Timaru is a bustling port city with lots to explore. The Maori have been decorating local rocks and hillsides for hundreds of years, giving you a unique insight to the local culture. With museums, art galleries, parks and a gorgeous beach, and not to mention amazing eateries, Timaru is a perfect place to stay for a few nights on your tour of the South Island.
Getting in and around Timaru
Timaru Airport
The Timaru Airport, also known as the Richard Pearse Airport, is a very small airport with just a few runways. Regular flights are available from Wellington via Air New Zealand.
Timaru Transport
Getting around Timaru is easy thanks to a convenient local bus service, which provides service to surrounding areas, suburbs, attractions and townships as well as transportation within the city of Timaru.
Timaru Car Hire
Car hire is another convenient way to get around and you'll have more flexibility without being at the mercy of the bus schedule. Numerous car rental companies have stands at the Timaru airport as well as around town.
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Timaru accommodation
The selection of accommodation in Timaru is a bit narrow. But luckily, travellers will find that there are a number of unique bed and breakfasts as well as a few mid-range hotels in Timaru that are very affordable.
Mid-range
The Grosvenor Hotel is a focal point in Timaru with elegant old-world architecture and comfortable rooms that are reasonably priced.
Nelson Heights Bed and Breakfast features a beautifully restored villa with elegant furnishings with warm tones.
The Comfort Hotel has something for everyone and is only a few minutes away from Caroline Bay.
Magnolia Cottage Bed and Breakfast is a beautiful country bed and breakfast that features a rural outlook. The Benvenue Hotel and Motor Inn has something for everyone with finer hotel rooms and more basic motel rooms with motel prices.
The Berrillo Estate is a beautiful country bed and breakfast that features antique furnishings and personal touches.
Budget
Parklands Motor Lodge gets all of the basics right with comfortable rooms and friendly service.
Aaron Court Motel has comfortable rooms that are fully equipped with basic amenities for your comfort.
Glenmark Holiday Park has motel units, cabins and powered sites for camping. The Parklands Motor Lodge gets all of the basics right with comfortable rooms and friendly service.
The 29 Townhouse Motel has comfortable rooms that are fully equipped with kitchens and other amenities for your comfort.
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Things to do in Timaru
This bustling port city is bursting with activity and things to do. You'll find some of the most unique activities in Timaru that include one-of-a-kind attractions, legendary art work and world class skiing. Everyone will find something they love.
The Timaru Botanic Gardens are glorious during the summer months, perfect for a relaxing stroll. You'll also find an aviary and several duck ponds.
The South Canterbury Museum is a fun and educational excursion that the whole family will love. The museum features exhibits exploring the region's natural, Maori and social history as well as the European settlement.
Aigantighe Art Gallery is one of the largest galleries in New Zealand. It has impressive works from numerous eras and regions, spanning from the 16th century to present, from Europe to Asia.
Maori Rock Art. Timaru is well-known for Maori rock art, and beautiful rock paintings that date back to the 16th century can be seen scattered all around Timaru and the surrounding area.
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Day trips around Timaru
Timaru Skiing. Timaru is a popular jumping off point for winter skiers looking to explore the surrounding slopes. The area is packed with skiers during the winter months with many popular ski areas within just a few hours' drive, including Fox Peak, Mount Hutt, Tekapo, and Mount Dobson.
Pleasant Point is a township that's just a short drive from Timaru. Pleasant Point makes for a great day trip with lots of things to explore, including the steam railway.
Mackenzie District, located just an hour north of Timaru, is a great spot for outdoor adventurers. The area is home to impressive ski slopes, gorgeous lakes and rivers, as well as Mount Cook, the highest peak in New Zealand.
Caroline Bay is a popular place to hang out and swim during the summer months. When it's warm, the spot will be packed with travellers, swimmers and water sports enthusiasts. You might even hear live music coming from the nearby amphitheatre.
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