A coastal city with a beach, port, and industrial area.

Timaru Holidays from NZ$1,069

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The Latest Timaru holiday deals

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
  • 31 Dec - 3 Jan

    Aaron Court Motel + Flight

    Maori Hill
    3 nights
    2.0 star property
    6.8/10 - (147 reviews)
    Return • Auckland (AKL) - Timaru (TIU)
    AKL - TIU • 1 stop TIU - AKL • 1 stop
    NZ$1,110
    NZ$1,069
    per traveller
    found 18 hours ago
    Aaron Court Motel
  • 31 Dec - 3 Jan

    Aspen on King Motel + Flight

    Parkside
    3 nights
    4.5 star property
    8.8/10 - Excellent (572 reviews)
    Return • Auckland (AKL) - Timaru (TIU)
    AKL - TIU • 1 stop TIU - AKL • 1 stop
    NZ$1,331
    NZ$1,156
    per traveller
    found 18 hours ago
    Aspen on King Motel
  • 31 Dec - 3 Jan

    The Fort. Timaru + Flight

    Timaru Central
    3 nights
    3.0 star property
    7.6/10 - Good (22 reviews)
    "Very good."
    Reviewed April 19, 2026
    Return • Auckland (AKL) - Timaru (TIU)
    AKL - TIU • 1 stop TIU - AKL • 1 stop
    NZ$1,174
    NZ$1,132
    per traveller
    found 18 hours ago
    The Fort. Timaru
  • 31 Dec - 3 Jan

    ASURE Scenic Route Motor Lodge + Flight

    Geraldine
    3 nights
    4.0 star property
    9.4/10 - Exceptional (321 reviews)
    "Beautiful very spacious very large living and bedrooms. We slept like a baby and it was a self sufficient stay with a proper kitchen, milk stocked, coffee etc. etc. The TV were a bit outdated as they weren't connected to the Internet which could have been better but overall, fantastic property and a great overnight stayer if you are heading to Christchurch to catch a plane or have arrived in the evening at Christchurch and are heading to an alpine retreat"
    Reviewed October 7, 2026
    Return • Auckland (AKL) - Timaru (TIU)
    AKL - TIU • 1 stop TIU - AKL • 1 stop
    NZ$1,261
    NZ$1,247
    per traveller
    found 18 hours ago
    ASURE Scenic Route Motor Lodge
  • 31 Dec - 3 Jan

    The Coast Motel + Flight

    Maori Hill
    3 nights
    3.5 star property
    7.8/10 - Good (159 reviews)
    "It was easy access and the room was great."
    Reviewed September 28, 2026
    Return • Auckland (AKL) - Timaru (TIU)
    AKL - TIU • 1 stop TIU - AKL • 1 stop
    NZ$1,173
    NZ$1,162
    per traveller
    found 18 hours ago
    The Coast Motel

Our guide on where to stay in Timaru

Find the best Timaru areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Timaru
Learn more about Timaru

Timaru Central

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

Seaview

Though Seaview may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like South Canterbury Museum and Timaru Lighthouse.

Maori Hill

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

Timaru Port

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

Highfield

While Highfield isn't home to many top sights, Aigantighe Art Gallery and Ashbury Park are some notable places to visit nearby.

Discover the most popular places to visit in Timaru

Timaru Hotel Deals

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.

Find out more about Timaru

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.

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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Timaru holiday package cost?

You'll find cheap prices from NZ$1,069 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.

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