Timaru is the largest urban area in South Canterbury. It has a population of about 27,000 and owes its existence to the shelter provided by reefs of solidified lava (bluestone) from an extinct volcano beyond the town, named Mt Horrible. Early Maori canoeing down the coast named Te Maru, 'The Shelter'.

Timaru boasts many points of interest, including one of the largest man-made harbours in the world; the last remaining landing service building in the southern hemisphere; the famous and very safe beach of Caroline Bay, beautiful churches, gardens and parks, Edwardian architecture, theatre, art gallery and Museum. There are facilities of international standards for rugby, tennis, yachting, swimming, golf, netball, cricket, hockey, bowls and croquet. Easy walks abound along the coastline and around town. Stafford Street, the main street, was formed along the early bullock wagon trail.