Cruise terminal → Timaru town center
Walk from the port toward town after disembarking; the walking time may vary depending on your berth.
Cruise port in New Zealand
Timaru
Explore on foot directly from the pier. Average time in port: 9 hours. 18 places to explore.
- Ships calling here
- 7 ships
- Upcoming sailings
- 24 sailings
- Average time in port
- About 9 hours
- Lowest fare
- From USD 1,029
Photo by Curious Islander on Unsplash
After disembarking
Cruise ships dock at Timaru Port. Explore on foot directly from the pier.
- Where the ship docks
Cruise ships dock at Timaru Port.
- Access to the City
Depending on the berth, it takes about 10–20 minutes to walk from the ship to town, or you can take the free port shuttle.
- Port transport
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available at the port exit.
About 9 hours in port: where can you go?
Time available at the destination after subtracting return travel.
Time at destination
Calculated from the average time in port. Return deadlines vary by sailing; check the daily programme on board.
Between the terminal, city and airport
Travel between the terminal, city center, railway station and airport.
Cruise terminal → Timaru town center
Use the free shuttle operating from the port, and check the local port signs for boarding points and service information.
Cruise terminal → Timaru town center
Take a taxi available at the port exit and show the driver the destination address.
Timaru places to explore
Explore 18 checked places. Select a pin to see its card, or choose View on map from a card.
Sacred Heart Basilica
A basilica on Craigie Avenue, where you can admire the architecture and interior.
- Visit
- about 30 min
- Admission
- Free
As this is a religious site, please view quietly if a service or event is in progress.
Patiti Point
A coastal point south of Kensington, where you can take in the seascape.
- Visit
- about 40 min
- Admission
- Free
Check the coastal terrain and weather, and view the area from a safe place.
South Canterbury Museum
A regional museum in central Timaru, where you can explore the history and artifacts of South Canterbury.
- Visit
- about 1 hr
- Admission
- Free
Check opening hours and exhibition information before your visit.
Aigantighe Art Gallery
A gallery on Maori Hill, where you can view works of art and spend some time indoors.
- Visit
- about 1 hr
- Admission
- Free
Check opening hours and whether exhibitions are on before your visit.
Caroline Bay Association
A beach area near Timaru Port, ideal for a walk with coastal views.
- Visit
- about 45 min
- Admission
- Free
Be mindful of wind and waves along the coast.
Timaru Botanic Gardens
A botanical garden on Queen Street, where you can take a leisurely stroll among the gardens and plants.
- Visit
- about 1 hr
- Admission
- Free
As this is an outdoor space, dress for the weather.
Cruises calling at Timaru
24 sailings are grouped into 20 cruises by ship and route.
Norwegian Cruise Line2 departure datesBook now
Sailing 2026.12 ~ 2027.12Oceania cruises · 14 nights · Long cruise
Australia & New Zealand: Melbourne & Milford Sound
Sydney, New South Wales departure · round trip
Lowest departure fareFrom USD 2,536
Norwegian Cruise LineBook now
Sailing 2027.01Oceania cruises · 11 nights · Long cruise
Australia: Melbourne, Adelaide & Tasmania
Sydney, New South Wales → Auckland
Per person, double occupancyFrom USD 1,283
Princess CruisesBook now
Sailing 2027.02Oceania cruises · 14 nights · Long cruise
New Zealand
Brisbane, Queensland departure · round trip
Per person, double occupancyFrom USD 1,917
Norwegian Cruise Line3 departure datesBook now
Sailing 2027.02Oceania cruises · 11 nights · Long cruise
Australia & New Zealand: Auckland & Melbourne
Auckland → Sydney, New South Wales
Lowest departure fareFrom USD 1,122
Holland America LineSailing 2027.02Oceania cruises · 14 nights · Long cruise
14-Day Australia & New Zealand
Sydney, New South Wales → Auckland
Per person, double occupancyCheck with the booking provider
Norwegian Cruise LineBook now
Sailing 2027.03Oceania cruises · 12 nights · Long cruise
Australia & New Zealand: Dusky Sound & Melbourne
Auckland → Sydney, New South Wales
Per person, double occupancyFrom USD 1,029
Norwegian Cruise LineBook now
Sailing 2027.04Oceania cruises · 11 nights · Long cruise
Australia & New Zealand: Melbourne & Milford Sound
Sydney, New South Wales → Auckland
Per person, double occupancyFrom USD 1,202
Norwegian Cruise Line2 departure datesBook now
Sailing 2027.04 ~ 2028.03Oceania cruises · 11 nights · Long cruise
Australia & New Zealand: Dusky Sound & Melbourne
Auckland → Sydney, New South Wales
Lowest departure fareFrom USD 1,423
Regent Seven Seas CruisesSailing 2027.12Oceania cruises · 14 nights · Long cruise
Surf & Santa
Sydney, New South Wales → Auckland
Per person, double occupancyFrom USD 12,299
Regent Seven Seas CruisesSailing 2028.01Oceania cruises · 14 nights · Long cruise
Bespoke New Zealand Escape
Auckland → Sydney, New South Wales
Per person, double occupancyFrom USD 13,999
Regent Seven Seas CruisesSailing 2028.01World Cruise · 140 nights · Long cruise
Legends Of The Pacific
San Francisco, California → Vancouver, British Columbia
Per person, double occupancyFrom USD 105,599
Regent Seven Seas CruisesSailing 2028.01World Cruise · 133 nights · Long cruise
Legends Of The Pacific
San Francisco, California departure · round trip
Per person, double occupancyFrom USD 99,599
20 cruises call at this port.
Ships calling at Timaru
Explore cabin types, dining and deck facilities for each ship.
Norwegian Cruise Line · 12 sailings
Norwegian Spirit
18 cabin types · 12 dining venues · 30 entertainment options · 10 decks
Explore the ship
Regent Seven Seas Cruises · 5 sailings
Seven Seas Mariner
8 cabin types · 8 dining venues · 40 entertainment options · 8 decks
Explore the ship
Regent Seven Seas Cruises · 3 sailings
Seven Seas Splendor
10 cabin types · 10 dining venues · 39 entertainment options · 10 decks
Explore the ship
Holland America Line · 1 sailings
Noordam
9 cabin types · 6 dining venues · 18 entertainment options · 11 decks
Explore the ship
About Timaru
Situated almost equidistant between Christchurch and Dunedin, Timaru has oft been overlooked by those just needing to get from one city to another but more fool them! The town’s name comes from the Māori name Te Maru, meaning ‘place of shelter’ and the pretty town reveals not only stunning Middle Earth landscape and views to write home about, but an intact Victorian / Edwardian shopping precinct with many of the building being built in local volcanic bluestone. Understandably, beach life is very important here and the long ribbons of white sandy beaches and clean seas are perfect for a swimming, sunning and spoiling yourself! Voted one of New Zealand’s top 10 most loved beaches, Caroline Bay is simply a treasure. Built on the rolling hills created from the lava flows of the extinct Mt Horrible volcano, Timaru is a melting pot of culture, history, adventure and dramatic scenery. Art lovers too will not be left wanting as the city’s art gallery holds the third largest public art collection in the South Island. Walking enthusiasts will not want to miss one of the many walks along the coast or rivers that vary from short paved paths – ideal for pushchairs and wheelchairs to longer, more strenuous hikes. Well signposted and maintained, these tracks are especially beautiful in the autumn when the leaves are turning colour. And do not forget to be on the lookout for penguins, which will happily waddle alongside you some of the way!
Cruise lines calling here: 4 places
Holland America LineNorwegian Cruise LinePrincess CruisesRegent Seven Seas Cruises
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