Timaru Activities
Surrounding Timaru are a multitude of activities for all walks of life, including golf courses and driving range, tennis centre, walking tracks, cycle tracks, fishing, surfing and much more.
During the winter there are great ski fields within 1-2 hour’s drive. Mount Dobson is just 90 kilometres from Timaru, making it one of the closest ski areas to Timaru.
Restaurants & Takeaways
Pier 64 Restaurant
At Pier 64, we invite you to embark on a culinary journey. We offer a delectable fusion of traditional and contemporary cuisine, combined with warm, welcoming ambiance. As well as our traditional dishes and share platters we’re also committed to serving you the freshest seafood, sourced from right here in Timaru.
Bay Hill Bar-Restaurant
Little India Restaurant & Takeaway
Out & About
Caroline Bay Trust Aoraki Centre (CBay)
This new Aquatic Centre has all there is to offer in great family fun. There is a toddles pool, leisure pool with Splash deck, Beach access and Rapid River. There are also 2 Hydro Slides and a Steam Room, Sauna Room, and Spa. CBay also has a Café and Gym.
Tennis South Canterbury
The Trust Aoraki Tennis Centre, 27 Benvenue Ave, Timaru - a magnificent venue with magical views from the Pavilion over Caroline Bay. A world-class tennis facility with 14 Synpave courts, all of which are flood-lit.
Aigantighe Art Gallery
This art gallery is renowned internationally for its collection with many stunning exhibitions throughout the year. There is also an excellent education programme and garden sculptures.
Timaru Penguins
Caroline Bay has a resident rookery of kororā/ little penguins, nesting among the rocks from October to March. At 40cm they are the smallest penguins in the world, reaching speeds of up to 6kph underwater. They come ashore after sunset, so dress warmly and wait quietly on the footpath or adjacent beach outside the barriers.
Te Ana Maori Rock Art Centre
Following the same path as people who created this rock art. This centre, located in the Landing Services Building, displays significant examples of Maori rock art. The experienced guide (local Ngai Tahu) will share stories while you enjoy the mazing interactive exhibition. Tours to rock art locations are also available.
South Canterbury Museum
This museum has something for everyone and gives visitors a wonderful glimpse into our region's nature and history. Check out hundreds of images and objects that tell stories about our landscape, local Maori history, whaling and European settlement, and Richard Pearse's first aircraft. There is extensive genealogical resources for those wanting to research the past.
Timaru Caroline Bay
Drive, ride, run, walk or simply stand and gaze at the magnificence across the three districts of Timaru, Mackenzie and Waimate that is South Canterbury. See the South Canterbury website for more adventures and activities in the Timaru region.