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Top reasons to visit Waimate

• Scenic Waimate River Walk: Enjoy the natural beauty along the picturesque Waimate River, perfect for leisurely strolls.
• Historic Attractions: Explore the Waimate Historical Museum and charming botanic gardens, showcasing the town's rich heritage.
• Outdoor Adventures: Experience skiing at nearby chalets and discover the best campsites in the region.
• Unique Rock Formations: Visit the stunning local rock formations that add to Waimate's distinctive landscape.
• Warm Kiwi Hospitality: Choose from a range of cosy accommodations, ensuring a welcoming stay for all visitors.

Find great hotels near Waimate

Discover the charm of Waimate with a variety of accommodation options to suit every traveller. From cosy bed and breakfasts to convenient motels, you'll find the perfect base for your adventures. Whether you're seeking a family getaway, a romantic retreat, or an action-packed holiday, Waimate’s lodgings offer essential amenities and warm Kiwi hospitality to ensure a memorable stay.

• Ascot Oamaru Motel: Nestled 37.0km from Waimate, the 3-star Ascot Oamaru Motel is tailored for families seeking a fun-filled getaway. With an array of amenities designed specifically for children, including an Arcade Game Room and a children’s pool, this motel ensures younger guests have a delightful experience. The presence of a First Aid Kit and breakfast options for children adds to the convenience for families. Its welcoming atmosphere makes it a suitable choice for those looking to create cherished family memories.
• Colonial Lodge Motel: Located 37.0km from Waimate, the 3.5-star Colonial Lodge Motel offers a comfortable retreat with a guest rating of 8.6 out of 10. Guests can enjoy a hearty start to their day with various breakfast options available for a fee. The motel features multiple entertainment choices, including digital and flatscreen televisions, ensuring relaxation after a day of exploring. Its proximity to the city centre and historical district provides guests with opportunities to immerse themselves in local culture and history.
• Glenavys Waitaki River Motor Camp - Caravan Park: Just 20.9km from Waimate, the 4-star Glenavys Waitaki River Motor Camp boasts a commendable guest rating of 8.8 out of 10. This holiday park offers a unique experience surrounded by stunning rural landscapes and historical sites. Ideal for those who appreciate the great outdoors, it provides various activities and scenic views nearby. The park's welcoming atmosphere makes it a popular choice for both families and individuals looking to unwind in nature.

Where to stay near Waimate

Waimate, a charming suburb in Canterbury, offers a delightful escape for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking romantic getaways. Explore the quaint town's friendly atmosphere, rich history, and stunning scenery. Just a stone's throw away, enjoy skiing opportunities, picturesque beaches, and the breathtaking landscapes of the Waitaki region. Whether you're wandering through local boutiques or soaking up the serene vibes, Waimate promises an unforgettable travel experience.

• Morven: Located 11.3km from Waimate, Morven is a charming suburb that captivates visitors with its serene outdoor landscapes and romantic settings. With a peak in traveller arrivals during the summer months from December to February, Morven is perfect for those seeking a peaceful escape. The area boasts beautiful lakes, inviting beaches, and quaint town neighbourhoods that are ideal for leisurely strolls and picnics. Experience the stunning scenery that surrounds this suburb, making it a delightful destination for nature lovers.
• Hunter: Also situated 11.3km from Waimate, Hunter offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and cultural experiences. This suburb attracts families and culture enthusiasts year-round, with a notable increase in visitors during the summer. Hunter is home to significant historic sites, a welcoming town neighbourhood, and a local museum that showcases the region's rich heritage. Whether you're exploring the trails or engaging with the local culture, Hunter provides an enriching travel experience for all ages.
• Makikihi: Just 12.9km from Waimate, Makikihi is an adventurous suburb that is perfect for those who love the great outdoors. With a steady flow of visitors throughout the year, particularly from December to February, this area is known for its exhilarating outdoor activities. Enjoy the vibrant shopping and recreational areas, along with stunning lakes and picturesque beaches that are ideal for exploration. Makikihi's blend of adventure and beautiful scenery ensures a memorable experience for all who visit.

Things to do in Waimate

Shopping

In Waimate, you’ll find unique gifts at local shops like the Waimate Gifts & Crafts. For a broader selection, if you're up for a drive, head to Timaru where you can explore the Fashion Island or the Timaru Farmers Market for a variety of souvenirs and local produce.

Recreation

Waimate's wellness retreats offer a tranquil setting for relaxation and rejuvenation, with spa treatments and holistic therapies. Explore the area's picturesque landscapes through gentle hikes or unwind in natural hot springs, immersing yourself in the serene beauty of the Canterbury region.

Adventure

Explore the Waimate Scenic Reserve for hiking trails that meander through native bush, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. For an adrenaline rush, try mountain biking at the nearby tracks, where you can enjoy exhilarating descents and the thrill of navigating rugged terrain.

Nightlife

In Waimate, the local pubs and bars offer a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring. Enjoy live music at venues like the Waimate Club or mingle with locals at the historic Royal Hotel, where you can experience a taste of Kiwi hospitality.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Waimate

To save money on your trip to Waimate, consider visiting during the off-peak months of May and August to September when accommodation costs are lower. Booking on a Monday can also reduce expenses, while Saturdays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia’s search tool to find budget-friendly options by sorting results from low to high and filtering by hotel type, including Eco-certified stays. Bundling accommodation with flights and activities can further enhance your savings, ensuring you enjoy great rates and deals during your visit.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Waimate are May and August to September, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to December to February, where prices are slightly higher.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Waimate is Monday. The most expensive day to stay in Waimate is Saturday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget and preferred location, among other preferences. You can arrange your results to display prices from low to high, ensuring you see the most affordable accommodation options first. Additionally, you have the option to narrow your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by bundling your Waimate accommodation with your flights and activities by booking a package through Expedia.

Find the best attractions in and around Waimate

Waimate, nestled in Canterbury, is perfect for outdoor and romantic getaways, boasting stunning scenery and a range of attractions. Visitors can explore historic sites like the Waimate Historical Museum, the charming Waimate Botanic Gardens, and the town centre, as well as the historic lighthouse and unique rock formations. Whether you seek culture, adventure, or a peaceful beach experience, Waimate has something for everyone to enjoy.

• Seddon Square: Nestled in Waimate, Seddon Square is a charming park that embodies eco-friendly and family-friendly vibes. It's an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll, picnics, or simply enjoying the outdoors amidst beautiful greenery.
• St Patrick's Catholic Church: This historic church in Waimate is a cultural gem, showcasing stunning architecture and a serene atmosphere. Visitors can appreciate its stained glass windows and learn about its significance in the local community.
• Riverstone Castle: Located 24.1km from Waimate, Riverstone Castle offers a romantic and culturally rich experience. The enchanting architecture and beautiful gardens create a fairy-tale setting, making it a lovely destination for exploration.

Best time to go to Waimate

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

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	57.4°F (14.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
February	57.6°F (14.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
March	55.9°F (13.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
April	53.1°F (11.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
May	49.5°F (9.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	46.0°F (7.8°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
July	44.8°F (7.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
August	45.9°F (7.7°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
September	47.5°F (8.6°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly Low
October	49.6°F (9.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	52.5°F (11.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
December	55.6°F (13.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly High

The nearest major airports for your trip to Waimate

To reach Waimate, tourists can fly into two major airports. Dunedin Airport (DUD) is situated 148.1km from Waimate, with nearby accommodation options such as the 4-star Bonnie Knights Motel and Bella Vista Motel Mosgiel, both 12.9km away, and the 3-star Silver Peaks Lodge, located 9.7km from the airport. Alternatively, Timaru Airport (TIU) is only 49.9km from Waimate, offering excellent hotel choices like the 4.5-star Aspen on King Motel, 11.3km away, the 4-star Ashbury Park Motel, 8.0km away, and the 4-star Baywatch Motor Lodge, 9.7km from the airport. Both airports provide convenient access for a smooth travel experience.