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.
Allan's Track, Peel Forest
Follow Acland Falls track from Te Wanahu Flat and turn left into Allans track after about 500 metres.
Walk level:
Tramping track
Duration:
5km, 3 hours return.
Start location:
Follows on from Acland Falls track which starts off Rangitata Gorge Road.
Coal Hill
This track crosses paddocks before climbing steeply up the eastern face of Coal Hill to public conservation land.
Walk level:
Tramping track
Duration:
3km, 3 hours.
Start location:
Public easement, marked from Rangitata Gorge Road.
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.
