Dunedin's Best Accommodation - Where to stay no matter your style or budget

A well made bed.

 One of the most important considerations of any trip is where to stay.  Luckily, the options for accommodation in Dunedin are numerous.

Dunedin Ōtepoti in New Zealand’s South Island is known for its heritage buildings, the renowned Otago University and an impressive metropolitan centre full of incredible cafés, restaurants, shopping and other attractions, so there are plenty of reasons to visit.

Whether you want to stay in the city's heart in a luxurious hotel with all the amenities and top-class service or if further out of town and in nature is more your cup of tea, we have the full spectrum covered with our picks for the best accommodation in Dunedin.

Retreats

If you want to escape the busy city centre and decompress surrounded by nature and enjoy the spoils of the Otago landscape, then these retreats are your best option when it comes to where to stay in Dunedin.
A wooden hut set against a hill on a sunny day.

Fallow Ridge Retreat

965 Mount Watkin Road, Waikouaiti

Less than an hour from Dunedin but feeling like worlds away, this two-person retreat is nestled into the hillside, blending into the landscape and being at one with the rugged environment. With a well-equipped kitchen, a sheltered deck with an outdoor bath, and all kinds of games and books, Fallow Ridge is your chance to decompress and relax.

Kaimata Retreat

297 Cape Saunders Road, Dunedin

This exclusive-use eco retreat is the ultimate in luxurious stays, complete with stunning views across the Otago Peninsula. There is both lodge and cottage accommodation available, depending on the size of your group, and the property has been designed to blend in with the environment. Every consideration has been taken with Kaimata Retreat, and all you have to do is book, turn up and enjoy the spoils of nature.

Cascade Creek Retreat

Glen Road, Milton

Cascade Creek Retreat truly is an escape from your everyday life. With no cellphone reception or other technology, a stay here is a chance to disconnect from the everyday and reconnect with nature. The log cabin is cosy and right next to a bush walk that showcases some of the very best of New Zealand’s native wildlife.

Hotels

As a popular concert and sporting city, Dunedin knows a thing or two about hosting visitors from out of town. In the city centre there are plenty of choices for great hotels and here are some of our favourites.

Ebb Dunedin

Accommodation key icon.

82 Filleul Street, Central Dunedin

If you are looking for unique hotel accommodation in Dunedin, nowhere fits that description better than Ebb-Dunedin. Modern and conceptual in design, it also takes inspiration from Dunedin Ōtepoti’s history with Simon Kaan’s three-storey artwork on the facade of the building, depicting Polynesian settlers arriving in the harbour aboard their wakas. Each room boasts quality finishes - think comfy beds and luxe linens and great amenities, including The Ebb Café on the ground floor.

A white bed decorated in Scottish fabrics.

Fable Dunedin

310 Princes Street, Central Dunedin

Located right in the heart of Dunedin’s city centre, Fable Dunedin is a 5-star hotel providing impeccable service and all you want in a luxurious hotel stay. Each room is elegantly appointed. They’re so nice you might not even feel like leaving! But don’t worry, you can order room service or pop into the onsite restaurant, The Press Club, where there’s an extensive drinks list and high tea to boot.

The Chamberson

77 Stuart Street, Central Dunedin

The Chamberson is another centrally located hotel that provides excellent accommodation in Dunedin. The building it inhabits is a heritage-listed former warehouse that has undergone a stunning renovation to now host a contemporary hotel whilst still retaining some of its original features. Staying at The Chamberson, you are minutes and steps away from some of the best cafés, restaurants, shopping and attractions in town.

Distinction Dunedin Hotel

6 Liverpool Street, Central Dunedin

One hundred per cent New Zealand owned and operated, the Distinction Dunedin Hotel calls the former Chief Post Office building home. This elegant hotel is no stranger to winning awards and accolades and when you stay here you will see why. With a range of room options to suit different travellers’ needs, an onsite restaurant, amazing service and more, the Distinction Dunedin Hotel should be on your list for consideration when it comes to accommodation in Dunedin.

B&Bs

B&Bs are a great accommodation option for getting local tips and advice from your hosts and meeting like-minded travellers. They’re also usually affordable and allow you to experience the comforts of home away from home.

McAuley Glen Boutique Bed & Breakfast

13 McAuley Road, Portobello, Dunedin

Located in Portobello, a village on the Otago Peninsula a mere 30 minutes from Central Dunedin, is McAuley Glen Boutique Bed & Breakfast. Set in, and amongst a bright and abundant garden, this B&B embraces everything this style of accommodation should be. Homely and welcoming, peaceful and serene, and with a delicious breakfast to top things off. 

Sahara Guest House

619 George Street, Dunedin

This B&B style guesthouse is centrally located and very handy to the Otago Museum, Botanic Gardens, the main shopping area and plenty more. There’s a range of different accommodation options to suit your needs, and a delicious buffet breakfast is served each morning. Plus, there’s a communal lounge that you can relax in and get to know other guests as well.

Boutique Accommodation

In Dunedin, there are some exceptional boutique accommodation choices that are a bit different from your run-of-the-mill hotel or motel. It’s these kinds of experiences that add to the memory of a trip, and that will leave you wanting to return again and again.

Bluestone on George

571 George Street, Dunedin

Bluestone on George enjoys an elevated position and has an excellent view of Dunedin. This boutique accommodation is privately owned and operated, and guests get to enjoy a stay knowing that every detail has been thought of. It is the perfect spot to enjoy some relaxation, whether in your room, in the courtyard or in the guest lounge.

Camp Estate at Larnach Castle

100 Camp Road, Larnach Castle, Dunedin

The historic Larnach Castle is a popular site for many visitors to Dunedin, so what could be better than staying nearby at Camp Estate? This luxurious country house provides the perfect escape from your every day, with quality furnishings and amazing hospitality and service. With only five rooms, you can be assured of a peaceful stay and one that you will remember long after you leave.

Hereweka Garden Retreat

10 Hoopers Inlet Road, Portobello, Dunedin

Just 30 minutes from the centre of Dunedin is the magical wonderland of Hereweka Garden Retreat. This secluded property on the Otago Peninsula has incredible views of Hoopers Inlet and has been architecturally designed with the environment not only in mind, but prioritised. This accommodation near Dunedin allows you to enjoy numerous bush walks and a chance to reconnect with nature. It even comes with an organic breakfast basket full of delicious goods.

Glamping

In and around Dunedin, there are some amazing sites that embrace the spirit of glamping wholeheartedly and provide a truly unique experience.
A view of a green hill from inside a cabin.

Road's End Cabin

200 Creamery Road, Ocean View, Dunedin

Set high on the hillside with majestic coastline views, Road’s End Cabin is an appropriate name for this Canopy Camping glamping site. It feels secluded and miles away from anything but in reality is only a 25 minute drive from Dunedin’s city centre. The cabin has been designed to give you multiple viewpoints throughout the day, and no matter the weather, you can enjoy all the surrounding nature has to offer.

Rocky Ridge Hut

230 Macraes Road, Dunback

Close to the famous Moeraki Boulders and an hour’s drive from Dunedin, Rocky Ridge Hut is another A+ Canopy Camping glamping site. The Otago landscape stretches for miles in front of Rocky Ridge Hut, and if you are staying here, it’s quite easy to spend hours soaking in this vista. Be prepared for magical sunrises and take advantage of the telescope for some evening stargazing.

The Bird Hide

10 Scotia Street North, Waikouaiti

Described as ‘rustic luxury’, the Bird Hide is a shepherd’s hut that serves as cosy accommodation overlooking Hawksbury Lagoon Wildlife Refuge. With a continental breakfast provided, plenty of walks around the refuge and Waikouaiti Beach, and peaceful surroundings, what more do you need?

Camping

It’s hard to think of something more ‘classically Kiwi’ than a family camping holiday. So if you’re heading to Dunedin and looking for somewhere to pitch a tent or hire a cabin, here are the best campgrounds around.

Portobello Village Tourist Park

7 Hereweka Street, Portobello, Dunedin

Portobello Village Tourist Park enjoys an amazing position on the Otago Peninsula and is an ideal location and atmosphere for all kinds of camping groups. From tourist flats and backpacker rooms to campervan and tent sites, no matter the way you prefer to camp, your needs will be met here. 

Dunedin Holiday Park

41 Victoria Road, St Kilda, Dunedin

If you are a large group looking for somewhere to stay in Dunedin, then take note, as this is what Dunedin Holiday Park specialises in. Close to plenty of attractions, including the beach, a swimming pool, an indoor ice-skating rink and more, it’s family-friendly fun at its best and all at a very reasonable price.

Leith Valley Holiday Park

103 Malvern Street, Woodhaugh, Dunedin

The Leith Valley Holiday Park is the best of both worlds in regards to its location, with its leafy surroundings providing a connection to nature whilst only being mere kilometres away from the centre of Dunedin. This camping ground has it all, from motel rooms right through to tent sites - all types of campers are catered for.

Waikouaiti Beach Motor Camp

186 Beach St, Waikouaiti

This hidden camping ground gem is 35 minutes north of Dunedin and has both a white sandy beach and a river nearby. It’s the perfect spot for a family holiday, with a relaxed vibe and friendly community feel about the place. So pop the kids in the car, pack up the tent, and you’re all sorted.