Walk this way — a guide to Timaru’s top tracks

• Published date: 28 September 2022
• Publication title: Courier, The

Timaru City is where you’ll find lots of coastal walks with every chance of spotting penguins, Hector’s dolphins and even whales

1. Tuhawaiki (Jack’s) Point

1 hour — moderate fitness required — gradual incline one way

This walk follows the coast from Scarborough Rd, to Ellis Rd, passing the lighthouse in the middle.

Park at the end of Scarborough Rd and walk, run or bike along it.

Take in the coastal scenery, and keep an eye out for penguins on the beach.

It’s a 5km return trip, or 3.2km return if you go as far as the lighthouse and back.

2. Caroline Bay Walk

45 minutes — moderate fitness required if you take in the Benvenue Cliffs

30 minutes — easy walk if you leave out the Benvenue Cliffs

A return track from the city to the clifftop for a view along Caroline Bay.

Grab a coffee from the Bay Hill and start at the Piazza.

There’s lots to see around Caroline Bay on your way, before you head up to the Benvenue Cliffs and check out the views.

3. South Beach Coastal Track

20 minutes — easy walk

Also known as Hectors Coastal Walkway, this is a scenic stroll along Timaru harbour.

Follow the edge of the bay to enjoy stunning views of Caroline Bay, the port and Timaru. You might even spot penguins or seals.

4. Dashing Rocks

1 hour — moderate fitness required

This stunning walk is not to be missed. It starts at Caroline Bay and heads over the cliffs at Benvenue to Moore St.

Follow the trees along the cliff top to the point where ancient lava flows from Mt Horrible met the sea.

This point was once one of the coastal whaling lookouts, and the rocks below were a favourite fishing place of Maori.

5. Saltwater Creek

1 hour — easy walk

This walk takes about an hour. It is a well-formed gravel track, mostly on the flat.

If you want to keep going, cross Coonoor Rd and follow the Otipua Creek walkway.

This takes another half hour and ends at Centennial Park.

6. Otipua Creek

30 minutes — easy walk

Start on Coonoor Rd, across the road from the Saltwater Creek/Coonoor Rd walk. This walk follows Saltwater Creek to link up with the Centennial Park walk.

This is a well-made track that is suitable for cycles as well as walkers...