Family holiday itineraries
Family holiday planning can be a little daunting. You want to make amazing memories with fun activities that suit everyone and have it all come within your budget. So, we’ve taken some of the hard work out and put together a list of itineraries that will keep everybody happy, from teens to toddlers, with activities from free to paid throughout the Timaru District.
THE URBAN EXPLORER
An urban explorer day involves shopping, dining, and beauty treatments in seaside city Timaru. Then crossing over the piazza to explore our inner-city beach – Caroline Bay. Download the free Timaru Trails App and take self-guided tours of Caroline Bay, the beautiful coastal walks, dynamic street art, and heritage buildings.
THE JUNIOR MECHANIC
If you are into vintage machinery, you have come to the right place. Geraldine is a great base for the junior mechanic; there are ten museums in total to explore in Timaru District. Geraldine is also a popular destination for family holidays. Aside from fantastic activities for kids, there are loads of gourmet food options, including a gin distillery for tastings and informal tours, a gourmet butcher, a brewery, and artisan cheesemakers. Yum.
THE BUDDING FARMER
The Geraldine Farmyard Holiday Park (pictured) is one of the most popular holiday parks in the South Island and a must-stay for animal lovers in the whānau. There is so much on-site entertainment, including loads of animals, a swimming pool, and a marshmallow pit. Famlan, a petting zoo in Timaru, has lots of friendly farmyard animals to feed and interact with on your visit. The Shearer’s Quarters is a go-to destination for great food, activities like mini-golf and a maze, and of course, cute animals.
THE NATURALIST
Caroline Bay has a resident rookery of kororā/little penguins. At 40cm, they are the smallest penguins in the world, and you can watch them come ashore for free after sunset under the illumination of the port lights. There is also a pod of dolphins that lives just off Caroline Bay; you can sometimes see them in the bay area or not far offshore.
THE BMX BANDIT
Centennial Park is a prime biking destination right in Timaru city. There are loads of bike tracks and also a BMX skills area. It’s a favourite inner-city destination for walkers and runners too, and it’s dog friendly. There’s a new trail linking Timaru and Pleasant Point to try; it’s the first leg in a trail that will eventually go to Tekapo. You can hire bikes from The Cyclery in Timaru and Geraldine Top 10. For the e-bike option, see Point E-Bikes or Geraldine Motels.
THE OUTDOOR ADVENTURER
For a fantastic experience you can do with your outdoorsy/hunting and gathering loving teens, book in a two-day workshop with Geraldine Forge and Blades. You get to design and create a custom hunting/cooking knife. Lunch is provided. Head to Huatekerekere/Little Mt Peel, regarded as one of the best half-day hikes in Canterbury. Finish with refreshments at the iconic Green Man at Peel Forest. Caroline Bay is perfect for paddle boarding and water sports, or book in some surf lessons with South Canterbury Surf School.