Timaru Travel Guide

Tourist 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.

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
A coastal city with a beach, a port with ships, and industrial buildings.

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.

Maori Hill

While visiting Maori Hill, you might make a stop by sights like Ashbury Park and Caroline Bay Beach.

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.

Waimataitai

While visiting Waimataitai, you might make a stop by sights like Ashbury Park and Dashing Rocks Beach.

Highfield

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

Anchor Motel

Anchor Motel

2.5 out of 5
42 Evans St Timaru
The price is NZ$124 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
NZ$124
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Timaru. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
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
Aaron Court Motel

Aaron Court Motel

2 out of 5
27 Evans St Timaru Canterbury
The price is NZ$94 per night from 11 Aug to 12 Aug
NZ$94
11 Aug - 12 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Timaru. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Timaru Lighthouse and Aigantighe Art Gallery are located ...
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
The Grosvenor

The Grosvenor

3 out of 5
26 Cains Terrace Timaru
The price is NZ$174 per night from 26 July to 27 July
NZ$174
26 July - 27 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Timaru. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a casino. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
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
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.
Coastal Ridge Apartments

Coastal Ridge Apartments

3.5 out of 5
38 King Street Timaru
Stay at this aparthotel in Timaru. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the property condition in their reviews. Popular ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (108 reviews)
"Wonderful staff!"

Reviewed on 12 July 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, Wi-Fi (surcharge) and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the property condition in their ...
8/10 Very good! (170 reviews)
"Rooms were clean. Kitchen was equipped. Staff was approachable. Off street parking available."

Reviewed on 8 Apr 2026

Blue Dolphin Motel
‘Jupiter’ Bayview Escape Apartment

‘Jupiter’ Bayview Escape Apartment

Timaru Canterbury Region
Stay at this apartment in Timaru. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and patios. Popular attractions Trevor Griffiths Rose Garden and Aigantighe Art Gallery ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
"The host was very friendly and accommodating! The location was great and the home very comfortable."

Reviewed on 28 Feb 2026

‘Jupiter’ Bayview Escape Apartment
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 visit to Trevor Griffiths Rose Garden. Visit the area's spas or simply enjoy its bars.
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