Make your time in Ōtepoti / Dunedin exceptional with these great getaway spots. Treat your accommodation as much more than a place to sleep, and you’ll find incredible spots that deliver ‘that’ memorable experience. Wake up to your own private balcony or escape to the hills with this range of Dunedin boutique accommodation. In true Dunedin fashion, these stays make the most of their breathtaking surroundings and offer hospitality that makes people feel good. From modern hotels to one-off cabins, these are the best places to stay in Dunedin.
1. EBB
Ebb is a modern and stylish boutique hotel that offers the perfect setting to pause and relax. Its striking exterior sets the tone for what is one of the best Dunedin boutique accommodation options. A love of art and contemporary design shines through in each guest room, and thoughtful touches make for a comfortable stay. Start each day with great coffee and food at the Ebb Cafe; an inviting space for locals and visitors. Ebb is in the centre of town, within walking distance of great shopping, dining and that quintessential Edwardian and Victorian architecture that Dunedin is known for.
2. The Longhouse
A luxury villa by the coast, outside the city but not too far away; everything about The Longhouse Tirimoana Whare Roa sings beautiful boutique accommodation in Dunedin. The Longhouse blends together new and vintage in the historic property and offers a barefoot luxury experience. This is the place where warm hospitality is at the forefront and spaces are created for you to relax and unwind. The entire villa is booked for exclusive use and accommodates up to 12 people with six en-suite rooms. Plan something special and stay as a family, a friends group or for an event.
The history is rich and the property oozes old-world charm, but things here are nothing less than luxurious. Everything from the interior design to the amenities is distinctive and special. Enjoy nibbles in the sun-soaked country kitchen (which seats around 12 people) and roam the gardens before watching the sunset over Karitane Beach. This could be the ultimate destination for a wedding or big family celebration. It’s the place to celebrate what’s good in life and find joy in all the little moments. Take a break, walk on the beach, and experience one of Dunedin’s best getaways.
3. Roads End Cabin
If you’re looking for an escape from the crowds and to turn off the alarms, Roads End Cabin is the spot. Nestled on the hill and overlooking Ocean View and the South Pacific Ocean, this is a picture-perfect location. The cabin is roughly a 20-minute drive from central Dunedin; just enough to transport you to a quiet beach town atmosphere.
Listen to the birdsong from fantails, tūī and bellbirds and soak up the ocean views from the floor-to-ceiling windows. The cabin has a spacious bedroom area with a wood-burner fireplace. The food-prep area connects you to the surroundings thanks to the outdoor barbeque area. The wood-lined hot tub is a big draw-card, providing the perfect place to soak in the environment and truly relax. This is one of those places to stay in Dunedin for a chance to wind down and take time to recharge. A couples getaway in the deep south never looked so good.
4. Fable
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Dunedin that is central, Fable is your scene. A range of things to do in Dunedin are within walking distance. Start the day with a stroll through the Octogan, then explore the Lan Yuan Dunedin Chinese Gardens. Book a tour of the nearby Speight’s Brewery and check out the Dunedin Railway Station. Fable combines old and new in a heritage building. From the moment you pull up out front, this 5-star boutique hotel impresses. Luxury rooms and modern suites are well-appointed with thoughtful touches that will make the little things easy. The Press Club in Fable is the ideal spot for an evening tipple or a delicious dinner. Fable is the perfect place for locals to indulge during a ‘staycation’, or for visitors to base themselves for a jam-packed Dunedin holiday.
5. Kaimata Retreat
Kaimata Retreat is the accommodation to enjoy a stunning and quintessential Dunedin view from. This timber lodge is tucked away on the hill overlooking the Otago Peninsula. With rolling hills and calm waters as your outlook, you’ll feel at peace here. The lodge consists of two studio rooms and one suite. Each has an ensuite bathroom and a north-facing deck. Book out the lodge for exclusive use for a party of six people. Explore the local cafes and dining options, or make use of the lodge kitchen and prepare some food to dine alfresco and enjoy the view. Head to the Kaimata Retreat website for more information on which facilities are included with which room types. Stroll down the private path to the water’s edge and keep your eyes and ears peeled for native birds and wildlife like the incredible sea lions.
6. Bell Hill Apartments
Leave the world behind and step through the doors of Bell Hill Apartments in Dunedin. It doesn’t take long for the benefits of staying in an apartment to kick in. These two-bedroom apartments include king beds, a private balcony and a complete kitchen that would keep any foodie happy. Plus, a complimentary nightcap is included so you can settle in with a port, scotch whiskey or vodka martini. It’s a slice of city living in the heritage city of Dunedin. There’s no need to hire wheels for your trip if you’re staying here. The central location means you’re in close proximity to dining options and the best attractions. Explore the town and look forward to coming back to Bell Hill for the night.
7. Fallowridge Retreat
Weekend getaways from Dunedin never looked so good. If you’re looking for a slice of peace and quiet, Fallowridge Retreat is the place. This dreamy setting is complete with a sphere fireplace and a cedar-lined hot tub on the private deck. Prepare some nibbles and your favourite drink to enjoy while gazing at the hilly countryside. The living roof with greenery and tussocks helps this cabin blend into its surroundings seamlessly. Fallowridge Retreat is perched on Mount Watkin/Hikaroroa in Waikouaiti, less than an hour’s drive from Dunedin. It’s luxury all the way in this incredible two-person secluded cabin.
8. The Chamberson Hotel
Reminders of the old days are present in this heritage industrial building with bricks and exposed beams. Though it’s a slice of Dunedin’s past, this warehouse building has been transformed into a beautiful boutique accommodation offering; the Chamberson Hotel. With apartment-style accommodation right in the centre of town, this has to be one of the best places to stay in Dunedin. Spacious but warm rooms are filled with light. Peer out the window to views of the city, and step out the front doors to bars, restaurants and more. Modern, contemporary-styled rooms will be hard to peel yourself away from, and this may become your go-to accommodation in this southern city.
9. Hereweka Garden Retreat
Leave the city behind and immerse yourself in the native forest at this incredible garden retreat. Hereweka Garden Retreat is located on the Harbour Cone on the Otago Peninsula and overlooks Hoopers Inlet. This eco-friendly retreat was lovingly built with sustainable products including the timber from some macrocarpa trees that were growing on the land. Hereweka Garden Retreat is made for two to three people. One of the best parts about this boutique accommodation is the shower, with floor-to-ceiling windows opening directly to the outdoor deck. This Dunedin accommodation offers the chance to stay in the three-acre Hereweka garden; an impressive mass of organic vegetable gardens, native trees and an orchard. Hoopers Inlet is known to be a great spot for stargazing and astrophotography too. There’s a lot to love about this place.
10. The Thomas Gregg Apartments
The Thomas Gregg Apartments are a slice of New York, right here in Dunedin. These two-bedroom boutique apartments are visually intriguing, with brick walls and wooden window framings. The long history of this building begins in 1878, and the restored accommodation that stands today is a testament to the love that exists for Dunedin’s historic buildings. Each Thomas Gregg apartment is unique, with some boasting outdoor living areas and others with enticing harbour views. The waterfront location is perfect for those looking to explore the Otago Harbour and encounter wildlife on a harbour cruise.
11. Larnach Castle Lodge Rooms
Of all the places to stay in Dunedin, accommodation at Larnach Castle has to be the most unique. This lodge has been purpose-built for people to experience a night within the grounds of Larnach Castle. The lodge rooms are a mere stroll from the main castle and have stunning views out to the harbour and the ocean. Spend the day exploring Larnach Castle, New Zealand’s only castle that was built back in 1871, before checking into your accommodation for the evening. Indulge in a beautiful dinner inside the castle before strolling through the grounds and retiring to your room. Dunedin prides itself on the unique heritage buildings dotted through the city, so a stay at the one and only Larnach Castle is the perfect way to soak up what Dunedin is all about.
12. The Stables
Enjoy convenience and comfort at The Stables in central Dunedin. This may be considered heritage accommodation thanks to its beautiful historic building, but modern touches make The Stables an ideal place to stay for singles, couples and families. Rooms are kept cosy with underfloor heating and the quiet street location is a welcome shift from the bustle of the nearby city. The character and quirks of the site add to the appeal. Stay in a charming central room for the night and learn a little something about Dunedin’s historic buildings while you’re at it.
Cover Image: Kaimata Retreat
This article was created in paid partnership with Dunedin NZ.
