Caroline Bay is Timaru’s main attraction, drawing many visitors to its safe swimming beach and popular annual carnival, which provides non-stop entertainment each Christmas. The Bay has many diversions including a maze, mini golf, gardens, aviary, landscaped Piazza and wonderful walks. The Bay Hill and Piazza offer stunning views of the distant Southern Alps and Caroline Bay.
An interesting walk heads north past the Benvenue Cliffs to the Dashing Rocks. A bright, vibrant social scene is provided by the restaurants and cafés that link the beach to the main shopping area.
A variety of activities and entertainment including the amazing midnight New Years Eve fireworks display it is a must to see and a excellent night of family entertainment. The holidaymakers are treated to fairground style rides, free daily concerts, along with a variety of activities such as Inflatables, Mini Golf, Truck & Trailer Rig, Train Rides and events and competitions along with entertainment by popular New Zealand artists.
The Big Wheel:
The Big Wheel is a Ferris Wheel type of ride operated by the Caroline Bay Association and is a major attraction of the carnival.
The Merry-Go-Round:
The merry-go-round is the only one of it's kind in New Zealand and was lovingly restored and is cared for by the volunteers of the CBA.
The Octopus:
The Octopus is a rotating device that offers fun and thrills for those not faint of heart.
Mini Train Ride:
The Mini Train track is operated jointly by the CBA and the Timaru Host Lions Club and, like the mini golf, it also operates weekends and School Holidays and at various other times throughout the year.
