Timaru accommodation from AU$99

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Accommodation In Timaru

The port city of Timaru has plenty of great scenery, from gardens and beaches to charming old-fashioned buildings. With the safe swimming of Caroline Bay, a fascinating museum and art gallery, botanical gardens and even a carnival, Timaru’s relaxed atmosphere and family-friendly attractions make this New Zealand city well worth a visit. Book your Timaru hotel with us to discover it for yourself.

History

Timaru is the largest city in the Canterbury region of NZ. The volcanic eruptions of the now-extinct (and unflatteringly named) Mt. Horrible created Timaru’s rolling hills. Volcanic rock was used to construct the many "bluestone" buildings in the city today. The European occupation of Timaru began when the Weller brothers built a whaling station there in 1839.

Things to do

One of NZ’s most popular beaches, Caroline Bay is sheltered by the harbour’s breakwater and comes with a colony of little penguins. Caroline Bay Park is the home of the Trevor Griffiths Rose Garden, which has over one thousand colourful roses. It’s also the place where the Caroline Bay Carnival is held every summer, so step right up if you want to catch some live music or admire the sight of the ocean from a Ferris Wheel or Turbo Coaster.

The diverse attractions of the Timaru Botanic Gardens include endangered plants, a woodland garden, a conservatory and an aviary.

The South Canterbury Museum has an extensive collection of artefacts, including local fossils, Maori handicrafts and photographs and maps from European settlement. The Aigantighe Art Gallery is the third largest art museum on the South Island. As well as a sculpture garden that’s always open, the gallery has both temporary and permanent exhibitions including nineteenth century Victorian paintings, Maori art and respected Kiwi artists.

Shopping and dining

Northtown Mall and Highfield Village Mall are Timaru’s main shopping centres, and there’s also plenty to see on Stafford Street, like clothing shops and coffee houses. Dine at an Asian restaurant, go out for pizza or come by for a drink at an ale house. Stafford Street is only a short walk away from the beach, and the bars and restaurants begin as soon as you leave Caroline Bay Park.

Getting here

Timaru is about halfway between Christchurch and Dunedin, so take a look at our flights to Christchurch and flights to Dunedin to go with your Timaru accommodation and get set to take time out in Timaru.

Timaru hotels essential information

Accommodation
58 hotels
Lowest Price
AU$99
Highest Price
AU$271
Popular hotels
The Grosvenor, Ashbury Park Motel, Aaron Court Motel, Coastal Ridge Apartments, Panorama Motor Lodge, Comfort Hotel Benvenue, Harbour View Motel, Parklands Motor Lodge Timaru, ASURE Avenue Motor Lodge

Frequently asked questions

What are the best hotels in Timaru?
If Timaru is your holiday base, drop your bags and slide into chillax mode at Elizabeth Court Guest House. Nearby free parking and a free breakfast are just two of the reasons guests rave about this place. Want quick access to Caroline Bay Beach and South Canterbury Museum? Then say hello to Coastal Ridge Apartments, another one of our sought-after hotels in Timaru. When it’s time to book, Wotif is your ultimate go-to for getting unbeatable deals on Timaru accommodation.
How many days should I spend in Timaru?
That’s like asking how much ice cream to have in one sitting — it’s all about personal preference. Most travellers spend 2 days exploring this vibrant destination. Short stay or extended break, our Timaru hotel deals will help make your getaway an unforgettable one.
Where should a first-time tourist stay in Timaru?
If you’re a newbie in town, you’ll wanna be where the action is. That’s why you’ll find that plenty of people choose to bunk down in the vibrant area of Kensington. It’s a go-to spot and home to top Timaru hotels, like Elizabeth Court Guest House.
How much does a Timaru hotel cost?
Timaru hotel prices vary according to when you go and just how fancy you want your digs to be. To lock in AU$99 cheap accommodation in Timaru, enter your details, hit search, then filter your results by property class, budget, amenities and more. Another way to keep costs down? Avoid booking in the high season months of August, September and October, when rates are typically higher. Because the only thing better than going on holiday is getting it for a cheeky bargain!
How do I get a cheap hotel in Timaru?
Track down cheap hotels in Timaru like a pro with these insider tricks:

  • Midweek stays can work wonders keeping your budget in check: Cheaper room rates are typically offered from Mondays to Thursdays.
  • Pocket perks by joining Wotif: Enjoy exclusive Mates Rates discounts, including 10% or more off select hotels, when you’re logged in to Wotif.
  • Travel off-peak: February, November and December are Timaru’s low season. Flights, room rates and just about everything else is more affordable during this time.
  • Filters are your friend, dear traveller: Use our handy filter tool to find the type of holiday you’re after, then sort by the lowest price to find a hot deal.

Which hotels in Timaru are family-friendly?
Dive headfirst into a world of family fun in one of our Timaru family accommodation options. Offering stacks of cool stuff like kids’ clubs, pools and games rooms, they’re not just places to stay, but destinations in their own right. Use our “Family friendly” filter to find them in a flash, or have a peek at these top-notch options for you and your tiny team:


What is the best area to stay in Timaru?
A great hotel in an epic location is hard to beat, which is why many people pick the neighbourhoods of Timaru Central, Timaru Port and Parkside for their Timaru accommodation. But hey, we’re just getting warmed up. There are loads of other captivating Timaru neighbourhoods worth a look. Find all the possible locations for your hotel in Timaru by clicking “View map” at the top of the page.

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