"MY HOME TOWN!" Top 5 Page for this destination Timaru by tinkabel

Timaru Travel Guide: 59 reviews and 140 photos

This is my home town, even though I'm not living here at the moment I'm still proud that this is where I grew up!
Timaru is a small city on the east coast of the South Island of New Zealand. With a population of about 28,000.
Timaru is famous for its Swandry factory and Caroline Bay. Caroline Bay has been a holiday spot for many New Zealanders for the last hundred years, each Christmas there is a Carnival that starts on Boxing day (26 dec) every year, with concerts and amusement park type rides (no rollercoasters though.)
Timaru is considered the doorway to the Southern Alps.
It has 5 high schools and several primaries.
Its Architecture is mainly Edwardian

From the sea to the hill

Sunset over the plains

Timaru is one of the few places in the world where you can stand on the beach and look back and see the mountains covered in snow.
the great open spaces of the sky and hills rolling into mountains in the distance. Its a differnt sort of beauty.

Pros and Cons

Pros:My mum lives there!!! :)
Cons:COLD! Winter temps as low as -5 degrees C.
In a nutshell:HOME! Very welcoming small town makes any stranger feel at home.

Last visit to Timaru: Nov 2002
Intro Updated May 4, 2003
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Reviews (8)

Map of Otago coastline (picture of Boulders coming - Timaru

Moeraki Boulders - Otago Off The Beaten Path (2)

About an hour and a bit drive south of Timaru you will find a town called Moeraki. A little fishing village on the coast... more travel advice

Wam gear for Winter and Summer What to Pack (2)

Always pack wollen gear when travelling in winter, can get VERY cold. although warmer in the afternoons. Expect frosts... more travel advice

Fishing Things to Do (2)

South Canterbury has many rivers, in which a lot of fish live. you can also go fishing from the warf, which is fun, no... more travel advice

Alex and Friend at Mt. Dobson 2002 - Timaru

Ski-ing Things to Do (2)

Timaru is a good base for a ski-ing holiday, About an hours drive to a good learners ski field. Most South canterbury... more travel advice

Transportation (1)
Your own two feet.

Nightlife (1)
oh What a night.....

Comments (13)

Marywhotravels Jan 5, 2009 at 7:44 AM Report Abuse

Nice page! I hope to visit Timaru someday. Sounds lovely!
J095 Jan 28, 2007 at 12:59 AM Report Abuse

Caroline Bay could be beautiful.Truth is it is right next to a working port detracting from it's potential. Sand needs churning in summer. Do you have to go up to the piazza for drinks?Couldn't see anything on the beach.Picnic benches full wind force!
fishandchips Jun 15, 2006 at 2:16 PM Report Abuse

Nice tips & piccys - lots of snow here at the moment!!
austarman Nov 29, 2005 at 1:51 PM Report Abuse

Happy birthday from across the ditch.Love your Timaru page.
charlesyou Nov 28, 2004 at 7:33 PM Report Abuse

Happy great birthday:-)
pepples46 Apr 3, 2004 at 10:57 PM Report Abuse

yes I like down there in Timaru, nice people, good food...fine page, Greetings from CHCH
850prc Feb 22, 2004 at 8:47 AM Report Abuse

Rachael, you come from a very interesting and lovely little hometown. I'm glad I stumbled across your page. Warm greetings from north Florida!
mountainpoet May 29, 2003 at 8:08 AM Report Abuse

I was born in Timaru. Great to see it's made it onto VT! It was last place I visited when I was home in NZ. You have a Great Page!!!! Thanks
kenmerk May 9, 2003 at 12:55 AM Report Abuse

Nice home town page, Rachael... I only passed thru here once, love to come back in the winter for skiing, thanks...
rdalumpines May 8, 2003 at 2:50 AM Report Abuse

mabuhay! great pics. i like it....