Timaru Hotels from

Top reasons to visit Timaru

• Scenic Timaru Botanic Gardens: Stroll through the lush gardens, showcasing a diverse array of flora and picturesque landscapes.
• Beautiful Swimming Beaches: Relax on stunning beaches with crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
• Rich History and Culture: Discover local heritage at the history museum and engage with authentic Māori culture.
• Charming Neighbourhoods: Explore vibrant shopping areas and experience the warmth of friendly locals.
• Diverse Accommodation Options: Enjoy a range of cosy motels and guesthouses, catering to all travellers' needs.

Find great hotels in Timaru

Timaru offers a delightful selection of accommodations, ranging from cosy motels to welcoming guesthouses, perfect for families and pet owners alike. With a variety of options to suit every traveller's needs, you can enjoy the charm of this scenic city while indulging in a city-themed vacation experience. Discover the best hotels in Timaru that cater to your requirements, ensuring a memorable stay in this beautiful part of Canterbury.

• The Grosvenor: Nestled in the heart of Timaru, The Grosvenor is a charming 3-star hotel that caters to eco-conscious travellers seeking a sustainable getaway. With its eco-certification, this hotel emphasises an environmentally friendly experience without compromising on comfort. Guests can enjoy cosy accommodations complemented by green practices, making it an ideal choice for those who wish to minimise their carbon footprint while exploring the beauty of Canterbury. The Grosvenor provides a warm ambiance, ensuring a restful stay for all who visit.
• Aspen on King Motel: A standout 4.5-star property, Aspen on King Motel offers a welcoming atmosphere for all guests, including LGBTQIA travellers. This eco-certified motel combines modern comfort with a commitment to sustainability, providing an exceptional retreat in Timaru. Its affiliation with LGBTQI travel guides ensures that all guests feel safe, respected, and included. With high-quality amenities and a prime location, Aspen on King is perfect for those looking to relax in style while embracing eco-friendly practices.
• Parklands Motor Lodge Timaru: This inviting 3.5-star motel offers a variety of entertainment options, including Satellite TV and LCD screens, ensuring guests can unwind after a day of exploration. Parklands Motor Lodge is conveniently located near attractions such as theme parks and shopping outlets, making it a fantastic base for your adventures in Timaru. With facilities like a laundromat and easy access to local hospitals and the airport, guests will appreciate the practicality and comfort this lodge provides.

Where to stay in and around Timaru

Timaru, nestled in Canterbury, offers a delightful blend of outdoor adventures and scenic beauty, perfect for a romantic getaway or budget-friendly vacation. Explore charming neighbourhoods and experience the warmth of friendly locals. Venture to nearby attractions to immerse yourself in authentic Māori culture. With a central location, Timaru provides easy access to forthcoming holiday events, ensuring a memorable stay filled with luxury and local charm.

• Maori Hill: Nestled around the vibrant area of Timaru, Maori Hill offers a delightful blend of outdoor adventure and stunning scenery. This suburb sees moderately seasonal traveller arrivals, peaking in March and the festive months of December to January. Visitors are drawn to Maori Hill for its array of activities, from shopping to rejuvenating spa treatments. Nature enthusiasts will be thrilled by the nearby mountain ranges, national parks, and picturesque beaches that provide ample opportunities for exploration and relaxation.
• Fairview: Situated approximately 3.2km from Timaru, Fairview captivates visitors with its charming suburban atmosphere. Like Maori Hill, it experiences moderately seasonal tourist traffic, particularly bustling in March and over the holiday season. Fairview is the perfect spot for those seeking outdoor adventures and romantic experiences, surrounded by serene lakes and beautiful parks. The urban park offers a delightful setting for leisurely strolls or picnics, making it a perfect destination for couples and families alike.
• Scarborough: Just 3.2km away from Timaru, the quaint village of Scarborough presents a unique travel experience with its scenic landscapes and outdoor activities. This charming locale is less affected by seasonal fluctuations in visitor numbers but still sees a peak during March and the festive period. Scarborough attracts those seeking romance and adventure, with opportunities for running, fishing, and indulging in spa treatments. The proximity to stunning lakes, a bustling harbour, and pristine beaches adds to its allure, making it an ideal getaway for nature lovers.

Things to do in and around Timaru

Timaru offers a delightful mix of outdoor activities and scenic beauty, making it perfect for a romantic getaway. Enjoy the vibrant shopping areas, relax at the stunning swimming beaches, and explore the various recreational spots. Don't miss out on the opportunity to indulge in body treatments and take guided site tours to fully appreciate the charm of this charming Canterbury destination.

Shopping

In Timaru, explore the local shops along Stafford Street for unique gifts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, head to The Plaza in Ashburton, where you’ll discover a variety of retail options, including fashion and homeware stores.

Recreation

At Patiti Point, immerse yourself in the calming coastal environment, perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation. Nearby, McLean Park offers a vibrant atmosphere for sports enthusiasts, while the Fairlie Golf Course invites you to enjoy outdoor activities amidst stunning landscapes, promoting both wellness and recreation.

Adventure

In Timaru, explore the thrilling waves at Caroline Bay, perfect for surfing and beach activities. Experience the adrenaline rush of skydiving over stunning coastal landscapes, or hike the scenic trails of the nearby Mount Cook National Park, where breathtaking views await adventure enthusiasts.

Nightlife

For a unique experience, visit Geraldine Observatory, a planetarium located 33.8km from Timaru, where you can enjoy stunning stargazing and celestial shows. Back in town, check out local pubs for a lively atmosphere and craft beers to round off your evening.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Timaru

To save money on your trip to Timaru, consider visiting from August to October when accommodation prices are at their lowest. Sundays are the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays tend to be more expensive. Take advantage of free activities like Ashbury Park and explore the town using public transport, such as buses, to keep costs down. Use Expedia’s search tool to find great deals on hotels and consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. Always check for the best rates and minute deals to maximise your budget.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Timaru are August to October, 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 Timaru is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay in Timaru is Saturday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel that suits you best. To find the most affordable prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
• Consider bundling your trip: You could potentially save money by combining your Timaru hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Find the best attractions in Timaru

Timaru is an idyllic destination for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking a romantic getaway, boasting attractions like the scenic Timaru Botanic Gardens, a history museum, and urban parks. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture and explore family-friendly activities while enjoying the beautiful landscapes. Whether you're wandering through the lush gardens or delving into the town's rich history, Timaru offers a delightful experience for all travellers.

• South Canterbury Museum: Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the region at South Canterbury Museum. Explore fascinating exhibits that showcase local heritage, art, and natural history, making it a perfect spot for those interested in the area's past.
• Ashbury Park: A delightful urban park ideal for families, Ashbury Park offers expansive green spaces, playgrounds, and picnic areas. Enjoy a leisurely stroll or engage in outdoor activities while soaking up the vibrant city atmosphere.
• Trevor Griffiths Rose Garden: This stunning flower garden is a serene retreat filled with an array of beautiful roses. Perfect for families, it provides a picturesque setting for relaxation, photography, and enjoying nature's splendour.

Best time to go to Timaru

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

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	45.9°F (7.7°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
February	46.2°F (7.9°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
March	43.2°F (6.2°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
April	38.1°F (3.4°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	32.4°F (0.2°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
June	27.1°F (-2.7°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
July	25.0°F (-3.9°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
August	26.4°F (-3.1°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
September	28.9°F (-1.7°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
October	32.5°F (0.3°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
November	38.1°F (3.4°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
December	43.5°F (6.4°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Slightly High

The nearest major airports for your trip to Timaru

Flying into Timaru is most convenient via Timaru Airport (TIU-Richard Pearse), situated 11.3km from the town centre. This airport serves several airlines, making it accessible for international tourists. Nearby, you can find comfortable accommodation options such as the 4.5-star Aspen on King Motel, located 11.3km away, and the 4-star Baywatch Motor Lodge, which is 9.7km distant. For a closer option, the 4-star Ashbury Park Motel is just 8.0km from the airport. Local transport services, including shuttles and taxis, provide easy access between these hotels and the airport, ensuring a smooth transition for your visit to Timaru.