Timaru

Timaru is a city of 28,900 on the east coast of the South Island, on the Canterbury coast at Caroline Bay. It is a seaport and the second-largest city in the Canterbury region, roughly halfway between Christchurch and Dunedin (about two hours' drive from each).

The city has a sheltered beach at Caroline Bay with a popular recreation area. Timaru's economy is driven by its port, agriculture, and fishing industries. The climate is temperate with warm summers and cool winters.

By Plane

Richard Pearse Airport (Timaru Airport, TIU IATA), 13 km north of the CBD. Air New Zealand operates 2 or 3 flights daily direct from Wellington. Taxi or rental car from the airport (pre-arrangement recommended).

By Car / Road

Timaru is on State Highway 1, 157 km or a two-hour drive south of Christchurch. Coach services operate from Picton, Christchurch, and Dunedin.

Bus services connect the suburbs to the city centre. Taxi and rental cars are available. The city centre is walkable. SH78 in Timaru is the country's shortest state highway at just 900 metres.

Aigantighe Art Gallery — Timaru's art gallery with collections of New Zealand and international art.

Te Ana Māori Rock Art — 2 George Street, Landing Services Building. Personalised and authentic Māori cultural experiences.

South Canterbury Museum — 4 Perth St. Tu–F 10AM–4:30PM, Sa Su 1–4:30PM. By donation.

Sacred Heart Basilica (Timaru Basilica) — Historic Catholic basilica.

Timaru Botanic Gardens — Established gardens with the Trevor Griffiths Rose Garden.

Washdyke Lagoon — Birding hotspot near Timaru.

Caroline Bay Beach — Sheltered swimming beach and recreation area.

Swim and relax at Caroline Bay Beach. Attend the Caroline Bay Carnival (summer event). Visit the CBay Aquatic Centre. Walk Centennial Park's trails. Play golf at one of several local courses. Mountain bike on trails in the back country. Watch rugby at Alpine Energy Stadium. Catch a movie at Movie Max Digital Cinemas (cnr Sophia & Canon Sts).

The Oxford — 152 Stafford Street. Popular restaurant and bar.

Zest — 4a Elizabeth Place. +64 3 688 8313.

Speights Ale House — 2 George Street. Daily 11:30–late. Kiwi pub chain serving hearty meals.

Bay Hill Brewery Bar (Monteiths Bay 54) — 54 The Bay Hill. Daily 08:00–late.

Sukhothai Thai Restaurant & Bar — 303 Stafford Street. +64 3 688 4843.

Golden Palace Chinese Restaurant — 84 Evans Street, Waimataitai. 5–9PM.

The Sail & Anchor — 51 Sophia St. Popular bar.

Old Bank — 232 Stafford St. Bar and eatery.

Saikou Teppanyaki & Whisky Bar — Japanese whisky bar.

Several cafes along Stafford Street serve coffee and light refreshments.

• Budget: Glenmark Holiday Park — 30 Beaconsfield Rd. Campgrounds. Grosvenor Hotel — 26 Cains Terrace. From $90.
• Mid-range: ASURE Ashley Motor Lodge — 95/99 King St. From $149. Avenue Motor Lodge — 31 Craigie Ave. From $165.
• Upscale: Aspen on King — 51 King St. Quiet motel with cooking facilities. Bay Viaduct Motor Lodge — 10 Wai-Iti Rd. From $145.

Ballantynes — Department store in the city centre.

Northtown Shopping Centre — Major retail centre.

Timaru has a range of shops along Stafford Street, the main retail thoroughfare.

• Geraldine — 35 km inland, arts community and scenic countryside
• Fairlie — 55 km north, gateway to the Mackenzie Basin
• Oamaru — 80 km south, Victorian architecture and blue penguin colony
• Christchurch — 157 km north, the Garden City
• Lake Tekapo — 100 km north-west, turquoise lake and dark sky reserve