Timaru

Timaru city, originally built around Caroline Bay, is the chief centre for the South Canterbury area. From its port farming produce from the area is exported.

In the first part of the twentieth century Timaru was one of New Zealand's most popular holiday destinations, especially over the Christmas and New Year period when the carnival was held on the beautiful beach and gardens at Caroline Bay.

Timaru- Caroline Bay - Credit- Peter Hunt

There is still a carnival, but with the growth of use of the private car the excursion trains that took people to Timaru ceased to run and numbers at the carnival decreased.

Timaru- Richard Pearse Memorial - Credit- Peter Hunt

It was near Timaru at Waitohi that Richard Pearse made his historic flight, and the Timaru airport bears his name. There is a memorial at the site of the flight and there are Pearse memorabilia in the museum.

Art lovers are attracted to the fine Aigantighe Gallery in a grand 1908 mansion with a sculpture garden not far from the town.

Many visitors stay in Timaru en route to the Mackenzie Country, Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki and Mount Cook.