Experience the beauty of Timaru's coastline, enjoying panoramic views over Caroline Bay, wandering over ancient lava flows and examining the rocky cliffs that proved treacherous to early shipping.

Set off on this loop walk from beautiful Caroline Bay, wander the Benvenue Cliffs past the historic Blackett's lighthouse, and the site of ancient shipwrecks.

You'll turn right up Climie Terrace and along more cliffs where waves crash noisily on to 2-million year old lava from Mount Horrible. The track takes you down from the beach to Westcott Street, and back down Richmond Street to rejoin the coastal stretch back towards Blackett's Lighthouse.

Just before the lighthouse cross the footbridge over to Benvenue Ave, wander past Caroline Bay Aquatic Centre, then back down Virtue Ave to your starting point at Caroline Bay.

Highlights

• Stunning views of Caroline Bay, Timaru and the port.
• Rough seas can turn this pleasant scenic walk into a dramatic and exciting adventure with the waves crashing on the rocks below.
• Site of the 1882 wrecks of sailing ships Benvenue and the City of Perth.
• Dashing rocks - basalt base typical of the ancient lava flows underlying Timaru's coastal cliffs. The geometric shapes of the basalt columns are evident here. They were caused when the lava cooled and cracked in the regular shapes.
• Occasionally seals and penguins can be seen in the bay.