The Timaru District is centrally located on the East Coast of the South Island. There is so much to see and do, and it is the closest port to New Zealand’s highest mountain, Aoraki/Mt Cook.

PrimePort Timaru is conveniently located near the heart of Timaru City, where guests can walk straight off the ship and start exploring. It’s a short walking distance to the Town Centre, restaurants and shops, or visitors can enjoy exploring the picturesque Caroline Bay reserve area, including the world-famous Trevor Griffiths Rose Garden, finishing with a tasty beverage at one of the many hospitality establishments in the town.

On cruise days a bus shuttle service operates from the port to Heritage Place in the CBD, where the Visitor Information Centre is located.

Excursions to the wider region offer visitors the opportunity to discover the majestic hinterland – the alpine village of Lake Tekapo, set on the shores of an impressive alpine lake or Mesopotamia, where the braided riverbed leads to the valley surrounded by the magnificent Southern Alps. The boutique village of Geraldine is 40 minutes' drive from the CBD and offers an array of museums, art galleries and food and beverage tastings. One hour's drive south is the historic Victorian town of Ōamaru, and the impressive huge spherical Moeraki Boulders are a short 30-minute trip from there.

Established in 1878, PrimePort stands as one of New Zealand's rare man-made ports. Situated in Timaru, South Canterbury, it enjoys a strategic location just 1km from State Highway One and a mere 800m from the Central Business District. The harbour entrance coordinates are at Latitude 44°23' S and Longitude 171°16' E.

With five wharves and nine berths, PrimePort infrastructure is tailored to accommodate the diverse demands of import and export trades, particularly those tied to the region's primary industries. By providing reliable and efficient port services, PrimePort plays a pivotal role in connecting the region to the world. The growing interest of the cruise industry in Timaru has led to a threefold rise in visits compared to pre-COVID seasons.

Over the past few years, PrimePort has dedicated nearly $90 million to upgrading and replacing infrastructure and floating plant. The two cruise berths now feature new reinforced concrete decks and rated wharf edge bollards for enhanced safety. Additionally, flush-mounted storm bollards have been positioned at each berth to protect ships during periods of high winds. Furthermore, PrimePort has expanded its tug capacity and capabilities by acquiring two new tugs within the last six years, further solidifying its commitment to providing top notch maritime services.