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 large church with two domes and a central dome, surrounded by scaffolding.
Photo by Dan Koczur
Open Photo by Dan Koczur

Parkside

While Parkside isn't home to many top sights, South Canterbury Museum and Trevor Griffiths Rose Garden are some notable places to visit nearby.

West End

While West End isn't home to many top sights, Botanic Gardens and Trevor Griffiths Rose Garden are some notable places to visit nearby.

Waimataitai

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

Anchor Motel

Anchor Motel

2.5 out of 5
42 Evans St Timaru
The price is NZ$97 per night from 4 July to 5 July
NZ$97
4 July - 5 July
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! (220 reviews)
"Whole house. Very old house which was actually quite an experience..pull chord for lights and shower over claw foot bath, took me back to my 20's.. 1 full length mirror somewhere, would be great!! But iron and board were very helpful! Needs some work on both bathrooms! Extractor fan in kitchen VERY ..."

Reviewed on 3 June 2026

Anchor Motel
The Grosvenor

The Grosvenor

3 out of 5
26 Cains Terrace Timaru
The price is NZ$164 per night from 4 July to 5 July
NZ$164
4 July - 5 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! (847 reviews)
"Loved my stay. Great hotel with lovely rooms."

Reviewed on 4 June 2026

The Grosvenor
Parklands Motor Lodge Timaru

Parklands Motor Lodge Timaru

3.5 out of 5
65-67 Evans Street Timaru
The price is NZ$149 per night from 16 July to 17 July
NZ$149
16 July - 17 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Timaru. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and private hot tubs. Popular attractions Ashbury Park and Timaru Lighthouse are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (276 reviews)
"Clean tidy a very friendly staff"

Reviewed on 1 June 2026

Parklands Motor Lodge Timaru
See all 70 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! (107 reviews)
"Clean room, prime location"

Reviewed on 22 May 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

9.0/5 (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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