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Things To See And Do

Summer Events

Caroline Bay Carnival

The iconic Caroline Bay Carnival is on from 26 December 2025 to 11 January 2026. This annual event has been running for 115 years since 1911, where families have made memories for generations. Play the carnival games, have fun on the rides and watch live bands and concerts at the Caroline Bay Soundshell, find the full programme here: https://carolinebay.co.nz/pages/2025-2026-program

Seaside Festival

Timaru’s Seaside Festival returns this February, bringing a vibrant summer celebration to Timaru city from 5–15 February 2026. Spanning ten days, the festival showcases a diverse programme of family-friendly activities, live entertainment, and seaside fun. Popular returning favourites include the Kite Day, Big Beach Dig, and Movies on the Bay. New to the 2026 calendar are three exciting additions: the Bay Fete, Food Truck Fiesta, and the Finish Line Festival, offering even more reasons for locals and visitors to enjoy Timaru’s waterfront over summer.

https://www.seasidefestival.nz/

Explore Caroline Bay & Surrounds

Caroline Bay is the most widely known of all the parks in the Timaru District. When speaking to some from outside Canterbury about Timaru they will usually mention Caroline Bay, whereas locals will often refer to it as ‘The Bay’. The beach is sheltered by the harbour breakwater and is the only sandy beach between Oamaru and Banks Peninsula. Whether you’re after a leisurely stroll along the boardwalk or after a game of beach volleyball, Caroline Bay has something for everyone.

Fragant Delights At The Trevor Griffiths Rose Garden

Home to unique collection of old roses, the Trevor Griffiths Rose Garden was gifted to the city by internationally celebrated rosarian Trevor Griffiths. In 2013 it was deemed ‘a garden of excellence’ by the World Federation of Rose Societies and has become a major attraction. The garden was designed by Sir Miles Warren and has more than 1200 roses and has a plant from every rose family in the world. This impressive garden is in full bloom from mid November to mid December each year.

Hit The Shops For Some Retail Therapy

Timaru district has a great range of shopping options, from the CBD area in downtown Timaru city, to the village-like atmosphere of Geraldine. There’s a range of specialty stores offering boutique shopping, through to some of the nation’s best known chain-stores. Couple that with a fantastic range of food makers who pour their hearts and souls into making delicious, wholesome produce, there’s plenty to keep you busy.

Wander The Cbd & Check Out The Street Art

Street art has been transforming urban landscapes and communities globally. It energises and inspires, it adds vibrancy to otherwise generic cityscapes. Timaru’s street art project has been undertaken by the locals at the Timaru Civic Trust and Alive Vibrant Timaru. Wander around the Timaru CBD and get your selfie on at these cool sites.

Visit Our Botanic Gardens

The Timaru Botanic Gardens are located on 19 hectares of land in south Timaru and date back to 1864, when the site was first set aside as a public reserve. In 2014, the garden was recognised as a Garden of National Significance by the New Zealand Gardens Trust.

Walk Or Bike On Our Coastal Tracks

Explore our stunning coastal tracks, take a short stroll or go for a long bike ride on the Timaru Circuit Trail, the choice is yours! Explore Timaru’s fascinating history, art scene, food, walking tracks and more with the free Timaru Trails App. Bikes can be hired from The Cyclery and Point E-Bikes.

Find all the walking and biking tracks here.

WINE AND DINE IN OUR FANTASTIC ESTABLISHMENTS

The Bay Hill looks out over the Caroline Bay area, it’s home to some fabulous eateries where you can enjoy our local cuisine. Insiders recommend heading to the Bay Hill at anytime of the day for refreshments and a bite to eat while taking in the views. Our other hub if you wish to wine and dine in the city is around the historic Landing Services Building (next to the Information Centre) but the main street is also scattered with great places to enjoy multiple cuisines.

Te Ana Māori Rock Art Centre

2 George Street, Timaru
Immerse yourself in Māori culture and explore the original art galleries of Aotearoa – the ancient Māori rock art sites of the Aoraki region. Visit the tribal rock art centre in Timaru CBD or take a personalized guided tour to iconic Māori rock art sites. The centre is located alongside the Information Centre.

Aigantighe Art Gallery & Sculpture Garden

49 Wai-iti Road, Timaru
Timaru’s regional highly regarded art gallery the Aigantighe is home to an extensive permanent collection of New Zealand and international art. Wander through the sculpture garden, discover the newly restored homestead, and head into the gallery to view featured works from its permanent collection or one of the feature exhibitions.

South Canterbury Museum

4 Perth Street, Timaru
The South Canterbury Museum is a great place to explore the culture of our District. There’s always plenty to see – new exhibitions pop up all the time and they’ve got several long-term collections you won’t find anywhere else.

St Mary’s Church

24 Church Street, Timaru
Situated in the heart of Timaru, close to the town centre, St Mary’s Anglican Church, the second church to be built on the site, dates back to 1880. Come and explore the many wonders of architecture, stonework, wood carving, stained glass, and the elements of history, that lie inside.
Click here for a map of Timaru

For organised excursions, please see our cruise tours page here.