Caroline Bay Timaru
Timaru, the urban hub of South Canterbury, is just two hours’ drive south of Christchurch. A picturesque blend of coast and country, this family friendly destination is well placed to suit holiday pursuits for all ages and interests.
Timaru is well known for one its main attractions, Caroline Bay. Caroline Bay provides many diversions including a safe swimming beach, mini golf, the Trevor Griffiths rose garden, wonderful walks, a landscaped Piazza and a very popular annual carnival with non-stop entertainment over each Christmas period.
Timaru sits at the doorstep of many inland lakes where sailing, water skiing, boating, windsurfing, horse riding and fishing are popular summer pastimes. Being on the coast means many beaches and rivers are right at our finger tips to enjoy rafting or surfing. At least five Central South Island ski fields are within easy distance for avid snow enthusiasts.
Visitor Centre & Local Authority
Attractions
The Agantighe Art Gallery in Wai-iti Road, Timaru is the South Island's third largest art museum. Which offers over 900 works of art including artists such as Goldie and Hodgkins as well as reconstruction of the 1903 aircraft used by aviation pioneer Richard Pearse in his first attempt at powered flight.
The Theatre Royal is an important focal point for the arts and entertainment and makes a significant contribution to the lifestyle of the area. The Theatre Royal was once known as the most ornate building in New Zealand.
Caroline Bay was named as the 4th top beach in New Zealand amongst the 10 most-loved beaches in New Zealand by AA in 2014. The beach is sheltered by the harbour breakwater and is the only sandy beach between Oamaru and Banks Peninsula. Allied with the popular swimming beach is the annual summer carnival run by the voluntary Caroline Bay Association. The carnival has been operating for over a hundred years and is a traditional family affair with free concerts, rides and sideshow style games over the festive season.
The bay boasts many picnic areas, skate park and skating rink, boardwalk, with its piazza and views to the mountains, attracts visitors and locals alike.
Take a stroll along The Shakespeare Walk through the gardens and view the Trevor Griffiths Rose Garden. It contains the largest collection of old roses in the southern hemisphere, or head on down to the beach via the port loop onto marine parade where you will be able to experience the penguins returning to their nests within the rocks at dusk.
Facilities
Shopping can be done locally on Strafford Street, where you will find a variety of local, national and international stores.
There are some divine restaurants locally, especially up on The Bay Hill overlooking Caroline Bay.
The nearest cinema is Movie Max 5 Timaru which is located on the corner of Sophia and Cannon Streets.
Newly built Cbay aquatic centre provides a lot of fun for all ages. Cbay is home to a range of facilities including: Graze café, learn to swim classes, hydro slides, pools for all ages, including a 50m outdoor swimming pool, gym facilities with a range of Les Mills classes to attend.
Community
Pre-Schools
The early childhood facilities in Timaru include:
Primary Schools
The primary schools in Timaru are:
Secondary Schools
Secondary Schools in Timaru include:
Tertiary Schools
Tertiary institutes include:
Sport
Timaru is well serviced by many sporting facilities to name a few:
