Insiders Guide to Pleasant Point
Explore the best of Pleasant Point with this itinerary guide, ensuring you don’t miss any of the town's top attractions! From scenic walking and biking tracks to refreshing swimming spots, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Take a step back in time with a visit to the historic railway, or treat yourself to delicious real fruit ice creams, a local favorite. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or just looking to relax, Pleasant Point has it all - perfect for a day of adventure or leisure!
Pleasant Point Museum & Railway
This is a must visit when you're in Timaru District. It's been rated as one of New Zealand's best preserved railways.
They run fully operational steam locomotives – including the 1922 locomotive Ab699 – and a rare replica of a Model T Ford Railcar. There are museum exhibits at each end of the 2.4km long railway line that runs alongside the highway; it was part of the original Timaru to Fairlie railway line which was decommissioned in 1968.
Rides on the steam train or the railcar are a favourite with kids and adults alike, as are the classic cartoon movies and museum exhibits.
Central South Trail
Distance: Timaru to Pleasant Point 14kms
Pleasant Point to Cave 15kms
Biking time: 1 hour 30 minutes Timaru – Pleasant Point
1 hour Pleasant Point – Cave
Difficulty: Easy – moderate
The Central South Trail takes you along the countryside from the seaside town of Timaru, through Pleasant Point to Cave via State Highway 8. A great way to see some of the best scenery that the South Island has to offer. Bike the Timaru to Cave trail stopping at Pleasant Point along the way.
Start the trail from Timaru at Sir Basil Arthur Park in Washdyke, or the other end at Cave. If you want to do half the trail, start or end at Pleasant Point’s Town Square. It is suitable for all ages.
Click here for the map and more information about the track.
If you wish to hire a bike there are two places to choose from. With both standard push bikes and e-bikes available, you will be able to get the whole family out enjoying the sights. Hire a bike from the following places:
Strawberry Divine
These ice creams are absolutely delicious! The fruit is homegrown or sourced locally and is mixed into the vanilla ice cream or frozen yoghurt. They have a wide range of flavours to choose from such as strawberry, raspberry, gooseberry, blueberry, golden peach, blackboy peach, banana, mixed berry, boysenberry and black doris plum! Served in waffle cone or cup, with gluten free options available, it’s a delicious treat you don’t want to miss out on this summer!
People drive for miles for these ice creams. They have recently moved locations and are now at 107 Main Road Pleasant Point - beside Velvet Blend cafe. Open every day from 12-5pm.
Velvet Blend
An aesthetic little coffee shop and bakery on the Main Road in Pleasant Point. They have the prettiest cakes and desserts you’ve ever seen, and their cheesecake shots are a must try! Open Monday to Saturday 7am – 3:30pm.
Opihi River Walkway
Walk or bike along the stop bank of the Opihi River from Temuka through to Pleasant Point. Stop along the way for a picnic, a swim or a fish. It is a long flat walk of 3 hours one way, so you may want arrange someone to pick you up at the other end.
Pleasant Point Hotel
The Pleasant Point Hotel is the hub of the community. Dine in the restaurant courtyard or inside and enjoy their fantastic menu. Join the locals for a beer out in the garden or in the main bar. Accommodation is available
Swimming Pool
Pleasant Point's pool is a fantastic place to cool off over summer, all pools are outdoors and heated. There's a pool for everyone including a 25m 6 lane pool, a toddlers pool and a learners pool. There’s a great area for having a picnic lunch in between swimming.
Located on Harris Street, it's open from mid-November.
Bats
Pleasant Point is home to colonies of native Long-Tailed Bats. They are tiny and elusive, so keep an eye out for bat roost trees. You'll recognise these by the aluminium bands tied around them to stop predators scaling the trees. If you stare hard enough up into the branches of these trees you might get lucky and catch a glimpse of these little locals.
Farmers Market
Find seasonal fresh local produce and food, plants, arts, crafts and more! Monthly markets held every 3rd Sunday, 9am - 12.30pm on the Main Street, Pleasant Point.