Nature

Geraldine Farm Tours

<gallery> <image>https://raw.githubusercontent.com/NotAnother-NZ/na13-discover-different-assets/main/webp/geraldin-76e.webp</image> </gallery> <gap-large/> <paragraph> Geraldine Farm Tours is a truly immersive experience - our guests get to taste, touch, see and feel what it is like to be a part of a working farm. Be a part of our farming story, share in our history and “yarns” and experience a very real, authentic NZ farm.  </paragraph> <gap-large/> <list> <item key="Location">Timaru</item> <item key="Distance From CHC Airport">2 hrs</item> </list>

Trail

Big Tree Walk

<gallery> <image>https://raw.githubusercontent.com/NotAnother-NZ/na13-discover-different-assets/main/webp/bigtreew-471.webp</image> </gallery> <gap-large/> <paragraph> Step into a living cathedral on the Big Tree Walk at Peel Forest, where ancient giants tower above and time seems to slow. This gentle forest track winds through some of New Zealand’s most impressive kahikatea, mataī, and tōtara, their massive trunks telling stories centuries old. Sunlight filters through the canopy, birdsong echoes softly, and the air feels cool and grounding. Suitable for all ages, the Big Tree Walk is an unforgettable way to connect with the scale, beauty, and serenity of native forest </paragraph> <gap-large/> <list> <item key="Location">Timaru</item> <item key="Distance From CHC Airport">2 hrs</item> </list>

Trail

Low-Effort Walks. Big Payoffs

<gallery> <image>https://raw.githubusercontent.com/NotAnother-NZ/na13-discover-different-assets/main/webp/loweffor-a3f.webp</image> </gallery> <gap-large/> <paragraph> Not every family hike has to end in complaints and snacks thrown to the birds. These short walks deliver a lot without taking all day. </break><bold>Godley Head Track</bold> (Christchurch) offers clifftop views, WWII bunkers to explore, and a breeze that wakes everyone up. Pack layers. Pack snacks. </paragraph> <paragraph> <bold>Caroline Bay Walkway</bold> (Timaru) is as easy as it gets — a flat, coastal loop with playgrounds, gardens and penguins if you time it right. </break>Over on the West Coast, <bold>Rakaitane Walk</bold> near Moana is a gem. A 45-minute loop through podocarp forest, across a swingbridge, and alongside the mirror-like <bold>Arnold River</bold>. </paragraph> <paragraph> Need a bit more action? Try <bold>Carew Falls Track</bold> at <bold>Lake Brunner</bold>. It’s short, shady, and leads to a proper waterfall — with giant boulders that double as nature’s recliners.</break> No whinging. No turn-around negotiations. Just good walks done right. </paragraph> <gap-large/> <list> <item key="Location">Christchurch, Timaru & West Coast</item> <item key="Itinerary">30–60 Mins per Walk</item> <item key="Distance">Varies (Multi-region)</item> <item key="Hours">Daylight Hours</item> <item key="Price">Free</item> </list>

Nature

The Raptor Experience

<gallery> <image>https://raw.githubusercontent.com/NotAnother-NZ/na13-discover-different-assets/main/webp/therapto-7e1.webp</image> </gallery> <gap-large/> <paragraph> Get up close with New Zealand's raptors in a unique, hands-on experience. Learn about New Zealand's meat eating birds, how they hunt, dangers to their safety and, their cultural significance. </paragraph> <gap-large/> <list> <item key="Location">Timaru</item> <item key="Distance From CHC Airport">2 hrs 30 mins</item> </list>

Nature

5 Wild Things to Do With the Kids

<gallery> <image>https://raw.githubusercontent.com/NotAnother-NZ/na13-discover-different-assets/main/webp/5wildthi-b10.webp</image> </gallery> <gap-large/> <paragraph> Let them run, climb, stare, and squeal — no rollercoasters required. </paragraph> <title> Lake Daniell Glow Worm Walk (West Coast) </title> <paragraph> A gentle track through lush bush to a hut where the walls come alive after dark. Glow worms = guaranteed wonder. </paragraph> <title> Seal Spotting in Kaikōura </title> <paragraph> You don’t need a tour — just walk the Peninsula Walkway. The seals are usually snoozing near the path (and stealing the show). </paragraph> <title> Godley Head WWII Bunkers (Christchurch) </title> <paragraph> History + tunnels + coastal views = ideal explorer combo. Bring snacks and a torch. </paragraph> <title> Penguin Watching in Timaru </title> <paragraph> At dusk, the little blues waddle up from Caroline Bay. It’s wholesome. It’s free. It’s hard not to narrate out loud. </paragraph> <title> Banks Peninsula Waterfall Walks </title> <paragraph> Short tracks, native bush, and the chance to get your feet wet. Easy wins for all ages. </paragraph> <gap-large/> <list> <item key="Location">South Island (Multi-region)</item> <item key="Itinerary">1–3 Hours per Activity</item> <item key="Distance">Varies</item> <item key="Hours">Daylight & Dusk</item> <item key="Price">Free</item> </list>

Culture

Te Ana Māori Rock Art Tours

<gallery> <image>https://raw.githubusercontent.com/NotAnother-NZ/na13-discover-different-assets/main/webp/teanamor-9d4.webp</image> </gallery> <gap-large/> <paragraph> Follow in the footsteps of our ancestors on personalized guided tours to iconic Māori rock art sites, and immerse yourself in the history and culture of Ngāi Tahu at our tribal rock art centre, Te Ana </paragraph> <gap-large/> <list> <item key="Location">Timaru</item> <item key="Distance From CHC Airport">2 hrs 30 mins</item> </list>

Culture

Timaru Artisans Farmers Market

<gallery> <image>https://raw.githubusercontent.com/NotAnother-NZ/na13-discover-different-assets/main/webp/timaruar-b4b.webp</image> </gallery> <gap-large/> <paragraph> A Saturday morning must do, the Timaru Artisan's Farmers Market offers a wide variety of offerings from craft items and gifts to delicious food stalls, locally made produce and more! </paragraph> <gap-large/> <list> <item key="Location">Timaru</item> <item key="Distance From CHC Airport">2 hrs 30 mins</item> </list>

Trail

Tuhawaiki / Jack's Point Lighthouse

<gallery> <image>https://raw.githubusercontent.com/NotAnother-NZ/na13-discover-different-assets/main/webp/tuhawaik-c8f.webp</image> </gallery> <gap-large/> <paragraph> Walk the dramatic coastline of Tūhawaiki Jack’s Point Track in Timaru, where sweeping ocean views meet powerful history. This clifftop track offers panoramic vistas across the Pacific, rugged rock formations, and the chance to spot seabirds and seals along the shore below. Named after the Ngāi Tahu leader Tūhawaiki, the track blends natural beauty with cultural significance. </paragraph> <gap-large/> <list> <item key="Location">Timaru</item> <item key="Distance From CHC Airport">2 hrs 30 mins</item> </list>

Eat & Drink

The Pie Road Trip

<gallery> <image>https://raw.githubusercontent.com/NotAnother-NZ/na13-discover-different-assets/main/webp/thepiero-5c4.webp</image> </gallery> <gap-large/> <paragraph> Some say the South Island’s pie scene is unmatched. We’re not arguing. Down here, you’ll find flaky pastry, hearty fillings, and plenty of reasons to stop the car. </paragraph> <paragraph> Kick off with the <bold>Fairlie Bakehouse</bold> — its reputation precedes it, and locals treat it like a religion. Further north, <bold>Staveley Store</bold> serves up buttery classics with a country kitchen vibe, and <bold>Sheffield Pie Shop</bold> does what it’s always done: simple, savoury, no fuss. </paragraph> <paragraph> If you’re in <bold>Timaru</bold> on a weekend, try the <bold>Artisan Farmers Market</bold> — there’s a good chance you’ll find a warm pie and something to wash it down. And yes, this road trip can absolutely be completed with a wine tasting at <bold>Greystone</bold>, because balance. </paragraph> <paragraph> There’s no map for the perfect pie trail — just trust your nose and pull over often. </paragraph> <gap-large/> <list> <item key="Location">Canterbury Region</item> <item key="Itinerary">Full Day Road Trip</item> <item key="Distance">Varies (Starts ~50m from CHC)</item> <item key="Hours">6AM – 4PM (Typical)</item> <item key="Price">Pies $8–$15</item> </list>

Culture

Timaru: Low-Key Coastal, High Reward

<gallery> <image>https://raw.githubusercontent.com/NotAnother-NZ/na13-discover-different-assets/main/webp/timarulo-c8c.webp</image> </gallery> <gap-large/> <paragraph> Timaru doesn’t make a fuss — but it makes an impression. With its long beach, historic architecture, and walkable waterfront, it’s a place that feels familiar fast. </paragraph> <paragraph> Start your day at <bold>Caroline Bay</bold>. Watch the locals walk their dogs, catch a morning swim, or spot little blue penguins if you’re lucky. In the town centre you’ll find pies (the proper kind), secondhand bookstores, and that small-city hum that feels more lived-in than laid-on. </paragraph> <paragraph> Drive 20 minutes inland and you’re into <bold>Peel Forest, scenic reserves,</bold> and walking tracks that don’t make the tourist maps — but should. History buffs? The <bold>Te Ana Māori Rock Art Centre</bold> is one of the most quietly powerful stops in the South. </break>Timaru’s not trying to be next. It’s happy just being itself. </paragraph> <gap-large/> <list> <item key="Location">Timaru District</item> <item key="Itinerary">Recommended 1–2 Days</item> <item key="Distance">2 hrs from Christchurch</item> <item key="Hours">Always Open</item> <item key="Price">Free / Variable</item> </list>

Nature

Alpaca Walks NZ

<gallery> <image>https://raw.githubusercontent.com/NotAnother-NZ/na13-discover-different-assets/main/webp/alpacawa-52c.webp</image> </gallery> <gap-large/> <paragraph> Meet, feed, and walk alongside friendly alpacas while taking in the peaceful countryside of Winchester, South Canterbury. This hands-on experience is perfect for all ages — enjoy the gentle nature of these curious creatures, learn their unique personalities, and capture unforgettable photos as you stroll together through the paddocks. </paragraph> <gap-large/> <list> <item key="Location">Timaru</item> <item key="Distance From CHC Airport">2 hrs 30 mins</item> </list>

Trail

Emily Falls

<gallery> <image>https://raw.githubusercontent.com/NotAnother-NZ/na13-discover-different-assets/main/webp/emilyfal-432.webp</image> </gallery> <gap-large/> <paragraph> Discover the quiet magic of Emily Falls at Peel Forest, where clear mountain water spills gently through native bush into a cool, inviting pool. An easy walk beneath towering kahikatea and ferns leads you to this peaceful hideaway, perfect for a refreshing pause or a family adventure. Listen to birds sing, feel the mist on your skin, and breathe in the fresh alpine air. </paragraph> <gap-large/> <list> <item key="Location">Timaru</item> <item key="Distance From CHC Airport">2 hrs</item> </list>

Trail

Mt Nimrod Falls

<gallery> <image>https://raw.githubusercontent.com/NotAnother-NZ/na13-discover-different-assets/main/webp/mtnimrod-55c.webp</image> </gallery> <gap-large/> <paragraph> Escape into alpine serenity on the Mt Nimrod Waterfall Track, where forested hills and flowing water create a refreshing retreat near Geraldine. This well-formed track winds through beech forest and open clearings before rewarding walkers with a picturesque waterfall cascading over rocky ledges. </paragraph> <gap-large/> <list> <item key="Location">Timaru</item> <item key="Distance From CHC Airport">2 hrs 45 mins</item> </list>