Click HERE for a map of Timaru and surrounding
areas
Timaru is one of the South Island's
major sea ports, especially for exports, and is located on State
Highway 1 on the central east coast. It is 100 miles
(160 kms) south of Christchurch and 125 miles (200 kms) north
of Dunedin. The town owes its success as a port to a
natural lava reef, which helped form a protective harbour.
The area was inhabited by
Maori as early as the 14th century, and for many years
was the site of a stop-over point for the Polynesian
traders/sailors, who plied their wares up and down New
Zealand's east coast. European settlers first arrived in the
area in 1839, when a whaling station was established, and the
towns full development and expansion started in 1859, when the
SS Strathallan arrived directly from England, with 120 immigrants,
who formed the towns new permanent population.
The town has been built on rolling
hills that were created from the lava flows from the extinct
volcano, the not-so-pleasantly-named Mount Horrible, so when
driving along most of the towns roads, it is a bit like being
on a roller coaster, which is in stark contrast to the flat
landscape of the Canterbury Plains that lay to the north of
the town. The temperate climate and fertile plains are
ideal for agricultural farming, and many fruits, vegetables and
flowers are grown locally, for both the domestic and overseas
markets.
The main town has landscaped
gardens and parks, museums, theatres, art galleries and some
beautiful churches and Edwardian buildings to explore. The
coastline north and south of the main town centre and harbour, has
many safe, wide, sandy beaches, including the well known beach of
Caroline Bay, where you can swim, windsurf, sail, snorkel, and
fish in warm, clear waters.
The town has everything you need
for a short stopover or a few days stay, from a large variety of
accommodations, a varied selection for bars, cafes and restaurants
and plenty to occupy your days.
The town is linked to all of New
Zealands main towns and cities by the Citylink coach service, and
State Highway 1 runs right through the town, making it a popular
stop for visitors driving north/south on the South Island's east
coast.
ACCOMMODATION DETAILS AND PRICES
ARE CURRENTLY BEING CREATED, IF YOU NEED DETAILS AND PRICES AT
THIS TIME PLEASE CALL OUR RESERVATIONS TEAM.