The Bay formed between lava flows providing shelter and food gathering for local Māori for several centuries. Te Rehe was the influential Kāti Huirapa rangatira from Arowhenua. Can you find him in the mural?
The name Caroline may derive from an early whaling ship used to drop off supplies and pick up whale oil. Most likely the Barque Caroline that was recorded at Lyttelton Harbour in September 1836. Can you point to a sign with “Caroline Bay”?
The Weller Brothers had their whaling station from 1839-1841. A whale pot stands at Pohatukoko Stream, known as Whale’s Creek. Can you stand above the pipe under ground?
The Bay was described “a dreary and uninviting line of rock under a cliff over which was dumped night soil and rubbish”.
By 1873 a voluntary rocket brigade had saved fifty one lives at sea. Can you find the brass rubbing plaque celebrating them?
1878 the Timaru population was 3389 and the construction of the harbour began. Currents created a sandy beach under the cliffs. Can you stand in the only sandy bay between Oamaru and Banks Peninsula?
1891 wheeled bathing sheds appeared. Can you find the large photo of them at the Bay?
The council leased the new foreshore from the harbour board in 1902 for a European-style beach resort. Can you find the willows by the Soundshell that was one of the first projects for the Timaru Beautification Society?
The first buildings at Caroline Bay were the caretakers’ cottage and shelters followed by the tearooms in 1903 and band rotunda in 1904. Alexander Gibson was the first caretaker and steps that lead down behind the tea rooms were named after him. Can you find the large rock with "A F Gibson Timaru 1904-1939" to the left of the blue stone arch in a garden marking his 35 year contribution?
1911 Caroline Bay Association was established. Timaru’s population was 11280. Christmas carnivals began, attracting thousands. Over the next century it featured beauty pageants, baby shows, concerts, rides and side shows. Can you find a large photo with a crowd?
1912 Marine Parade and a concrete Piazza overlooking the band rotunda were opened. Can you find the plaque with “Wynne Raymond” who opened the modern Piazza?
1919 A sundial was commissioned by The Bay Association to commemorate Mr Rhodes, who had been Deputy Mayor and Chairman of the Waimate County Council, and who had made a generous bequest to the Association. It’s probably Timaru's first sundial. Can you find “HORAS NON MUMERO NISI SERENAS” translating to “I do not count the hours unless they are sunny.”?
Hot Salt Water Baths built in 1915 and demolished 1968 for the new community lounge. Can you find the plaque?
1929 The Caroline Bay Association commissioned a 350m wall recording 101 battles from the First Word War. Can you find the a sundial inscribed with the names of the 11 New Zealanders awarded the Victoria Cross?
1929 The Timaru Skating Rink opens.
1930 The first aviary was built and gifted by the Caroline Bay Association. There is a plaque at the aviary. Can you tweet to the birds that are not native?
1938 The band rotunda is replaced with a large Soundshell at Caroline Bay. Can you race up the steps to tell the time?
1941 UK Parliament Buildings are bombed in WW2. Can you find a brick that was brought to Timaru, and placed as a tribute in a round stone shelter near the whaling pot?
1957 The Stadium seating is presented to the citizens of Timaru by the Caroline Bay Association. Can you find the plaque?
1973 The Loop Rd opens to improve access to the Port. There are two memorials, can you find them?
1986 Timaru North Rotary provide stairs from Marine Parade to the sand where the Volleyball courts are now. Can you find the date in concrete?
1997 The Piazza opened, including a fountain and an elevator. Can you take in the view and a selfie with a sculpture?
2004 The Bay redevelopment began. 2008 The first Sculptures are unveiled from the Heartland Sculpture Challenge. Can you find five sculptures?
2009 Interpretive memorial at the bay was unveiled on Armistice Day. Can you find New Zealand on the map and find the country closest to “33"?
2009 The Face of Peace Sculpture was unveiled, near the memorial walk. Can you find the bird? What is it?
2010 The dunes of Caroline Bay were awarded the Best Dune Re-vegetation Project trophy. Today the established plantings are likely to be the most diverse in the country and studied by university students. Can you find 8 different
plants along the boardwalk?
2010 The aviary was relocated. Can you find the plaque with the original aviary donors name?
2014 Caroline Bay beach was voted the most popular beach in the South Island. Can you get a selfie with the red sign?
2016 Little penguins established a colony in Caroline Bay. Can you find the sign?