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Bright view of Timaru, New Zealand showing leafy neighborhoods, parkland and distant snow-covered mountains under a clear blue sky.

Timaru, New Zealand

Cruises to Timaru, New Zealand

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Things to do in Timaru

Set along New Zealand’s South Island coast, Timaru blends seaside charm with cultural depth. Often featured on longer Australia & New Zealand cruise itineraries, this welcoming port offers art, gardens and ocean views framed by the rolling hills of Canterbury.

Explore things to do in Timaru
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  • View of Caroline Bay in Timaru with soft waves, sandy beach and a line of homes and trees under clear evening light.

    Caroline Bay is a local favorite for swimming and strolls, with calm waters, landscaped gardens and walking paths stretching along the shoreline.

  • Close-up of a pink and yellow variegated rose blooming among green leaves in a sunny garden.

    The Timaru Botanic Gardens showcase native and exotic plant species across 19 hectares of lush parkland first planted in the 1860s.

  • Aigantighe Art Gallery in Timaru, a large historic villa with a wraparound porch, surrounded by green lawns, flowering trees and bright spring foliage under a clear blue sky.

    Aigantighe Art Gallery houses one of New Zealand’s largest art collections, featuring works from colonial landscapes to contemporary Māori artists.

  • Snow-dusted rocky slopes of Mt Horrible under a clear blue sky, with patches of scrub and forest at the base.

    Mt Horrible’s extinct volcanic landscape forms the foundation of Timaru’s green hills, offering scenic drives and panoramic views of the coast.

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Shore excursions to explore in Timaru

Timaru’s excursions reveal the scenic heart of South Canterbury — from ancient Māori art and dramatic coastlines to high-country sheep stations and warm country hospitality. Each one captures a different side of New Zealand’s South Island, combining history, nature and genuine local connection.

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  • Spherical Moeraki Boulders scattered across a sandy beach at sunrise, with patches of green moss and gentle waves rolling in under a colorful sky.

    Oamaru and Moeraki Boulders

    Travel south along the coast to Oamaru, known for its limestone architecture and Victorian allure, before visiting the famed Moeraki Boulders scattered along Koekohe Beach. These perfectly spherical stones — formed over millions of years — make for some of the most photographed scenes in New Zealand.

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  • Old rusted farm equipment resting in a grassy field with tall snowy mountains rising sharply in the background under a bright blue sky.

    The Road to Mesopotamia

    Venture deep into the Southern Alps to Mesopotamia Station, one of New Zealand’s most historic sheep farms. Journey through Peel Forest and the Rangitata Valley, stop for tea with local farmers and enjoy sweeping alpine views featured in The Lord of the Rings films — a true glimpse of high-country life.

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  • Close-up of Māori rock art showing black and red figures painted on a rough cave wall, including stylized animals and human shapes.

    Maori Rock Art

    Discover the ancient artistry of New Zealand’s first people at the Te Ana Māori Rock Art Centre. Learn the stories behind centuries-old drawings from Ngāi Tahu guides, then visit original limestone cave sites in Opihi, a rare window into Aotearoa’s early history and enduring cultural traditions.

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  • Wide view of golden tussock grass stretching toward a rugged line of snow-capped mountains under a bright blue sky.

    Lake Heron Station

    Meet the Todhunter family at Lake Heron Station, a 50,000-acre merino wool farm that has been part of the region’s fabric for over a century. Tour the woolshed, learn about sustainable farming and enjoy a home-cooked lunch surrounded by panoramic alpine scenery.

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  • White wooden lighthouse with a red top overlooking rolling waves at sunset, surrounded by trees and golden coastal grasses.

    Harlau House Southern Hospitality

    Step into a beautifully restored 19th-century estate for morning or afternoon tea at Harlau House. Hear the story of this heritage property from its owner, taste regional delicacies like Harlau Cheese Puffs and explore the manicured gardens before a scenic stop at Blacketts Lighthouse.

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  • Sunlit limestone boulders scattered across green grasslands, resembling animal shapes beneath a blue sky with scattered clouds.

    The Ancient Heart of Waitaki

    Explore the Whitestone UNESCO Global Geopark, where fossils, limestone formations and Māori rock art reveal the layers of New Zealand’s natural history. Walk among the surreal Elephant Rocks, visit a whale fossil site and enjoy a locally inspired lunch in the Waitaki Valley.

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Explore all Timaru shore excursions

Explore itineraries with cruises to Timaru

Cruises to Timaru are a highlight of longer Australia & New Zealand itineraries, linking the green pastures of Canterbury with the alpine drama of the South Island. From here, guests can journey inland to high-country stations, trace Māori heritage through ancient rock art or simply enjoy the coastal calm of Caroline Bay. Each visit offers a relaxed pace and a genuine glimpse into regional New Zealand life.

Discover Timaru on your next cruise

Timaru feels both coastal and country — a town where fishing boats share the harbor with art galleries and gardens. Wander Caroline Bay’s promenade, admire local craftsmanship in the historic precinct or savor a laid-back afternoon tea overlooking the Pacific.

Cruise to Timaru
Tall stone war memorial column topped with a bronze figure, surrounded by green trees and flowering shrubs under a clear sky.

Stand beneath the soaring Great War Memorial as it rises above bright gardens and a flawless blue sky.

Large basilica with red-and-white brickwork, green domes and arched windows framed by lush garden shrubs under a cloudy sky.

Admire the striking architecture of the Sacred Heart Basilica rising above lush gardens.

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A couple stands together on the wooden deck of a Princess® cruise ship, gazing out at the open sea beneath a bright blue sky dotted with clouds.

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Cruises to Timaru FAQs

*The port location is subject to change. Please check itinerary details after you book for more information.

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    Extend your cruise vacation and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise. With a Cruise Plus Hotel Package, a Princess representative meets you at the airport and pier, transporting you to and from your hotel. The package includes the cost of your hotel stay, transportation, luggage handling and the representative’s services.

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