From ancient Māori rock art to large birds of prey, Timaru has plenty of attractions you won’t find anywhere else. Here are eight of the best.
On cliffs and caves scattered across the South Island are beautiful paintings of mythical creatures and native animals that have since become extinct, such as the Haast's eagle (giant eagle) and Moa (a large flightless bird). These centuries-old drawings were made by Māori as far back as 800 years ago, when they first arrived from Polynesia. See eight stunning examples of this ancient art form in a gallery setting at Te Ana Māori Rock Art Centre. Or explore among the caves at Ōpihi on Aotearoa New Zealand's only guided rock art tour.
New Zealand’s three native birds of prey are impressive hunters. The New Zealand falcon seizes other birds in mid-air at speeds of up to 200 kilometres an hour. The harrier floats on thermal currents as it circles for prey. And the morepork flies almost silently as it sneaks up on unsuspecting insects or rodents. On a New Zealand Raptor Experience tour, you’ll learn more about these amazing birds and be introduced to birds that have been rehabilitated following illness or injury but cannot be released back into the wild. Profits from the tours go towards caring for these birds, along with education and advocacy programmes.
Little Blue Penguins (Kororā) are the world’s smallest penguin, weighing roughly the amount of a bag of sugar. They spend most of their life at sea but from October to March they come ashore to nest in places like Caroline Bay. The large Caroline Bay colony lives among the rocks and driftwood and can be seen (and heard) after sunset, when the adults emerge from the water and return to their nests to feed their little ones. There are designated viewing spots along Marine Parade, but it is important that the penguins are not disturbed so please do not use flash photography and follow the viewing guidelines outlined on Timaru Penguins(opens in new window).
Mesopotamia(opens in new window) is a beautiful but rugged high country region near the Southern Alps. Unlike its namesake, this Mesopotamia is a vast alpine region with enormous sinewy mountains and rivers carrying glacial meltwater. It forms part of the Te Kahui Kaupeka Conservation Park, which is packed with excellent short walks and hikes, including section of the Te Araroa Trail(opens in new window). The region is also home to Mesopotamia Station(opens in new window), a large working farm offering unique accommodation, hunting, and sightseeing experiences.
Timaru offers plenty of excellent short walks and cycling trails that show off the region’s natural beauty. Highlights include Peel Forest(opens in new window), Dashing Rocks(opens in new window), Little Mount Peel(opens in new window), and Jack’s Point Lighthouse(opens in new window). For a more intensive cycling adventure, consider the Central South Trail(opens in new window). Insider tip: download the free Timaru Trails App(opens in new window) for more suggestions.
The Vicarage(opens in new window) is a local landmark. Yet until now, no one loved it. The vicars disliked living there, describing it as ‘old and cold’. When they left the local arts and crafts society tolerated it for a time but then they, too, abandoned it. Without hope of finding a permanent occupant, it was eventually rented as a party house. Somehow, the exquisite stained-glass windows and ornate wood panelling remained intact. Today, the 120-year-old building has been beautifully restored – and insulated – and turned into a boutique hotel, which is, it is fair to say, very much loved.
Visit the cellar door at Humdinger Gin for free tastings and a peak at how its gins are made. Large floor-to-ceiling windows look out onto the distillery floor, where you’ll see everything being done by hand, from peeling citrus skins to measuring alcohol levels and putting labels on the bottles.
On a Geraldine Farm Tour, you’ll see what it takes to be a New Zealand sheep farmer. Highlights include watching sheep being shorn and herded by working dogs. Plus, if you visit in Spring (September-November), you’ll have the chance to feed the lambs.
