Port
Timaru, New Zealand
Activity Level
Moderate Activity
Excursion Type
12,24
Wheelchair Accessible
No
Starting At (prices in USD)
$190
Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
Duration
Approximately 4 Hours
Meals Included
Meals not included
Get acquainted with Timaru on a delightful three-mile guided walking tour. This journey will take you through the town’s rich history and scenic beauty, from incredible architecture gracing the streets to the picturesque Caroline Bay. Get ready for a perfect blend of cultural exploration and coastal charm on this South Island gem.
Start today’s adventure at Caroline Bay, voted in the top ten beaches in New Zealand. Follow the memorial walkway and take a look at the display panels honoring the fallen war heroes of Timaru. Then continue along the promenade and boardwalk toward the beach lookout and see the alarming historical high tide marks.
Continue along the cliff path to the Benvenue Cliffs and enjoy the view of Caroline Bay while your guide tells you fascinating tales about Timaru's worst shipwreck. On the path leading back through New Zealand native tree plantings, you'll find a bird aviary, wind sculptures, summer carnival items, and remnants of Timaru's whaling days.
From the elevated Bay Hill, take in lovely views of the ocean and mountains and enjoy a Devonshire Tea snack – tea or coffee with scones, jam and cream.
Next, continue down to the Trevor Griffiths Rose Garden – a sensational collection of more than a thousand of gorgeous rosebushes. Take the steps or elevator from the foot of the Timaru Piazza to the top panoramic views. Walk along the street above Caroline Bay to the Landing Services Building. At more than 130 years old, and made of local bluestone (basalt), this building was once a port warehouse. In 1987, a civic trust purchased the dilapidated building for exactly one dollar. It has subsequently been restored and is now a sensational example of combining old architecture with new, and of repurposing an iconic building for a new lease on life.
Then visit the Te Ana Maori Rock Art Centre for a guided interpretation of the local indigenous people in a high-tech, high-spec, visual, tactile and interactive Maori culture display.
Conclude the tour with a short walk back to your Seabourn ship.
Please note:
Minimum age is 10 years.