Enjoy the best of summer dining with plenty of great spots to eat outdoors across the Timaru District. From sunny courtyards and garden cafés to ocean view restaurants and relaxed breweries, these local favourites are perfect for long lunches, casual drinks, and warm evening meals.
Timaru District's ultimate summer guide
Summer is here and the Timaru District is ready for another season of sunny days warm nights. Experience the best of summer in Timaru with events and activities, swimming at Caroline Bay, coastal walks, the buzzing carnival and outdoor adventures.
Explore the best attractions, events and hidden gems that make Timaru District the best place for summertime fun.
The best walk & bike tracks in the Timaru District to try this summer
Enjoy the warm weather and connect with nature while doing some exercise. The Timaru District is surrounded by coastal tracks, bush walks and long hikes. If your looking for the best tracks to do this summer check out our guide, it also includes the best family friendly tracks.
Caroline Bay
Caroline Bay is Timaru’s most iconic seaside destination, combining a wide sandy beach with scenic walking paths and family-friendly facilities. Stroll along the bay, enjoy the playground, skate park, paddling pool, or settle in for a picnic on the grass. Swim in the gentle waves, go on a stand up paddle board, and view the little penguins at dusk. The annual Caroline Bay Carnival is on in the summer from 26 Decemeber 2025 - 11 January 2026.
Where to eat outside this summer
Timaru District Summer Events
Seaside Festival
5 - 15 February 2026 A celebration of all things summer, the Seaside Festival takes place at the iconic Caroline Bay and the nearby town centre. Have fun with carnival rides, food truck fiesta, movies, huge fabulous kites, sandcastle competitions and much more!
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Caroline Bay Carnival
26 December 2025 - 11 January 2026 The iconic Caroline Bay Carnival is 17 days packed full of family entertainment - carnival rides, concerts and competitions. Plus a huge fireworks display on 31st December.
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Trust Aoraki Thunder Down Under
31 January - 1 February 2026 Trust Aoraki Thunder Down Under is a motorsport festival held at Levels Raceway, featuring a packed schedule of racing across multiple classes. From NZ Super Trucks and muscle cars to Formula Ford, V8 Utes and more, a weekend of thrilling action for fans of all ages.
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Southern Classic
13 - 15 February 2026 The Southern Classic is a classic and historic motor racing event, where over a weekend a diverse grid of vintage and historic race cars from the 1950s to more modern classics compete across multiple race classes.
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Gintastic
14 February 2026 Gintastic is holding the first event in South Canterbury at Hiltonview, Geraldine in 2026! Spend the afternoon in the sun sipping on locally crafted gins, listening to live music and eating delicious food!
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World Tennis Tour: Timaru
9 - 15 March 2026 A professional ITF World Tennis Tour event held at the Trust Aoraki Tennis Centre that brings rising international and New Zealand tennis talent to compete in both men’s and women’s singles and doubles draws. A week-long celebration of top-level tennis that gives local fans a chance to watch high-class matches up close, with free weekday entry and ticketed finals over the weekend.
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Caroline Bay Rock & Hop
19 - 22 March 2026 Celebrate classic and vintage cars, caravans and motorcycles with cruises, a huge show-and-shine Gala Day, music, stalls and era-inspired fun. It’s one of South Canterbury’s biggest community events and a major fundraiser for Hospice South Canterbury.
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Family friendly activities
Whether you’re chasing adventure or enjoying simple outdoor fun, the district offers plenty of ways for families to relax, play, and explore. From beach days at Caroline Bay and playgrounds to skate parks, pools, walking tracks, and fun experiences, there’s something to keep all ages entertained.
Top eateries in the Timaru District
Enjoy fresh local flavours, a long lunch with friends, or an easy evening meal at these standout spots. Summer dining in the district ranges from sunny, cosy cafes to restaurants overlooking the bay, alongside local breweries and lively bars that are perfect for relaxing and unwinding.
Where to find the best shopping
A mix of boutique stores, local artisans, and well-known brands, wander through the town centre and nearby towns to discover unique gifts, fashion, homewares, and fresh local produce. From stylish finds to one-of-a-kind treasures, it’s easy to spend a leisurely day browsing and freshen up the summer wardrobe.
Little penguins
As it turns dusk in the evening the world's smallest penguins return from the ocean to their nesting areas along the coastline. They can be spotted coming ashore at Marine Parade , a very memorable experience.
Street Art
Timaru’s streets burst to life with vibrant murals and creative details around every corner. The colourful artwork makes summer strolls even more enjoyable as you discover bold designs and local stories woven into the urban landscape.
More itineraries
Discover even more ways to make the most of your time in the Timaru District by exploring our range of itineraries. From outdoor adventures and family-friendly activities to food, culture, and coastal highlights.
Whether you’re visiting for a day or staying longer, there’s plenty of inspiration to plan your next adventure.