Excursion Timaru & geraldine drive tour at Timaru

Discover the coastal beauty and highlights of Timaru and its surrounds during this scenic, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Timaru City Tour, Botanical Gardens

Depart the pier for a scenic, approximately 30-minute orientation drive through Timaru. Your first stop is the verdant Botanical Gardens. Marvel at the superb collections of diverse as Australian plants, conifers and rose species. Of special note is a border containing the native plants of the Canterbury region. In addition, endangered plants from around the world can be seen in part of the conservatory complex.

Geraldine, Barkers Fruit Processors, Talbot Forest Cheese Shop, Tastings and Shopping

Next, re-board your coach and continue on to your next stop, Geraldine. Located in the heart of a prosperous farming area, Geraldine is especially renowned for its artists and as a haven for retired Kiwis. There are also excellent food outlets, including Barkers Fruit Processors, where you can shop and sample their wonderful fruit juices, jams, condiments and toppings. Adjacent to Barkers is the Talbot Forest Cheese Shop, where you can also shop and sample some fresh local cheeses.

Caroline Bay Park, Timber Boardwalk, Artificial Sand Dunes, Native Grasses, Wetlands

Your last stop is at Caroline Bay, home to the annual Caroline Bay Carnival, which takes place during the summer and attracts visitors from all over New Zealand. The highlight of Caroline Bay Park is the timber boardwalk on the beach, which winds around the artificial sand dunes, and is implanted with native grasses and wetland. At the conclusion of your tour, you may opt to re-board the coach and commence the short drive back to the pier, or return to the pier on-foot.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Timaru City Tour, Botanical Gardens, Geraldine, Barkers Fruit Processors, Talbot Forest Cheese Shop, Tastings and Shopping, Caroline Bay Park, Timber Boardwalk

Note

Please note: This tour involves a minimal amount of walking for approximately 273 yards (about 250 metres), at times over uneven, wooden and sandy surfaces, with three-five steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility and is wheelchair-accessible. Guests are advised to wear warm, comfortable clothing in layers with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection and a weatherproof jacket from the ship. The tour sequence may vary. The coach supply in Timaru is very limited, coaches used are the best-available in the area, but may not be up to the standards of larger New Zealand ports.