Car Rental Timaru

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Timaru

Renting a car in Timaru offers the freedom and flexibility needed to explore the city and its surrounding attractions at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily manage your luggage and create flexible travel plans, making it ideal for families, outdoor enthusiasts, or couples seeking a romantic getaway. You can visit key attractions such as the South Canterbury Museum for a cultural experience, enjoy family outings at Ashbury Park, or appreciate the history of the Timaru Lighthouse. Additionally, a car allows for convenient trips to nearby destinations like Timaru Central, where you can explore Caroline Bay Beach and the Trevor Griffiths Rose Garden. Scarborough, just 2 miles away, features the Botanical Gardens and Tuhawaiki Point Lighthouse, while the neighborhood of Maori Hill offers both the Timaru Lighthouse and Caroline Bay Beach. With a rental car, you have the opportunity to discover the scenic beauty and outdoor experiences that Timaru has to offer, all while enjoying the convenience of traveling on your own schedule.

Most popular car rental in Timaru

• Compact: The most booked car option in Timaru, compact cars accommodate up to 5 travelers and up to 3 medium suitcases. They are perfect for solo travelers, couples, or small families looking to explore the area. Their smaller size makes them easy to maneuver in urban settings, facilitating parking and travel around Timaru’s attractions at your own pace.

Top rated car suppliers in Timaru

• Avis: Avis is a top car rental supplier in Timaru, offering the convenience of one rental location in the city. Known for its reliability, Avis features popular vehicle options such as Midsize SUVs and Compacts, making it easy for travelers to find the perfect ride for their adventures. With Avis, you can enjoy the flexibility of exploring Timaru and its surroundings at your own pace, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Where to stay in Timaru

• Maori Hill: Nestled around Timaru, Maori Hill is perfect for those seeking scenic views and a romantic getaway. Guests can explore nearby attractions such as the historic Timaru Lighthouse, which is ideal for culture enthusiasts, and the picturesque Caroline Bay Beach, suitable for beach vacations. The South Canterbury Museum is also within reach, offering a glimpse into the region's history. This suburb provides a tranquil atmosphere, making it a great choice for outdoor lovers and couples alike.
• Timaru Central: Located in the heart of Timaru, Timaru Central is a vibrant neighborhood that caters to adventure seekers and those who appreciate outdoor activities. Visitors can find a variety of shopping and recreational areas nearby, along with access to beautiful landscapes including a beach and lake. Key attractions include the South Canterbury Museum for culture buffs, and the Trevor Griffiths Rose Garden, which is ideal for family outings and outdoor enjoyment. This area is lively and offers a mix of experiences for all types of travelers.
• Waimataitai: Waimataitai is a charming suburb that emphasizes beach and outdoor experiences. The area is home to stunning landmarks like Ashbury Park, perfect for family outings and enjoying nature. Visitors can relax at Caroline Bay Beach, which is a favored spot for beach vacations. The historic Timaru Lighthouse is also nearby, adding a cultural touch to your stay. Waimataitai's scenic beauty and beach access make it an excellent choice for those looking to unwind by the water.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Timaru

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting specific vehicle types and features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for warm weather, or an economy car for cost-effectiveness, utilize the filters on Expedia to identify the ideal match for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates can vary based on demand, so it’s wise to book your car well ahead of your trip. By reserving early, you’re more likely to secure lower prices and better availability, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically less expensive to rent and are easier to maneuver in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between affordability, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most favorable option. Others may have full-to-empty or prepaid fueling choices, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure you return the car empty in that scenario.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience may make it worthwhile.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies only accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind in case of unforeseen events during your trip. It’s simple to add car rental insurance when booking with Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning long road trips, search for rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Timaru

The best value period to rent a car in and around Timaru is May, when both prices and demand are low. This month offers a quieter experience, making it ideal for travelers seeking better deals. The shoulder months of July and August also present slightly low demand, allowing for reasonable pricing. In contrast, June tends to be the most expensive month, with higher demand and prices. February stands out as the busiest month, accompanied by slightly high prices, while December sees increased demand as well.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	45.9°F (7.7°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
February	46.2°F (7.9°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Slightly High
March	43.2°F (6.2°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
April	38.1°F (3.4°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
May	32.4°F (0.2°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Slightly Low
June	27.1°F (-2.7°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
July	25.0°F (-3.9°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Slightly Low
August	26.4°F (-3.1°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Slightly Low
September	28.9°F (-1.7°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	32.5°F (0.3°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
November	38.1°F (3.4°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
December	43.5°F (6.4°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	High	Average

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Timaru

Using our Search Wizard

If the deals that are available on our page do not suit your needs, then enter Timaru into the search wizard at the top of the page. We will compare all the best deals available for your car rental in Timaru and provide you with a list of the cheapest options, with no added fees.

Renting a car in Timaru

Pay at pickup is available, so you don’t have to worry about spending your money until you arrive at your vehicle in Timaru. We partner with reliable partners that guarantee an enjoyable experience for solo travelers, couples, and families. Package your car with a flight or hotel to unlock even more savings from Expedia.

Expected prices in Timaru

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book .

Flexibility & Cancellation

Most car suppliers offer penalty-free cancellations, so you don’t have to worry about losing money if your plans change. To cancel your booking log into your account through the Trips portal. Click manage booking and cancel this car. If you needed to alter your booking, then you can create a new one once you have canceled.

We all love being rewarded

One Key members save 10% or more on select hotels, cars, activities and vacation rentals. Not only that, earn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands: Expedia, Hotels.com and VRBO. Learn more and join today.

Car classes available from Expedia in 2026

The classes of vehicles available will change depending on your chosen location.

• Compact car rentals    
• Convertible car rentals    
• Economy car rentals    
• Fullsize car rentals    
• Luxury car rentals
• Midsize car rentals    
• Mini car rentals    
• Minivan rentals    
• Pickup car rentals    
• Premium car rentals
• Sportscar rentals    
• Standard car rentals    
• SUV rentals    
• Van rentals