Highfield Timaru: Suburb Overview, Schools and Amenities

Last updated October 2026

Highfield is a residential suburb in southern Timaru. It ranks as the third largest suburb in Timaru by housing stock. Most homes date from the 1960s expansion, creating a settled, established character with tree-lined streets and generous sections.

The suburb sits on elevated ground that offers some properties views toward the coast and across the Canterbury plains. Highfield Village Mall provides convenient local shopping including a New World supermarket.

Official Suburb Facts

Explore the map

Highfield in Brief

Ward or local board

Timaru Ward (Timaru District Council)

Main shopping

Highfield Village Mall on Wai-Iti Road, with a New World supermarket

Schools

Craighead Diocesan School, Highfield School

Setting and Background

Highfield lies within the Timaru urban area in South Canterbury. Its mid-20th-century street layout features wide roads typical of suburban planning from that era. The suburb connects easily to central Timaru.

Highfield Village Mall serves as the main retail hub for the southern part of the city, anchored by the New World supermarket. Residents appreciate the mix of detached family homes on established sections.

Some properties benefit from the suburb’s slightly elevated position, providing coastal outlooks and views across the plains toward the Hunter Hills. The area maintains a quiet, family-oriented atmosphere.

Schools

Highfield School is a coeducational full primary school serving years 1 to 8. It opened in 1962 and currently has a roll of around 308 students.

Craighead Diocesan School on Cranmer Street is a state-integrated Anglican girls’ day and boarding school for years 7 to 13. Founded in 1911, it became an Anglican Church school in 1926 and has a current roll of approximately 414 students. Both schools sit within or on the edge of the suburb.

Official Sources for Highfield

Questions Visitors Ask

Where is Highfield located in Timaru?
Highfield is a southern suburb of Timaru.

Is there a supermarket in Highfield?
Yes, New World Timaru operates at Highfield Village Mall on Wai-Iti Road.

What schools are in Highfield?
Highfield School (coeducational primary, years 1–8) and Craighead Diocesan School (girls’ secondary, years 7–13).

When was Highfield School established?
Highfield School opened in 1962.

When was Craighead Diocesan School founded?
Craighead Diocesan School was established in 1911.

What type of housing predominates in Highfield?
The majority of homes were built in the 1960s, giving the suburb a settled character.

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In Highfield

Places and businesses inside the official Highfield boundary.

Places

Centennial ParkNature Reserves, Wetlands and Scenic Walks

Businesses

All 3Services 2Food & Drink 1

Bastion ArchitectureArchitectsAorangi Veterinary ServicesVetsBenny’s Again RestaurantRestaurants

Near Highfield

Just outside Highfield, within 5 km of its centre, nearest first.

Places

Lough Park PlaygroundNeighbourhood Playgrounds · 1.1 kmAigantighe Art GalleryArt & Cultural Spaces · 1.3 kmOtipua Creek WalkwayRiver, Gorge and Stream Walks · 1.4 kmCaroline Bay Walk and CyclewayCoastal Walks · 1.8 kmCaroline Bay Skate ParkSkate Parks · 1.9 kmCentennial Park Pump TrackBike Parks, BMX and Pump Tracks · 1.9 km

Businesses

All 6Services 2Shops 2Experiences 1Food & Drink 1

Lough St ChiropracticChiropractors · 1.1 kmFeaturedCrafts BucketGift Shops · 1.8 kmFeaturedThe RingmakersJewellers · 2.3 kmFeaturedPinnacle PerformanceGyms · 3.1 kmFeaturedU-Bake BakeryBakery · 3.7 kmFeaturedKeen As TyresAutomotive Services · 4.6 kmFeatured

Explore Timaru only lists suburbs officially recognised by Land Information New Zealand (LINZ), and Highfield is one of them. Suburb boundary: LINZ, CC BY 4.0.