What is Kensington like?

Guests are sure to enjoy their time checking out all that Timaru's Kensington neighbourhood has to offer. Are you looking for Kensington travel tips? Make sure that you visit Botanical Gardens and Patiti Point while you're in the neighbourhood.

What's a favourite place to stay in Kensington?

For your stay in Kensington, Asure Ashley Motor Lodge is one of the top choices based on our traveller data. Another good option for your stay in the area is Coastal Ridge Apartments .

If I need to cancel my hotel reservation in Kensington, will I receive a refund?

Yes! You'll find that most hotel reservations are fully refundable as long as you cancel prior to the accommodation's cancellation deadline, which often is within 24-48 hours of your scheduled arrival. If your reservation is non-refundable, you might be able to still cancel and get a refund within a 24-hour period of booking. Enter your dates, click on "Search", then you can use the "fully refundable" filter to review the best deals available in Kensington.

What are the top things to see and do in Kensington?

Spend some time exploring the natural setting of Kensington with a visit to Botanical Gardens and Patiti Point. Otipua Wetland and South Canterbury Museum are also worth a visit when you're out sightseeing in Timaru.

Top 10 Kensington Hotels of 2026

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Our top choices for Kensington hotels

A hotel room with a large bed, a chair, a balcony with a view, and a window with curtains.

1. Asure Ashley Motor Lodge

Kensington

Judy and Jerry

includes taxes & fees

13 Oct - 14 Oct

A coastal building with balconies, labeled "COASTAL RIDGE TIMARU LUXURY ACCOMMODATION."

2. Coastal Ridge Apartments

Kensington

Sarah

includes taxes & fees

1 Oct - 2 Oct

A reception area with a glass door, a red door, and a stone pillar.

3. Cedar Lodge Motel

Kensington

Lindsay

includes taxes & fees

14 Oct - 15 Oct

A hotel room with two beds, a desk, a TV, and a view of greenery outside.

4. ASURE Avenue Motor Lodge

Parkside, 0.8 km from Kensington

Rachael

includes taxes & fees

13 Oct - 14 Oct

A compact kitchen with a central island, a sink, and a stove. There are two bar stools and a dining table.

5. Anchor Motel

Maori Hill, 2.9 km from Kensington

Frances

includes taxes & fees

5 Oct - 6 Oct

A bar area with wooden flooring, a curved bar counter, and a variety of bottles and glasses on shelves.

6. The Grosvenor

Timaru Central, 1.8 km from Kensington

Ants

includes taxes & fees

26 Oct - 27 Oct

A balcony with a glass table and chairs, overlooking a coastal area with palm trees and a clear view of the sea.

7. Panorama Motor Lodge

Timaru Central, 2.3 km from Kensington

Ele

includes taxes & fees

16 Oct - 17 Oct

A room with a circular window overlooking a beach, a lamp, and a bed with pillows.

8. The Sea Breeze

Timaru Central, 2.2 km from Kensington

Kurt

includes taxes & fees

17 Oct - 18 Oct

A hotel room with a bed, a TV on a stand, a desk with a chair, and a window with curtains.

9. Parklands Motor Lodge Timaru

Waimataitai, 3.2 km from Kensington

Zoe

includes taxes & fees

17 Oct - 18 Oct

A compact kitchen with a microwave, stove, and sink. There is a clock on the wall and a window with blinds.

10. Aspen on King Motel

Parkside, 0.6 km from Kensington

Rodney

includes taxes & fees

14 Oct - 15 Oct

A hotel room with a bed, a TV, a desk, and a view of the street.

11. Bay City Motor Lodge

Maori Hill, 2.6 km from Kensington

Nick

includes taxes & fees

8 Oct - 9 Oct

A hotel room with two beds, a desk, a TV, and a balcony with a view.

12. Bay Viaduct Motor Lodge

Maori Hill, 2.4 km from Kensington

Robyn

includes taxes & fees

31 Oct - 1 Nov

A building with a sign indicating a vacancy.

13. Ashbury Park Motel

Waimataitai, 3.6 km from Kensington

Jared

includes taxes & fees

26 Oct - 27 Oct

A room with a leather sofa, sheer curtains, and a view of a balcony.

14. Harbour View Motel

Maori Hill, 2.6 km from Kensington

Thomas

includes taxes & fees

26 Oct - 27 Oct

A hotel room with a bed, a desk, a chair, a television, and a view of the beach.

15. Baywatch Motor Lodge

Maori Hill, 2.7 km from Kensington

Ross

includes taxes & fees

4 Oct - 5 Oct

A hotel room with a bed, a desk, and a television in the adjacent room.

16. Blue Dolphin Motel

Maori Hill, 2.9 km from Kensington

Judith

includes taxes & fees

5 Oct - 6 Oct

A conference room with tables and chairs, large windows, and a view of the outdoors.

17. Comfort Hotel Benvenue

Maori Hill, 2.7 km from Kensington

Garry

includes taxes & fees

11 Oct - 12 Oct

A kitchen with a sink, a coffee maker, and a window with a view of greenery.

18. Fitzgerald on King

Parkside, 0.6 km from Kensington

Paul

includes taxes & fees

4 Oct - 5 Oct

A modern hotel room with a sofa, a small bed, a TV, and a balcony with a view.

19. The Coast Motel

Maori Hill, 2.7 km from Kensington

Julie

includes taxes & fees

28 Oct - 29 Oct

A neatly made bed with patterned bedding and a dark-colored pillow.

20. Aaron Court Motel

Maori Hill, 2.8 km from Kensington

mark

includes taxes & fees

8 Oct - 9 Oct

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Where to stay in Kensington

Find the best Kensington areas for the activities you enjoy most.

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.

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Maori Hill

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

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A garden with a fountain, benches, and a statue.

Timaru Port

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

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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.

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Highfield

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

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Top Kensington Hotel Reviews

Bay Viaduct Motor Lodge

10/10 Excellent

"The hostess was extremely informative, friendly and accommodating. The complex is centrally located, just off SH1 and there is very little noise during the night. It is easy to get around Timaru."

The Sea Breeze

10/10 Excellent

"We had a fantastic stay at this apartment in Timaru. It has been recently refurbished and is beautifully presented, with everything you could possibly need for a comfortable stay. The location is excellent, just minutes from the main street, with plenty of great restaurants and cafés within easy walking distance. The apartment itself was spotlessly clean and very well equipped. The real highlight, though, was the amazing sea views. They were absolutely incredible and made the stay feel extra special. We would happily stay here again and highly recommend it to anyone visiting Timaru!"

Aaron Court Motel

8/10 Good

"Beds comfortable, beautiful crisp white sheets, linen clean. Nice shower pressure and hot, the room was tired looking, but very clean. Could have done with a small dining table to eat at but this wasn't the end of the world as there was a wee coffee table. The rooms were clean and tidy, but the walls could have done with a wipe down, to remove some marks, as it made the place look tired."

Hotels in Kensington

Change your mind

Treat yourself

Be picky

Check prices for these dates

Filter by

Star rating

Guest rating

Our top choices for Kensington hotels

1. Asure Ashley Motor Lodge

2. Coastal Ridge Apartments

3. Cedar Lodge Motel

4. ASURE Avenue Motor Lodge

5. Anchor Motel

6. The Grosvenor

7. Panorama Motor Lodge

8. The Sea Breeze

9. Parklands Motor Lodge Timaru

10. Aspen on King Motel

11. Bay City Motor Lodge

12. Bay Viaduct Motor Lodge

13. Ashbury Park Motel

14. Harbour View Motel

15. Baywatch Motor Lodge

16. Blue Dolphin Motel

17. Comfort Hotel Benvenue

18. Fitzgerald on King

19. The Coast Motel

20. Aaron Court Motel

Where to stay in Kensington

Timaru Central

Maori Hill

Timaru Port

Seaview

Highfield

Top Kensington Hotel Reviews

Bay Viaduct Motor Lodge

Frequently asked questions

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