//
City in Canterbury, New Zealand
Photo: Karora, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Timaru is a city of 28,900 as of June 2023 on the South Island of New Zealand, on the east coast at Caroline Bay. It is a seaport and the second largest city in the Canterbury region, and is about halfway between Christchurch and Dunedin. Caroline Bay has a popular sheltered beach and recreation area.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Personalised and authentic Maori cultural experiences.
Timaru Basilica
Areas surrounding the lagoon are good spots for Birding
The Ferocious "Face of Peace", and the "malconstructed tubular bunk of Joy" which reside below the Piazza, and in front of the earthquake-proof Council offices, respectively.
Monteiths Bay 54
A quiet motel. All rooms have free Wi-Fi, an iron and ironing board and cooking facilities.
44-room hotel
Campgrounds.
Traditional department store (main shop is in Christchurch) and cafe.
By road
Timaru is on State Highway 1, 157 km, or a two-hour drive, south of Christchurch. Coach services operate from Picton, Christchurch and Dunedin.
Bus services connect the suburbs to the city centre. Taxi or rental car are other means of transport for tourists.
Read in the guideChoose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Regional · TIU
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Timaru and New Zealand.
Travel tipsCompare and apply for the Australia ETA and New Zealand NZeTA in 2026. Step-by-step mobile app guides, fees, the IVL levy, and trans-Tasman rules.
7 min read
InspirationThe best places to visit in January for winter sun, deep powder snow and wildlife, comparing Niseko, Sri Lanka, Tromsø and New Zealand.
7 min read
Travel tipsFive of the best countries for solo female travellers, featuring safe night streets, easy public transit, and essential neighbourhood safety tips.
6 min read
Culture & historyExplore famous movie and tv filming locations around the world, from King's Landing in Dubrovnik to the Hogwarts viaduct in Scotland.
7 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.