Timaru Cruise Port
Timaru, New Zealand
Timaru is a coastal city located in the South Canterbury region of New Zealand's South Island.

The cruise port in Timaru,
explained
Timaru is a coastal city located in the South Canterbury region of New Zealand's South Island. It is the largest city in the region and is known for its stunning natural beauty.
The city is situated on the Pacific Ocean and is surrounded by rolling hills and lush green farmland. The city is home to a number of attractions, including the South Canterbury Museum, the Caroline Bay Aquatic Centre, and the South Canterbury Art Gallery.
Timaru also boasts a vibrant arts and culture scene, with a number of galleries, theatres, and music venues. The city is also home to a number of parks and gardens, including the popular Caroline Bay Park.
Timaru is a great place to visit for those looking to explore the natural beauty of New Zealand, as well as its vibrant culture and history.
Price drops on cruises to Timaru.
39 cruises stop here in Timaru during the next 12 months. The cruise price drops below represent the largest decrease in price against each Timaru cruise's 90-day average.
Where is Timaru Cruise Port?
Timaru is a port city located on the east coast of the South Island of New Zealand. It is situated on the northern shore of the Te Waewae Bay, approximately halfway between Christchurch and Dunedin. The port is located in the heart of the city, close to the main shopping and business district. It is a popular destination for cruise ships, offering a range of attractions and activities for visitors.
- General location
- South Pacific
- Category
- South Pacific - Australia
- Coordinates
- 44.39°S, 171.26°E
- Time zone
- Pacific/Auckland
What to do in Timaru
A shortlist of places worth your hours ashore, grouped by the kind of day you want.
Ways to spend the day
3 themesCycling
Cycling is a great way to explore Timaru and its surrounding areas. With its flat terrain and scenic views, it's easy to find a route that suits your needs. Whether you're looking for a leisurely ride or a challenging mountain bike trail, you'll find something to suit your needs. Plus, you can take in the stunning views of the Southern Alps and the Pacific Ocean as you go.
Kayaking
Kayaking is a great way to explore the stunning coastline of Timaru. With its calm waters and stunning views, it's easy to find a route that suits your needs. Whether you're looking for a leisurely paddle or a challenging sea kayaking adventure, you'll find something to suit your needs. Plus, you can take in the stunning views of the Southern Alps and the Pacific Ocean as you go.
Hiking
Hiking is a great way to explore the natural beauty of Timaru. With its stunning mountain views, lush forests, and rugged coastline, there are plenty of trails to choose from. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging trek, you'll find something to suit your needs. Plus, you can take in the stunning views of the Southern Alps and the Pacific Ocean as you go.
Timaru cruise port beaches
3 in our guideCaroline Bay
Caroline Bay is a popular beach located near Timaru, New Zealand. It is a long, sandy beach with plenty of space for swimming, sunbathing, and other beach activities. The bay is also home to a variety of wildlife, including seabirds, dolphins, and seals. The beach is also a popular spot for fishing, and there are several boat ramps and jetties for launching boats.
Tekapo Beach
Tekapo Beach is a popular beach located near Timaru, New Zealand. It is a long, sandy beach with plenty of space for swimming, sunbathing, and other beach activities. The beach is also a great spot for fishing, and there are several boat ramps and jetties for launching boats. The beach is also home to a variety of wildlife, including seabirds, dolphins, and seals.
Pleasant Point Beach
Pleasant Point Beach is a popular beach located near Timaru, New Zealand. It is a long, sandy beach with plenty of space for swimming, sunbathing, and other beach activities. The beach is also a great spot for fishing, and there are several boat ramps and jetties for launching boats. The beach is also home to a variety of wildlife, including seabirds, dolphins, and seals.
Maori History
Timaru has a rich Maori history. The area was originally settled by the Waitaha people, who were later replaced by the Ngai Tahu tribe. The Ngai Tahu built a fortified village at Arowhenua, which is now a historic reserve. The area was also the site of a major battle between the Ngai Tahu and the Ngati Mamoe tribes in 1836.
Caroline Bay
Caroline Bay is a popular beach in Timaru. It is a man-made beach, created in the early 1900s by the dredging of the harbour. The beach is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. It is also home to the annual Caroline Bay Carnival, which is held every summer and features a variety of entertainment and activities.
The Botanic Gardens
The Timaru Botanic Gardens are a popular attraction in the city. The gardens were established in 1864 and feature a variety of native and exotic plants. The gardens are home to a variety of birds, including tui, bellbirds, and fantails. There are also several walking trails, a cafe, and a children's playground.
Timaru cruise port shopping
3 in our guideThe Souvenir Shop
The Souvenir Shop is a great place to find unique souvenirs from Timaru. The shop has a wide selection of items, including postcards, magnets, and mugs. There are also a variety of local products, such as New Zealand-made honey, jams, and chocolates. Prices are reasonable and the staff is friendly and helpful.
The Gift Shop
The Gift Shop is a great option for souvenirs near the Timaru cruise port. The shop has a wide selection of items, including clothing, jewelry, and home decor. There are also a variety of local products, such as New Zealand-made honey, jams, and chocolates. Prices are reasonable and the staff is friendly and helpful.
The Warehouse
The Warehouse is a great shopping option near the Timaru cruise port. It offers a wide selection of souvenirs, including clothing, jewelry, and home decor. The store also has a variety of local products, such as New Zealand-made honey, jams, and chocolates. Prices are reasonable and the staff is friendly and helpful.
Which Timaru cruise terminal will your ship use?
Your cruise line assigns the pier — here's what each one means for your day ashore.
Port of Timaru
Beacon Point Rd, Timaru 7910, New ZealandThe Port of Timaru is the main port for the city of Timaru, located on the east coast of the South Island of New Zealand. It is a multi-purpose port, handling a variety of cargo, including containers, bulk and break bulk cargo, as well as cruise ships. The port is well-equipped with modern facilities and services, including a passenger terminal, a container terminal, and a bulk cargo terminal.
Timaru Cruise Terminal
Beacon Point Rd, Timaru 7910, New ZealandThe Timaru Cruise Terminal is located in the Port of Timaru, on the east coast of the South Island of New Zealand. It is a modern facility, offering a range of services for cruise ships, including passenger check-in, baggage handling, and customs and immigration clearance. The terminal also offers a range of amenities, including a café, a gift shop, and a duty-free shop.
The Timaru District Council offers free wifi access in the Timaru port area. The wifi network is called "Timaru Free Wifi" and can be accessed from any device with wifi capabilities.
Timaru is a safe port for cruise ships. The port is well-maintained and monitored by the New Zealand Police and Maritime New Zealand. The port is also equipped with CCTV cameras and security guards to ensure the safety of passengers and crew. Additionally, the port is located in a low-crime area and is close to the city centre, which is also a safe area.
Timaru Port,Marine Parade,Timaru 7910,New Zealand
The closest car rental options near Timaru, New Zealand cruise port are Avis, Budget, Hertz, and Thrifty. All of these companies offer a variety of vehicles, from economy cars to luxury vehicles, to suit your needs. They also offer a range of services, such as GPS navigation, roadside assistance, and insurance coverage. All of these companies are located within a few minutes' drive of the cruise port, making it easy to pick up and drop off your rental car.
Piers are assigned by the cruise line — check your ship's docking notice the morning you arrive.
Timaru Cruise Port Weather
- High
- 65°F
- Low
- 37°F
- Rain
- 1.5 in
Average monthly temperature and rainfall. This month is highlighted.
Timaru Cruise Port Traffic Today
No cruise ships are scheduled in Timaru today, Tuesday, September 15, 2026. Check the schedule for another date to see when ships are next due alongside.
Also on your cruise
100% of Timaru cruises also call at one of these.
Timaru cruise port, answered
The things cruisers ask most before a day ashore in Timaru.
Where is Timaru cruise port located?
Timaru, New Zealand cruise port is located in South Pacific. Timaru is a port city located on the east coast of the South Island of New Zealand. It is situated on the northern shore of the Te Waewae Bay, approximately halfway between Christchurch and Dunedin. The port is located in the heart of the city, close to the main shopping and business district. It is a popular destination for cruise ships, offering a range of attractions and activities for visitors.
Is Timaru a good cruise port to visit?
Timaru, New Zealand is not a major cruise port, but it is a popular stop for smaller cruise ships. The port is located in the South Island and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and ocean. There are a few attractions in the area, including the South Canterbury Museum, the Caroline Bay Aquatic Centre, and the South Canterbury Aviation Museum.
How safe is Timaru cruise port for passengers?
Timaru cruise port has a safety score of 8.9 out of 10, ranking #63 of 318 ports in South Pacific. Timaru is a safe port for cruise ships. The port is well-maintained and monitored by the New Zealand Police and Maritime New Zealand. The port is also equipped with CCTV cameras and security guards to ensure the safety of passengers and crew. Additionally, the port is located in a low-crime area and is close to the city centre, which is also a safe area.
What is the weather like at Timaru cruise port in September?
In September, Timaru cruise port has average high temperatures of 65°F (19°C) and average lows of 37°F (3°C).
What are the top things to do at Timaru cruise port?
Timaru cruise port offers 3 featured activities and attractions. Popular highlights include: Cycling, Kayaking, Hiking. Timaru is a popular destination for tourists in New Zealand, offering a variety of activities and attractions. Visitors can explore the city's rich history and culture, with a range of museums, galleries, and heritage sites. Nature lovers can enjoy the stunning scenery of the area, with its rolling hills, lush forests, and rugged coastline. There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, such as hiking, biking, and kayaking. For those looking for a more relaxed experience, there are plenty of cafes, restaurants, and shops to explore. Timaru is also home to a number of festivals and events throughout the year, offering something for everyone.
Can I rent a car at Timaru cruise port?
The closest car rental options near Timaru, New Zealand cruise port are Avis, Budget, Hertz, and Thrifty. All of these companies offer a variety of vehicles, from economy cars to luxury vehicles, to suit your needs. They also offer a range of services, such as GPS navigation, roadside assistance, and insurance coverage. All of these companies are located within a few minutes' drive of the cruise port, making it easy to pick up and drop off your rental car.
What is the WiFi situation at Timaru cruise port?
The Timaru District Council offers free wifi access in the Timaru port area. The wifi network is called "Timaru Free Wifi" and can be accessed from any device with wifi capabilities.
Where is the cruise terminal at Timaru cruise port?
The address of Timaru, New Zealand cruise port is:Timaru Port,Marine Parade,Timaru 7910,New Zealand
What is the Timaru Cruise Port cruise schedule?
There are no cruise ships scheduled at Timaru today. Use the cruise ship schedule above to check Timaru on any past or future date.













