Sold out rugby, plus cruise ships and motorsport boost Timaru visitor numbers

January 28, 2026

Crusaders captain David Havili and head coach Rob Penney pose with the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific Trophy. The Crusaders begin their title defence with a pre-season match against the Highlanders in Timaru on Friday.

Rugby, motorsport and cruise ships are combining to fill Timaru with visitors over the next five days.

Cruise ships, Scenic Eclipse 2 and Seabourn Quest, would both be in Timaru’s port on Thursday.

Scenic Eclipse 2 and its 228 passengers arrive on Wednesday and overnight for a change in crew and passengers before departing at 6pm on Thursday.

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