Have you noticed the Heritage Trail signs? If you pop down to the information center at George Street you'll see a sign celebrating a huge effort by the Heritage Trail Trust 15 years ago to provide locals and visitors a set of trails through the Timaru, MacKenzie and Waimate Districts. We thought we would pull the information together and put it online so you can get out exploring our big backyard and find a WuHoo along the way.
Pioneer Trail
150km, round trip.
3hrs. Allow half a day to explore
The Pioneer Trail leads you through some the the rolling South Canterbury hills. It follows a circuit from Pleasant Point to Temuka to Geraldine back to Pleasant Point. A site route leads to the forest service of Peel Forest. The site of aviation pioneer Richard Pearse's test flight is on the route.
Strawberry Trail
150km one way
3hrs. Allow half a day to explore
The Strawberry Trail leads you through the Waimate area renowned for it's strawberries. It leads you from Timaru to Kurow or vice versa. Along the route you can visit the coastal area and the Wianono Lagoon wildlife sanctuary. You can climb above the plains for an expansive view of the South Canterbury. You can visit historic buildings, parks and walkways.
Bullock Wagon Trail
320km one way
4hrs. Allow a day to explore
The Bullock Wagon Trail (Timaru to Twizel) leads you along the route once taken by early European Settlers relying on bullock wagons to transport goods and supplied into the High Country. It takes you from Timaru through to Mt. Cool leading you from the historic Landing Services Building past railways, museums, churches, woolsheds, over passes to scenic lakes and grand mountain vistas.
