Last updated July 2026
Parkside is a central residential suburb of Timaru in South Canterbury. It covers 1.15 square kilometres and had a population of 2,376 at the 2018 census. The suburb is home to the Timaru Botanic Gardens, one of the oldest public gardens in the region, and Timaru Hospital, which occupies land originally part of the gardens reserve. Several historic urban squares and two long-established schools lie within or beside Parkside, giving the area a mix of green space, heritage features and community facilities.
Practical Information
| Location | Central Timaru, South Canterbury |
| Area | 1.15 km² |
| Population | 2,376 (2018 census) |
| Key attraction | Timaru Botanic Gardens (set aside 1864, under Borough care from 1867) |
| Hospital | Timaru Hospital, Queen Street, on land subdivided from the Botanic Gardens in 1938 |
| Schools | Timaru South School (site opened 1881), Timaru Girls’ High School (founded 1880) |
| Size ranking | 7th largest suburb in Timaru by residential housing stock |
About Parkside
Parkside sits immediately south of Timaru’s central business district and forms part of the city’s established residential core. Its layout reflects early town planning, with a network of streets surrounding pockets of open space and institutional sites. The suburb’s defining feature is the Timaru Botanic Gardens, a 19-hectare reserve that provides extensive lawns, mature trees and themed plant collections for public enjoyment.
Timaru Hospital occupies the northeastern portion of the original gardens reserve. Land was formally subdivided from the gardens in 1938 to create the current hospital site on Queen Street, allowing patients and visitors views into the remaining garden areas. The hospital serves the wider South Canterbury district as the main public health facility.
Four historic urban squares, Anzac Square, Alexandra Square, Russell Square and Boer War Memorial Park, are scattered through the residential streets. These small reserves date from Timaru’s early development and continue to offer local open space and commemorative plantings.
Two secondary schools with long histories border or sit within the suburb. Timaru Girls’ High School, founded in 1880, occupies a site on Cain Street. Timaru South School, whose site opened in 1881 as a side school of Timaru Main School, provides primary education for years 1–8 on Queen Street.
Timaru Botanic Gardens
The Timaru Botanic Gardens occupy the southern part of Parkside and remain the suburb’s primary visitor destination. The reserve was first set aside in 1864 when the Canterbury Provincial Council responded to local requests for public land. In 1867 the area came under the care of the Borough of Timaru Park Commissioners, with planting beginning the following year. The gardens now feature diverse collections including Australian plants, conifers and roses, together with lawns, paths and seasonal displays.
Historic Squares and Memorials
Parkside preserves several of Timaru’s original urban squares. Anzac Square, Alexandra Square, Russell Square and Boer War Memorial Park provide small-scale green spaces and host war memorials and commemorative plantings. These reserves reflect the grid layout planned in the nineteenth century and continue to serve as neighbourhood gathering points.
Schools in Parkside
Timaru Girls’ High School has educated girls from years 9 to 13 since its founding in 1880. The school maintains boarding facilities and occupies a central site near the suburb’s northern edge. Timaru South School, established on its present Queen Street site in 1881, operates as a co-educational state primary school for years 1–8 and remains an integral part of the local community.
What Visitors Often Say
Visitors appreciate the Botanic Gardens as a peaceful, centrally located green space suitable for walking, picnics and relaxed exploration. Many note the mature trees, varied plant collections and proximity to the hospital and central Timaru. The historic squares receive occasional mention as quiet local landmarks.
Where to Learn More
Timaru District Council – Timaru Botanic Gardens: official page with history, facilities and visiting information.
Wikipedia – Parkside, New Zealand: suburb overview including census data and key features.
Health New Zealand – Timaru Hospital: current hospital services, address and visitor information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Parkside located in Timaru?
Parkside is a central residential suburb immediately south of Timaru’s commercial centre, covering 1.15 square kilometres.
When were the Timaru Botanic Gardens established?
The reserve was set aside in 1864 and placed under Borough care in 1867, making it one of South Canterbury’s oldest public gardens.
Where is Timaru Hospital?
Timaru Hospital stands on Queen Street in Parkside on land subdivided from the Botanic Gardens in 1938.
What schools are in or near Parkside?
Timaru South School (primary, site opened 1881) and Timaru Girls’ High School (secondary, founded 1880) are located in the suburb.
Are there historic squares in Parkside?
Yes, Anzac Square, Alexandra Square, Russell Square and Boer War Memorial Park are small historic reserves within the suburb.
What is the population of Parkside?
The suburb had 2,376 residents at the 2018 census.
Is Parkside one of Timaru’s larger suburbs?
Yes, it ranks seventh in Timaru by total residential housing stock.
Can visitors access the Botanic Gardens?
The gardens are open to the public daily with free entry and provide paths, lawns and plant collections for walking and relaxation.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.