Playground

We've been playging at the bay for over a century. The playground from the 60s was removed and a new playground was built. It was championed by volunteers and supported by the community. At the time it opened it was the largest playground in the Southern Hermisphere. The community raised three million dollars, and themed the play space around the stories of the people and the area's past.

The Trypot

Find a large old iron pot sitting waiting to tell us its story. This is a trypot, once used by whalers to boil whale blubber into oil. Imagine the smell of the smoke rising into the air and the sea crashing nearby, as strong men rowed out to sea in little wooden boats with only oars and courage, chasing enormous whales. It’s a powerful reminder of how much life has changed since then, and it helps us see that even here in New Zealand, we have a history rich with stories of adventure, risk and hard work.

The Sound Shell

As we wander towards the wharves, you will see the Sound Shell, a place that has echoed with music, laughter and celebration for generations. Long ago, people would stand on a piazza above it, looking down over the beach and watching the fun below. These days, there are stadium steps to sit on, making it even easier to enjoy performances. Close your eyes and you can almost hear the beat of the music from a summer carnival, or the excited chatter of families having a day at the bay.

Willow Walk

Now we step into a quieter, greener part of the path, shaded by graceful willow trees. This used to be called the Esplanade, where families gathered for picnics on the grass and children played games like sack races, egg-and-spoon races and wheelbarrow races. It’s easy to imagine the giggles and shouts of joy. Long ago, people even argued about whether kids should play on Sundays, especially on the swings and see-saws that once stood here. Today it’s a peaceful, beautiful stretch of path that invites you to slow down and smile.

Trevor Grifiths Rose Garden

A gift to the people of South Canterbury by volunteers as a tribute to the legendary rose grower Trevor Grifiths. When it opened it held 1200 examples of wild and and old rose species. Take time to smell the roses, study the thorns, buds and hips and see how the garden changes over the years seasons.

The Alexandra Lifeboat

The boat used to be stored uUnder the trees, and in 2025 will be recloated back in a new purpose built shelter. This is the Alexandra, a brave old lifeboat that once saved people from shipwrecks. She was brought here all the way from England in 1864 and helped rescue sailors when storms smashed ships against the rocks. The Alexandra helped saved many lives on sea rescues and reminds us just how dangerous the sea used to be and how brave those early rescuers were.

The Lava Cliffs

At the cliffs are solid black rocks sticking out from the cliff. This is volcanic rock called basalt, or as people around here like to say, Timaru Bluestone. Long ago, 2.5 million years ago, this lava poured out from volcanoes and cooled into stone. This is the most recent volcanic activity in the South Island. And flowed from Waipouri, Mount Horrible. On top of it is a thick layer of fine dust called loess, blown here by wind from the mountains. It’s like the land itself is telling us a story that goes back thousands of years.

The Landing Place

As we keep walking, we reach the Landing Place, where settlers first arrived by surfboat over 150 years ago. There was no fancy dock back then. People and supplies had to be lifted from bouncing boats, sometimes through crashing waves. Think of how scary and exciting that must have felt for the families arriving, hoping to build new lives on this wild, unfamiliar shore. Their courage and determination helped shape Timaru into the town it is today.

Old Customs House

Pop over the rail bridge and you'll arrive at the corner of Strathallan Street and Cains Terrace, and the Old Customs House. With its creamy stone walls and designt hat links back to Ancient Greek and Roman Architects, it’s quite a grand building. This is where goods were checked as they came into the town from overseas. Today it’s a restaurant, but it still stands proudly, reminding us of Timaru’s early days of trade and shipping.

Timaru’s First House Site

Just across the way past the railway station, on the landing services building, is a small plaque marking where Timaru’s very first house stood. It was a simple little hut built by George Rhodes and his wife, Elizabeth. When they moved inland, they gave it to another couple, Samuel (former whaler) and Anne Williams, who became Timaru’s first official residents. Anne even gave birth to Timaru’s first European baby right here, William Williams cradle was a gin crate. The little cottage later became a store, a hotel, and even a customs office before it was finally taken down.

Bluestone Store

This stone building once served a second landing service. Businessmen wanted to speed up deliveries, so they set up their own way of unloading cargo from ships. They used clever machines like a steam capstan and cables to haul boats to shore. 

Evans Flour Mill

Nearby is a tall brick building that once ground flour for the region. Back in the day, Timaru was famous for its milling industry. This flour mill, run by the Evans family, helped feed the growing population. Even though it’s no longer used, its tall shape stands like a chimney of memory from Timaru’s hardworking past.

The Terrace and the Lighthouse

Now we climb The Terrace, a steep street leading up to where Timaru’s first lighthouse once stood. Sailors long ago used a burning barrel for light until the wooden lighthouse was built in 1878. It stood here for many years, helping ships find their way, before being moved to Maori Park where it still shines today.

The Port

From the top of the hill, look down and take in the sight of the port. It might look calm now, but once this sea was wild and dangerous. In 1878, people built a breakwater to protect the harbour. By 1886, ships were safely loading and unloading cargo, including frozen meat heading overseas. It was a huge achievement and a turning point in Timaru’s growth, thanks to clever engineering and a strong will to beat the sea.

Memorial Wall and Sundial

Walking back towards the bay, and down the piazza, you will pass the Memorial Wall, built in the 1920s to honour New Zealanders who fought in World War I. Nearby is a sundial listing the names of eleven brave Victoria Cross winners. When this wall was built, it sat right at the water’s edge. Now, after years of sand building up, it’s many metres from the beach, with playground, bike skills park, basket ball and tennis courts. skate park, skating rink, fields and even a mini golf and mini train rides and ice creams in between.

Community Lounge and Old Seawater Baths

Beside the wall is the Community Lounge, a place for gatherings and help during busy holidays. There used to be hot seawater baths here, where people relaxed in warm salt water and even had steam massages. They were pulled down in the 1950s.

Palliser Fountain

Close by stands the Palliser Fountain, a tall drinking fountain that once had four spouts and shared metal cups. It might sound strange today, but once it was a much-loved place to grab a quick, cold drink after playing on the beach. People used to squirt water at each other and laugh in the sunshine. How many lions can you spy?

Tearooms

And finally, we end our walk at the tearooms. Built in 1906, rebuilt in 1931, they’ve welcomed generations of families looking for a cuppa, an ice cream or just a shady spot to rest. On weekends and holidays, the little shop beside it still opens for snacks and smiles.