157 Regional Travel /
Midway to everywhere – discover Timaru
Known by all for its location as a convenient stopping point when travelling from north to south, or south to north, we take some time to stop,
ponder and discover the hidden depths of Timaru.
Often referred to as a city (population almost 30,000), the South Canterbury town of Timaru is conveniently situated 164 km south of Christchurch, 197 km north of Dunedin and close to ski fields, making it an ideal weekend or holiday destination. Barely an hour north of Oamaru, my granddaughter Sophia (five) and I are excited to see what new adventures we will find there.
‘I loved going to Timaru for Christmas carnivals at Caroline Bay when I wasn’t much older than you,’ I explained to her on the drive. ‘What will we do today?’ she asked. I replied with: ‘After a morning of shopping, then lunch, I have a few surprises to show you.’ Her enthusiasm for the day ahead was catching.
An impressive statue of a horse and rider, visible from the state highway, has always intrigued me on hurried trips to Christchurch. Now, having time to check it out, we drive past
the industrial area, to the Washdyke Racecourse grounds. The champion Thoroughbred racehorse Phar Lap was foaled (4 October 1926) at Seadown, near Timaru. Trained in Australia, he become the third highest stakes winner in the world, winning the 1930 Melbourne Cup and the Agua Caliente Handicap in Tijuana, Mexico. Phar Lap’s total earnings were a massive £66,738, almost $3 million today. Unfortunately, he died in California from a mysterious illness in 1932.
Highly recommended as a ‘must-visit’, our next stop (midtown in Perth Street) is the South Canterbury Museum. Welcomed by a friendly gentleman at reception, we learn admission is free and Sophia was invited to become a
Museum Super Explorer. Given a ‘passport’ and activity sheet on a clipboard, she was made to feel important and took on her role with huge enthusiasm.
Butterfly collections, kiwis, an array of birds, moa bones
and much more are all immaculately displayed, while a replica of Richard Pearse’s ‘flying machine’ hangs from the ceiling. A remarkable achiever, this local farmer and inventor singlehandedly built and flew the microlight-looking apparatus in March 1903, months before the more famous Wright brothers’ flight. The museum is filled with lifelike murals incorporating realistic mannequins, enabling us to become immersed in the scene. Like an actress on a movie set, Sophia was full of questions which thankfully I could answer by reading all the information documented. It was a marvellous immersive show, not tell, experience.
Driving up Wai-iti Road on Māori Hill led us to the Aigantighe Art Gallery. Pronounced ‘egg and tie’ and
Gaelic for ‘at home’, this grand old mansion was built as a retirement home by Alexander and Helen Grant in 1908. Emigrating from Scotland they farmed in the Mackenzie Country and when Mrs Grant died at 101, she bequeathed the estate and much of her art collection to the Timaru community in 1956. The timeless elegance of stained-glass windows, staircases and original fireplaces makes a befitting atmosphere for the internationally renowned art collections. With priceless pieces including Charles Goldie, Frances Hodgkins, Colin McCahon and other international and local artists, Aigantighe is the South Island’s third largest public art museum – although sadly the heritage part is currently closed due to earthquake damage. Outside, garden sculptures contrast the works inside. Throwing autumn leaves was a great release of energy for Sophia after two hours of intense learning.
My suggestion to go for a brisk stroll around the Timaru Botanic Gardens before returning home was positively received. Heading south towards State Highway One, the gardens are located in Queen Street, Parkside. Dominant at the main entrance, a statue of the famous Scottish poet Robbie Burns led us into the grounds. Opened by the Duke of Gloucester in 1935, the 210 hectares had been former wasteland and as far back as 1864, the Provincial Council
With rose gardens, native plant collections, a Queen Victoria garden and a children’s playground, the Timaru Botanic Gardens are an asset for all ages to enjoy.
had enough foresight to set aside the area to make a reserve, utilising convict labour from the local jail to plant the trees and shrubs, flower roots and bulbs donated by the public. A glasshouse was erected in 1905, followed by a band rotunda in 1912 to commemorate the Coronation of King George V. In 1938, land was set aside adjacent to the Timaru Hospital, to provide an area for patients and visitors to enjoy. With rose gardens, native plant collections, a Queen Victoria garden and a children’s playground, the Timaru Botanic Gardens are an asset for all ages to enjoy.
While Sophia chased dozens of ducks down a hillside, I was engrossed in photographing the late autumn colours. Heading back out of town we both wholeheartedly agreed that Timaru is, without a doubt, an awesome place to learn about our heritage and history and have fun at the same time. We will definitely return soon to continue our exploration.