Excursion Central timaru highlights walk tour at Timaru

Depart Port for the short Shuttle trip to the Landing Service building for the commencement of the Tour

From the Landing Service Building. Originally used for unloading ships around 1870, this is the only remaining example of such a building in Australasia. It is built of local volcanic basalt, known as bluestone.

Onwards to the building on the corner of George Street and Cains Terrace, once Werry's Private Guest Hotel, probably designed by Maurice Duval, a Belgian architect.  Next it is the Theatre Royal was reconverted into a theatre in 1877 by Maurice Duval. It was upgraded in 1992/93 and a new foyer was designed by Barrie Bracefield Consultancy.

Next the Grosvenor Hotel, redeveloped by architect James Turnbull in 1915 Edwardian Baroque style. The Shops and offices, Flemish Baroque style was built around 1930.

Lower Stafford Street has many fine examples of two and three storey commercial buildings of the late Victorian to Edwardian period.

The Arcade Chambers, a more restrained version of the Edwardian era, is typical of many of the buildings in Timaru. Cast iron columns above allow for maximum glazing of shop fronts.

Along to the older part of the Council Chambers, originally the Public Library, was designed by Walter Panton and officially opened in 1909, with the Chief Post Office designed in 1881 by R.A. Lawson.

Past the South Canterbury Museum, opened in 1966, designed by architect, Ron Dohig, St Mary's Church, built in local bluestone,  designed by architect, W.B. Arnson and the Timaru Public Library, designed by architects, Warren and Mahoney and built 1977.

Upper Stafford Street shows many good examples of small city Victorian and Edwardian buildings. The late Victorian FTC building and Tekapo buildings were designed by James Turnbull.

Offices on the Terrace are an example of the arts and crafts style including the The Old Customs House - 1902, architect, D. West.

After a Café stop return to the Landing Service Building before taking the shuttle back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Timaru, Landing Services Building, Werry's Private Guest Hotel, Theatre Royal, Grosvenor Hotel, Victorian and Edwardian buildings

Note

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately 1.8 miles (about 2.9 kilometres), at times over uneven, grassy, and natural surfaces and inclines, with steps to negotiate. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear warm, comfortable clothing in layers with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, a backpack, weatherproof jacket, bottled water and local currency for purchases from the ship. Guests must be at least 18 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. The tour sequence may vary.