The Trevor Griffiths Rose Garden at Caroline Bay preserves the life’s work of one of New Zealand’s leading rosarians — a collection of 1,150 old roses established in 2001 at the foot of the Timaru Piazza, close to the shore of Caroline Bay. Entry is free and the garden is open during daylight hours year-round.
Practical Information
| Location | Caroline Bay, Timaru (foot of the Timaru Piazza, near the shore) |
|---|---|
| Entry | Free |
| Hours | Daylight hours (public park) |
| Peak season | Late November to early December |
| Roses | 1,150 identified varieties |
| Managed by | Timaru District Council |
About the Garden
The garden was opened in December 2001 to honour and preserve the collection of old roses gathered over a lifetime by Trevor Griffiths — a Timaru-based rosarian whose knowledge of pre-modern rose varieties was exceptional. Griffiths was the author of several books on old roses and is widely credited with preserving varieties that would otherwise have been lost as rose cultivation shifted toward modern hybrid strains.
The collection focuses specifically on old roses — varieties predating the hybrid tea era that now dominates commercial rose growing. These include species roses, Gallicas, Damasks, Albas, Bourbons and other pre-20th-century classifications, many of which are now rare outside specialist collections. A planting plan at the garden identifies each of the 1,150 varieties on site.
When to Visit
The garden is at its peak at the end of November and beginning of December — the main flowering window for old roses in the Southern Hemisphere. Many old rose varieties are once-blooming, meaning they flower for a relatively short window each year, which concentrates the visual impact into this period. Outside of peak season, the garden is still pleasant but the rose display is limited.
The Caroline Bay setting adds to the visit — the garden sits at the edge of the bay near the beach, with views over the water and easy access to the broader Caroline Bay park with its playground, beach and facilities.
The Wider Caroline Bay Setting
The rose garden is one element of the larger Caroline Bay park complex — Timaru’s main beachside recreational area, which includes the beach itself, a children’s playground, paddling pool, mini golf, tennis courts, skate park, outdoor gym equipment and BBQ facilities. Combining a visit to the rose garden with time at the beach makes a natural half-day outing, particularly during the peak season when the bay is at its most active.
Where to Learn More
New Zealand Garden Trust — Trevor Griffiths Rose Garden — listing with background on the collection and its significance to New Zealand’s heritage rose preservation.
Timaru District Council — Rose Gardens — the official council page for the Trevor Griffiths Rose Garden and other rose plantings in the district.
NZ Rose Society — Trevor Griffiths Rose Garden — context on the garden’s place in New Zealand’s heritage rose preservation from the national rose society.
FAQ
Is the Trevor Griffiths Rose Garden free?
Yes — entry is free. It’s part of the public Caroline Bay park.
When is the best time to visit?
Late November to early December, when the old roses are at peak bloom.
Where exactly is the garden?
At Caroline Bay, at the foot of the Timaru Piazza near the bay shore — within the broader Caroline Bay park complex.
Who was Trevor Griffiths?
A Timaru-based rosarian and author who spent his lifetime collecting and preserving old rose varieties. The garden was established in 2001 to preserve his collection.
How many roses are in the garden?
1,150 identified varieties, focused on pre-modern old rose classifications including Gallicas, Damasks, Albas and Bourbons.
Are the roses labelled?
Yes — a planting plan at the garden identifies each of the 1,150 varieties.
The Trevor Griffiths Rose Garden is listed in the Historical and Cultural Sites in Timaru guide. It sits within the broader Caroline Bay park complex, and the Caroline Bay Playground is a short walk from the rose garden.
