Timaru Botanic Gardens are a few minutes drive from the Timaru city centre and can also be driven through.

The gardens were established in 1864 and include landscaped gardens, a conservatory, ponds and a wide variety of tree ferns and roses. The entrance to the gardens can be found on Queen Street.

The mature garden covers 19 hectares and is open all year round from 8.00am until dusk. On display are over 30 different plant collections, an arboretum and a couple of duck ponds. 

Families with young children can enjoy the playground and feeding the ducks by the two ponds. Within the gardens there is also the Graeme Paterson Conservatory, which is open daily, and the Education Centre, open on Wednesdays from 2.00pm until 4.00pm offering the public information about plants. Groups can be accommodated by prior arrangement.

For an interesting route through the gardens, follow The Shakespeare Trail which leads you through the beautiful open spaces, flowers, plant species, slopes and ponds of this tranquil setting.