Timaru

Travel Guide

A coastal city with a beach, port, and industrial area.
A pebbled beach with driftwood and a calm sea at sunset.
A white church with a tall steeple and a clock tower, surrounded by trees and a clear blue sky.
A coastal town with a lighthouse, beach, and residential area.
A white church with a tall steeple and a clock tower.

Where to stay in Timaru

Find the best Timaru areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Timaru
Learn more about Timaru
A coastal city with a beach, a port with ships, and industrial buildings.

Timaru Central

While visiting Timaru Central, you might make a stop by sights like South Canterbury Museum and Te Ana Maori Rock Art Centre.

Maori Hill

While visiting Maori Hill, you might make a stop by sights like Timaru Lighthouse and Ashbury Park.

A garden with a fountain, benches, and a statue.
Photo by Paolo Corrales
Open Photo by Paolo Corrales

Timaru Port

While visiting Timaru Port, you might make a stop by sights like Caroline Bay Beach and Trevor Griffiths Rose Garden.

Seaview

Seaview might not have many top sights, but South Canterbury Museum and Timaru Lighthouse are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Highfield

While Highfield might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Aigantighe Art Gallery and Ashbury Park.

Parklands Motor Lodge Timaru

Parklands Motor Lodge Timaru

3.5 out of 5
65-67 Evans Street Timaru
$67 nightly
The price is $78 total per night from Nov 1 to Nov 2
$78 total
Nov 1 - Nov 2
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this motel in Timaru. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Ashbury Park and Timaru Lighthouse are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (280 reviews)
"Clean spacious room. Comfortable."

Reviewed on Aug 16, 2026

Parklands Motor Lodge Timaru
Aaron Court Motel

Aaron Court Motel

2 out of 5
27 Evans St Timaru Canterbury
$52 nightly
The price is $60 total per night from Oct 15 to Oct 16
$60 total
Oct 15 - Oct 16
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this motel in Timaru. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Timaru Lighthouse and Aigantighe Art Gallery are located ...
6.8/10 (143 reviews)
"Could do with refreshing."

Reviewed on Sep 25, 2026

Aaron Court Motel
The Grosvenor

The Grosvenor

3 out of 5
26 Cains Terrace Timaru
$78 nightly
The price is $91 total per night from Oct 4 to Oct 5
$91 total
Oct 4 - Oct 5
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Timaru. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a casino. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (850 reviews)
"large spacious suit room. fluffy white towels. mini fridge that was silent. Brillant shower. Helpful friendly staff. Loved the lift it was like stepping back in time. Bar/restaurant staff were very helpful and fun to be around. Would stay again."

Reviewed on Aug 28, 2026

The Grosvenor
See all 76 properties in Timaru
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Coastal Ridge Apartments

Coastal Ridge Apartments

3.5 out of 5
38 King Street Timaru
Stay at this aparthotel in Timaru. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (112 reviews)
"Very small room, small bed (double) sank in the middle. Found it strange to have doona not fully covered, top sheet on bed then uncovered doona no cover on top of doona. Room on 3rd floor, only stairs."

Reviewed on Sep 22, 2026

Coastal Ridge Apartments
Blue Dolphin Motel

Blue Dolphin Motel

3.5 out of 5
40 Evans Street Timaru
Stay at this apartment in Timaru. Enjoy free parking, WiFi (surcharge), and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (171 reviews)
"Very road noisy, older motel"

Reviewed on Aug 28, 2026

Blue Dolphin Motel
Large 4-Bedroom Home with Dual Living & short Walk to Beach/Town

Large 4-Bedroom Home with Dual Living & short Walk to Beach/Town

Timaru Canterbury Region
Stay at this vacation home in Timaru. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Aigantighe Art Gallery and Trevor Griffiths Rose ...
Large 4-Bedroom Home with Dual Living & short Walk to Beach/Town
See all properties in Timaru
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Timaru attractions

Trevor Griffiths Rose Garden

9.0/10 (52 reviews)
You can find out about the history of Timaru with a trip to Trevor Griffiths Rose Garden. Visit the area's spas, or simply enjoy its bars.
See properties

Frequently asked questions

Is Timaru worth visiting?
Timaru is worth visiting for its diverse dining scene, featuring Asian and Italian cuisine. Travelers can explore cultural sites like the South Canterbury Museum and enjoy green spaces such as Ashbury Park. The city also offers convenient train access, making it easy to get around and discover its highlights.
When is the best time to visit Timaru?
Timaru is enjoyable year-round, typically experiencing cooler temperatures. For fewer crowds and better value, consider visiting during the quieter months of May through August. Travelers during this time should be prepared for cooler weather, with potential snow from June through October, offering a more serene experience.
Where are the best neighborhoods to explore in Timaru?
The best neighborhoods to explore in Timaru depend on what you want to see:

  • Timaru Port / Timaru Central

What is Timaru known for?
Timaru is known for its cultural institutions like the South Canterbury Museum and recreational spaces such as Ashbury Park. Travelers can also visit the DB Brewery. The city, which includes areas like Timaru Port and Timaru Central, also offers a strong Asian food presence.
What is a good itinerary length for Timaru?
A good itinerary length for Timaru is one to two days to explore the South Canterbury Museum, Ashbury Park, and Timaru Port / Timaru Central.
How do you get around Timaru?
Travelers in Timaru can use the train, with service available from Timaru Station. For exploring further or at their own pace, rental cars are available in areas such as Timaru Central and Parkside. Additionally, rideshare services offer a convenient way to travel around Timaru.
What are the top things to do in and around Timaru?
Timaru offers a mix of cultural sights, natural beauty, and unique local experiences for travelers:


How do I plan a trip to Timaru?
To plan your trip to Timaru, search for places to stay in areas like Timaru Port / Timaru Central. Book your flights and rental car in advance, especially during busier times. Remember to pair outdoor plans with indoor backups for weather flexibility.
What cuisines can you find in Timaru?
In Timaru, travelers can find Japanese cuisine, featuring popular dishes such as sushi, ramen, and tempura. There are also options for Chinese and Italian fare, along with a variety of vegan and vegetarian choices to suit different tastes.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Timaru?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Timaru by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Timaru with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Timaru trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Timaru?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Timaru can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Timaru trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Timaru trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Timaru trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Timaru trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Timaru?
If it's your first trip to Timaru, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Timaru hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Timaru hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

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