Must-see hotels in Dunedin & Otago

  • Asure Avenue Motel

    Central Otago

    The pick of the motels on the main drag, these clean, modern units have all the mod cons, and full kitchens, too. Studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments…

  • Highfield Mews

    Dunedin & Otago

    The units at this motel are basically smart apartments, with kitchens, desks, stereos and tiled bathrooms, most with spa baths.

  • Cromwell Backpackers

    Central Otago

    This small, popular and somewhat ramshackle hostel is right in the centre of town, with bunk beds packed quite tight. There's a no-shoes policy,…

  • Vulcan Hotel

    Central Otago

    The Vulcan Hotel is an atmospheric (and famously haunted) spot to drink, eat or stay in, even if the reception isn't always entirely welcoming…

  • Arden Street House

    Dunedin

    With crazy artworks, friendly kitties, charming hosts and a lived-in feeling, this 1930s hilltop house makes a wonderfully eccentric base. Some of the…

  • Marj’s Place

    Central Otago

    The standard varies widely between the three neighbouring houses that comprise this sprawling hostel. The 'homestay' has private rooms, a Finnish sauna…

  • Blacks Hotel

    Central Otago

    Decorated like an OTT wedding in a Scots hunting lodge, this popular local watering hole is a great spot to enjoy a pint or a pub-style meal (mains $23 to…

  • St Bathans Jail & Constable's Cottage

    Central Otago

    Built in 1884, these neighbouring buildings are an atmospheric option. The cottage has three bedrooms (sleeping six) and is fully self-contained, with a…

  • Chatto Creek Tavern

    Central Otago

    Dating from 1886, this attractive stone hotel sits right beside the Rail Trail and highway, 10km southwest of Omakau. Pop in for hearty pub meals (mains …

  • Oamaru Top 10 Holiday Park

    Dunedin & Otago

    Grassy and well maintained, this Top 10 has trees out the back and is right next door to the lush public gardens. Standard cabins are basic, but the other…

  • Omakau Commercial Hotel

    Central Otago

    There's an old-fashioned ambience to this venerable pub, where good-value rooms, hearty food (mains $20 to $33) and local company are all on tap. The…

  • Criterion Hotel

    Dunedin & Otago

    Period rooms at this lovingly restored 1877 hotel are smallish, but there's a guest lounge and kitchen, and the beds are comfy. Rates include a help…

  • Marchburn Country Lodge

    Oturehua

    Enjoy amazing views of the snow-covered peaks from your bed through the big windows of this isolated B&B right on the rail trail. A crackling fire, big…

  • Chalet Backpackers

    Dunedin

    At the top of the High St hill, this rambling old building offers sweeping views of the city from its sunny lounge and dining room; there’s also a pool…

  • Otago Central Hotel

    Central Otago

    Most of the tidy rooms in this cool old hotel, 27km along the trail from Middlemarch, have private bathrooms, but not en suite.

  • Dunedin Top 10 Holiday Park

    Dunedin

    About 2.5km from the city centre, this spic-and-span park has great facilities and some fun extras like a trampoline, a petanque court, a spa and a heated…

  • Leith Valley Touring Park

    Dunedin

    This holiday park is surrounded by native bush studded with walks, glowworm caves and a creek. Self-contained motel units are spacious, while tourist…

  • Dunedin Palms Motel

    Dunedin

    Located a mercifully short stroll up from the city centre, the Palms has smartly renovated studios and one- and two-bedroom units arrayed around a central…

  • Muddy Creek Cutting

    Central Otago

    Art fills the walls of this charmingly restored 1930s mudbrick farmhouse, with five bedrooms that share two bathrooms. Dinners with a local, organic spin…

  • Thames Court Motel

    Dunedin & Otago

    A good option for families, this older motel has been fully renovated and the units are smart, comfortable and excellent value. Nice touches like fresh…

  • Old Post Office Backpackers

    Central Otago

    Tidy rooms with bright paint and a cheery lounge-room fire make this backpackers a welcome sight for Rail Trailers. Discounts on laundry and loads of DVDs…

  • Royal Hotel

    Central Otago

    One of two historic pubs in town, the 1863 Royal Hotel sports the royal coat of arms and what just might be NZ's most rustic garden bar. Rooms are simple…

  • Moeraki Beach Motel

    Dunedin & Otago

    The four split-level units at this wood-lined motel are spacious and comfortable. Each has two bedrooms, a full kitchen and a balcony with views over the…

  • Moeraki Village Holiday Park

    Dunedin & Otago

    Occupying a small field above the road into town, this complex offers powered sites, basic cabins (bring your own linen) and fully equipped motel units.

  • Cromwell Top 10 Holiday Park

    Central Otago

    The size of a small European nation and packed with cabins and self-contained units of various descriptions, all set in tree-lined grounds.