Timaru

New Zealand

Sign up to get the hottest cruise deals!

Timaru, New Zealand

Located on the east coast of the South Island’s Canterbury region, Timaru was built upon rolling hills created by the lava flows of an extinct volcano, Mt. Horrible. Maori tribes were believed to have settled in the area before 1400 AD. You can view rock carvings of these earliest inhabitants on a guided tour. Timaru boasts many fantastic vistas of the ocean and surrounding mountains and is an ideal base from which to explore the history, culture and natural beauty of the region.

Featured Timaru CRUISE ITINERARIES

What you NEED TO KNOW

  • Port Name & Location
    Port of Timaru. Ship will DOCK at this port.
  • Time Zone
    New Zealand Standard Time
    UTC/GMT+13
  • Language
    The local language spoken in Timaru is English.
  • Currency & Shopping
    If you're looking to use local currency for in-port shopping, ask for New Zealand Dollar.
    Stafford Street is lined with buildings dating back to the 1800s, cafes and boutique shops that are ideal for browsing or to simply enjoy the laid-back atmosphere.
    • Famous For
      Situated halfway between Christchurch and Dunedin, Timaru is an ideal base for discovering the natural beauty, historic sites and rich culture of the Canterbury region.
    • Fun Fact #1
      Caroline Bay offers sweeping ocean views, peaceful waters for swimming, an expansive beach for lounging and nearby gardens and a coastal track for a scenic stroll.
    • Fun Fact #2
      The Caroline Bay area is home to southern blue penguins. At only 13 inches tall, they are the world’s smallest penguin and can sometimes be viewed by visitors as they make their way between land and sea.
    • Fun Fact: Foodies
      In New Zealand, you can never go wrong with a delicious order of fresh fish and chips (that are actually French fries). Roasted lamb is another popular dish – there are more sheep than people in New Zealand (roughly 6:1 ratio).

Timaru TOP EXCURSIONS

A Variety of Choices

We know the destinations you'll be visiting and what there is to see, do and experience. We offer you a variety of excursions to choose from, in every port you'll visit.

VIEW ALL

Timaru Botanic Gardens & Aigantighe

Meander through a garden of roses and duck ponds, view an impressive Kiwi art collection housed in a Victorian mansion, ...

DETAILS

The Road To Mesopotamia

Spend a day immersed in the magnificence of Rangitata Valley and the Southern Alps, making picturesque stops and lunchin...

DETAILS

Central South Island Highlights

Spend free time in the artistically-inclined village of Geraldine and enjoy a spin through stunning Rangitata Valley she...

DETAILS

Boutique Art & Food Culture

Savor afternoon tea in the relaxed elegant setting of Harlau House Café followed by a look at one of the few remaining w...

DETAILS
Need Help Planning the Perfect Cruise Vacation?...
1.866.234.7350