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Aigantighe Art Gallery
One of the South Island’s largest public galleries, this 1908 mansion houses a notable collection of NZ and European art across various eras, alongside…
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Timaru
Trucking on along the SH1 through Timaru, travellers could be forgiven for thinking that this small port city is merely a handy place for food and fuel halfway between Christchurch and Dunedin. Drop the anchors, people! Straying into the CBD reveals a remarkably intact Edwardian precinct boasting some good dining and interesting shopping, not to mention a clutch of cultural attractions and lovely parks, all of which sustain at least a day's stopover.
The town’s name comes from the Māori name Te Maru, meaning ‘place of shelter’. No permanent settlement existed here until 1839, when the Weller brothers set up a whaling station. The Caroline, a sailing ship that transported whale oil, gave the picturesque bay its name.
Explore Timaru
- AAigantighe Art Gallery
One of the South Island’s largest public galleries, this 1908 mansion houses a notable collection of NZ and European art across various eras, alongside…
- CCaroline Bay Park
Fronting the town, this expansive park ranges over an Edwardian-style garden under the Bay Hill cliff, then across broad lawns to low sand dunes and the…
- SSacred Heart Basilica
Roman Catholic with a definite emphasis on the Roman, this beautiful neoclassical church (1911) impresses with multiple domes, Ionian columns and richly…
- TTimaru Botanic Gardens
Established in 1864, these gardens are a restful place to while away an hour or two, with a pond, lush lawns, shady trees, a playground and vibrant floral…
- TTrevor Griffiths Rose Garden
Rose aficionados should visit the Trevor Griffiths Rose Garden, where almost 1200 romantic blooms are set around arbours and water features. The finest…
- TTe Ana Māori Rock Art Centre
Passionate Ngāi Tahu guides bring this innovative multimedia exhibition about Māori rock paintings to life. You can also take a three-hour excursion …
- SSouth Canterbury Museum
Historic and natural artefacts of the region are displayed here. Highlights include the Māori section, a full-scale model of a ship's cabin from 1859, and…
Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Timaru.
- See
Aigantighe Art Gallery
One of the South Island’s largest public galleries, this 1908 mansion houses a notable collection of NZ and European art across various eras, alongside…
- See
Caroline Bay Park
Fronting the town, this expansive park ranges over an Edwardian-style garden under the Bay Hill cliff, then across broad lawns to low sand dunes and the…
- See
Sacred Heart Basilica
Roman Catholic with a definite emphasis on the Roman, this beautiful neoclassical church (1911) impresses with multiple domes, Ionian columns and richly…
- See
Timaru Botanic Gardens
Established in 1864, these gardens are a restful place to while away an hour or two, with a pond, lush lawns, shady trees, a playground and vibrant floral…
- See
Trevor Griffiths Rose Garden
Rose aficionados should visit the Trevor Griffiths Rose Garden, where almost 1200 romantic blooms are set around arbours and water features. The finest…
- See
Te Ana Māori Rock Art Centre
Passionate Ngāi Tahu guides bring this innovative multimedia exhibition about Māori rock paintings to life. You can also take a three-hour excursion …
- See
South Canterbury Museum
Historic and natural artefacts of the region are displayed here. Highlights include the Māori section, a full-scale model of a ship's cabin from 1859, and…
Guidebooks
Purchase our award-winning guidebooks
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