Washdyke Lagoon is a coastal wetland just north of Timaru, separated from the sea by a gravel barrier and used by a range of shorebirds and waterfowl. It is not a manicured attraction; its value is in the open, wind-bent meeting of lagoon, beach, and industrial edge.
Birders will get the most from it, especially with binoculars and patience. For everyone else, it is a useful short nature stop that shows a different side of Timaru from Caroline Bay and the town museums.