Pop 35,000.  This is a harbour town amid productive farmlands and with good access to transport and world markets. It is a power centre driving agricultural industries.

Timaru is built on the remnants of ancient volcanic lava flows that offered the best available anchoring location for early shipping.  

1838 Whalers arrived and began harvesting valuable oils from these amazing creatures.

Early 1900s too many ships had been destroyed by the southerly storms and the volcanic reefs consequently a protection wall was built and the harbour protection continued to develop. 

Good farming land assisted by easy access to a port needed staffing so the community grew. 

In the CBD buildings are largely of Edwardian architecture.  Shopping here is worthwhile - along with competitive prices and there are good opportunities to meet ordinary New Zealanders. 

Some special people
World champ Boxer
Rob Fitzsimmons 1891

World’s first powered flight
Richard Pearce March 1903.

World's fastest racehorse
Phar Lap the  was born here 1920s

Word's fastest runner  
J.E. Lovelock 1936

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