Central Timaru Historic Walk

While there is technically a route that should be followed (according to the Timaru District Council website), it is easy to see that this walk is more like a list of things that must be seen. So feel free to make your way around the CBD as you see fit in order to properly take in the historic sites along the way. 

A good place to start is the Landing Service Building which dates back to 1870. It was used for unloading ships and is built of local volcanic basalt. The basalt, known as bluestone, was extracted from quarries within Timaru. 

St Mary’s Church was also built of bluestone and can be found on this walk as well.

On this walk, you will also see examples of several different types of architecture, namely Belgian, Edwardian Baroque, Flemish Baroque, Victorian. A more restrained version of the Edwardian era can be seen all around Timaru and a great example of it is the Arcade Chambers.

You will also find the Theatre Royal and the Timaru Public Library as you make your wake through Timaru CBD.

Most of these buildings are shops, restaurants and offices now, though their architecture speaks to the history of wha they once were.

Quick Facts

• • • • Location: Timaru, South Island, New Zealand
      • Time needed: 30 minute walk
      • Distance: 2 km
      • Difficulty: Easy
      • Bikes allowed: No
      • Route: Loop
      • Elevation: Unknown (hill sections)
      • Wet Feet: No
      • Toilets: There are several in central Timaru.
      • Dogs: No
      • Mobile Coverage: Yes, very good
      • Last Updated: June, 2020

Map of Central Timaru Historic Walk

Here is the map for Central Timaru Historic Walk showing it’s location in New Zealand. You can change the view on the map to satellite if you prefer to see an image of where the walk is instead.

All walks in Timaru

All walks in the South Island…