Tours for cruise passengers

                          
Explore our beautiful region on one of our local tours below. All tours depart from the Timaru Information Centre, and pre-bookings are strongly recommended.
Alpaca Walks
Meet, feed, and walk friendly alpacas through Winchester’s peaceful countryside. A fun, hands-on experience - discover their gentle personalities and capture unforgettable moments along the way. Tour includes return transport from Timaru.
COST: $150 per person
DURATION: 2 hours
TO BOOK: Email alpacawalksnz@gmail.com
Departure time will be dependent on ship's arrival.
Explore Mackenzie
Explore the famous Mackenzie District on a guided tour learning about the rich history of the area while taking in the beautiful sights. Choose from two options exploring the stunning Mackenzie Region famous for it's blue waters, snow and glaciers, and of course, New Zealand's highest mountain, Aoraki Mount Cook.
COST: $800 for the whole vehicle (4 people maximum)
DURATION: 5 hours
TO BOOK: Email timaru@drivingmissdaisy.co.nz
Departure time will be dependent on ship's arrival.
Discover Moeraki Boulders and Oāmaru
Explore the famous Moeraki Boulders and Oamaru’s Victorian Precinct with guide, Linda.
COST: $400 for the whole vehicle (4 people maximum)
DURATION: 5 hours, 30 mins
TO BOOK: Email discovertoursnz@gmail.com
Departure time will be dependent on ship's arrival.
Tours to Suit
A family group or bunch of friends wanting a tour to suit their requirements, this is for you. Historical, geographical, scenic, agricultural or even some sports we cover them all. We design our tours, so you get back to the boat in plenty of time.
Popular options include Lake Tekapō, Oāmaru and Geraldine.
COST: $150 per person ( Maximum 8 people)
DURATION: Dependent on location
TO BOOK: Email lskea@xtra.co.nz
Departure time will be dependent on ship's arrival.
Freedom Drivers Timaru
Hire your own private driver to help you explore the Central South Island in comfort. Popular options include Lake Tekapō, Oāmaru and Geraldine.
COST: $650 for whole vehicle for Oāmaru and Geraldine, $800 for Lake Tekapō ( Maximum 4 people)
DURATION: Dependent on location
TO BOOK: Email timaru@freedomdrivers.co.nz
Departure time will be dependent on ship's arrival.
Geraldine Farm Tours
Experience an authentic, intimate and up-close real working New Zealand farm set in the spectacular South Canterbury foothills. See a working dog demonstration, sheep shearing and feeding, tour the beautiful gardens of Beauly Farm and finish with a morning tea of the terrace.
COST: $200 per person. Minimum numbers apply.
DURATION: 3 hours
TO BOOK: Email info@geraldinefarmtours.com
Departure time will be dependent on ship's arrival.
The Raptor Experience
This is an educational and hands-on encounter with two of New Zealand’s Raptors - The New Zealand Kahu or
Harrier Hawk and the Little Owl. Learn about the lives of our native raptor birds, their ways of hunting, what they
feed on, dangers to their safety and their cultural significance. This is a fantastic opportunity to get up close and personal with these magnificent birds under the guidance of our experienced handler.
COST: $80 per person
DURATION: 1.5 hours
TO BOOK: https://nzraptor.org/book-alias/book
Departure time will be dependent on ship's arrival.
Waimate - A hidden gem
Take a trip to Waimate, just 35-minutes from Timaru city. Waimate is steeped in history, heritage and art.
COST: $125 per person
DURATION: 5 hours
TO BOOK: Email positivewaimate@gmail.com
Departure time will be dependent on ship's arrival.
Tee off in Timaru
Tee Off in Timaru is your premier golfing experience set against the stunning backdrop of South Canterbury’s rolling hills. Hosted at the picturesque Gleniti Golf Club, this tour invites golfers of all levels to challenge their skills on one of Timaru’s most scenic and well-maintained courses.
Fee includes, green fees, club hire, cart hire, Gleniti Golf Club hat and return transport from the Timaru Information Centre.
COST: 9 holes = $150 per person, 18 holes = $210 per person
TO BOOK: Email info@peterhayesgolf.co.nz
Departure time will be dependent on ship's arrival.
Timaru Explorer
The tour takes visitors on a loop from the Information Centre around four popular spots within the Timaru City including Caroline Bay, Aigantighe Art Gallery, St Mary's Church and Timaru Botanic Gardens. Learn about the history of these locations, and other fascinating Timaru facts from your onboard guide.
COST: $30 per person
DURATION: 3 hours
Not able to be pre-booked.
Departure time will be dependent on ship's arrival.
Timaru History Walk
Discover the history of Timaru’s CBD exploring heritage buildings and churches. Learn of Timaru’s great fire, the Landing Services precinct and the people that pioneered our seaside city.
COST: $30 per person
DURATION: 1.5 hours
TO BOOK: Email enquiries@venturetimaru.nz
Departure time will be dependent on ship's arrival.
Geraldine Boutique Village Tour
Come for a cruise in a classic car to the inland village of Geraldine, which is known for its boutique clothes, food, specialty shops and cafes. On the way, travel through traditional New Zealand sheep, beef and cropping farmland with scenic views of the Southern Alps.
Your trip can be tailored to stops along the way to suit your individual likes and entry to the Geraldine Vintage Car and Machinery Museum, which displays a wide nostalgic collection of not only cars and machinery, but also homewares and models to interest all visitors is included.
COST: $150 per person
DURATION: 3 hours
TO BOOK: Email geraldinevintage@gmail.com
Departure time will be dependent on ship's arrival.
Timaru Art Walk
Discover Timaru’s creative heart on the Timaru Art Walk, a self-guided journey through the city’s vibrant streets and cultural spaces. Explore hidden murals tucked into alleyways, bold artworks brightening the CBD, and locally run galleries including Latitude South, Gallery 329, and Red Bird.
NOTE: This tour is self guided. You choose when you start and finish.
Please see the information team for details and a map.