Timaru owes its existence to the shelter provided by reefs of solidified lava (bluestone) from an extinct volcano beyond the town, named Mt Horrible. Early Maori canoeing down the coast named Te Maru, 'The Shelter'. Timaru boasts many points of interest, including one of the largest man-made harbours in the world; the last remaining landing service building in the southern hemisphere; the famous and very safe beach of Caroline Bay, beautiful churches, gardens and parks, Edwardian architecture, theatre, art gallery and Museum.
Timaru has a variety of accommodation to suit all travel needs.