TIMARU ACTIVITIES

Nestled along the picturesque coastline of Timaru, Caroline Bay beckons travelers with its pristine sandy shores and tranquil waters. This idyllic destination offers a perfect blend of relaxation and recreation, inviting visitors to bask in the sun, stroll along the promenade, or indulge in a variety of water sports and family-friendly activities.

Timaru's purpose-built aquatic centre offers great family entertainment. CBay caters for all ages and includes a toddler water activity area, spa pool and lazy river, hydroslide and training pools. The complex also has a café and gym.

Timaru's art gallery contains more than 900 works, including a garden of sculptures. The Aigantighe Art Gallery in Wai-iti Road is renowned internationally for its art collection, innovative exhibitions and education programmes. The Aigantighe prides itself on being a friendly, thought-provoking art museum for everyone.

This excellent museum explores the area's whaling history, with some good examples of scrimshaw (whale bone etchings). There are also local Maori artefacts and a replica of the first aeroplane designed and flown by local farmer and inventor, Richard Pearse.

Stroll through the Timaru Botanic Gardens, a 210ha reserve bordering Caroline Bay with gardens, duck ponds and an aviary. The garden is noted for its work with rare and endangered species and its rose collections. Timaru district also has beautiful private gardens open for tours during summer.

Located in the Landing Services Building, Te Ana offers the most significant collection of ancient Maori rock art in New Zealand. Experienced local guides share the stories of Maori rock art and visitors can enjoy the incredible interactive exhibition, with guided tours also available.

The last remaining building of its type in the southern hemisphere, it was built in 1870 from solidified lava (bluestone) and contains relics of Timaru's maritime heritage and also houses an i-SITE Information Centre, Te Ana Maori Rock Art experience, Speights Ale House and a function centre.

Timaru is a convenient base for winter skiers. There are several ski areas within two hours' drive including Mt Dobson, Fox Peak, Mt Hutt, Ohau and Tekapo.

For a list of up-to-date activities in the Timaru District please visit the WeLove Timaru website.

Timaru's Caroline Bay is home to a colony of the world's smallest penguin - The Little Blue Penguin/Kororā. Over the summer months (October - March) view them returning from a day's fishing along Marine Parade at the southern end of Caroline Bay. It's worth putting the kids to bed late and what's even better, this is a FREE activity.

Brightening and energising Timaru's streetscape are the motivations behind several unique artworks which have begun appearing on some of the city's beautiful historic buildings. The Street Art trail explores these works.

The park is popular for walking, jogging, mountain biking, exercising dogs, BMX, orienteering, picnics and the lake has been used for kayaking, Optimist class yachts and fishing. Children like to feed the ducks or play on the playground equipment spread around the park.

Walk up the piazza steps to watch the water fountain and look out to the stunning bay and surrounding mountains and port.

Timaru has an abundance of restaurants, cafés and take-aways such as Chinese, Indian, pizza, KFC and McDonalds.

Timaru Artisan Farmers Market is a unique Farmers' Market offering clients a wide selection of quality products at great prices. Every Saturday, rain or shine, 9am-12.30pm.

Mt Cook Alpine Salmon is renowned for its premium quality, sustainably farmed salmon, cultivated amidst the stunning landscapes of New Zealand's Southern Alps. With a commitment to excellence in both taste and environmental stewardship, their salmon sets a high standard in the seafood industry. Open to public only Friday 12pm-4pm.