Guide to the Timaru District
Driving
Christchurch (to Timaru City)
2hours 10 minutes, 160 kilometres (99 miles)
Dunedin (to Timaru city)
2 hours 30 minutes, 198 kilometres (123 miles)
Lake Takapō / Lake Tekapo (to Geraldine)
1 hour, 90 kilometres (55 miles)
Flying
Christchurch Airport
Direct international flights from USA, China, Hong Kong, Fiji, Singapore and Australia.
Daily flights from Auckland to Christchurch (1 hour 25 minutes)
Richard Pearse Airport, Timaru
Direct daily flights from Wellington ( 1 hour 15 minutes)
Why visit the Timaru District?
Immersive culture and history
The Timaru District is the only place in New Zealand you can take a guided tour of real Māori Rock Art.
The Timaru city centre features one of New Zealand’s most significant collections of Edwardian buildings.
Our district also has a rich pioneering farming history which can be explored at one of our many fascinating museums.
Dramatic Scenery
The Timaru District is the perfect coastal location for a South Island holiday. Crystal coastlines to mountain top, native bush and everything in between.
Walk rugged coastlines with views out to the Pacific Ocean, wander native forests to waterfalls and towering ancient trees or soak up the rich, rural farmland.
Rich food story
The Timaru District punches above it’s weight when it comes to food and beverage offerings.
Amazing producers including the NZ’s famous Barker’s of Geraldine Foodstore & Eatery, award-winning Humdinger Gin, Geraldine Cheese Co. and House of Hop Restaurant and Brewery.
Beautiful locally grown ingredients celebrated at eateries across the region.
Outdoors to explore
Enjoy canyoning, horse back riding, 4x4 tours or explore one of our 30+ walking and cycling trails.
At Caroline Bay in Timaru’s CBD, you’ll find a colony of Kororā/Little Penguins (these nest on the shore from November- February).