Introducing Timaru
The port city of Timaru is a handy stopping-off point halfway between Christchurch and Dunedin. Many travellers prefer to kick on 85km further south to the smaller, more charming Oamaru, but a few good restaurants and Timaru’s good-value motels means it’s worthy of a spot of travellers’ R & R. The town’s name comes from the Maori name Te Maru, meaning ‘The Place of Shelter’. No permanent settlement existed here until 1839 when the Weller brothers from Sydney set up a whaling station. The Caroline, a sailing ship that picked up whale oil, gave the picturesque bay its name.
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Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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Re: 6 - 15 April, South Island with toddler
by wanttotravelnow 14 April 2012
We live in Timaru (2 hours south of Christchurch) and regularly do 2 to 3 hour trips with our toddler followed by driving round at the…
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RE: Suggested Driving Itinerary Te anau - Kaikoura
by Callidus 25 January 2012
There are 2 basic options. (1) Go from Te Anau through Queenstown, Wanaka, the Haast Pass and up the West Coast to Westport. From there,…
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NZ South Island - The Grand Tour! 22nd Nov - 23rd Dec
by Beachbumm 08 November 2011
Hi all! Looking for anyone who wants to meet up in South Island to do some treks / activities at some point along my trip (or come along…
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