The Top 10 Things to Do in the Timaru District

                          
The Timaru District is brimming with exciting activities for the whole family. Discover Māori Rock Art, try canyoning and ziplining, savour delicious food, experience wildlife and animal encounters, and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Here are the top 10 must-do activities:

    

                    

                
            
            

                
1. Caroline Bay
Caroline Bay is the crown jewel of the Timaru District. Located just minutes from Timaru’s main street, this beautiful and safe sandy beach is enjoyed by locals year-round and was named one of AA Traveller’s top 10 family beaches in New Zealand. In addition to the beach, Caroline Bay features New Zealand’s largest playground, CPlay, a paddling pool, the world-renowned Trevor Griffith’s Rose Garden, mini golf, a colony of Kororā (Little Blue Penguins), and the Caroline Bay Carnival, one of New Zealand’s oldest running carnivals, which runs for approximately two weeks every summer from Boxing Day.
            
            

    

                    

                
2. Te Ana Māori Rock Art
The Timaru District is the home of Māori rock art in New Zealand. Of the approximately 700 known rock art sites in the country, over 400 are in the South Canterbury region. Ngāi Tahu, the kaitiaki (guardians) of New Zealand rock art, offer the only guided experience of Māori rock art with tours with Te Ana Māori Rock Art Tours to a local protected site. Learn about early Māori explorers, their travels through the central South Island, the reasons behind the rock art drawings, and the possible meanings and stories they convey.
            
            

                
            
            

    

                    

                
            
            

                
3. Walk & Cycle
The Timaru District boasts over 30 walking and cycling trails. These trails range from crystal coastlines with sandy beaches and historic lighthouses to lush native forests and mountain tops with native birdlife, waterfalls, and tranquility. With trails ranging from 10 minutes to several hours, there is something for all family members and fitness levels.
            
            

    

                    

                
4. The Raptor Experience
This educational, hands-on experience introduces you to two of New Zealand’s raptors: the New Zealand Kahu (Harrier Hawk) and the Little Owl. With the Raptor Experience you'll learn about their lives, hunting methods, diets, safety threats, and cultural significance. This unique opportunity allows you to get up close with these magnificent birds, guided by their experienced handler.
            
            

                
            
            

    

                    

                
            
            

                
5. Beautiful Mesopotamia
Take in the spectacular Rangitata River Valley and Southern Alps with a day trip to Mesopotamia. Travel through Peel Forest, enjoying the stunning native forest and the Rangitata River Valley with its braided rivers situated between two mountain ranges, famous for river rafting and fishing. As you journey up the valley, you’ll encounter large high-country stations that have been in families for generations and pioneered farming life in New Zealand. At the end of the road, find the historic Mesopotamia Station, where you can visit the old school and graveyard and learn about the history of the former community.
            
            

    

                    

                
6. Sip & Savour
The Timaru District is a food lover’s paradise. As one of New Zealand’s largest food-producing regions, it boasts beautiful produce grown and manufactured locally, including famous brands like Barker’s of Geraldine, Heartland Chips, and Denheath custard squares. Explore the district’s best restaurants, cafes, and bars, or sample produce from local artisan producers.
            
            

                
            
            

    

                    

                
            
            

                
7. Heritage & Art
Explore the Timaru District’s rich history of shipwrecks, heritage buildings, sites, and pioneering history. Discover the local art scene through galleries, street art, and sculptures.
            
            

    

                    

                
8. Kororā / Little Blue Penguins
Caroline Bay is home to a colony of the world’s smallest penguin, the Little Blue. Nesting in the rocks surrounding the beach, these penguins can be seen returning from a day’s fishing at sea during the warmer months (October – March). Head down to Marine Parade at dusk to see these adorable birds, standing at a mere 40 cm (15 inches) tall.
            
            

                
            
            

    

                    

                
            
            

                
9. Shopping
Indulge in retail therapy at locally owned boutique stores, larger national chain stores, second-hand shops, and vintage stores. There are treasures to be discovered everywhere.
            
            

    

                    

                
10. Explore the Best of the Central South Island with the ROAM Loop
The Timaru District is the gateway to the stunning Mackenzie District, a destination often on visitors’ bucket lists. Use the ROAM Loop to travel approximately 350 kilometers (220 miles) through some of New Zealand’s best scenery. Starting at seaside Timaru City, the loop takes you through Mackenzie’s mountains including Aoraki Mount Cook and golden grasslands, past Waitaki’s lakes and the famous Clay Cliffs, and into Waimate’s quaint charm.