South & Inland Canterbury
The South Canterbury city of
Timaru is known for the Victorian and Edwardian architecture of its downtown area. The city's focal point is Caroline Bay, where visitors can enjoy one of New Zealand's safest beaches. Timaru district's many natural attractions include parks, walkways, beaches, rivers, lakes and mountains. Explore the Heritage Trails and visit the inland towns of
Pleasant Point,
Geraldine and
Temuka. South of Timaru,
Waimate district is home to New Zealand's largest wallabies. North-west of Timaru, the
Aoraki Mount Cook Mackenzie region is famous for its scenic beauty and wilderness. The region is an access point for the ski areas of Fox Peak, Mount Dobson and Ohau, and the resort town of
Tekapo.
Attractions:
- Tekapo
On the shores of beautiful Lake Tekapo, this resort is an excellent base for exploring the Mount Cook Mackenzie region. The rustic Church of the Good Shepherd overlooks the lake, and a bronze statue honours the region's working dogs.
- Mount Cook Village
This alpine village lies at the foot of Mount Cook, offering glacier skiing, hiking, walking, mountaineering and fishing.
- Timaru Botanic Gardens
A 210ha reserve bordering Caroline Bay with gardens, duck ponds and an aviary.
- Landed Service Building
The last remaining building of its type in the Southern Hemisphere, it was built in 1870 from solidified lava (bluestone) and contains relics of Timaru's maritime heritage.
- Aigantighe Art Gallery
Timaru's art gallery contains more than 900 works, including a garden of sculptures.
- Pleasant Point
Located 19km north of Timaru, the township is home to the Pleasant Point steam railway, the award-winning Opihi vineyard, Denheath House and a working blacksmith.
- Pioneer Trail
Offers magnificent views across the Waitohi Hills, and takes in the historic Kakahu Lime Kiln and the Richard Pearse Memorial, honouring New Zealand's first aviator.
- Geraldine & Temuka
These attractive towns are known for their vibrant arts and crafts, including the famous Temuka pottery.
- Peel Forest Park
A magnificent 548ha podocarp forest with native birdlife and bushwalks, 19km from Geraldine.
- Waimate
Waimate offers an authentic rural experience with animal parks, arts and crafts, fishing and hunting, golfing, bushwalks, nature tours and bountiful market and private gardens.
- Maori Rock Art
Timaru and Waimate districts share some 500 sites dating from the 16th century, the most famous of which is the Taniwha (sea monster) near Hanging Rock.
- Wilderness Angling
The Rangitata and Waitaki Rivers have fine salmon and trout fishing, while the Opihi River boasts trout, salmon and whitebait. Rangitata River offers whitewater rafting thrills.