Attractions

Te Ana provides personalised, authentic Maori cultural experiences based around the rock art art sites created by our ancestors. The centre offers guided tours of the Māori Rock Art Centre, Te Ana, and guided tours to some of the districts most stunning examples of Māori rock drawings, also known as cave art.

The centre is Māori owned not-for-profit organisation - 100% of the proceeds of our centre and site tours are used for the management of the rock art sites in the district. By choosing Te Ana you are helping to protect this unique aspect of our culture for future generations. Kia ora!

Rated in the top 10 Beaches New Zealanders love, a beautiful beach for swimming or a gentle stroll to catch some sun.  

Famlan is an animal farm park that's an Ideal outing for children young and old.

All animals are very friendly most will let you pat them and some will be your new best friend, especially if you have FOOD. 

Last entry is at 3.30pm.

The South Canterbury Museum has a focus on the natural heritage and history of the South Canterbury region of New Zealand - land, life and people.

The museum has a collection of specimens, artifacts, images, documents and information that can be used to explore the region's heritage.

Extensive collections are housed in a purpose-built wing where they are catalogued and stored. These collections provide the raw materials for our exhibitions, education programmes, research and other activities.

Work is carried out by a dedicated team of people including fulltime and part-time staff, volunteers and interns. 

Aigantighe Art Gallery is the home of art in South Canterbury.

Established in 1956, its name is Scottish Gaelic for 'at home' and is pronounced 'egg and tie'.

The gallery is open Tuesday to Friday 10am-4pm, weekends 12-4pm.

The sculpture garden is always open. Entry is free.

Recognised as a Garden of National Significance by the New Zealand Gardens Trust, the Timaru Botanic Gardens is renowned for its: 

• Graeme Paterson Conservatory and Fernery
• Ornamental ponds
• Interpretive centre
• Aviary
• Cenotaph and War Memorial Wall
• Anderson Rose Garden
• Band rotunda
• Children's playground
• Species Rose Garden
• Native plant collections
• Threatened plant collections
• Ornamental plantings
• Pinetum
• Queen Victoria Garden
• Many plant collections

As a general rule, the gardens are open from 8am to dusk but check their website for exact times if planning to visit later in the day.  

Kids can feed the ducks on Saturdays. 

​Centennial Park is a great spot for friends and family to catch up, enjoy a picnic or take a leisurely stroll around the lake.  

• Picnic and play area beside the lake, two free BBQs, toilets.
• Choice of walks to choose from according to your time and capability.
• Mountain bike track made by the mountain bike club. This is entered from the road, half way up the hill above the lake off the grass verge.

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The foundation stone for the church was laid on February 6th 1910, and the church was blessed and opened by the late Archbishop Redwood on October 1st 1911.

With its twin towers and striking cupola of copper the basilica has been for 70 years a very significant feature of the Timaru skyline. Designed by F W Petre the building is among the most noteworthy examples of ecclesiastical architecture in the country. The interior and exterior show both a pleasing blend of Roman and Byzantine architecture with touches of Art Nouveau decoration. Two small domes surmount the towers that flank the façade and a rear dome caps a carillon tower.

Of particular beauty is the semi-circular colonnade of 13 graceful Corinthian columns representing St Paul and the Twelve Apostles. The floor of the sanctuary is decorated with mosaic tiles while the windows are adorned with attractive stained glass.

Historically the basilica has been a monument to the faith and vision of the Catholic community in South Canterbury. As a townscape feature it is a major element of Timaru with a striking landmark quality.

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Located in Timaru, South Canterbury, New Zealand. This unique gallery is owned by established sculpture artist 'Debbie Templeton-Page'.

The gallery is home to an ever changing collection of works by renowned New Zealand artists. The unique style and atmosphere of York Street Gallery of Fine Art is enhanced by the experience and flair of it's owner. The gallery holds a selection of high quality artwork to view and to purchase.

The Caroline Bay Trust Aoraki Centre (CBay) is full of fun, fitness and leisure offering something for everyone all year round.

Whether you’re looking to supplement your daily fitness regime, clock up km’s in the pool or take time to relax after a hard day in the office with a sauna or spa, CBay is the place to visit.

A modern fitness and leisure centre, with three indoor heated pools, a 50m outdoor heated pool (open November to March), two hydroslides, a children’s water play area, rapid river, bombing tower and chillax area (16yrs +) with steam, sauna and spa facilities. Whether it’s fun or fitness, at CBay there’s something for everyone all year round.

Head upstairs to find CBay Fitness; you’ll be greeted by a team of qualified, friendly gym staff there to help with your fitness requirements. The gym is fully equipped with Cybex strength and cardio equipment set out in a roomy, clean and air-conditioned environment. There are two fitness studios offering Les Mills Group Fitness classes and the Les Mills GRIT training series. And for the cycle enthusiasts there are regular Les Mills RPM classes.

The facilities at CBay provide everything for the elite to recreational swim or gym enthusiast and people with special needs or disabilities. For hours of fun and enjoyment for the whole family CBay is the place to splash, swim or play because whatever the weather it's always summer at CBay.