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.

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.

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.

Highfield

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

Aaron Court Motel

Aaron Court Motel

2 out of 5
27 Evans St Timaru Canterbury
The price is NZ$100 per night from 26 Nov to 27 Nov
NZ$100
26 Nov - 27 Nov
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 (146 reviews)
"There is nothing good to say about this place. Our room was dirty and ill-maintained. Being right on State Highway 1 it was noisy 24/7, and access in and out was difficult due to the constant traffic."

Reviewed on 24 Oct 2026

Aaron Court Motel
Asure Ashley Motor Lodge

Asure Ashley Motor Lodge

3 out of 5
95-99 King Street Timaru
The price is NZ$200 per night from 30 Oct to 31 Oct
NZ$200
30 Oct - 31 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Timaru. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Botanical Gardens and Otipua Wetland are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (183 reviews)
"Well above expectations. Great to have 2 separate bedrooms. Very spacious unit. Highly recommend."

Reviewed on 7 Oct 2026

Asure Ashley Motor Lodge
The Sea Breeze

The Sea Breeze

2 out of 5
28 The Bay Hill Timaru Canterbury Region
The price is NZ$248 per night from 1 Nov to 2 Nov
NZ$248
1 Nov - 2 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Timaru. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and balconies or patios. Popular attractions Trevor Griffiths Rose Garden and South Canterbury Museum ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (20 reviews)
"Bright, friendly and modern ( with an historical twist) this venue was a lovely stay. From the moment we checked in we were welcomed and nothing was too much trouble. Lovely views of the Bay and easy access to the beach, walks, gardens, restaurants, bars and the CBD. Only recently opened (March 2026) ..."

Reviewed on 24 Oct 2026

The Sea Breeze
See all 80 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! (113 reviews)
"Excellent"

Reviewed on 9 Oct 2026

Coastal Ridge Apartments
Large 4-Bedroom Home with Dual Living & short Walk to Beach/Town

Large 4-Bedroom Home with Dual Living & short Walk to Beach/Town

Timaru Canterbury Region
Stay at this holiday home in Timaru. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Aigantighe Art Gallery and Trevor Griffiths Rose ...
Large 4-Bedroom Home with Dual Living & short Walk to Beach/Town
Prime Spot Stay - Entire guest suite

Prime Spot Stay - Entire guest suite

Timaru Canterbury Region
Stay at this holiday home in Timaru. Enjoy free Wi-Fi and air conditioning. Popular attractions Ashbury Park and Aigantighe Art Gallery are located nearby.
Prime Spot Stay - Entire guest suite
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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