Mel’s guidebook
Sightseeing
Only 40 mins from Kingsdown, an easy coastal drive, you will find Riverstone Castle and Riverstone Kitchen and several rustic looking stores filled to the brim with interesting garden and home items plus a fabulous selection of Dot's jams and preserves for sale in the cafe. The gardens are gorgeous and the Castle truly impressive. It is a fantastic place to take young children as there is a castle playground, sand pits with diggers and loads of interesting birds in aviaries to see as well. The Castle has daily tours which you can check out on the website when they operate.
10 當地人推薦
Riverstone Castle
1431 Glenavy-Hilderthorpe RdOnly 40 mins from Kingsdown, an easy coastal drive, you will find Riverstone Castle and Riverstone Kitchen and several rustic looking stores filled to the brim with interesting garden and home items plus a fabulous selection of Dot's jams and preserves for sale in the cafe. The gardens are gorgeous and the Castle truly impressive. It is a fantastic place to take young children as there is a castle playground, sand pits with diggers and loads of interesting birds in aviaries to see as well. The Castle has daily tours which you can check out on the website when they operate.
An excellent swimming beach, and fantastic playground for children, walk and cycleway and aviary. A fabulous place to take a picnic, so many things to see here. If you happen to be around on Boxing Day there is always a carnival that is hugely popular with the locals.
31 當地人推薦
卡羅琳灣
Virtue AvenueAn excellent swimming beach, and fantastic playground for children, walk and cycleway and aviary. A fabulous place to take a picnic, so many things to see here. If you happen to be around on Boxing Day there is always a carnival that is hugely popular with the locals.
Fabulous hot pools, great restaurants and eateries, fantastic crystal clear blue water with a stunning mountain backdrop is an easy 1 hour 30 mins drive from Kingsdown. A perfect day trip.
52 當地人推薦
Lake Tekapo
Fabulous hot pools, great restaurants and eateries, fantastic crystal clear blue water with a stunning mountain backdrop is an easy 1 hour 30 mins drive from Kingsdown. A perfect day trip.
Drive 5 mins towards Timaru, turn right into Ellis Road and drive to the end to the beach. The walk takes you to the lighthouse or right into Timaru if you desire a real trek! Otherwise this walk will take 40 - 50 mins return as there is a spot to sit and take in the views.
Tuhawaiki Point (Jack's) Lighthouse
Drive 5 mins towards Timaru, turn right into Ellis Road and drive to the end to the beach. The walk takes you to the lighthouse or right into Timaru if you desire a real trek! Otherwise this walk will take 40 - 50 mins return as there is a spot to sit and take in the views.
A fascinating look at early NZ. This wee town has a unique history and the free museum is well worth a visit. The movie is worth watching and there are vintage games and bikes you can ride. Drive to the far end of Oamaru and turn left at the fork in the road. You will see the Steam Punk museum on the left.
14 當地人推薦
Oamaru Victorian Heritage Precinct
Harbour StreetA fascinating look at early NZ. This wee town has a unique history and the free museum is well worth a visit. The movie is worth watching and there are vintage games and bikes you can ride. Drive to the far end of Oamaru and turn left at the fork in the road. You will see the Steam Punk museum on the left.
Steampunk HQ
1 Humber StThere are some great cafes walking distance from the museum
Timaru penguins
Check out face book Penguins First Timaru for the best and latest information
Newly built and absolutely stunning, my favourite hot pools. There is a swim up bar on one side which is for adults only and you can eat after your swim at the cafe tables beside the pool. Bookings are required and are for 2 hour sessions.
11 當地人推薦
Ōpuke Thermal Pools & Spa
35 Mount Hutt Station RdNewly built and absolutely stunning, my favourite hot pools. There is a swim up bar on one side which is for adults only and you can eat after your swim at the cafe tables beside the pool. Bookings are required and are for 2 hour sessions.
A lovely walk on the left side of Caroline Bay that takes you to dramatic lava formed rocks with crashing waves
Dashing Rocks
A lovely walk on the left side of Caroline Bay that takes you to dramatic lava formed rocks with crashing waves
A must see stop as it has a gorgeous garden and park and fantastic play areas for children. There is also a shallow swimming splash pool, bike learning area, a pirate ship and a multi age, newly completed play park. The aviary has some fun parrots to look at and the rose gardens are a treat. Not far to walk to the beach which is great for summer swims.
31 當地人推薦
卡羅琳灣
Virtue AvenueA must see stop as it has a gorgeous garden and park and fantastic play areas for children. There is also a shallow swimming splash pool, bike learning area, a pirate ship and a multi age, newly completed play park. The aviary has some fun parrots to look at and the rose gardens are a treat. Not far to walk to the beach which is great for summer swims.
Maori Rock Art
Timpendean RoadFood scene
“The kind of food that makes you want to wipe the plate with a chunk of crusty bread to savour every drop”
You will find The Oxford on the corner of George & Stafford St (152 Stafford St), right in the heart of Timaru.
WEEKDAYS: 10am for coffee. 11am for lunch. 5:30pm till late for evening menu
Closed on Tuesday’s & public holidays
WEEKENDS: 9:30am-3pm for brunch. 11am-3pm for lunch. 5:30pm till late for evening menu
Outside hours on request
8 當地人推薦
The Oxford
152 Stafford St“The kind of food that makes you want to wipe the plate with a chunk of crusty bread to savour every drop”
You will find The Oxford on the corner of George & Stafford St (152 Stafford St), right in the heart of Timaru.
WEEKDAYS: 10am for coffee. 11am for lunch. 5:30pm till late for evening menu
Closed on Tuesday’s & public holidays
WEEKENDS: 9:30am-3pm for brunch. 11am-3pm for lunch. 5:30pm till late for evening menu
Outside hours on request
“The steaks are absolutely to die for. They are the best, just melt in your mouth. And the service was fantastic.”
Owners Jared Aldridge and Brent Rands came across the old New Zealand Customs building, were captured by the stunning architecture and decided they must have it. Their food is outstanding and the five star reviews just don’t stop coming. While their menu is varied and exceptional, if you like steak, you will not be disappointed.
You will find Steak Customs House at 2 Strathallan Street in Timaru.
WEEKDAYS: 6pm – 11pm
WEEKENDS: 6pm – 11pm Saturday. Closed on Sunday
Discover more about Steak Customs House.
Steak @ Customs House
2 Strathallan Street“The steaks are absolutely to die for. They are the best, just melt in your mouth. And the service was fantastic.”
Owners Jared Aldridge and Brent Rands came across the old New Zealand Customs building, were captured by the stunning architecture and decided they must have it. Their food is outstanding and the five star reviews just don’t stop coming. While their menu is varied and exceptional, if you like steak, you will not be disappointed.
You will find Steak Customs House at 2 Strathallan Street in Timaru.
WEEKDAYS: 6pm – 11pm
WEEKENDS: 6pm – 11pm Saturday. Closed on Sunday
Discover more about Steak Customs House.
“Fantastic food, staff are very friendly. Will definitely be making Street Food Kitchen a regular dining experience.”
Street Food Kitchen is a relaxed restaurant by day and a swish restaurant and cocktail bar by night giving people an experience unique to South Canterbury. Street Food Kitchen’s ever-changing unique cuisine, wide range of craft beers, tasteful wines and evolving cocktail list is seeing South Canterbury move strides ahead in the hospitality world. You can walk in the door and walk out an hour later feeling as if you have been around the world in 60 minutes.
You will find the Street Food Kitchen in the Landing Service Building, at 2 George St in Timaru, right next to Speights!
WEEKDAYS: 11:30AM‑01:00AM except for Tuesday 11:30AM‑02:30PM and 04:30PM‑01:00AM. Monday closed.
WEEKENDS: 11:30AM‑01:00AM
Street Food Kitchen
2 George St“Fantastic food, staff are very friendly. Will definitely be making Street Food Kitchen a regular dining experience.”
Street Food Kitchen is a relaxed restaurant by day and a swish restaurant and cocktail bar by night giving people an experience unique to South Canterbury. Street Food Kitchen’s ever-changing unique cuisine, wide range of craft beers, tasteful wines and evolving cocktail list is seeing South Canterbury move strides ahead in the hospitality world. You can walk in the door and walk out an hour later feeling as if you have been around the world in 60 minutes.
You will find the Street Food Kitchen in the Landing Service Building, at 2 George St in Timaru, right next to Speights!
WEEKDAYS: 11:30AM‑01:00AM except for Tuesday 11:30AM‑02:30PM and 04:30PM‑01:00AM. Monday closed.
WEEKENDS: 11:30AM‑01:00AM
“A great spot for a lunch, a quiet ale or just a catch up. Delicious food and amazing service from the friendly crew”
Timaru’s first Gastro Pub and a favourite with locals, the Speight’s Ale House is famous for its Chicken Parcels, Blue Cod and Aged Rib-Eye. Whether it be live sport on the big screen, a beer or two with some friends, or just relaxing in the sunny beer garden, the Ale House Timaru has something for everyone. there’s something for everyone at Speights Ale House. Try the Seafood Laksa, Asian Roasted Pork or Crispy Skin Salmon. If thats not your style then you’re bound to win with the Braised Lamb Shoulder, Beef Burger, or the Blue and Gold – fish and chips at its finest!
You will find Speights Ale House at 2 George St, Timaru in Timaru.
WEEKDAYS: 11:30AM‑12:00AM
WEEKENDS: 11:30AM‑12:00AM
13 當地人推薦
Speight's Ale House
2 George St“A great spot for a lunch, a quiet ale or just a catch up. Delicious food and amazing service from the friendly crew”
Timaru’s first Gastro Pub and a favourite with locals, the Speight’s Ale House is famous for its Chicken Parcels, Blue Cod and Aged Rib-Eye. Whether it be live sport on the big screen, a beer or two with some friends, or just relaxing in the sunny beer garden, the Ale House Timaru has something for everyone. there’s something for everyone at Speights Ale House. Try the Seafood Laksa, Asian Roasted Pork or Crispy Skin Salmon. If thats not your style then you’re bound to win with the Braised Lamb Shoulder, Beef Burger, or the Blue and Gold – fish and chips at its finest!
You will find Speights Ale House at 2 George St, Timaru in Timaru.
WEEKDAYS: 11:30AM‑12:00AM
WEEKENDS: 11:30AM‑12:00AM
“You know a place is good when you can’t even get a table on a Monday night. Great fast service and friendly team of staff. Now my regular when staying in town for work.”
Owners of a new pub and restaurant in Timaru wanted to raise the bar when it comes to hospitality, so this was the starting point for the new Bullock Restaurant & Bar in Sophia St. They offer great southern food at reasonable prices, large menu and a great kids menu. They even deliver!
You will find Bullock Restaurant & Bar at 109 Sophia Street in Timaru.
WEEKDAYS: 5.00pm – late. Friday lunch 11am- 2pm
WEEKENDS: Lunch 11am- 2pm. 5.00pm – late
6 當地人推薦
Bullock Restaurant & Bar
109 Sophia St“You know a place is good when you can’t even get a table on a Monday night. Great fast service and friendly team of staff. Now my regular when staying in town for work.”
Owners of a new pub and restaurant in Timaru wanted to raise the bar when it comes to hospitality, so this was the starting point for the new Bullock Restaurant & Bar in Sophia St. They offer great southern food at reasonable prices, large menu and a great kids menu. They even deliver!
You will find Bullock Restaurant & Bar at 109 Sophia Street in Timaru.
WEEKDAYS: 5.00pm – late. Friday lunch 11am- 2pm
WEEKENDS: Lunch 11am- 2pm. 5.00pm – late
“Awesome food, we sat at the grill and watched the chef. Great value for money.”
If you like Japanese food you are in for a treat! People rave about the all-you-can-eat Koji Table Buffet. There is no limit – have as much as you want for as long as you want, until closing time! Koji are open for dining in and also deliver to you. Where else can you get Deep-fried crumbed chicken mixed with Koji sweet spicy sauce and crushed sesame on top delivered to your door?
You will find Koji Teppanyaki & Grill at 7 George Street in Timaru.
WEEKDAYS: 11:30am – 2:30pm & 5:00pm – 9:00pm. Monday closed.
WEEKENDS: 11:30am – 2:30pm & 5:00pm – 9:00pm
Koji Teppanyaki & Grill
7 George St“Awesome food, we sat at the grill and watched the chef. Great value for money.”
If you like Japanese food you are in for a treat! People rave about the all-you-can-eat Koji Table Buffet. There is no limit – have as much as you want for as long as you want, until closing time! Koji are open for dining in and also deliver to you. Where else can you get Deep-fried crumbed chicken mixed with Koji sweet spicy sauce and crushed sesame on top delivered to your door?
You will find Koji Teppanyaki & Grill at 7 George Street in Timaru.
WEEKDAYS: 11:30am – 2:30pm & 5:00pm – 9:00pm. Monday closed.
WEEKENDS: 11:30am – 2:30pm & 5:00pm – 9:00pm
“Amazing food. Their lunch menu is such good value and the flavors are sensational.”
Sukhothai Thai Restaurant & Bar are passionate about cooking, and proudly serve you the best Authentic Thai food in New Zealand. We only choose Fresh and the Best ingredients to create the healthiest and tastiest Thai meals. Dining in is a great experience, but Sukhothai Thai Restaurant & Bar also deliver and let you pick up.
You will find Sukhothai Thai Restaurant & Bar at 303 Stafford Street in Timaru.
WEEKDAYS: 11:30am‑03:00pm & 05:00pm‑10:00pm. Closed on Monday
WEEKENDS: 11:30am‑03:00pm & 05:00pm‑10:00pm
Sukhothai Thai Restaurant & Bar
303-305 Stafford St“Amazing food. Their lunch menu is such good value and the flavors are sensational.”
Sukhothai Thai Restaurant & Bar are passionate about cooking, and proudly serve you the best Authentic Thai food in New Zealand. We only choose Fresh and the Best ingredients to create the healthiest and tastiest Thai meals. Dining in is a great experience, but Sukhothai Thai Restaurant & Bar also deliver and let you pick up.
You will find Sukhothai Thai Restaurant & Bar at 303 Stafford Street in Timaru.
WEEKDAYS: 11:30am‑03:00pm & 05:00pm‑10:00pm. Closed on Monday
WEEKENDS: 11:30am‑03:00pm & 05:00pm‑10:00pm
Foodie heaven only 49 minutes drive away. Geraldine is a quaint town worthy of a visit itself
10 當地人推薦
Barker's of Geraldine
71 Talbot StFoodie heaven only 49 minutes drive away. Geraldine is a quaint town worthy of a visit itself
Little India
68 The Bay HillExcellent food, service and lovely views
City/town information
Canterbury's second largest city, it hosts a variety of fabulous restaurants and cafes, fine arts, beach, walks, hunting and fishing and other alpine adventures. Victorian buildings stand proudly in the streets.
Check out the venture tourism site
https://www.vttourism.co.nz/activities/walk-swim-bike
Timaru
Canterbury's second largest city, it hosts a variety of fabulous restaurants and cafes, fine arts, beach, walks, hunting and fishing and other alpine adventures. Victorian buildings stand proudly in the streets.
Check out the venture tourism site
https://www.vttourism.co.nz/activities/walk-swim-bike
My favourite brunch places
Shearer's Quarters
A gorgeous french designed mansion, Harlau House and it's huge acreage provides a lovely setting for dining, weddings and large groups.
Harlau House Cafe (formerly The Stables)
253 Beaconsfield RoadA gorgeous french designed mansion, Harlau House and it's huge acreage provides a lovely setting for dining, weddings and large groups.
A warm and friendly pub with excellent views over Caroline Bay. The meals are generously portioned and great for a breakfast, lunch or evening meal as they open from 8 until late everyday.
7 當地人推薦
Monteith's Brewery Bar Bay Hill
54 The Bay HillA warm and friendly pub with excellent views over Caroline Bay. The meals are generously portioned and great for a breakfast, lunch or evening meal as they open from 8 until late everyday.
For organic foods, beautifully fresh vegetarian or organic meals, this cute cafe has a good selection and plenty of health foods which you can buy in bulk. It has a very sunny spot and is lovely for brunch. Opens 10am Tuesday - Saturday
Amore Food Shop & Cafe
For organic foods, beautifully fresh vegetarian or organic meals, this cute cafe has a good selection and plenty of health foods which you can buy in bulk. It has a very sunny spot and is lovely for brunch. Opens 10am Tuesday - Saturday
A fun place to dine and view farm animals and play mini golf. Great place for family fun. See Ostrich, mini horses, donkey, sheep, pigs, chickens, rabbits etc...
The Shearers Quarters
924 Seadown RdA fun place to dine and view farm animals and play mini golf. Great place for family fun. See Ostrich, mini horses, donkey, sheep, pigs, chickens, rabbits etc...
Event Venue
Book your event or wedding here and experience a wonderful all in one venue with a wedding garden, chapel, brick barn reception hall and 3 ensuited luxury rooms. Only 5 minutes from the edge of Timaru and near some gorgeous photoworthy settings. This accommodation can sleep 10 if all rooms are booked.
Kingsdown Manor Wedding, Events and B&B
Book your event or wedding here and experience a wonderful all in one venue with a wedding garden, chapel, brick barn reception hall and 3 ensuited luxury rooms. Only 5 minutes from the edge of Timaru and near some gorgeous photoworthy settings. This accommodation can sleep 10 if all rooms are booked.
城市觀光建議
周邊交通資訊
You will need a car to get to Timaru
It takes about 8 minutes to get to town to restaurants and about 12 minutes to the Caroline Bay beach and park/rose gardens and aviary. Park in Caroline Bay and walk up the steps to the Piazza and you can easily explore the restaurants and shops by walking down Stafford Street. There is free parking behind Stafford street atop Kathmandu clothing store.
不容錯過
The Museums in Timaru are great! Free parking too.
The South Canterbury Museum and The Maori Rock art museums are fascinating places full of local history. Park up behind the Museum and go in and they will give you a free parking label to park next to the museum while you are visiting.
There is a market by the train station every saturday morning right beside the Speight's Ale House.