Find your perfect Timaru experience

The best attractions in Timaru combine history, culture, and natural beauty.

Tourist Information About Timaru

The best attractions in Timaru combine history, culture, and natural beauty. A great place to begin is the South Canterbury Museum. It has fascinating displays about local history, early life in the region, and even fossils and fashion. You can also watch a short film or visit the research area to learn more about the area’s past.

Another highlight is the Aigantighe Art Gallery. Set in a lovely old house, it holds a mix of New Zealand and international art. Outside, the Sculpture Garden has large artworks you can enjoy in the fresh air. For a look into Māori history, the Te Ana Māori Rock Art Centre offers guided tours to nearby caves where ancient rock drawings can still be seen.

If you enjoy old buildings, take a walk through Timaru to see its Edwardian and Victorian architecture. The Timaru Lighthouse, which now sits along the Benvenue Cliffs Walkway, is also worth a visit. You’ll get great views of the coast while learning about the area’s past.