6 Best Hotels in Dunedin, Otago, Invercargill, and Stewart Island

A central Dunedin hub with roots dating back to 1862, this luxurious five-star hotel is a fresh incarnation of the classic Wains Hotel, refurbished with all the mod cons such as large TVs and premium linens. Rooms are decorated in a sophisticated, neutral-hued style with Scottish touches such as a tartan throw and interesting modern lamps. Desks and good Wi-Fi appeal to business travelers. The Press Club eatery is a take on Dunedin's gold-rush era and presents regional dishes using local produce. Breakfast can be purchased as an addition to the room rate.

A short walk from restaurants and inner-city shopping, each of these contemporary-style studio apartments has a patio or balcony. All windows are soundproofed and double-glazed, and the apartments have kitchenettes, laundry, and a home theater system with Sky TV. Most have whirlpool baths, and all have heated bathroom floors.

This boutique hotel is visionary in its modernist architecture, which comprises concrete, steel, and glass, and its big focus on modern New Zealand art. Each level has its own central atrium lounge exhibiting works by contemporary New Zealand artists. A large mural on the hotel's exterior tells a story from the site's history: the reclaimed Otago Harbour tidal flats are where the first settlers arrived on their wakas (Māori seagoing vessels) from Polynesia. The impressive glass curtain wall showcases 30 digitally printed glass panels. There's a café on-site.

One block from Dunedin’s main shopping and dining area, these clean and spacious apartments come with full kitchens in one-bedroom units and refrigerators and microwaves in the studios. The separate terrace apartment offers a perfect family home-from-home with four bedrooms and two bathrooms. All units offer off-street parking.

Just opposite St. Joseph's Cathedral, this late-1800s former bishop's residence (once called Rockmount) is now a comfortable hostel with a few touches of Harry Potter (fans may want to look for Hedwig in Room 9 3/4) and plenty of nice spaces. Your best options are a double in the main building with en suite facilities; the Stables (with two self-contained studios); and the Coach House (two rooms with private bathrooms—only one en suite—and shared kitchen). The home's original dining room has been transformed into a charming, spacious five-bed dorm, and all other rooms are singles, doubles, and triples that share clean, modern bathrooms and two equally smart kitchens. There's a cozy dining area, reading room, TV/DVD lounge, and laundry, as well as Wi-Fi throughout (for a fee). The clientele is a diverse mix of guests from late-teens to octogenarians.

An 1860s Victorian mansion just a three-minute walk to the center of town, Hulmes Court was originally built for one of the founders of the Otago Medical School (it maintains scholarly ties by employing University of Otago students) and is paired with a 1907 house. Continental-style breakfast and all-day tea and coffee are served in the Victorian drawing room and a casual, relaxed feel extends to a warm welcome thanks to such touches as a computer, photocopier, books, and newspapers available for guests. Hosts Norman and Zina Wood live on the premises with their family and resident cats. Amenities also include free Wi-Fi, laundry, and off-street parking.