15 Best Luxury Accommodations in Dunedin 💎 [2024]

The Top Luxury Hotels, Lodges and Apartments in Dunedin

The Gothic-style architecture, grand vistas across the Dunedin Harbour and a fabulous array of activities on offer make Dunedin a top choice for a luxury stay on the South Island. The historical city is like no other in New Zealand and has unique luxury accommodations to go with it. Stay in Dunedin’s oldest church tastefully converted into modern luxury apartments, escape to a country house where complimentary canapes at Larnach Castle is all part of the parcel, or simply enjoy staying in a stylish hotel in the heart of the city. We’ll go through all of our top picks in this list of the best luxury accommodations in Dunedin.

While you’re here, you might also be interested in the 10 Best Luxury Experiences in Dunedin and The Luxury Guide to Dunedin.

1. Fable Dunedin

One of the most prestigious five-star hotels in the city centre, Fable Dunedin is an obvious go-to for beautifully appointed accommodation in a historical setting. Each of the 50 luxurious guest rooms is as lavish as the last with rich premium fabrics and furnishings inspired by the Scottish settlers of the region. Indulgence is at your fingertips with a wide selection of teas and a coffee machine in your room, as well as smart TVs and an interactive hotel compendium. If you manage to drag yourself from your room, The Press Club is awaiting, whether you fancy high tea or something from the extensive whisky menu.

Check Fable Dunedin out:

10 Best Luxury Accommodations in Dunedin 💎 [2023]

2. Bluestone On George

Ideal for a romantic getaway or a business retreat, Bluestone on George provides a luxury and almost “adults-only” experience in Dunedin, which can only mean one thing: utter tranquillity. The luxury boutique hotel offers studio apartments with their own kitchenette, laundry and ensuite. Indulge in your own private double body therapy spa bath and feel cosy with the underfloor heating, bathrobes and double-glazed windows. Keep your fitness up to scratch at the on-site gym. Get down to business with free WiFi, same-day dry cleaning and business facilities. Don’t forget to indulge in the continental breakfast or antipasto platters delivered straight to your room. Dunedin is home to many more upscale motels, which you can check out in the 20 Best Motels in Dunedin.

Check Bluestone on George out:

3. Ebb-Dunedin

Breaking the mould of the usual historic-building-turned-hotel vibe that Dunedin usually inspires, Ebb-Dunedin is your ultra-modern five-star offering in the city centre. Choose from a range of five stylishly appointed rooms, from your standard king or twin to a two-bedroom suite, each boasting floor-to-ceiling windows, an ensuite with either a walk-in shower or a deep-tub bath, a smart TV with streaming services and more. You’ll also want to book yourself a table at the on-site Ebb-Cafe in its airy atrium garden setting. Like the idea of staying in a hotel? Be sure to also check out the 20 Best Hotels in Dunedin.

Check Ebb-Dunedin out:

4. Camp Estate by Larnach Castle

Away from the hustle and bustle of Dunedin, this luxurious retreat is located on the Otago Peninsula. The luxury Camp Estate country house offers a small collection of double rooms with designer gas fireplaces, designer guild wallpaper, fittings and black granite styling, giving each room a modern look with a heritage twist. Each night you’ll be treated to complimentary pre-dinner drinks and canapes and have access to the guest lounge with an honesty bar. Guests have complimentary access to Larnach Castle, just 500m (547 yards) away, to tour the grounds and dine in one of the castle’s dining rooms at night. Personal transport is available in the form of classic Jaguars and Daimler vehicles, while executive cars and chauffeurs are available too.

Check Camp Estate out:

5. The Terminus

If you’d prefer a fully independent visit in a unique setting, try the eccentric apartments of The Terminus. This is your funky home away from home, a complex of one-and two-bedroom apartments in a restored heritage building. Historical charm radiates from the exposed brick walls and timber beams while cheerfully modernised with industrial-chic decor, cosy couches, throws and rugs, and bathrooms with walk-in showers and laundry machines at hand. Your first morning is even sorted with continental breakfast included. For more self-contained stays, head to the 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in Dunedin.

Check The Terminus out:

6. The Chamberson

Another gorgeous apartment hotel in the heart of the city, The Chamberson is a top choice for discerning travellers who want all the home essentials at their fingertips. This heritage-listed building makes the most of its original features while tastefully styling around them. Kick back in your modernised suite with elaborate windows that capture views of the city. Other services available include car parking on-site, local food platters made to order, laundry, dry cleaning and more.

Check The Chamberson out:

7. Larnach Lodge & Stable Stay

Stay at one of Dunedin’s prized landmarks in a prime position on the Otago Peninsula. The Larnach Lodge & Stable Stay offers affordable luxury in the refurbished historic stable, while Larnach Lodge is your four-star option. On the grounds of Larnach Castle, the purpose-built Larnach Lodge features 12 themed rooms with all your expected hotel amenities included. The lodge basks in breathtaking harbour scenery and includes a full-cooked breakfast in the historic stables and a complimentary visit to the castle, gardens and grounds.

Check Larnach Lodge out:

8. Distinction Dunedin Hotel

This once 1937 Chief Post Office has been elegantly transformed into the Distinction Dunedin Hotel. The 4.5-star hotel boasts 121 modern and stylish suites and studios with a basic kitchenette and laundry facilities. Ensuites feature walk-in showers with double showerheads. There are many areas to enjoy at the hotel, including the stylish Post Bar to enjoy pre-dinner drinks, as well as the Parcels Restaurant open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. There are also private dining experiences available too in the original vaults of the post office refurbished into individual private dining rooms.

Check the Distinction Dunedin Hotel out:

9. Scenic Hotel Dunedin City

A contemporary hotel in the centre of Dunedin, Scenic Hotel Dunedin City offers a stylish pad mere moments from The Octagon. Relax in spacious guest rooms with local artwork on display and executive options available. Each “Executive Room” boasts free WiFi, a private balcony, Sky TV and cosy robes and slippers, while one or two separate bedrooms are available in the “Executive Suites”. The on-site restaurant offers a buffet breakfast, as well as a breakfast and dinner a la carte menu with 24/h room service available. The fitness centre, free WiFi and Sky TV may also prove useful during your stay.

Check the Scenic Hotel Dunedin City out:

10. Chapel Apartments

One of the more unique accommodations in Dunedin, Chapel Apartments is set in Dunedin’s oldest church built in 1863 and forms part of the historical ambience of The Octagon. The church houses seven apartments with luxury furnishings. Needless to say, the apartments capture the graciousness of the past yet boast modern comforts like large kitchens with a dishwasher, bathrooms with underfloor heating and spacious lounges with a 50″ flat-screen TV. It’s a true home-away-from-home experience in the heart of Dunedin. See more recommendations like this in the 10 Best Family Accommodations in Dunedin.

Check Chapel Apartments out:

11. Hotel St Clair

Swap the inner city for an unbeatable waterfront location on the St Clair Esplanade at Hotel St Clair. The award-winning hotel features 26 self-contained rooms and suites with underfloor heating in the bathrooms and a kitchenette. Most rooms boast a glorious ocean view, while others have luxurious features like a deep-sunk spa bath and extra-large balconies to watch people enjoying the surf. Rooms are incredibly well-appointed and specially designed with luxury in mind. It is certainly an excellent place to impress your loved one. See more recommendations like this in the 10 Most Romantic Accommodations in Dunedin.

Check Hotel St Clair out:

12. Scenic Hotel Southern Cross

Another fantastic offering from the Scenic Hotel Group, the Scenic Hotel Southern Cross is more than just lodging, it’s a landmark set in an 1883 heritage building. While the hotel radiates historic charm, it’s fully refurbished with contemporary guest rooms and modern amenities, from Tesla charging stations to, of course, free WiFi. The “Superior Rooms” and “Suites” provide your best option for luxury travel with ensuites featuring his-and-her basins, as well as Sky TV and a minibar. But at Scenic Hotel Southern Cross, it’s more about the downtime, whether it’s indulging in spa treatments at the Amaia Luxury Spa or trying your luck at the casino – all of this right next to The Octagon.

Check the Scenic Hotel Southern Cross out:

13. Kingsgate Hotel Dunedin

A popular option in Dunedin for discerning travellers is the Kingsgate Hotel Dunedin by Millennium Hotels. All of the hotel’s 55 rooms have a private balcony soaking up city views. Just about any traveller will find a room to suit here with twin, double, interconnecting and family configurations available. While the “Standard Rooms” are a treat enough, the “Junior Suite” offers more space with a separate lounge and larger balcony. Your stay is not complete without having dinner at the on-site restaurant, Jimmy Cook’s Kiwi Kitchen where you can sample Kiwiana favourites, as well as steaks and seafood.

Check the Kingsgate Hotel Dunedin out:

14. St Leonards Lodge

There are very few places in New Zealand that bask in the history and magnificent views quite like St Leonards Lodge. The fine historic home is protected by The Historic Places Trust of New Zealand by running as a luxury boutique hotel on the shores of the Dunedin Harbour. The lodge and hotel sit between Dunedin city and Port Chalmers, featuring four unique rooms with luxurious fittings and high thread-count cotton linen. On arrival, you’ll receive a complimentary fruit basket in your room, as well as fresh flowers and a tea/coffee minibar. There are many wonderful spaces to enjoy inside and out, from the pool table room to the tennis court.

Check St Leonards Lodge out:

15. Quest Dunedin

If your kind of luxury is utmost privacy in your own sleek and modern apartment, then Quest Dunedin might just be for you. Affordable, spacious yet incredibly well-appointed, these serviced apartments can hardly go wrong. The accommodation is ideal for long stays on business, a couple’s getaway and even family stays in the “Studio”, “One- and Two-Bedroom Apartments” available. Each accommodation has a well-equipped kitchen, laundry facilities, ensuite, Sky TV, free WiFi and 24-hour check-in. What’s more, the apartments are within walking distance of the city centre and are located right next to a New World supermarket – too easy!

Check Quest Dunedin out:

More About Luxury Accommodations in Dunedin

That’s it for our list of the best luxury accommodations in Dunedin. For more handy guides to plan your trip to the architectural and wildlife capital, check out these:

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Luxury Guide to Dunedin.

Sources:

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2024])
NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2024])
Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2024])
Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])

Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

Laura S.

This article has been reviewed and published by Laura, the editor-in-chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Laura is a first-class honours journalism graduate and a travel journalist with expertise in New Zealand and South Pacific tourism for over 10 years. She also runs travel guides for five of the top destinations in the South Pacific and is the co-host of over 250 episodes of the NZ Travel Show on YouTube.

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