Timaru & South Canterbury Walks
South Canterbury has varied landscapes and attractive scenery, with a number of easily accessible and well maintained walking tracks. From coastal trails to sub-alpine South Canterbury hiking tracks, there's something for everyone and most within a short drive from Timaru.
Caroline Bay Board Walk
Explore Caroline Beach, the playground, paddling pool and bird aviary as well as historical monuments e.g. Palliser Fountain, Memorial Wall.
Walk level:
Easy walking track
Duration of walk:
Various lengths (shared cycle/walkway)
Start location:
Caroline Bay
Dashing Rocks Walk
Explore Benvenue Cliffs - the site of the 1882 wrecks of sailing ships Benvenue & the City of Perth (later re-floated), and Dashing Rocks. The tree-lined cliff is where ancient lava flows from Mount Horrible met the sea. If the sea is rough you will see why this walkway was given its name!
Walk level:
Walking track
Duration of walk:
45 minutes
Start location:
Start from the north end of the Caroline Bay car park.
Opihi River Stop Bank Track
A long flat grassy Willow tree lined walking track. Fishing and swimming is popular in this part of the river.
Walk level:
Walking track
Duration of walk:
13km one way.
Start location:
Arowhenua Road car park (Turn off State Highway 1 onto Arowhenua Road. Drive 100m down to signposted car park) or Tengawai Bridge.
Saltwater Creek to South Beach Circuit
Salt Water Creek - Otipua Wetlands is a restorative project to form a Kahikatea forest. The four hectare lake is a haven for local and migratory birds. View the ancient basalt lava rock wall from the flow from local volcano Mt Horrible.
South Beach - Coastal views and the Patiti Point Reserve is a popular spot for surfers.
Walk level:
Tramping track
Duration of walk:
various lengths (shared cycle/walkway).
Start location:
BMX Track – Centennial Park Reserve (there are a number of other starting points).
Orari Gorge Track
These tracks are especially beautiful to walk from spring to autumn due to the large number of trees.
Walk level:
Easy walking track
Duration of walk:
1 hour 30 minutes.
Start location:
The Orari Gorge Scenic Reserve 15 km from Geraldine. It is opposite the Glenburn Youth Camp on Yates Road.
Centennial Park Reserve
View a Moa bone site, old rail tracks and historic quarry sites on this walk.
Duration of walk:
Various lengths (shared cycle/walkway).
Start location:
Claremont Road entry point (there are a number of other starting points).
Central Timaru Historic Walk
See the Landing Service Building, the Royal Arcade and St Marys Church on this town walk.
Duration of walk:
30 minutes.
Start location:
Timaru Visitor Centre – 2 George Street, Timaru.
Dennistoun Bush Walk, Peel Forest
Enjoy a walk through magnificent ancient forest.
Walk level:
Walking track
Duration:
1.8km, 1 hour return.
Start location:
Car park at Blandswood.
Emily Falls Track, Peel Forest
The falls are named after Emily Acland, wife of JB Acland.
Walk level:
Walking track
Duration:
3.2km, 1 hour 30 minutes.
Start location:
Start of Blandswood Lookout.
Rata Falls Track, Peel Forest
Expect to get your feet wet as it's a short 10 minutes walk upstream to reach the falls.
Walk level:
Walking track
Duration:
3km, 2 hours return.
Start location:
Start of Blandswood Lookout Road, start at Emily falls track, turn right at fork.
