Last updated May 2026
Kensington is a residential suburb of Timaru located south of the city centre. It covers 0.73 square kilometres — one of the more compact suburbs in the city — with a population of around 1,600. Most of the housing was built in the 1950s, though some of the earliest residential buildings date back to the 1880s, reflecting Kensington’s place in Timaru’s longer settlement history.
Practical Information
| Location | South of Timaru city centre |
|---|---|
| Area | 0.73 km² |
| Population | ~1,600 (est.) |
| Housing era | Majority built 1950–1959; earliest from 1880–1889 |
| Size ranking | 13th largest suburb in Timaru by housing stock |
About Kensington
Kensington is a compact, established residential suburb close to the centre of Timaru. Its relatively small footprint of 0.73 square kilometres gives it a neighbourhood feel, with much of the housing stock dating to the post-war development period of the 1950s. The presence of houses from as far back as the 1880s shows that Kensington was part of Timaru’s early suburban expansion south of the original town centre.
The suburb’s position south of central Timaru means it is close to the city’s main services and amenities on Stafford Street, while retaining a quieter residential character typical of Timaru’s inner southern suburbs.
Where to Learn More
Wikipedia — Kensington, Timaru — suburb overview with location, population data and housing history.
FAQ
Where is Kensington in Timaru?
South of Timaru city centre — a compact suburb of 0.73 square kilometres.
How big is Kensington?
Around 1,600 residents in 0.73 square kilometres — the 13th largest suburb in Timaru by housing stock.
When was Kensington developed?
The earliest housing dates to 1880–1889, with the majority built in the 1950s. It is one of Timaru’s older residential suburbs.
Kensington is one of the southern suburbs of Timaru in South Canterbury. Timaru Central on Stafford Street is the adjacent commercial hub to the north. Highfield is another established residential suburb further south in the city.
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