From rugged coastal lighthouses to lush historic railways
Timaru has it all: sandy beaches, rugged coast, wetland bird sanctuaries, historic railways, dozens of independent cafes… and all within easy biking distance!
- Dashing Rocks track is a favourite with locals. This 5km north loop starts and ends at Caroline Bay for an easy connection to other trails.
- Caroline Bay offers a variety of easy riding only a stone’s throw from the shops and cafes of the CBD. Everything from gentle oceanside boardwalk to the Kids’ Bike Skills park.
- Hector’s Coastal Track heads south from Caroline Bay, following a well-graded gravel path along the coast to Patiti Point and on to the Otipua Wetlands.
- The Wetlands track forms a loop that encompasses seasonal bird sanctuary. It forms a junction with Hector’s Coastal Track, Tuhawaiki Jack’s Point track, and Saltwater Creek track.
- Tuhawaiki Jack’s Point track runs past a notable local lighthouse. This popular track is 5km return — you will often see runners, friendly dogs, surfers, and seals!
- Saltwater Creek forms the southern perimeter of Timaru. The Saltwater Creek / Otipua Creek track runs alongside it all the way from the coast up to Centennial Park.
- Centennial Park, known locally as the Scenic Reserve or just ‘the Scenic’, is family- and dog-friendly and well used by local residents. A lake and recreational area form a central hub, around which sprawl playgrounds, mixed-use trails for all abilities, a BMX freestyle park, and a historic railway line used for quarrying.