Timaru Holidays

Book a Hotel + Flight or Car together to unlock savings

  • Plan, book, travel with confidence

  • Better together

    Save up to NZ$2,400 when you book a flight and hotel together*

  • Find the right fit

    With over 300,000 hotels worldwide, it's easy to create a perfect package

  • Rest easy

    Plan, book, and manage your trip all in one place

Our guide on where to stay in Timaru

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

Timaru Central

2 out of top 10 points of interest in this area

If you're spending some time in Timaru Central, South Canterbury Museum and Te Ana Maori Rock Art Centre are top sights worth seeing.

Find hotels in Timaru Central

Timaru Holiday

Things to do in and around Timaru

Shopping

In Timaru, visit The Plaza for a range of shops, including fashion and gifts. If you're up for a drive, check out the Caroline Bay Mall, which offers a variety of retail options and eateries, perfect for finding souvenirs and enjoying a leisurely day out.

Recreation

At Patiti Point, enjoy scenic walks and the calming sounds of the ocean, perfect for relaxation. A short drive to Geraldine Observatory offers an entertaining family experience, while Fairlie Golf Course invites you to tee off amidst breathtaking landscapes, combining sport with the great outdoors.

Adventure

Explore the beautiful Caroline Bay, where you can swim, surf, or enjoy a beach stroll. For some thrilling action, head to Timaru's nearby mountains for hiking or mountain biking, offering breathtaking views and invigorating challenges.

Nightlife

Timaru offers a relaxed nightlife with charming bars and pubs along Stafford Street. Enjoy live music at venues like The Blue Pub and The Caroline Bay Hall, or sip cocktails at local bars. The atmosphere is friendly, making it a great spot for a laid-back evening out.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions in Timaru

Timaru offers a fantastic blend of outdoor adventures and scenic beauty, perfect for a romantic getaway or a family holiday. Key attractions include the Timaru Botanic Gardens, historic Lighthouse, and local museums that showcase the region's rich history and culture. Visitors can also enjoy various holiday parks and other tourist attractions, making it an ideal destination for those seeking relaxation and exploration in Canterbury.

  • South Canterbury Museum: Explore the rich history of the region at the South Canterbury Museum, where you can delve into local heritage through fascinating exhibits. The museum features unique artefacts and interactive displays that bring the culture and stories of South Canterbury to life, making it a captivating stop for history enthusiasts.
  • Timaru Lighthouse: Standing proudly on the coast, the Timaru Lighthouse is a symbol of the area's maritime heritage. Visitors can enjoy stunning views from the surrounding area and learn about the lighthouse's history, all while appreciating the picturesque coastal scenery that characterises Timaru.
  • Ashbury Park: Ashbury Park offers a delightful urban escape with its expansive green spaces and family-friendly facilities. Perfect for picnics, leisurely strolls, or outdoor activities, this park provides a wonderful setting to relax and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of city life.

Best time to go to Timaru

The best time to visit Timaru can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Timaru falls in February, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with moderate rain. The coolest average temperature in Timaru falls in July, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with frequent rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January45.9°F (7.7°C)Frequent RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
February46.2°F (7.9°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
March43.2°F (6.2°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April38.1°F (3.4°C)Frequent RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May32.4°F (0.2°C)Frequent RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
June27.1°F (-2.7°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
July25.0°F (-3.9°C)Frequent RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
August26.4°F (-3.1°C)Frequent RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
September28.9°F (-1.7°C)Frequent RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October32.5°F (0.3°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
November38.1°F (3.4°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December43.5°F (6.4°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High

Tips to save on your trip to Timaru

  • Combine your flights, hotels and car rentals on Expedia—bundling can result in significant savings.
  • Consider traveling to Timaru during the low season (May, August and October) for more affordable options.
  • Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
  • Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.

Our pick of the best Timaru Hotel Deals

Anchor Motel

Anchor Motel

2.5 out of 5
42 Evans St Timaru
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$120 per night from 15 July to 16 July
NZ$120
15 July - 16 July
includes taxes & fees
8/10 Very good! (223 reviews)
"Everything was excellent. But the room was really cold, even with the heater on full."

Reviewed on 2 July 2026

Anchor Motel
The Grosvenor

The Grosvenor

3 out of 5
26 Cains Terrace Timaru
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$174 per night from 20 July to 21 July
NZ$174
20 July - 21 July
includes taxes & fees
8/10 Very good! (849 reviews)
"Lovely vintage decor. Modern amenities in the room. Comfy bed. Convenient location to restaurants and shops."

Reviewed on 3 July 2026

The Grosvenor
Aaron Court Motel

Aaron Court Motel

2 out of 5
27 Evans St Timaru Canterbury
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$93 per night from 11 Aug to 12 Aug
NZ$93
11 Aug - 12 Aug
includes taxes & fees
6.8/10 (140 reviews)
"At the price point it was probably all that could be expected however for a very little effort they could attend to the shabiness"

Reviewed on 25 June 2026

Aaron Court Motel
See all 71 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 visit to Trevor Griffiths Rose Garden. Visit the area's spas or simply enjoy its bars.
See properties

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Timaru holiday package cost?
You'll find cheap prices on Expedia for your Timaru getaway. However, factors like the length of stay, hotel choice and season will determine how much your holiday to Timaru costs.
What are the cheapest months to go to Timaru?
You can typically find lower prices and greater availability in May, June and August. Explore our cheap Timaru holiday packages and you could get some excellent off-season deals.
How many days is enough for Timaru?
Timaru holidays come in many shapes and sizes, but to really sink your teeth into this destination, we think 2 days is a good ballpark. In this timeframe, you can fit in headline attractions like DB Brewery and Dashing Rocks Beach and seek out some lesser-known spots. Don't forget to visit neighbourhoods such as Maori Hill and Timaru Central either. If you're clever with your time, you may even be able to take a day trip from Timaru too.
Is it worth booking a holiday package to Timaru?
It's easy to see why a Timaru holiday is on the to-do list of many travellers. Leading attractions like Caroline Bay Beach are just the start of what you can explore here.
How to find the best Timaru package deals?
Use Expedia's filter tool to find some unbeatable Timaru package deals. When you begin your search, simply set your maximum budget and then order the results by "Price: low to high." If you want to save, plan your trip for midweek, or search for Timaru package deals in the off-peak season. Switch up your travel dates and you may land even bigger discounts. As a rule of thumb, it's typically best to book your holiday package well in advance.
Is it cheaper to book a Timaru holiday as a package?
You can enjoy significant savings on your next Timaru getaway by booking a personalised holiday package. Click on the "Package" heading, then enter your travel dates and destination to browse the best hotel and flight prices. Bundle everything into a neat package and you can save hundreds of dollars. Consider adding a car rental and you may score a better deal.
When to book a holiday package to Timaru?
Land incredible bargains by booking your flights in advance with Expedia. If being spontaneous is more your style, take advantage of our last-minute deals for a spur-of-the-moment Timaru adventure.
How to plan a trip to Timaru?

  1. Choose your travel dates: What you want to do in Timaru and your preferred season will help you decide when to travel.
  2. Budget wisely: On top of the price of your stay, you'll need to factor in other expenses. These include food, flights and transportation. Also, set aside a little extra for unexpected costs that may arise during your trip to Timaru.
  3. Decide how many days away: Start by compiling a list of the sights and activities you want to experience in Timaru. Then, estimate how long you'll need for each, along with any travel time.
  4. Bundle your bookings: With your travel dates in order, you can combine your car rental, flights, hotels and more into a personalised Timaru holiday package.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages.