Active Transport - Walking & biking
The Timaru District is a great place for walking and biking. Active transport is a healthy and sustainable alternative to motorised transport, but requires investment in infrastructure and safety programmes to ensure options are accessible and realistic for residents and tourists.
Timaru District Council is committed to ongoing improvement of walking and biking facilities in the district and completed the Timaru District Active Transport Strategy in 2024 in support of this aim. The main purpose of the strategy is to improve, integrate, update and develop Active Transport in the district by:
- Establishing a strategic direction and policies for active transportation for the short (3 years), medium (3 to 10 years), and longer term (to 2041) time horizons;
- Identifying active transport projects, recommending investigation, and recommending implementation;
- Identifying funding, resources, and potential implementation timelines;
- Identifying the related National, Regional, and Local strategies, plans, and policies that influence the strategy;
- Improving connectivity and mobility in the District.
In collaboration with our friends at Venture Timaru, we’ve created a comprehensive trail guide highlighting the many walking and cycling tracks throughout the Timaru District. Whether you're after a quick stroll through Caroline Bay or a scenic rural bush walk, this guide has you covered.
Pick up your free copy at any Timaru District Council facility, or download your copy by clicking the link below.
Cycling safety tips:
When cycling on the road, you must consider the safety of yourself and the safety of other road users. There are many things you can do to help keep yourself, and others, safe:
- Wear an approved safety helmet when you are on your bicycle
- Have good brakes on the front and back wheels
- Use good hand signals to indicate to other road users what you are going to do
- Stop and look before you ride onto the road
- Walk your bike if the road feels too busy, or if you need to cross a busy intersection
- Wear bright colours and/or reflector strips or vest
- Install a red or yellow reflector at the back of your bike, facing backwards, and yellow pedal reflectors;
- Install a steady red or yellow light at the rear, or a flashing red light that can be seen at night from at least 100 metres, and a steady white light at the front of your bike that can be seen at night from a distance of 100 metres.
Public Transport - MyWay by Metro
MyWay by Metro has been Timaru District’s main public transport service since it launched as a trial in 2020. After five years of successful operation, it became a permanent service in 2025.
MyWay by Metro is on-demand public transport service, that takes you where you’d like to go, when you want to go there. It services the Timaru urban area including Washdyke, Gleniti, Redruth, and the Port.
MyWay’s smart technology matches your ride with other passengers going the same way as you for efficient shared travel and minimal waiting times. The pick-up and drop-off points will vary depending on where the vehicle is coming from and usually require less than a 100-metre walk.
These stops are often previous public bus stops, so are easily identifiable. We were pleased to receive funding from NZTA (New Zealand Transport Agency: Waka Kotahi) through the Transport Choices package to install parklets at two of the most popular Timaru destinations, Stafford Street and Caroline Bay. These parklets have made it easy to get to and from Timaru’s favourite shopping destination and the beach. Equipped with seating, shade, and even wireless chargers to charge your phone, these parklets are the perfect place to rest while you wait for your ride after a long day of shopping or playing at the beach!
Booking a ride is easy!
Download the MyWay by Metro app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and set up your account. Prefer to speak to someone? Just call their friendly team at 03 688 5544 to book your ride.
For more information and their operating hours visit the MyWay by Metro Website.
Please be advised that Environment Canterbury (ECAN) runs this service.
Parking
The Council provides multiple off and on-street public car parking facilities around the District. There is also time restricted parking available in central Timaru on Stafford Street with the other CBD areas being controlled by meters.
The Timaru District has parking wardens and several parking receptionist/clerks. These staffs are responsible for ensuring the restricted parking areas are shared to the advantage of the public. The wardens welcome inquires from any member of the public on parking or more general matters.
Where to park, where not to park
where TO park:
There are multiple off and on street parking available to the public. There are signs that direct drivers to these locations in the different towns in the District.
The Timaru District has four Parking Wardens with support staff. These staff are responsible for ensuring the restricted parking areas are shared to the advantage of the public.
The Wardens welcome inquires from any member of the public on parking or more general matters. Just ask they will be pleased to help if they can.
where NOT to park:
According to the Official New Zealand Road Code and under the Land Transport (Road User) Rule, drivers must not stop, stand or park a vehicle in the following locations:
On-street / Kerbside Parking
You must not park or stop your vehicle:
- On the right-hand side of the road (unless on a one-way street)
- Where it’s in the way of other road users, including pedestrians
- Near a corner, curve, hill, traffic island or intersection, if it stops other people from seeing along the road
- On any footpath, traffic island, taxi stand, or marked bus stop
- Closer than 6 metres to:
- An intersection
- The approach side of a pedestrian crossing
- A bus stop marked only by a sign In front of, or closer than 1 metre to, a vehicle entrance (driveway)
- Alongside another parked vehicle (you must not double-park)
- On no stopping lines (broken yellow lines marked near the edge of the road)
- Where traffic signs say you must not stop or park
- Where a sign indicates the space is only for buses, taxis, or goods service vehicles
- In a cycle lane
- In a bus or transit lane during the hours of operation shown on the signs
- On or within 50cm of a fire hydrant (unless a licensed driver who can move the vehicle stays with it)
- Between a yellow arrow (indicating a fire hydrant) and the kerb (unless a licensed driver who can move the vehicle stays with it)
- In a disabled parking space, unless transporting a disabled person and displaying a valid permit
- On the footpath (excluding bicycles and mobility scooters)
- A trailer on the roadway for more than 5 consecutive days
Off-street / Roadside Margin Parking
You must not park:
- On the road, if you can park on the margin or off the road without damaging grass or gardens (unless there are no parking signs)
- On private or public property (e.g., carparks, driveways) where signage or restrictions prohibit parking
where TO park:
There are multiple off and on street parking available to the public. There are signs that direct drivers to these locations in the different towns in the District.
The Timaru District has four Parking Wardens with support staff. These staff are responsible for ensuring the restricted parking areas are shared to the advantage of the public.
The Wardens welcome inquires from any member of the public on parking or more general matters. Just ask they will be pleased to help if they can.
where NOT to park:
According to the Official New Zealand Road Code and under the Land Transport (Road User) Rule, drivers must not stop, stand or park a vehicle in the following locations:
On-street / Kerbside Parking
You must not park or stop your vehicle:
- On the right-hand side of the road (unless on a one-way street)
- Where it’s in the way of other road users, including pedestrians
- Near a corner, curve, hill, traffic island or intersection, if it stops other people from seeing along the road
- On any footpath, traffic island, taxi stand, or marked bus stop
- Closer than 6 metres to:
- An intersection
- The approach side of a pedestrian crossing
- A bus stop marked only by a sign In front of, or closer than 1 metre to, a vehicle entrance (driveway)
- Alongside another parked vehicle (you must not double-park)
- On no stopping lines (broken yellow lines marked near the edge of the road)
- Where traffic signs say you must not stop or park
- Where a sign indicates the space is only for buses, taxis, or goods service vehicles
- In a cycle lane
- In a bus or transit lane during the hours of operation shown on the signs
- On or within 50cm of a fire hydrant (unless a licensed driver who can move the vehicle stays with it)
- Between a yellow arrow (indicating a fire hydrant) and the kerb (unless a licensed driver who can move the vehicle stays with it)
- In a disabled parking space, unless transporting a disabled person and displaying a valid permit
- On the footpath (excluding bicycles and mobility scooters)
- A trailer on the roadway for more than 5 consecutive days
Off-street / Roadside Margin Parking
You must not park:
- On the road, if you can park on the margin or off the road without damaging grass or gardens (unless there are no parking signs)
- On private or public property (e.g., carparks, driveways) where signage or restrictions prohibit parking
How to pay for parking
Pay & Display Machine
All you do is park your vehicle, go to the controlling machine, and insert enough coins to provide you with the time you need which you can check on the display screen on the machine.
Once you have done this, press the print button firmly and extract your ticket.
Take the ticket to your vehicle and display it on the dashboard, taking care to make sure the expiry time and all other details can be easily read by any warden who checks the park.
That's all there is to it!
Use your phone - Pay My Park
Download the PayMyPark app for free from the iTunes Apple Store or Google Play.
If you don't have a compatible mobile device, you can pay for parking using the PayMyPark website
The app / service can be used with an account you setup or you can use it casually, and only pay for the parking time you use.
Casual users get charged a fee on each transaction, while those with accounts only pay a transaction fee when topping up their account balance. So it is recommended accounts are used unless you're just passing through.
All transaction fees are paid to the app provider and not to Timaru District Council. Otherwise the normal parking charges, times and other conditions apply as with regular pay and display parking and meters.
To use the app you need to register your vehicle within the app.
The PayMyPark app has inbuilt alerting to inform you when paid parking is due to expire and if you require, extend the time remotely or make your way back to your vehicle.
Pay & Display Machine
All you do is park your vehicle, go to the controlling machine, and insert enough coins to provide you with the time you need which you can check on the display screen on the machine.
Once you have done this, press the print button firmly and extract your ticket.
Take the ticket to your vehicle and display it on the dashboard, taking care to make sure the expiry time and all other details can be easily read by any warden who checks the park.
That's all there is to it!
Use your phone - Pay My Park
Download the PayMyPark app for free from the iTunes Apple Store or Google Play.
If you don't have a compatible mobile device, you can pay for parking using the PayMyPark website
The app / service can be used with an account you setup or you can use it casually, and only pay for the parking time you use.
Casual users get charged a fee on each transaction, while those with accounts only pay a transaction fee when topping up their account balance. So it is recommended accounts are used unless you're just passing through.
All transaction fees are paid to the app provider and not to Timaru District Council. Otherwise the normal parking charges, times and other conditions apply as with regular pay and display parking and meters.
To use the app you need to register your vehicle within the app.
The PayMyPark app has inbuilt alerting to inform you when paid parking is due to expire and if you require, extend the time remotely or make your way back to your vehicle.
Mobility parking
The Timaru District Council participates in the Operation Mobility Scheme where parking spaces are reserved for people with disabilities and other concessions are offered. Mobility carpark regulations are administered by the Parking Unit. To qualify, users must display a valid Mobility Parking Permits on their vehicles.
Parking Concessions in Timaru District
If a current Mobility Parking Permit (or a current equivalent issued by overseas authority), is displayed on the vehicle and parking is required for the needs of the permit holder the following concessions apply:
- Any Parking Meter (including specially dedicated "mobility" metered spaces) - You may park for a maximum stay of three hours.
- Time Restricted Parking - For P30 and longer only - You may park for double the time on the sign, up to a maximum stay of 3 hours. This also applies to any dedicated mobility parks where a restriction sign is also erected.
(e.g. Mobility park in P30 area - Maximum 1 hour stay, Mobility park in P120 area - Maximum 3 hour stay).
Notes
- Pay and Display Carparks and Pay and Park Carparks - Some carparks have dedicated metered spaces to avoid the need to get tickets from the machine but full fees are payable in other carparks. Dedicated mobility parks have a maximum stay of 3 hours.
- Sophia Street Car Park (Farmers) - Full fees are payable, whether using normal parks or the two dedicated mobility parks.
- P5, P10 and P15 Parks - The time concession does not apply on these parks.
- Restricted Areas - Use of restricted areas like bus stops, taxi stands, no stopping zones etc, is not permitted
Mobility Carparks in Timaru District
A list of mobility parks provided by Council is shown below. Many other organisations provide mobility parks which are not monitored by Council. See your CCS directory for details.
Timaru
Road/Carpark Location No. of Parks Time Restriction Arthur Street Polytechnic 2 Barnard Street Carpark 1 Max stay 3 hours. Dedicated metered spaces. Browne Street Near Sacred Heart School 1 Cains Terrace South end just off Stafford Street 1 Max stay 3 hours Craigie Avenue Century Pool 1 Elizabeth Place 2 George Street Near the Naruwan Restaurant (formerly Chengs) 1 Max stay 3 hours King Street Outside Multiple Sclerosis Rooms 1 Selwyn Street Oceanview Heights School 1 Sophia Street Outside Library 1 Max stay 3 hours Sophia Street Farmers Carpark 4 None - Pay on Exit Stafford Street North of ANZ Bank 1 Max stay 3 hours Stafford Street North of Farmers right of way 1 Max stay 1 hour Strathallan Street Opposite The Terrace 1 Max stay 3 hours The Terrace City Carpark 1 P120 - Max stay 3 hours Timaru Airport Falvey Road - Adjacent Terminal Bldg 1 Timaru Library Off Bank Street 3 Max stay 3 hours. Dedicated metered spaces. Timaru Museum Carpark off the Church Street Access Lane 1 Turnbull Street 1
Geraldine
Road/Carpark Location No. of Parks Time Restriction Geraldine Carpark Wilson Street/Peel Street 1 Talbot Street, Geraldine Between Peel & Wilson Streets 1 P60 - Max stay 2 hours Library Service Centre Talbot Street 1
Temuka
Road/Carpark Location No. of Parks Time Restriction Commerce Street Near King Street 1 P60 - Max stay 2 hours Library - Service Centre Off King Street 1
The Timaru District Council participates in the Operation Mobility Scheme where parking spaces are reserved for people with disabilities and other concessions are offered. Mobility carpark regulations are administered by the Parking Unit. To qualify, users must display a valid Mobility Parking Permits on their vehicles.
Parking Concessions in Timaru District
If a current Mobility Parking Permit (or a current equivalent issued by overseas authority), is displayed on the vehicle and parking is required for the needs of the permit holder the following concessions apply:
- Any Parking Meter (including specially dedicated "mobility" metered spaces) - You may park for a maximum stay of three hours.
- Time Restricted Parking - For P30 and longer only - You may park for double the time on the sign, up to a maximum stay of 3 hours. This also applies to any dedicated mobility parks where a restriction sign is also erected.
(e.g. Mobility park in P30 area - Maximum 1 hour stay, Mobility park in P120 area - Maximum 3 hour stay).
Notes
- Pay and Display Carparks and Pay and Park Carparks - Some carparks have dedicated metered spaces to avoid the need to get tickets from the machine but full fees are payable in other carparks. Dedicated mobility parks have a maximum stay of 3 hours.
- Sophia Street Car Park (Farmers) - Full fees are payable, whether using normal parks or the two dedicated mobility parks.
- P5, P10 and P15 Parks - The time concession does not apply on these parks.
- Restricted Areas - Use of restricted areas like bus stops, taxi stands, no stopping zones etc, is not permitted
Mobility Carparks in Timaru District
A list of mobility parks provided by Council is shown below. Many other organisations provide mobility parks which are not monitored by Council. See your CCS directory for details.
Timaru
| Road/Carpark | Location | No. of Parks | Time Restriction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arthur Street | Polytechnic | 2 | |
| Barnard Street | Carpark | 1 | Max stay 3 hours. Dedicated metered spaces. |
| Browne Street | Near Sacred Heart School | 1 | |
| Cains Terrace | South end just off Stafford Street | 1 | Max stay 3 hours |
| Craigie Avenue | Century Pool | 1 | |
| Elizabeth Place | 2 | ||
| George Street | Near the Naruwan Restaurant (formerly Chengs) | 1 | Max stay 3 hours |
| King Street | Outside Multiple Sclerosis Rooms | 1 | |
| Selwyn Street | Oceanview Heights School | 1 | |
| Sophia Street | Outside Library | 1 | Max stay 3 hours |
| Sophia Street | Farmers Carpark | 4 | None - Pay on Exit |
| Stafford Street | North of ANZ Bank | 1 | Max stay 3 hours |
| Stafford Street | North of Farmers right of way | 1 | Max stay 1 hour |
| Strathallan Street | Opposite The Terrace | 1 | Max stay 3 hours |
| The Terrace | City Carpark | 1 | P120 - Max stay 3 hours |
| Timaru Airport | Falvey Road - Adjacent Terminal Bldg | 1 | |
| Timaru Library | Off Bank Street | 3 | Max stay 3 hours. Dedicated metered spaces. |
| Timaru Museum | Carpark off the Church Street Access Lane | 1 | |
| Turnbull Street | 1 |
Geraldine
| Road/Carpark | Location | No. of Parks | Time Restriction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geraldine Carpark | Wilson Street/Peel Street | 1 | |
| Talbot Street, Geraldine | Between Peel & Wilson Streets | 1 | P60 - Max stay 2 hours |
| Library Service Centre | Talbot Street | 1 |
Temuka
| Road/Carpark | Location | No. of Parks | Time Restriction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commerce Street | Near King Street | 1 | P60 - Max stay 2 hours |
| Library - Service Centre | Off King Street | 1 |
Over 80s parking exemption
The Timaru District Council congratulates you on still driving having reached 80 years of age and invites you to apply for the Over 80 Parking Exemption.
An exemption card will be issued for display on your car and you will be entitled to the following parking privileges:
- Timaru - Free parking at any parking space governed by an individual parking meter, or in the "Pay and Display" Car Parks at the Library, Landing Services, Barnard Street, Cains Terrace or The Bay Hill.
- Temuka and Geraldine Only - Parking for twice the time specified on the sign.
There is no charge for the exemption card. You should produce your current Driver's Licence with your application.
All time limits must be as specified on the blue “P” sign eg. P30 will give 30 minutes of free parking
Note: As it is necessary for driver's licence details to be verified, you must bring it to the nearest Council office or service centre. Where you will need to fill in an application form for your over 80's parking exemption.
The Timaru District Council congratulates you on still driving having reached 80 years of age and invites you to apply for the Over 80 Parking Exemption.
An exemption card will be issued for display on your car and you will be entitled to the following parking privileges:
- Timaru - Free parking at any parking space governed by an individual parking meter, or in the "Pay and Display" Car Parks at the Library, Landing Services, Barnard Street, Cains Terrace or The Bay Hill.
- Temuka and Geraldine Only - Parking for twice the time specified on the sign.
There is no charge for the exemption card. You should produce your current Driver's Licence with your application.
All time limits must be as specified on the blue “P” sign eg. P30 will give 30 minutes of free parking
Note: As it is necessary for driver's licence details to be verified, you must bring it to the nearest Council office or service centre. Where you will need to fill in an application form for your over 80's parking exemption.
Appeal a parking fine
Received a parking ticket which you believe has been incorrectly issued? Click here to appeal a parking fine.
Received a parking ticket which you believe has been incorrectly issued? Click here to appeal a parking fine.
Last updated: 16 Jul 2025