What to do in Timaru

Activities, attractions and tours

D Timaru Bay left waterfront pan
Patiti Point
2018 Nov 2nd, New Zealand, Timaru, View of old building in the town.
Landscape Scenery of Caroline Bay Beach Timaru, South Island New Zealand; During Morning Time
Adobe

Places to Visit in Timaru

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Timaru, Canterbury while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Timaru attractions from NZ$60, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Timaru tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 1 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Timaru. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

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Recommended things to do in Timaru

Number of things to do
1
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Alpaca Petting Tour; Timaru District: NZ$60
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Timaru

Discover the most popular places to visit in Timaru

Trevor Griffiths Rose Garden

Trevor Griffiths Rose Garden

You can find out about the history of Timaru with a visit to Trevor Griffiths Rose Garden. Visit the area's spas or simply enjoy its bars.

Trevor Griffiths Rose Garden

Caroline Bay Beach

If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Caroline Bay Beach might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to Timaru Port.

Caroline Bay Beach

South Canterbury Museum

You can spend an afternoon browsing the exhibits at South Canterbury Museum during your trip to Timaru. Visit the area's spas or simply enjoy its bars.

South Canterbury Museum

Aigantighe Art Gallery

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Aigantighe Art Gallery during your travels in Timaru. Visit the area's spas or simply enjoy its bars.

Aigantighe Art Gallery

Ashbury Park

Explore the great outdoors at Ashbury Park, a lovely green space in Timaru.

Ashbury Park

Dashing Rocks Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Dashing Rocks Beach during your trip to Timaru?

Dashing Rocks Beach

Botanic Gardens

You can find out about the history of Timaru with a trip to Botanic Gardens. Visit the area's spas or simply enjoy its bars.

Botanic Gardens

Washdyke Lagoon Wildlife Refuge

Explore the great outdoors at Washdyke Lagoon Wildlife Refuge, a lovely green space in Timaru.

Washdyke Lagoon Wildlife Refuge

DB Brewery

You can spend an afternoon exploring the galleries in DB Brewery during your travels in Timaru. Visit the area's spas or simply enjoy its bars.

DB Brewery

Our guide on where to stay in Timaru

Find the best Timaru areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Timaru
Learn more about Timaru
D NZ Timaru Port Cape Pan

Timaru Central

If you're spending some time in Timaru Central, South Canterbury Museum and Te Ana Maori Rock Art Centre are top sights worth seeing.

West End

While West End isn't home to many top sights, Botanic Gardens and Aigantighe Art Gallery are some notable places to visit nearby.

Washdyke

While visiting Washdyke, you might make a stop by sights like DB Brewery and Washdyke Lagoon Wildlife Refuge.

Seaview

Though Seaview may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like South Canterbury Museum and Botanic Gardens.

Photo by Dan Koczur
Open Photo by Dan Koczur

Parkside

While Parkside isn't home to many top sights, South Canterbury Museum and Botanical Gardens are some notable places to visit nearby.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Frequently asked questions

Is Timaru worth visiting?
From retail therapy to outdoor adventures and history, there are many interesting things to do in Timaru. Be sure to experience the area's blend of cool attractions, culture and local charm.
How do I spend a day in Timaru?
Once you've checked off key attractions like Caroline Bay Beach and South Canterbury Museum, spend some time experiencing Timaru's shopping and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Timaru?
You can't go home without exploring Caroline Bay Beach, rated the top tourist attraction in Timaru.
Is three days enough to stay in Timaru?
Three days in Timaru is plenty of time to visit the city's major attractions. Many travellers stay for two days on average. Caroline Bay Beach, South Canterbury Museum and DB Brewery are top-rated sights. Like to see more? Hang around a little longer to check off nearby hotspots such as Fairlie.
Is Timaru a walkable city?
It depends on what you'd like to do and see in Timaru. Several key attractions, such as Caroline Bay Beach and South Canterbury Museum, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a wander through some of Timaru's best neighbourhoods, Maori Hill is 2 kilometres away from downtown, while Timaru Central is 0.32 kilometres away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Timaru with kids?
Deciding what to do in Timaru with kids has never been so easy. Whether you're travelling with little ones or teenagers, there are many family-friendly sights to keep them happy here.

What to do in Timaru for adults?
DB Brewery is one of the main things to do in Timaru. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.
Are there free things to do in Timaru?
In Timaru, Caroline Bay Beach is an unmissable spot for anyone planning to enjoy the city without opening their wallet. Also, wander around the local parks and neighbourhoods, and ask for recommendations from a local tour guide. It's a good way to learn about the best free things to do in Timaru.