Scenic - Back to Top A REALLY GOOD DAY OUT – a scenic day tour highlighting some of the best off-the-beaten track scenery in the Timaru district and its top attractions across a broad range of interests. 9.30am: Breakfast on the Bay Hill, where there is almost always a superb view across Caroline Bay to the mountains. 10.15am: Instead of taking the State Highway 1 route directly out of town head up Wai-Iti Road then left at the Y junction to Claremont Road and then join the Taiko Road, then Robinsons Road to State Highway 8 between Cave and Pleasant Point. This is a wonderfully scenic drive over the downs behind Timaru and with spectacular views across to the foothills and mountains of the Southern Alps. 11.15am: Stop in Pleasant Point for morning coffee or tea and if the Pleasant Point Railway and Museum is open stop in. The museum holds numerous open days during the year, on which its steam locomotives and other special attractions, such as the world’s only Model T railcar, operate along its track. The Timaru Information Centre will have a list of steaming days and museum opening hours. 12 noon: Join the Pioneer Heritage Trail for the very picturesque drive to Geraldine via the Richard Pearse memorial, the historic Kakahu limestone kiln and through the idyllic valleys behind Geraldine. 1pm: There’s plenty of time for a late lunch in Geraldine and a browse through the many shops and craft outlets in the village. 2.30pm: Take the 30 minute drive out to Peel Forest. There are many short walking tracks through this highly prized remnant of lowland podocarp forest. There is an information centre in Peel Forest but the Timaru Information Centre also has brochures on the walks and other information on the trees, plants and birds that live in the forest. Or, take a drive further up the road into the breathtaking scenery of the upper Rangitata River and the massive sheep stations such as the famous Mesopotamia sheep station. Return to Timaru late afternoon – What to take: A detailed road map of the district. The Pioneer Trail guidebook, available from the Timaru Information Centre. Walking shoes and a jacket if you plan to do one of the short walks at Peel Forest.

Creative - Back to Top the district’s artists, artisans and craft outlets Start the day with brunch at one of the cafes along the Bay Hill and then stroll up Wai-iti Road to the Aigantighe Art Gallery, the third largest public art museum in the South Island. Included in the collection are paintings by some of New Zealand’s best known artists, including Frances Hodgkins, C F Goldie and Colin McCahon. Noon: Drive out to Temuka to visit the Temuka Homeware shop in the historic Mendelsons barn. This is the best place in the country to view the extensive range of one of New Zealand’s famous, home-grown potteries. Also sharing the barn is the Mendelsons Fine Art Gallery and Coffee House which along with excellent food and light meals offers work by local established and emerging artists. There are also several other cafes in Temuka to enjoy a bite of lunch before heading towards Geraldine. 2pm: Geraldine is known as a haven for artists and craftspeople. Most prefer to know in advance you might be calling in but this is easily arranged through the information centres in either Timaru or Geraldine. Among those you might like to visit are Denise Belanger-Taylor’s glass studio, in the nearby rural setting of Pleasant Valley, or top New Zealand painters John Badcock or Ben Woolcombe. One of New Zealand’s most revered landscape painters, Austen Deans lives just north of Geraldine at Peel Forest. His paintings are highly sought-after and rarely available now but the Geraldine Information Centre may be able to help with information about this. The town itself has several interesting galleries and craft shops and there are numerous cafes to check out for afternoon tea. Although not perhaps art in the traditional sense, an essential part of a visit to Geraldine is to check out the food artisans that are now making a name for themselves around the country – Chocolate Fellman and Talbot Forest Cheese. 5pm: Option 1: Head back into Timaru for a break from sightseeing and then choose from the wide variety of evening dining opportunities. Several restaurants and cafes in the town also showcase the work of artists, both local and from further afield. Option 2: Stay in Geraldine for an early meal and then head to the Geraldine Cinema for an evening in one of the country’s most unique cinemas - it’s a step back in time to the days before multiplexes and has regular screenings of many top quality art-house movies. Check in the local newspaper, the Timaru Herald, first though to confirm screening dates and times first – the theatre is not always open every night of the week.  Pleasant Point has several interesting places to enjoy lunch – make sure you try a New Zealand favourite – a Denheath custard square – which originate from this small town. Heavy Metal Tour the Artisan Forge and Gallery – Gareth James is a blacksmith who produces innovative art work through traditional blacksmithing techniques. By booking ahead you Gareth will show you the forge in action. His work is for sale on the premises in Timaru. Before you go: Check at the Timaru i-SITE about artists/craftspeople who like to know in advance when to expect visitors. Take with you: The Timaru District map Timaru, Temuka, Geraldine and Pleasant Point street map. The Eating Out Guide. Directory of artists and craftspeople, and arts and crafts outlets.

Adventure - Back to Top A popular longer tramp is to climb to the summit of Little Mt Peel. As well as being an invigorating climb, there is a superb view of the hills, mountains, plains and Pacific Ocean from the summit. As conditions can change rapidly even this relatively straightforward tramp should be treated with care and proper gear carried. Information centres in the district have more details about the route and what gear to take. Active Outdoors – two days of almost non-stop adventure Day 1: Leave Timaru after breakfast for the drive to Peel Forest to join a Rangitata Rafts expedition through some of New Zealand’s most exciting grades 1-5 rapids. If you are feeling energetic and leave early enough (it’s about a 45-minute drive from Timaru to the Peel Forest and a further 10 minutes further on to the rafting HQ) there could be time for a short walk through the forest before you reach the rafting headquarters. After your barbecue dinner included in your rafting package you can either drive back Timaru, or stay in the Geraldine-Peel Forest area. Rangitata Rafts offers overnight accommodation, there are also options in Peel Forest and Geraldine. Both rafting and its overnight accommodation options need to be pre-booked. Day 2: Geraldine/Peel Forest Option: After an overnight stay at the rafting headquarters, or Peel Forest or Geraldine, explore more fully the walks through Peel Forest. A popular longer tramp is to climb to the summit of Little Mt Peel. As well as being an invigorating climb, there is a superb view of the hills, mountains, plains and Pacific Ocean from the summit. As conditions can change rapidly even this relatively straightforward tramp should be treated with care and proper gear carried. Information centres in the district have more details about the route and what gear to take. Geraldine’s The Easy Way Café and Bar often features top New Zealand musicians performing live, making it an ideal place to relax after a day in the open air. Check with the Geraldine Information Centre or the café itself to find out when the next musician is appearing live. Option 2: After an overnight stay in Timaru head south to Waimate for a morning’s mountain biking in the hill country behind this small town in its picturesque setting at the foot of the Hunters Hills. The Waimate and Timaru information centres have detailed guides on the newly created mountain bike trails in the town. Lunch-time: Head for the Savoy Tea Rooms – a touch of nostalgia from the heyday of the Kiwi tearooms but with a unique twist. The tea rooms now serve wallaby pies. Afternoon: Take a horse trek with Stable view’s quarter horses near Waimate. A qualified guide will take you on a trek across the hills and there are other farming activities available too such as helping to feed the animals and checking out the rare Texas Longhorn Cattle. There is accommodation and dinner available at Stable View. Treks and overnight accommodation must be pre-booked. Before you go:Pre-book activities such as rafting and horse trekking. Take with you: Timaru District map Guide to Peel Forest walks and information on climbing Little Mount Peel.

Gardens - Back to Top For the garden enthusiast mix and match gardens with food. Included in the selection of gardens is also the Timaru Botanic Gardens. There are more to see and do than suggested on this itinerary. Day 1 AM: Ethridge Gardens. The Piazza and Trevor Griffiths Rose Garden PM: Timaru Botanic Gardens. Devonshire Tea at Tighnafeile House Special hints/tips Best time to view these gardens is September – April. On Wednesdays and Sundays the education centre is open at the Timaru Botanic Gardens Day 2 AM: Glen Park Gardens and morning tea – Pleasant Point Good Stock Gardens PM: Strawflowers and Rhododendron Nursery Terrace Plants and Crafts Special hints/tips Pick up a current Timaru District Garden Trail Brochure For more information on gardens in the region click here

Food & Wine - Back to Top Outings for your taste buds – days out with an emphasis on the region’s specialty foods and beverages. Itinerary 1 9am: Start the day with breakfast on The Bay Hill – choose from the several cafes that offer stunning views over Caroline Bay and the Southern Alps. 10am: Travel the scenic 30-minute drive to Geraldine and begin your taste of South Canterbury with a visit to the award-winning Talbot Forest Cheese situated in the Berry Barn complex. Almost next door is the outlet for the famous Barkers Fruit Processors and their extensive range of jams, chutneys, sauces, and juices. Everything is available for tasting. Make the difficult choice of cafes for a morning coffee then stroll along to Chocolate Fellman, a small shop at the western end of the main street (Talbot Street). High quality chocolates in a mouthwatering selection of flavours are made here. 11.30am: Work up an appetite for a picnic lunch (and work off some of the effects of tasting cheese and chocolate!) with a walk through Talbot Forest, (the grassy area near the reservoir is a perfect picnic spot with superb views if you already have your picnic organised) the rare remnant of native forest that is situated directly above the town on the lower slopes of the Downs. Walk back along the River Walk and through Kennedy Park and cross the footbridge back into town. If you haven’t already found sufficient delicious picnic food now’s a good time to do so before you choose your spot for a picnic – Geraldine’s domain and gardens are a popular choice, or take the 20 minute drive to Peel Forest and have lunch among the trees. 3pm: On your way back from Peel Forest (or just as small detour north if you have stayed in Geraldine) call in at the Honey Corner Shop near the intersection of State Highway 79 and the Woodbury Road. Many varieties of honey, including some produced from native flowers such as rata, manuka, are for sale here. Option 1: Between October and April return to Timaru via the Opihi Vineyard near Pleasant Point. Either follow the longer but historic Pioneer Trail route to Pleasant Point and then the sign-posted route to the winery, or take the quicker more direct route to Pleasant Point via the Earl Road. The winery is open to 7pm for wine tastings and platters. Option 2: During the rest of the year, or if you prefer to head back to Timaru on a more direct route travel back via State Highway 1 but pause in Winchester at the beautifully restored Kavanagh House for a drink, or stay on for dinner. Evening: One of the most special dining out experiences Timaru has to offer is the Casa Italia, in the elegant and historic former customs building. There are many other dining choices including café-style dining, a la carte hotel dining and a choice of ethnic restaurants including Chinese, Thai and Indian. Itinerary 2 9am: Have breakfast on the Bay Hill and then burn off some calories on the Timaru walkway that starts on Caroline Bay, then follows a well marked sealed path around the Benvenue Cliffs to Dashing Rocks. 11am: It’s just a 10-minute drive to Washdyke to the DB Mainland Brewery that offers pre-booked tours of this massive operation. (Non-beer drinking members of the party can always stay in town and check out the shops and some of the awarding winning coffee on offer) Noon: Drive south to Waimate and have lunch at the quaint Savoy Tea Rooms. There are wallaby pies for the big eaters and a traditional range of old-fashioned baking fare as well. After lunch you can even check out live wallabies at Kelceys Bish Farmyard or at Tame Wallabies@EngleDooVery Korna! Follow the signposts to the landmark White Horse monument that was created on the hills behind the town. The views across the rolling hills and plains to the sea are magnificent. 3pm Waimate is the heart of the region’s premier berry fruit growing area so especially during the soft fruit season a stop at the Butlers Berry Farm Café on State Highway One is a must. Strawberries, raspberries, gooseberries, blackcurrants, peaches, apples and pears are all grown here and several varieties of jams and chutneys are on sale. 4pm: Return to Timaru and plan your evening dining as suggested in Itinerary 1. Before you go: Book your DB brewery tour. It may be a good idea to book a table at restaurants such as Casa Italia, especially at weekends and on statutory holidays. What to take: Timaru Geraldine and Waimate district or town maps, Heritage Trail guide, Dining out Guide