Independent in Timaru from NZ$107

The best area to stay in Timaru is along the waterfront and in the town centre, particularly around Stafford Street and The Bay Hill.


This central area offers convenient access to Timaru's main attractions. Stafford Street is the primary retail and dining hub, while The Bay Hill provides panoramic views of Caroline Bay and the Pacific Ocean. It's a very walkable area, with many hotels, cafes, and shops within easy reach.


For couples looking for a relaxed coastal experience, staying near Caroline Bay is ideal. You'll be steps away from the beach, the scenic boardwalk, and the beautifully maintained botanical gardens. It's a pleasant spot for strolls and offers a tranquil setting with lovely sea views.


Families will also find the Caroline Bay area highly suitable. The bay features a popular playground, a paddling pool, and often hosts events during the warmer months, providing plenty of entertainment for children.

For families travelling to Timaru, two highly-rated options are the Bay Viaduct Motor Lodge and the Aspen on King Motel.


The Bay Viaduct Motor Lodge, with an exceptional rating of 9.6, offers amenities great for families, including highchairs for children, free cribs, and kitchens in the rooms. Many rooms also feature sea views, and guests can enjoy free WiFi and complimentary toiletries. Free self-parking adds to the convenience. It's located within easy reach of the Aigantighe Art Gallery, just 0.5 km away, and the Te Ana Maori Rock Art Centre, 1.1 km away.


Another excellent choice is the Aspen on King Motel, which has an 8.8 rating. This motel provides free cribs and sofa beds, as well as kitchens in the accommodation. Families will appreciate the shared children's playground and the option of rooms with a private hot tub, balcony, or patio. The staff are frequently described as friendly and helpful, and the rooms are noted for being nice and spacious. The motel is situated in a quiet neighbourhood and is close to the Botanical Gardens, only 0.4 km away.

For a highly-rated spa hotel in Timaru, the Stay Timaru is an excellent option.


The Stay Timaru, with an 8.4 rating, offers a full-service, on-site spa open daily, providing a relaxing experience for guests. Additional conveniences include free WiFi, complimentary self-parking, and air conditioning in all rooms.

For top pet-friendly hotels in Timaru, consider The Coast Motel and Anchor Motel.


The Coast Motel, with a 7.8 rating, warmly welcomes pets, specifically dogs, and even provides food and water bowls. Pets stay free of charge. Guests have noted the comfortable beds and good showers. It is conveniently located near the Aigantighe Art Gallery, just 0.4 km away.


Another excellent option is the Anchor Motel, which has an 8.0 rating. This motel also permits dogs and offers useful amenities such as a kitchen, free self-parking, and free WiFi. Guests describe the rooms as lovely. It is also close to the Aigantighe Art Gallery, situated just 0.4 km away.

For excellent budget accommodation in Timaru, consider the Cedar Lodge Motel, ASURE Avenue Motor Lodge, and Asure Ashley Motor Lodge.


The Cedar Lodge Motel, with an outstanding 9.4 rating, offers free WiFi, free toiletries, and free parking. Rooms include a kitchen and free cribs are available. Guests frequently praise the absolutely amazing and friendly staff, and its lovely location. It is conveniently close to the Botanical Gardens, just 0.4 km away.


The ASURE Avenue Motor Lodge also boasts an impressive 9.4 rating. This hotel provides free WiFi, complimentary toiletries, and free parking. Similar to Cedar Lodge, rooms come with a kitchen and free cribs can be provided. It is located 0.7 km from the Botanical Gardens.


Another superb option is the Asure Ashley Motor Lodge, which also has a 9.4 rating. This lodge features free WiFi, free toiletries, and free parking. All rooms include a kitchen, and cribs are available. It is situated 0.5 km from the Botanical Gardens. View all budget hotels in Timaru

For a romantic stay in Timaru, couples should consider the Aspen on King Motel or the Panorama Motor Lodge.


The Aspen on King Motel, with an 8.8 rating, offers private indoor hot tubs and balconies or patios, superb for a relaxing escape. Guests frequently mention the nice, spacious rooms and the friendly, helpful staff. The motel is situated in a quiet neighbourhood, and it is just 1.1 km from the Te Ana Maori Rock Art Centre.


Another lovely option is the Panorama Motor Lodge, rated 8.8. This hotel provides mountain views and kitchens in its rooms, offering a comfortable stay. It is conveniently located 0.9 km from the Te Ana Maori Rock Art Centre and 0.7 km from the Aigantighe Art Gallery. See all romantic hotels in Timaru

For hotels in Timaru located conveniently near Otipua Wetland, consider the Coastal Ridge Apartments, Asure Ashley Motor Lodge, or Cedar Lodge Motel.


The Coastal Ridge Apartments, with an excellent 9.6 rating, are just 1.2 km from Otipua Wetland. These apartments offer free cribs, complimentary toiletries, free self-parking, and free WiFi. Guests frequently mention the comfortable rooms and friendly staff.


Another good option is the Asure Ashley Motor Lodge, rated 9.4. It is located only 1.1 km from Otipua Wetland and provides cribs, kitchens, free WiFi, and free self-parking. The Botanical Gardens are also nearby, just 0.5 km away.


The Cedar Lodge Motel, with a 9.4 rating, is 1.2 km from Otipua Wetland. This motel offers free cribs and kitchens, and guests have praised the absolutely amazing and friendly staff, as well as its lovely location.

The best time to go to Timaru is during the summer months, from December to February, when the weather is warmest and most suitable for outdoor activities.


During this period, you can expect average daily temperatures to be around 20-25°C, with plenty of sunshine. This makes it ideal for exploring the coastal areas, enjoying the botanic gardens, or taking part in water sports along Caroline Bay. The longer daylight hours also mean more time to sightsee and relax.


For those who prefer slightly milder temperatures and fewer crowds, the shoulder seasons of spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) are also excellent choices.

Timaru's nightlife is generally relaxed, with options primarily centred around a few key areas.


The main street, Stafford Street, offers several pubs and bars. You'll find establishments serving craft beers and standard pub fare, often with sports broadcasts. Some places also feature occasional live music, usually local bands.


Further along the waterfront, near the Caroline Bay area, there are a couple of venues that operate as restaurants during the day and transition into a more bar-like setting in the evenings. These often have a more contemporary feel and might offer cocktails alongside beer and wine.

You can cancel your hotel reservation on Expedia, although it depends on the cancellation policy of your booking. Most bookings are refundable if cancelled within 24 to 48 hours of the scheduled arrival. Be sure to check your booking confirmation for the exact cancellation policy. If free cancellation is available, you can cancel directly through your Expedia account by logging in, going to ‘My Trips’ and selecting your reservation. To find flexible deals, filter your search by ‘Fully refundable property’ for hotels in Timaru.

One Key™—Expedia’s free travel rewards programme—gives you instant access to discounts with Member Prices on Timaru hotels. Plus, you’ll earn OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings to use on future trips. Booking an Expedia hotel and flight package is another great way to save, where bundling can result in significant savings. *Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Prices for hotels in Timaru often vary, but you can find a great deal from NZ$107 on Expedia. All sorts of factors affect price, such as the time of year or the days of the week you choose for your stay. Find the best deals by being flexible with your dates, and sort search results by ‘Price: low to high’ for our cheapest rates.