In 1877 working parties began cutting away the cliffs to form the lawns and gardens of Caroline Bay. Caroline Bay, Timaru, was one of the first New Zealand beaches to be developed along the lines of an English seaside resort. From 1897 the Caroline Bay Association, consisting of local business leaders, began to turn it into the ideal holiday destination, with a promenade and recreation facilities. A beautifully constructed band rotunda was always a huge attraction when the brass bands played, with huge crowds of people always in attendance.