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Currency
New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
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Language
English, Te Reo Māori
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Time Zone
NZDT (UTC+13)
☀️
Best Time to Visit
Dec–Mar
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Typical Duration
14-37 nights
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Price Range
From $1,690 pp
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Port Type
Port of Call
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Tender Port
Yes
Gateway to New Zealand's South Island, offering access to stunning alpine scenery, adventure activities, and the scenic Mackenzie Basin region.
Cruises that visit Timaru
- cruises to Timaru
- Timaru sailings
- Timaru cruises
- 14-night Oceania Cruises cruise
- 14-night Holland America Line cruise
- 14-night Oceania Cruises cruise
- 14-night Oceania Cruises cruise
- 15-night Silversea cruise
- 27-night Seabourn cruise
- 43-night Oceania Cruises cruise
- 62-night Seabourn cruise
- 90-night Holland America Line cruise
- 96-night Oceania Cruises cruise
- 126-night Seabourn cruise
- 145-night Seabourn cruise
Build Your Day in Timaru
Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.
Ships typically depart around 6:00 PM
Usually about 10 hours ashore
Getting around:
Caroline Bay Association
Fantastic area with lots of activities for all ages.
The Bay Hill Bar Restaurant
Very welcoming, friendly staff, great food menu and neat ambience.
Timaru TOP 10 Holiday Park
The jumping pillow, carts and playground were a big hit for the kids.
Bullock Restaurant & Bar
Best food wonderful friendly staff and we loved the atmosphere.
Speight's Ale House Timaru
Delicious food, friendly service and a table by the fireplace.
The Warehouse Timaru
Helpful staff quick service when busy and lovely clean store
🕐 Open · Closes 9 PM
Timaru - Little blue penguins
Go just after sunset for most activity.
Caroline Bay Trust Aoraki Centre
Well priced and great fun.
The Oxford
The venison was cooked to perfection and the meal was superb.
Old Bank Cafe & bar
Great atmosphere, Staff are attentive but unintrusive, Food is sublime
Benny's Again Restaurant
Wonderful food, great service, great atmosphere!
Caroline Bay
There is a central skate park and a roller skate rink that opens in seasons.
🕐 Open now
Richard Pearse Tavern
Amazing atmosphere very friendly staff and food was amazing highly recommend
Timaru Botanic Gardens
Lovely gardens with ponds, ducks, fernery and tropical plant house.
Patiti Point
Beautiful botanical gardens within a 15 minute walk.
Street Food Kitchen
Every person in the group raved about their menu selections and service!
Saikou
Outstanding service, awesome atmosphere.
South Canterbury Museum
Lovely place to visit, and the Outdoor Escape Room is phenomenal!
Pier 64 Restaurant & Bar Timaru
The atmosphere was good, service was excellent and the food amazing.
Highfield Village Mall
Supermarket, liquor outlet, shoes and clothing plus a great Cafe
🕐 Open now
Ballantynes Timaru
Nice department store, staff were great & easy parking out the back.
🕐 Open · Closes 5:30 PM
Trevor Griffiths Rose Garden
This should be on everyone's list of things to do.
Armadillo's Timaru
Drink menu good but a little pricey.
Showgrounds Shopping Centre
A good selection of shops etc with excellent parking.
🕐 Open now
Steak @ Customs House
A fantastic experience and probably the best steak I have had anywhere.
🕐 Closed · Opens 6 PM
Mrs M's
Perfect location & atmosphere.
Aigantighe Art Gallery
It has a lovely little park and there are always some activities for kids.
Jack's Point Lighthouse
I took my small family of 4 (mum, dad & 2 sons) and they loved it.
The Sail & Anchor Bar & Cafe
Great atmosphere for a couple of cold ones and quiz night Thursday nights
🕐 Closed · Opens 4 PM
Timaru Lighthouse - Blackett's Lighthouse
Has a white tower with a red door & red lantern room at the top.
Hector Black's Lounge Bar on Stafford
The cocktails are amazing, full of flavour and well presented.
🕐 Closed · Opens 4 PM
Caroline Bay Aviary
Great place to pass hours of fun.
Curbside Toastie
Reasonable prices and great, friendly service.
🕐 Closes soon · 3 PM
Centennial Park
Timaru Centennial Park is wonderful.
🕐 Open now
Te Ana Maori Rock Art Centre
Great little centre with some kid’s activities inside.
Dashing Rocks
Convenient if you’re walking the path but not really a must do.
Evie's Bar & Grill
Amazing service, delicious food and fabulous place!
Preen
Excellent info for sizing, fast delivery , easy returns and fun videos
🕐 Open · Closes 5:30 PM
Miss Timaru
10/10 for amazing service and stylish clothes!
🕐 Open · Closes 5:30 PM
2nd Impression
Fantastic staff, and clothing is very high end and quality 2nd hand clothing
🕐 Open · Closes 4 PM
Ship Hop Brewing
Excellent selection and quality of beers.
🕐 Closed · Opens 2 PM Fri
Hello Cyril. Boutique
Leisa makes everything super easy & they stock some awesome brands!
🕐 Open · Closes 5:30 PM
Caroline Eve Timaru
Lovely shop, pleasant helpful staff.
🕐 Open · Closes 5 PM
Boiler House
Very nice set up, great atmosphere, excellent service, loved it.
South Beach Coastal Track
Timaru Night Sky Tours
Nick was amazing, the Bottle 3 skies are incredible to look at.
🕐 Closed · Opens 5 PM
Black & Co
In-store shopping·In-store pickup
🕐 Open · Closes 4 PM
The Bunker
Excellent place for birthdays, highly recommend.
🕐 Closed · Opens 3 PM
Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.
About Timaru
Timaru serves as a charming port of call on New Zealand's South Island, welcoming passengers from five major cruise lines including Oceania Cruises, Seabourn, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Silversea. With 19 upcoming cruises and a strong presence during the Southern Hemisphere summer months of December through March, this port is a popular stop on extended 14-night itineraries that explore the best of Australia and New Zealand, connecting travelers to iconic destinations like Sydney, Auckland, and Wellington.
Stepping ashore in Timaru, cruise passengers discover a quintessentially New Zealand experience with easy access to the town's working harbor, historic Victorian architecture, and the stunning natural landscapes of the Canterbury region. Whether you're interested in exploring local galleries and museums, sampling fresh regional produce, or venturing into nearby alpine scenery, Timaru offers the perfect blend of cultural immersion and outdoor adventure during your port day.
Stepping ashore in Timaru, cruise passengers discover a quintessentially New Zealand experience with easy access to the town's working harbor, historic Victorian architecture, and the stunning natural landscapes of the Canterbury region. Whether you're interested in exploring local galleries and museums, sampling fresh regional produce, or venturing into nearby alpine scenery, Timaru offers the perfect blend of cultural immersion and outdoor adventure during your port day.
Cruise Lines at Timaru
- Oceania Cruises (6 cruises)
- Seabourn (5 cruises)
- Holland America Line (2 cruises)
- Norwegian Cruise Line (2 cruises)
- Silversea (2 cruises)
Cruises Departing From Timaru
Cruises Visiting Timaru
Ship Schedule at Timaru
Timaru Location
Other Cruise Ports in New Zealand
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Timaru Port known for?
Timaru Port is a sheltered harbour between Christchurch and Dunedin, with coastal scenery and access to beaches.
Where is Timaru located?
Timaru is on New Zealand's South Island, at approximately 44.3833 S, 171.25 E.
What are popular sights in Timaru?
Caroline Bay beach, Victorian precincts, and nearby coastal walks.
When is the best time to visit Timaru?
Autumn to spring offer mild weather and vibrant scenery; penguin sightings are possible along the coast.