Head Medical is seeking post-foundation doctors for rotational roles based in the scenic town of Timaru, South Canterbury. These positions provide a unique blend of professional development and lifestyle, set against the stunning backdrop of one of New Zealand’s most beautiful regions.
- 5-10 minute commute to the office
- Explore the South Island at the weekends – Queenstown, Cardrona, Wanaka, Akaroa Peninsula, Christchurch, the Trans Alpine train journey, Franz Josef Glacier, Te Anau, Milford Sound and so much more in between!
- July/ August 2026 commencement - 12 month contract
- Salary $106,672 -$121,920 NZD (depending on experience)
The Role
Timaru Hospital (133 beds, catchment population 62,000) is small but busy, employing approximately 950 people and delivers a range of inpatient, outpatient and community services to a regional population of 55,000. The hospital is small and by necessity most senior clinicians across the medical specialities are generalists with some subspecialty interests.
The Hospital is an ideal size in that you see a variety of cases, yet it is small enough that you will get to know the wider staff and have ample time to spend with your clients. You will work with consultants on a one to one which provides a unique and diverse learning experience.
Rotations available:
- General Medicine
- General Surgery
The Location
Timaru is a coastal gem on New Zealand’s South Island, offering an enviable lifestyle between the Pacific Ocean and the dramatic Southern Alps. Surrounded by stunning scenery, you’re within easy reach of Lake Tekapo, Pukaki, and Benmore, with Wanaka and Queenstown perfect for weekend escapes.
Well known as a friendly, safe place to live, Timaru is ideal for families, with excellent schools and affordable housing options to suit a range of lifestyles. The region enjoys a temperate climate with high sunshine hours, warm summers, and snowy winters - perfect for beach days, hiking, cycling, and skiing.
With daily flights from Timaru Airport to Wellington and easy access to Christchurch and Dunedin (both around two hours away), Timaru offers the space and lifestyle of regional living without feeling remote.
Click here to read more about the Timaru and South Canterbury Lifestyle
What Head Medical can do for you
Arranging a position overseas is very exciting, but we understand that it can also be daunting and time consuming. We’re the UK’s specialist in international medical recruitment and we’ve helped many Doctors relocate since we first started out in 2008 (you can read what people have said about working with us on our testimonials page). We know it’s important to balance career opportunities with lifestyle and we’ll talk through your plans and will get to know you to make sure we find the right role in the right location. Once we have secured a job for you, we’ll manage the Medical Registration and Visa application process, and support you (and your family) with the relocation itself