or access this track from the coastal walk starting at the corner of Stuart St and Fraser St and follow the coast until you reach the light house.
Central South Trail
Washdyke to Pleasant Point
3 hour walk, 1 hour bike
13km
Easy-Medium
Dogs allowed on lead only
Pleasant Point to Cave
3 hours 30 minute walk, 1 hour bike
15km
Easy-Medium
Dogs allowed on lead only
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 Pleasant Point to Cave via State Highway 8. Bike the Timaru to Cave trail stopping at Pleasant Point along the way.
Great tracks for families
Little Kiwi Trail
40 minutes
1.5km
Easy
Dogs not permitted
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 way! Based on the book ‘Time For Bed Little Kiwi’ by Temuka author / illustrator Bob Darroch.
Big Tree Walk
30 minutes
1.6km
Easy
Dogs not permitted
Large mataī, kahikatea and lowland tōtara grow 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.
Caroline Bay
30- 45 minutes
2-3km
Easy – medium
Dogs prohibited in summer, dogs permitted from 1 April – 30 September
The Caroline Bay trail is a favourite walk with locals, given its coastal views and proximity to eateries and the CBD. Set off on this loop walk from the Piazza steps and wander through Trevor Griffiths Rose Garden. Follow the walkway past CPlay playground, up to Blackett’s Lighthouse then along the walkway at Caroline Bay beach. From Marine Parade you can continue on to the Coastal Track.
Geraldine Domain Trail
1 hour
2km
Easy
Dogs allowed on lead only, on walking track
This track is an easy loop around the Geraldine Domain, a large open space with a children’s playground, Top 10 Holiday Park and adjacent community open air swimming pool. View the street art alongside the playground while you’re there.
Find more walking & biking tracks around the Timaru District here:
https://www.vttourism.co.nz/activities/walk-swim-bike