Timaru

Timaru and South Canterbury. Beaches, penguins, wallabies and a whole lot of flavour. 
Land in Timaru and you're straight into South Island scenery without the crowds. Caroline Bay is perfect for swimming, strolling and watching little blue penguins waddle ashore at dusk. Cross the road and you're into cafés, shops and sea views that go on for days. 

Timaru's also home to the country's most significant collection of Māori rock art. Visit Te Ana Māori Rock Art Centre, or head out on a guided tour with Ngāi Tahu to see the ancient stories carved into stone. 

Inland, Geraldine delivers artisan everything - gin, chutney, cheese and the kind of boutique food scene you always hope to stumble across. Down in Waimate, you'll find painted silos, second-hand stores and wallabies you can hand-feed. 

Got time to explore? The Mackenzie Region brings the big stuff - lakes, mountains and some of the clearest night skies on the planet. 

Small towns. Big views. Excellent snacks. South Canterbury's got it sorted