Destinations
8 best Timaru camping grounds
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Looking for the best Timaru camping grounds? Timaru is the second largest city in the Canterbury region, sitting halfway between Christchurch and Dunedin. This port town is famous for its Victorian and Edwardian buildings made from volcanic bluestone. And its surrounding beaches, mountains, lakes and rivers are just as beautiful.
Get comfortable during your stay with our ultimate guide to the top Timaru camping grounds! Our list includes price, location, features, nearby attractions and more so you can plan the ultimate South Island adventure.
Best campgrounds near Timaru: 8 spots to sleep under the stars
1. Glenmark Holiday Park
30 Beaconsfield Road, RD2, Timaru 7972, New Zealand | From $38 per night
Just a three-minute drive from central Timaru, you can spend your holiday checking out the sandy beaches, incredible museums and stunning landscapes around the area.
Head to Caroline Bay Beach, which has been voted as one of the best 10 beaches in New Zealand. You can also take a trip to the lake and enjoy a spot of trout and salmon fishing.
This Timaru camping ground has a range of onsite facilities, including an outdoor pool, playground, pedal car hire and a BBQ and communal kitchen.
2. St Andrews Recreational Reserve
St Andrews 7988, New Zealand | From $16 per person, per night
If you’re looking for something nice and spacious, this Timaru camping ground is a large grass area just off the main road in St Andrews. It offers up 24 power sites and plenty of non-power sites.
It’s just a 15-minute drive to Timaru where you can discover the Timaru Botanic Gardens, head to the Te Ana Maori Rock Art Centre, or make your way to Aigantighe Art Gallery for all kinds of fascinating exhibitions.
During your stay, you can make use of the dump station, ablution block, kitchen and lounge area.
3. Temuka Holiday Park
1 Fergusson Drive, Temuka 7920, New Zealand | From $36 per night
The Temuka Holiday Park is located in the beautiful Temuka Recreation Reserve, just a 17-minute drive from the centre of town. Fun for the whole family, it is surrounded by sports grounds, tennis courts, a swimming pool, skate park, mini golf, walkways and cycle paths.
After a busy day exploring the region’s attractions, head back to 75 hectares of land bordering on the Temuka River to relax and unwind. There are also showers, toilets and a kitchen and laundry to use during your stay.
4. Timaru TOP 10 Holiday Park
154A Selwyn Street, Waimataitai, Timaru 7910, New Zealand | From $40 per night
Timaru TOP 10 is in many ways the perfect Timaru camping ground. Situated within walking distance of both the beach and town centre, it offers easy access to a number of outdoor activities during your stay.
Take a stroll along the boardwalks or the beach, and if you’re lucky you might catch a glimpse of the little penguins that come to shore around dusk. Bay Hill is also just a short walk away, where you’ll find plenty of bars and restaurants.
During your stay, you enjoy full access to all the facilities, with plenty of fun at the children’s playground and jumping pillow, and pedal go karts for hire. There are also toilets, showers, a TV room, two kitchens and more.
5. Pleasant Point Motor Camp
Pleasant Point Highway, Pleasant Point 7974, New Zealand | From $16 per adult, per night
This Timaru camping ground is about a 15-minute drive from central Timaru, with plenty for you to see and do around the surrounding area.
If you have a train lover on your hands, then head down the road to check out Pleasant Point Railway and Historical Society, where you can learn about trains through history and even jump aboard! Just 15 minutes down the road, you can also visit Famlan Farm Park, where all ages can meet adorable animals.
While the campsite itself is basic, it has access to showers, a kitchen and laundry that you can make use of during your stay.
6. Otaio Gorge DoC Campsite
Hunters Hills 7972, New Zealand | From $10 per adult, per night
Located in the Hunters Hills area of the Canterbury region, this Timaru camping ground is nestled within a scenic reserve right next to a forest. Relax back and take a dip in the Otaio River during your stay.
The best part about this campground is that it’s nice and secluded right in the thick of nature, so you can truly escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Timaru is just a 30-minute drive away, which means it’s easy enough to venture into town to check out the museums and beaches before heading back to your remote retreat.
At the campsite, you will find very basic facilities, including flush toilets and water from a tap. You can even enjoy the fire pit for campfires.
7. Winchester Motor Camp
Lot, 386 Winchester-Orari Highway, Winchester 7985, New Zealand | From $15 per night
Base yourself in this gorgeous rural setting, where you can enjoy plenty of space to unwind and enjoy nature. This Timaru camping ground is run by a small, friendly team and is just a short walk to the local village.
For a dose of adventure, head to Big Rock Adventures Canyoning just 15 minutes away. If you’d rather stay cosy and dry indoors, visit Geraldine Historical Museum for a little history lesson on the local area.
While the facilities at this campsite are minimal, you do get access to a hot shower, large kitchen and laundry. Plus, you can head next door during the summer months to enjoy the pool and tennis court.
Book now.
8. The Farmyard Holiday Park
22/50 Elmslie Road, Geraldine 7992, New Zealand | From $37 per night
Just 30 minutes from Timaru, this holiday park offers both powered and non-powered sites. And it’s a paradise for animal lovers!
There’s plenty of fun to be had at the park with a range of animals to check out, including wallabies, donkeys, alpacas, llamas, goats, highland cattle, cows, sheep, guinea pigs, rabbits, ducks, chickens, possum, peacocks, turkeys, water buffalo and even a turtle to welcome you in reception! They even have free donkey rides in the morning.
The facilities at this campsite are amazing as well, with a TV lounge, games room, camper’s kitchen and dump station. It’s also a great place for kids (and big kids!) to explore, with a swimming pool, tennis court and marshmallow pit.
Hire a van in Christchurch for your Timaru camping trip
If you’re planning a South Island road trip, there’s no doubt you need to add Timaru to your list of places to visit! And with our list of the best Timaru camping grounds, you’re one step closer to enjoying the ultimate Canterbury getaway. All you need now is the van to take you there.
Sort out campervan hire in Christchurch with Camplify before hitting the road to explore the history, culture and, of course, stunning beaches in this port town.
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