š¢Cruise Port Guide to Timaru, New Zealand
Welcome to Timaru!
In this Guide:
* Timaru Information
* Timaru Weather
* Timaru Port Information
* Getting Around Timaru
* Highlights of Timaru
* Getting to Tekapo from Timaru Cruise Port
* Te Ana MÄori Rock Art Centre
* Explore Caroline Bay
*Ā Dashing Rocks Coastal Walk
*Ā Art Galleries & Museums
*Ā Visit the Botanic Gardens
* Further Afield, Geradine and Farlie
*Ā Fun Things to Do in Timaru with Kids
*Ā Shopping in Timaru
* Markets in Timaru
*Ā Eating & Drinking in Timaru
* Where to FindĀ Free Wi-Fi inĀ Timaru
* Supermarkets and Grocery Stores in Timaru
Timaru Information
Timaru MÄori Name:
The name "Timaru" is believed to come from the MÄori word "Te Maru," meaning "place of shelter," reflecting the town's safe anchorage along the coast.
Population:
Timaru has a small population of around 29,600 (June 2024).
History:
MÄori inhabited this area for hundreds of years, with Timaru serving as a seasonal campsite. European settlers arrived in the 1850s, with the town quickly developing as a trading port due to its sheltered bay. Timaruās maritime history remains evident today, and youāll find nods to this heritage in local landmarks and museums.
Geography:
Timaru is located in the Canterbury region, about halfway between Christchurch and Dunedin. The townās coastline is defined by the sheltered Caroline Bay.Ā The Southern Alps and Mount Cook sit to the west.
Currency:
New Zealand Dollar (NZD), Most places accept credit cards.
Language:
English is the primary language in New Zealand, but MÄori is also an official language, and you'll encounter plenty of MÄori place names and cultural references throughout the city.
Time Zone:
New Zealand Standard Time (NZST) and observes daylight saving time.
Emergency Services:
The emergency services number in New Zealand is 111 for police, fire, and medical emergencies.
Tipping:
Tipping is not expected in New Zealand but appreciated for exceptional service.
Timaru Weather
Timaru Port Information
* Timaru Port
When you dock at Timaru you will be right in the town centre so you can walk straight off the ship and start exploring. On cruise days a bus shuttle service operates from the port to the Visitor Information Centre.
* Timaru i-SITE Visitor Centre
Getting Around Timaru
* Walking
Timaru is easily walkable. Unless you are planning on going further afield you will be able to stroll around the town independently.
* Local Taxis
There is only one operator in Timaru: Timaru Taxis. Taxis can be ordered by phone (+64 3688 8899), or at the Information Centre.
* Bike Hire
Timaru District is a great place for cycling. There's plenty of options for easy trails to more challenging ones.
Highlights of Timaru
Timaru is a lovely port stop to wander freely around and enjoy this small town. Don't miss the Te Ana MÄori Rock Art Centre and Caroline Bay.
This is a port stop that you might want to take advantage of the location, being the closest to Tekapo, and take an excursion to experience its insta-worthy scenery, including the famous Church of the Good Shepherd and the nearby hot springs.
Getting to Tekapo from Timaru Cruise Port
Timaru is the closest port for reaching Lake Tekapo, which is approx 105 kilometres (65 miles) from Timaru or a drive of around 1.5 hours by car.
What to See and Do in TimaruĀ
Timaruās small town centre is compact and walkable with many Edwardian buildings. Many attractions, including Caroline Bay, the Botanic Gardens, and nearby cafes and shops, are within walking distance from the port.
* Te Ana MÄori Rock Art Centre
Timaru District holds the most significant collection of ancient MÄori rock art in New Zealand and Te Ana MÄori Rock Art Centre offers a fascinating interactive exhibition experience.
*Ā Explore Caroline Bay
Caroline Bay is known for its sandy shores, well-maintained gardens, and family-friendly playgrounds. The Bay also hosts seasonal carnivals and events, making it a lively spot for visitors year-round.
Every summer, Caroline Bay hosts a famous carnival that dates back over 100 years! This event includes rides, games, food stalls, and live entertainment, attracting people from all over New Zealand.
Caroline Bay is home to a small colony of Little Blue Penguins (also called Little Penguins or kororÄ), the worldās smallest penguin species. If you have a late departing cruise, then you can sometimes spot them coming ashore at dusk.
*Ā Dashing Rocks Coastal Walk
Set off on this loop walk from Caroline Bay, wander the Benvenue Cliffs past the historic Blackettās Lighthouse, and the site of ancient shipwrecks.
Blackettās Lighthouse was originally built in 1878 on Le Crenās Terrace in Timaru but was later relocated to Benvenue Cliffs. It's one of only a few remaining timber lighthouses in New Zealand.
Waimataitai Beach is just north of Caroline Bay and is often less crowded.
Dashing Rocks is a natural rock formation located near Waimataitai Beach.
* Art Galleries & Musuems
Timaruās premier art galleryĀ houses works by New Zealand and international artists and is renowned for its collection of 19th- and 20th-century art. The gallery is housed in an elegant 1908 mansion, and its sculpture garden is a must-see.
If you're a history buffs this will offer a deep dive into the geological, natural, and cultural history of the Timaru region.
This small gallery exhibits contemporary local artists.
* Visit the Botanic Gardens
Established in the 19th century, these gardens feature a delightful range of flora, including exotic trees, a rose garden, and native New Zealand plants.
Further Afield
Geraldine, Fairlie, and Pleasant Point are charming small towns located near Timaru, each with its unique character and attractions. There are some tours that are led from Venture Timaru Tourism that will take you there.
Fun Things to Do in Timaru with Kids
The Caroline Bay Playground is a multi-million-dollar award winning playground and is considered to be the largest playground in New Zealand (it's bigger than the Margaret Mahy playground in Christchurch)!Ā
There is a 14.5m long shipwreck, 10m high lighthouse, slides, trampolines swings, mouse wheel and 50m double flying fox!
Shopping in Timaru
Stafford Street is the main shopping street, lined with boutiques, bookstores, and souvenir shops. Youāll find unique gifts, local crafts, and New Zealand-made goods here.
Timaru Artisan Market
The market runs on Saturdays from 9am - 12.30pm and when the cruise ships are in port.
Eating & Drinking in Timaru
* Cafes and Casual Eats
This is the go to place for a wide range of ice creams, gelato, and sorbets.
Go here just to see the cupcakes!
The Yellow Door offers a fantastic selection of breakfast and lunch items.
Arthur Street Kitchen has fresh salads, gourmet sandwiches, and an impressive array of baked goods.
Ballantynes is a smaller version of the Christchurch store. For a lot of retired locals this is the place to go.
* Restaurants
The Oxford has a bar and French style brasserie is located inĀ The Oxford Building, a listed 1925 Historic Places Trust building.
Saikou is a teppanyaki & whisky bar that serves tapas style food and overlooks Caroline Bay.
* Casual Bars and Pubs
Houses in theĀ historic 133-year-old Landing Service Building (next to the i-SITE and Te Ana MÄori Rock Art Centre). It has a lovely beer garden and is popular with cruisers.
This quirky bar doesn't open until 4pm so depending on the time your cruise ship leaves you might not have time to pay a visit.
Other Useful Information
* Where to Find Free Wi-Fi in Timaru
Free wireless internet is available in the CBD, with coverage stretching down Stafford Street from The Piazza overlooking Caroline Bay to the George Street intersection, as well as to several side streets.
* Supermarket and Grocery Stores
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Happy cruising to Timaru!
Anna @ New Zealand Cruises
www.new-zealand-cruises.com
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