Caroline Bay Improvements
As the town stands back from the sea, it has given to the business men of the town valuable land for mercantile building sites, on the reclaimed shingle area, so it has given to the children of the town a valuable recreation ground, in the sands of Caroline Bay. The formation of the sandy beach of this Bay has been dealt with in the chapter on the Port, and it only remains here to say with what grace the inhabitants have accepted the boon the sea has conferred.

Caroline Bay, North end. W. Ferrier, photo. Hocken Digital Collections, accessed 17/04/2025, https://hocken.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/26238 Low quality image. For further information on use of low quality scans and on how to order a high quality image please see conditions of use.

Needless to say, the children of the town were as ready to take advantage of the sands as their fathers were to take advantage of the shingle, and Caroline Bay soon became a favourite resort.
The absolute pioneer in the matter of beautifying at the Bay was W. Rutherford. He planted the firs, still growing at the cliff edge, to hide a rubbish and nightsoil shoot in use there at that time.

View from Beverley, Timaru.

First Whales Creek viaduct. Main North Road. Caroline Bay. LeCren’s Terrace. Melville Hill. Lough's House (site of Hydro Hotel) Sarah Street, Hewlings St, Wai-iti Rd.

Looking towards the sea near Timaru (1871-1875). Hocken Digital Collections, accessed 17/04/2025, https://hocken.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/23692 Low quality image. For further information on use of low-quality scans and on how to order a high-quality image please see the conditions of use.

At a public meeting held on 18th May, 1897, for considering the celebration of the record reign of Queen Victoria, general discussion took place for the first time of the advisableness of cutting down the cliffs, levelling up the spoil, and generally improving the appearance of the Bay. The cost of a sea-wall to protect the clay when thrown down and spread was, however, thought to be too great to admit of the scheme being adopted as part of the proposed celebrations, and it was decided that it must be abandoned.

The 'Working Bee' at Caroline Bay. 1897 - William Ferrier.

First improvements. Caroline Bay, 1897. Men working on the removal of the cliff on the western side of Caroline Bay in 1897. Depicts a large group of men working on a cutting along the cliff face, while others watch on from the the top and foot of the cliff.  South Canterbury Museum CN 0488

On 4th June, however, David Stuart waited on the Harbour Board to explain a letter sent in with a plan of proposed work, and the Board decided to grant the request for discarded ironbark and other timbers, for the purpose of erecting a protective sea wall. By 17th June the timbers had been carted to the bay by volunteers, work was begun, and carried on by 4 or 5 wages men under the honorary direction of G. Stumbles. Every Thursday afternoon for two months afterwards, volunteers undertook pick and shovel work, whilst ladies of the town provided them with afternoon tea. “On Thursday afternoon, July 15th,” said the “Herald,” “there were 50 volunteers at work, and blistered palms were plentiful in the soft-labour gang. Among the workers were representatives of the military, the Church, medicine, law, literature, commerce and trade..."

As it was found the sand was making, and no protection was needed, the timbers were removed and utilized as seats, steps, etc. The work was continued by the Beautifying Association, and the project, originated in large measure with D. Stuart and G. Stumbles, was not only carried out as time went on, but extended; and on J. Craigie becoming Mayor in 1902, private work became a public work. It was recognised that the Bay was a valuable adjunct to the Town, and that any expenditure would be justified by the additional attraction it would make to the Borough. The Harbour Board granted to the Borough Council a lease of 94 acres, free of rent, including the whole of the Bay on which improvements were to be made, and a prize of £10 10s. was offered in October, 1902, by J. Craigie for the best beautifying scheme. The scheme of J. Morris was adjudged the most suitable, and with the exception of a few minor details, it was carried into effect.

Gibson Steps were built by Mr Gibson the caretaker of Caroline Bay from 1904 - 1939. The stairs have rustic wooden (Kauri) railings along the side and an archway at the top made of the same wood. The fence along the cliff on either side of the steps is also of the same rustic wood.

Caroline Bay: The first lawn. - Photo taken from the book South Canterbury Jubalee History 1916

Caroline Bay: Children's Gala Day - South Canterbury Jubalee History 1916 - photo from book

Caroline Bay in Summer. W. Ferrier, photo - South Canterbury Jubalee History 1916 - photo from book

It was necessary sary for the Council to borrow £2,500 for the work, and private subscriptions in addition enabled a sum of about £3,400 to be spent within the following 3 or 4 years. Still further improvements were projected, and the north mole was transformed into a marine parade. In order to enable the Borough Council to spend funds upon this work, a lease rent free was granted by the Harbour Board; and the Board furthermore gave £150 towards the improvement of the mole and the bay. In August, 1911, the Caroline Bay Association was formed, a body whose sole function was the planning and executing further improvements. The beauty of the Bay appeals at once to the visitor: the firm stretch of sand lipped by quiet waters, the brilliant gardens amid sober green, the terraces and sloping pathways, grown with veronicas, cabbage trees and other graceful shrubs, the rustic railings, the cottages, the band rotunda, the kiosk, and above the cliff the town, all make an exquisite picture, the human interest intensified by the bustling life on the beach and on the cliffs. Seats presented by various citizens are plentiful, as are swings and other seaside amusements for children, and bathing conveniences for all. The first public baths in the bay were established by E. Yardley, and opened on 30th January, 1877, but the first public convenience for bathers generally was a tent erected privately in October, 1869, under the cliffs a short distance north of the Government flagstaff. From the Parade the view of the Bay improvments is subdued and blends well with the general picturesqueness, backed by the range of mountain, especially magnificent in winter, running from the Four Peaks block through Fox Peak, a fine sharp mountain, to Mount Burgess, the southern buttress of the Two Thumb Range, thence through the dip of Burke’s Pass into the Hunters Hills. The Bay forms a pleasant resort in summer or winter; for whilst it lies open to the cool sea breezes, it is perfectly sheltered by the cliffs from the bleak winter winds off the snowy mountains.

 View from the Marine Parade. W. Ferrier, photo.

1860 Play at the Bay... well the sand was scarce as you can see in this illustration...  Timaru, looking north west (1860). Hocken Digital Collections, accessed 17/04/2025, https://hocken.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/23478 Low quality image. For further information on use of low quality scans and on how to order a high quality image please see conditions of use.

Before the first breakwater was built, Ships anchored in the harbour and small boats were used to transport goods between the ships and the shore. George Street Landing Service (c. 1870). Hocken Digital Collections, accessed 17/04/2025, https://hocken.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/23555 Low quality image. For further information on use of low quality scans and on how to order a high quality image please see conditions of use.

Looking towards the sea near Timaru (1871-1875). Hocken Digital Collections, accessed 17/04/2025, https://hocken.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/23692 Low quality image. For further information on use of low quality scans and on how to order a high quality image please see conditions of use.

Unknown, Wreck of 'City of Cashmere', Timaru (1882). Hocken Digital Collections, accessed 17/04/2025, https://hocken.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/58446

Timaru. Hocken Digital Collections, accessed 17/04/2025, https://hocken.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/26238 Low quality image. For further information on use of low quality scans and on how to order a high quality image please see conditions of use.

Breakwater at Timaru, N.Z. – Photographed by W. Ferrier between 1865 and 1895, this albumen silver cabinet card showcases the early breakwater construction in Timaru. This work is out of copyright, with no restrictions on use. https://find.slv.vic.gov.au/permalink/61SLV_INST/1sev8ar/alma9917225733607636

The harbour’s first breakwater and No.1 wharf was built in stage from 1878 to 1887 to provide Timaru an enclosed harbour for shipping. 

Construction of the Port impacted the way sediment flowed up the coast. Fine sand started to build out from the cliffs North of the Harbour works.  From the album: Scenes of New Zealand, circa 1880, Timaru, by Messrs. F. Bradley & Co. Te Papa (O.042416) Read an article about this in the Timaru Herald.

Shows a view of sailing ships across the harbour from Caroline Bay, Timaru, August 1885 : Rangitiki 1188 Tons; Wakatipu 1158 Tons; Barque Cingalese 698 Tons; Wareatea 288 Tons; Annie Bow ? 250 Tons; Allegiance 1180 Tons; John Knox 291 Tons; Barque Missina 276 Tons; Ketch Ocean Bird 33 Tons; Barque ??aminer 266 Tons. Cite as: Brodie Collection, La Trobe Picture Collection, State Library of Victoria.. 1885 H99.220/396 Record ID 9917361153607636This work is out of copyright http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/14570

Timaru, "Ben Venue" stranded, stern c1882 https://collections.tepapa.govt.nz/object/1346853

Caroline Bay in 1890. Crowd on the beach at Caroline Bay, Timaru, circa 1890. Bathing machines are by the surf. Perhaps this is the stream at the left. Photograph taken by William Ferrier. - National Library. Tiaki Reference Number: PAColl-4746-02

A view on the beach, Timaru 1893-12-09 taken by William Ferrier - View this issue on Papers Past: paperspast/1893/12/09 - Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections NZG-18931209-0481-01

"A VIEW ON TIMARU BEACH. A PICTURE in black and white can never do absolute justice to a scene like the beach at Timaru, which derives so much of its beauty from its brilliant colouring. But so far as photography and engraving may go, our reproduction goes, and it really gives a very admirable idea of the beach of one of our pleasantest watering places. The climate of Timaru is famous even in New Zealand, and on a bright day it would be very hard to find in the colony a brighter or more beautiful scene than Timaru Beach. Our picture is a reproduction of one of Mr Ferrier’s excellent photographs." - paperspast/NZGRAP18931209.2.2

People bathing at the beach in Timaru with the port in the background photograph by William Ferrier 1894-01-06 from the The New Zealand Graphic and Ladies Journal - Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections NZG-18940106-0001-02

Caroline Bay, Timaru ca 1900; probably from Bishop family album Canterbury Museum . Catalogue number PIC78/21. Accession number 1978.218.9

Working Bee: First improvements. Caroline Bay, 1897. Men working on the removal of the cliff on the western side of Caroline Bay in 1897. Depicts a large group of men working on a cutting along the cliff face, while others watch on from the the top and foot of the cliff.  South Canterbury Museum CN 0488

The above photo of the foot of Strathallan Street, possibly shows the first lifeboat shed - Alexander Turnbull Library

Caroline Bay, Timaru, 1900s, Dunedin, by Muir & Moodie. Te Papa (C.014386)

Caroline bay - Beach Scene - 1906 - FT Photo - Photo Postcard Format #t631

1907 Depicts a print (mounted to a backing board" showing children and a woman with a pram on the walk way in front of the Band Rotunda on the Bay. South Canterbury Museum CN 2013/168.01

 1900s A group posed on donkeys on Caroline Bay. SCM 5860

Whales Creek Railway Viaduct at the foot of Wai-iti Rd and Evans Street, Timaru, New Zealand, 1904-1915, Timaru, by Muir & Moodie. Purchased 1998 with New Zealand Lottery Grants Board funds. Te Papa (PS.001051) 

New Zealand - Timaru - Caroline Bay, Timaru, beach and waterfront, train in background - 1911 - Unknown Photographer - Original Newspaper Clipping, published in The New Zealand Graphic #333465

New Zealand - Timaru - Caroline Bay - W Ferrier photo - Photo postcard format #timaru

1910 Beach area with garden, Timaru, with wharf in the distance. Tiaki IRN: 692890. Tiaki Reference Number: 1/1-008900-G. PA-Group-00103: The Press (Newspaper). Photograph taken by an unidentified photographer employed or contracted by 'The Press' newspaper of Christchurch.

The lifeboat Alexandra, manned by Waterside Workers for an unidentified parade, pictured on Sarah Street in Timaru, circa 1912. The lifeboat is shown harnessed to a team of Clydesdale horses and appears to be heading for or leaving a parade. Amongsat the flags flown are the American and Australian flags and the British ensign (among others), as well as a banner for "Timaru Waterside Workers". - South Canterbury Museum 1543

Caroline Bay, Timaru, New Zealand ...., circa 1900, Melbourne, by George Rose. Purchased 1991. Te Papa (O.004821) - No Known Copyright Restrictions

F Gibson Timaru 1904 1939 scratched into basalt rock which would have been part of the caretakers homes back garden. The house was removed and the garden was incorporated into the Bay Tearooms garden. - Photo Roselyn Fauth 2022. The steps behind the tea rooms are called the Gibston Steps in recognition of the Bays Caretaker.

A Popular Southern Seaside Resort. Auckland Weekly News, 1 April 1909, p.6. Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections AWNS-19090401-06-01  kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/photos/id/199340/rec/46

1910 Crowds pictured around the merry-go-round at Caroline Bay Timaru dated 27 December 1910-SCM 1999636

An unlabelled image of children at Caroline Bay, Timaru, circa 1900. In the background are a row of changing sheds and the clay cliff that overlooks the Bay. Believed to have been taken by William Ferrier. SCM 2019/049.22

1910 Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections NZG-19111011-0030-02

1912-01-03 - Caroline Bay Timaru - one of the finest and most popular watering places in the South Island. The New Zealand Graphic and Ladies Journal, 3 January 1912, p.32. Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections NZG-19120103-0032-02. https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/photos/id/148072/rec/222   View on Papers Past: https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/periodicals/new-zealand-graphic/1912/01/03 

Caroline Bay, Timaru, showing shelters, seating and gardens. 1914.The photograph was taken by an unidentified photographer employed or contracted by 'The Press' newspaper in Christchurch. Tiaki IRN: 692951 Tiaki RN: 1/1-009808-G Collection: PA-Group-00103: The Press (Newspaper)

Photograph taken by an unidentified photographer employed or contracted by 'The Press' newspaper of Christchurch. Beach area, Timaru, with wharf in distance. Tiaki IRN:692889 Tiaki Reference Number: 1/1-008899-G. PA-Group-00103: The Press (Newspaper) 

c. 1913 Two members of the swimming team Timaru Main School SCM 2001/154.380

1915 Children on the swing boat amusement ride on Caroline Bay circa 1915- SCM 1999635

1915  The rustic bridge Caroline Bay Timaru, Pictures several children on and around the bridge, part of the walkway leading to the Caretaker's Cottage and Tea Rooms on the Bay (in the background). - South Canterbury Museum -2015/150.02

Mid-late 1920s Beachgoers at Caroline Bay. Beachgoers at Caroline Bay (Mid-late 1920s). Hocken Digital Collections, accessed 17/04/2025, https://hocken.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/24006 Conditions of Use and Copying: Low quality image. For further information on use of low quality scans and on how to order a high quality image please see conditions of use.

Tennis Courts, Caroline Bay (Mid-late 1920s). Hocken Digital Collections, accessed 17/04/2025, https://hocken.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/23971 Conditions of Use and Copying Low quality image. For further information on use of low quality scans and on how to order a high quality image please see conditions of use.

Caroline Bay, Timaru, N.Z.. Hocken Digital Collections, accessed 17/04/2025, https://hocken.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/23968  Conditions of Use and Copying Low quality image. For further information on use of low quality scans and on how to order a high quality image please see conditions of use.

Mid-late 1920s Children playing at the beach. Children playing at the beach (Mid-late 1920s). Hocken Digital Collections, accessed 17/04/2025, https://hocken.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/23863 For further information on use of low quality scans and on how to order a high quality image please see conditions of use.

Aerial view of Timaru, showing Caroline Bay, harbour and town between 1920 and 1939. - Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections FDM-0690-G

1925 - 1926 This is a crowded beach scene adjacent to tennis courts at Caroline Bay in Timaru. Johnstone, Robert, Beach crowd (1925-1926). Hocken Digital Collections, accessed 17/04/2025, https://hocken.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/59943 Reference NumberP2008-023-029c.  No known copyright or other restrictions on use exist in this image.

Johnstone, Robert, Couple behind parasol, Caroline Bay (192-1925). Hocken Digital Collections, accessed 23/04/2025, https://hocken.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/69383

1927 Sunday Excursion Train from Christchurch (1927). Hocken Digital Collections, accessed 17/04/2025, https://hocken.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/23871 Low quality image. For further information on use of low quality scans and on how to order a high quality image please see conditions of use.

Children, mostly of the O'Rourke family of Pleasant Point, at Caroline Bay Timaru posed in Timaru Borough Council swimsuits, circa 1930?  The donor commented that the swimsuits could be hired form the bathing sheds for 3d. Betty O'Rourke, Terry O'Rourke, Gerald O'Rourke, Desmond O'Rourke, and an unidentified child. SCM 2010/169.01

Looking south over Caroline Bay from north of the Tennis Courts, c1933. Pohatu-koko stream can be seen to the left, running over the sandy bay. The cars are parked where the playground and tennis courts currently are today. Courtesy of South Canterbury Museum 0076.

1936 - Shows a woman in a bathing costume leaping across in front of a background scene of Caroline Bay beach, Timaru. The beach is crowded with swimmers and sunbathers. In the right distance some ships are docked at the port. New Zealand Railways. Publicity Branch: Timaru by the sea / Railways Studios [1936-1937]. Tiaki IRN: 377328. Tiaki Reference Number: Eph-E-TOURISM-1937-01377328. Tiaki Reference Number: Eph-E-TOURISM-1937-01

1935
Patrons having high tea in the Caroline Bay Tearooms, circa 1935, posed at tables bearing tiered plate stands, looking towards the camera. The tearoom's interior features ornate cornices and wood-paneled interior. - South Canterbury Museum CN 0277

Detailes of Caroline Bay Tearooms - Photo Roselyn Fauth 2020

1938 New Zealand - Timaru - Caroline Bay - A group of young ladies relaxing on the beach at Caroline Bay during the New Year Carnival. - 12/1/1938 - Unknown Photographer - Original Newspaper Clipping, published in The Weekly News #331871

New Zealand - Timaru - Children on the swings - New Year Carnival at Caroline Bay - 12/1/1938 - Unknown Photographer - Original Newspaper Clipping, published in The Auckland Weekly News #331870

1927 Timaru from the air - Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections FDM-0690-G - Creative Commons Licence: Attribution CC BY

1932 Promotional booklet for Timaru and South Canterbury. Includes advertising. Hector C. Matheson. Come to Sunny Timaru and Caroline Bay: the spa and playground of the South Island of New Zealand. Aoraki Heritage Collection, accessed 23/04/2025, https://aorakiheritage.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/771

Cars parked on Caroline Bay. Cars parked on Caroline Bay at Carnival time, in the late 1936 or early 1940s. Taken from the Benvenue Cliffs looking southward. The crowds attracted to Caroline Bay for the carnival brought with them a need for carparking. As a result cars were often parked on the grass at the edge of the beach between the sand and the tennis courts and around the childrens' playground, visible on the sand. South Canterbury Museum CN 0074

New Zealand - Timaru - Audience at an open-air concert at Caroline Bay - 15/1/1936 - Unknown Photographer - Original Newspaper Clipping, published in the Weekly News #331532

New Zealand - Beauty Contest - The beauty contest at Caroline Bay on New Year's Day. - The winner was Mrs Campbell (left) from Christchurch. - The event saw a record attendance, with over 1000 cars parked there. - 16/1/1940 - Unknown Photographer - Originally published in "The Weekly News" #337020 

Timaru - Caroline Bay - Sound Shell - 1940’s - Tanner Bros Photo #t1444

New Zealand - Timaru - Caroline Bay - 1940’s - Fyfe photo - Photo Postcard Format #t443

c. 1950 Boys on the rocks of the North Mole, Caroline Bay, looking back to the beach. SCM 2013164.09

1954 A souvenir photographic print entitled Foreshore Caroline Bay Timaru. SCM 2013/164.08

Photograph (black and white), from an album; view of a beach, with western-style buildings in the background; Timaru, New Zealand. Gelatin silver print © The Trustees of the British Museum.  Asset number 540456001. Shared under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0) licence.

Date unknown Childrens Playground, Caroline Bay, Timaru, N.Z.. Hocken Digital Collections, accessed 17/04/2025, https://hocken.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/23990 Low quality image. For further information on use of low quality scans and on how to order a high quality image please see conditions of use.

Caroline Bay, Timaru, N.Z.. Hocken Digital Collections, accessed 17/04/2025, https://hocken.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/23983

 1947 - View to the south Canterbury town of Timaru with Caroline Bay with Evans Street in foreground looking south over the CBD and outer suburbs. You can see the stream running to the sea. Aerial photograph taken by Whites Aviation. Tiaki IRN: 720135. Tiaki Reference Number:: WA-06402-F - PA-Group-00080: Whites Aviation Ltd: Photographs

The Caroline Bay Carnival has something for everyone. Photo: Supplied / South Canterbury Museum

Caroline Bay - 1962 - N. S. Seaward's Studio Photography - Real Photo Postcard Format #339502

1963 The Caroline Bay paddling pool Timaru. SCM-2011035896

New Zealand - Timaru - Caroline Bay paddling pool, Timaru - January 1969 - Mr Neill photo

c 1965 Women, in their swimsuits, walking towards the Caroline Bay Tearooms. SCM 3933

A Miss Caroline Bay contestant on the catwalk of the Caroline Bay Soundshell, circa 1965. The contestant is on the end of the catwalk, turning back towards the stage. Behind her the stadium seating is packed with a large crowd. More people watch from the Bay Hill, while the Caroline Bay Courts feature in the background. South Canterbury Museum 3709

New Zealand - Timaru - Fun of the fair at Caroline Bay, Timaru - January 1969 - Mr Neill photo

New Zealand - Timaru - Canterbury - Caroline Bay, Timaru. Looking towards Timaru Port January 1969 - Mr Neill photo

Children's playground area on Caroline Bay in Timaru, circa 1970. Photographer L W McGrath. Image courtesy of South Canterbury Museum 2014/008.055

Caroline Bay - Summer Carnival in full swing - Gladys M Goodall - 1970’s - Photo Postcard Format #t1599

1972 Ballroom Dancing at the caroline Bay Hall Timaru - South Canterbury Ballroom Dancing Association - South Canterbury Amateur Ballroom Dancing Association Caroline Bay Hall, Timaru. SCM T64450044

c. 1975 view of Maori Hill and Caroline Bay, Timaru Main School SCM 2018064.023

Caroline Bay Tearooms 2020 - Photo Roselyn Fauth

Caroline Bay Tearooms 2020 - Photo Roselyn Fauth

A slide showing the children's playground area on Caroline Bay in Timaru, circa 1980. Photographer L W McGrath, Courtesy of South Canterbury Museum 2014/008.033

Helen Freeman (left) and Win Loach look to the The Piazza and Hydro Grand Hotel in Timaru 1997.  Courtesy of South Canterbury Museum 2014/126.03

Bill Steans, Timaru District Director of Parks and Recreation, sitting on play equipment at Timaru's Caroline Bay, 1995. Timaru Herald Photographer Anne Hatch. Courtesy of  South Canterbury Museum  2012/186.9372

Timaru, in South Canterbury, constructed an artificial beach at Caroline Bay, after the formation of the Caroline Bay Association in 1911. There was a regular summer carnival with fairground rides – a tradition still going strong in 2006. South Canterbury Museum Reference: THComp18

Caroline Bay Playground 2020. Courtesy of Roselyn Fauth.