The Grosvenor Hotel, Timaru

Situated in historic Timaru, the Grosvenor Hotel prides itself on originality, with a unique blend of genuine Kiwi hospitality and eccentric rooms with a sustainable twist (think vintage furniture combined with modern art).

Although Timaru is a convenient mid-way point between Christchurch and Dunedin or Mount Cook, it is well worth a visit in its own right to sample an authentic New Zealand port town. As a frequent stopping point for whalers and moa-hunters of yesteryear, the town was built upon by early European settlers and developed over the years into a key agricultural town; much can be learned of the area’s history in the local museum, and the town centre still contains many Victorian and Edwardian-era buildings, carved out of local bluestone, a result of ancient volcanic eruptions.

Now a listed building, the Grosvenor boasts quite the colourful past; originally constructed in 1875, and being rebuilt after fire in 1915, the site lays claim to the establishment of the Canterbury Rugby Football Union, the oldest Rugby Union in New Zealand. It was also the lodgings of choice for the Royal visit in 1954.

What our travellers love about staying here…

  • Enjoying a local DB beer at the traditional style bar downstairs.
  • Walking the boardwalk at nearby Caroline Bay.
  • Viewing one of New Zealand’s largest public art collections at the local gallery.