CAROLINE BAY IS CALLING

For as long as there have been people in the area, Caroline Bay has been a place for gathering. From kai moana to whaling, to shipping, concerts, and carnivals. Even local wildlife, our kororā (penguins) and Hector’s dolphins, choose to call this place home. Timaru City was built around this beautiful beach reserve, which means you can explore the heritage and culture all within easy walking distance. Take a coastal walk over ancient lava flows, check out the beautiful Edwardian buildings, explore the ancient art galleries of Aotearoa with Te Ana, and admire contemporary art in an Edwardian mansion – all while stopping for outstanding food and retail therapy, of course.

A HUB FOR WINING AND DINING 

Timaru’s Landing Services Building dates back to the 1870s. It was used to land (or bring ashore) goods and people moored in Timaru harbour. Today, the beautifully restored building houses Timaru’s Information Centre, Te Ana Māori Rock Art Centre, The Speights Ale House, and Street Food Kitchen. This area is a hub for wining and dining, and it springs into life on a Saturday morning with the Timaru Artisan Farmers Market. 

A STREETSCAPE FROZEN IN TIME 

Stafford Street is Timaru’s ‘high street’, with fabulous shops and eateries. The streetscape is Edwardian, so look up, and you’ll see beautiful historic buildings. After a devasting fire ravaged the mainly wooden commercial centre in December 1868, a council bylaw ruled that all new buildings in the CBD had to be constructed of masonry. As such, the main street is frozen in time. The pretty streetscape gradually winds up to fabulous cafés and restaurants on The Bay Hill overlooking the iconic Caroline Bay. 

SHIPWRECKS, ANCIENT LAVA, AND DOLPHINS 

Dashing Rocks is a favourite walk for locals, given its coastal views and proximity to eateries. Start with brunch, or finish with sunset drinks at the fabulous row of eateries at the Bay Hill. Set off from beautiful Caroline Bay. Keep an eye out for the coastal wildlife, including a pod of Hector’s dolphins, penguins, whales, seals, and sea lions. The one-hour loop walk will have you wandering past a historic lighthouse and over ancient lava flows, which form the fantastic-looking Dashing Rocks. 

ANCIENT ART GALLERIES OF AOTEAROA 

Te Ana Māori Rock Art Centre in Timaru is home to the most significant collection of ancient Māori Rock Art in New Zealand. The people at Te Ana are the kaitiaki (guardians) of eight tribal taonga (treasures), cut from their sites over a hundred years ago and now returned home to the centre and their people. Following an hour-long tour of the centre, you have the option to travel to the archaeological site – only accessible with a Ngāi Tahu guide. 

NATURAL HERITAGE AND HISTORY 

The South Canterbury Museum offers an exciting portal into the natural heritage and history of the South Canterbury region. It’s a fantastic place for all ages to explore. It runs popular programmes and events over the school holidays, including the Explorers Club. Upstairs, the exhibits include the prophet Te Maiharoa’s greenstone mere and a working ‘Spacies’ machine from the 80s! If museums are your thing, there are 11 to explore in Timaru District, including five specialist vintage car and machinery museums. 

AN EDWARDIAN MANSION OF ART 

The Aigantighe Art Gallery was established in 1956 and occupies an Edwardian mansion built in 1905. It’s home to an extensive permanent collection of New Zealand and international art. You can wander through the sculpture garden and head into the gallery to view featured works from its permanent collection or one of the feature exhibitions. The gallery is open every day, except Mondays, and admission is free. Get inspired, and get excited at the Aigantighe!