TASTE TIMARU

They love outstanding food in Timaru District. They grow it, produce it, and catch it off the coast. They turn primary produce into innovative artisan products that the locals love, and visitors are discovering. They would love to see you in Timaru District on your travels. There’s plenty of outstanding food to try and adventures to be had.

GOURMET GOODNESS 

Geraldine is a fabulous foodie destination, with great eateries and boutique artisan products to feast upon. Start by shopping the huge range of products at Barker’s destination Foodstore and Eatery, then wander the village adding to your basket. You will find hot sauces, artisan cheese, specialist organic yoghurt and health products, a gourmet butchery, a new gin distillery, craft beers, and lots more. If you are cruising around the South Island, stop, scoff, and stay awhile. 

MARKETS 

The region’s farmers’ markets are great places to sample local treats. You can find markets in Timaru, Pleasant Point, Geraldine, and Temuka. You can head to Timaru’s port and stock up on fresh and frozen fish at the Sanford Seafood Market. Other must-try award-winning local products include 100% Pure NZ Honey, ViBERi organic blackcurrants, and NZ’s first slow dried biltong and bier sticks made by the New Zealand Biltong Company. 

 BEER 

The region has been home to great beer for some time and is quickly gaining attention for craft beers. Ship Hop Brewing in Timaru opens its microbrewery on Fridays. You’ll also find these brews on tap at local eateries. Or, head to Café Verde in Geraldine to taste the Abstract range. Just up the road, you’ll find Valley Brewing Company, with accommodation and a restaurant on-site – it even offers ‘stargazing with the brewer’ evenings. Plus, beer lovers can take a guided tour of the DB Brewery factory, finishing with a sampling, of course. 

HUMDINGER GIN 

What happens when an engineer and a biologist/technologist decide to make a small-batch botanical gin? A multi-award-winning product, that’s a real humdinger. Humdinger Distillery opened in Geraldine in September 2020. You’ll find it down an alleyway on Geraldine’s main street, open most days for tastings, informal tours, and sales. Andrew and Saskia are constantly fine-tuning their craft, and the results are made in gin heaven. They have won a slew of NZ and international awards since opening 

 SCOFF 

Head to South Canterbury from 10–19 September and celebrate incredible eats with the South Canterbury Outstanding Food Festival (SCOFF). SCOFF is a ten-day celebration of food grown, produced, and crafted in South Canterbury. Simply head to a participating eatery, order the SCOFF special and be in the chance to win daily prizes and a grand prize of an ultimate getaway in the region. 

 

SWEET 

Who doesn’t love a cupcake? Millie Rose in Timaru is a must-visit, especially on a Friday where she creates a weekly special that often has people lining up down the street! Iconically decadent Denheath Custard Squares are also made in Timaru and exported around the world. You can sample them at cafés across the district or call into the factory store and buy direct.