A narrow dirt walking path leading up a grassy ridge toward a lighthouse surrounded by the ocean.

Luxury Travel to Dunedin and Coastal Otago made for you

Explore dramatic coastal landscapes, spot native wildlife and learn about the area’s rich Māori history

The South Island's Scottish stronghold

The main city of the southern part of the South Island, Dunedin is a vibrant place to spend a few days. Its name is distinctly Scottish and the city has a strong and proud Celtic history. The New Zealand Company picked the Otago Harbour as the site for a Scottish settlement in the 1800s; one of the first people to arrive was Thomas Burns, the nephew of famous Scottish poet, Robert Burns.

The city is full of Victorian and Edwardian architecture and its centre is compact and easy to explore. It is centred around The Octagon, which itself is surrounded by the Public Art Gallery, municipal chambers and St. Pauls cathedral.

Dunedin is a university town and there is a good selection of lively restaurants and bars. It is also a great base from which to explore the Otago Peninsula with its rugged landscape, beautiful beaches and wildlife.

100km north of Dunedin is the coastal town of Oamaru, known for its white stone architecture and preserved heritage buildings. In the late 19th century, the town prospered thanks to gold mining and quarrying, and several elegant buildings were built from the local limestone. Oamaru Harbour is also home to a colony of little blue penguins – head to the beach just before sunset and see them waddling down to their resting place for the night. There are also yellow-eyes penguins that can be viewed from a special hide.

Inbetween Oamaru and Dunedin are the mystical Moeraki Boulders. These enormous spherical rocks, weighing several tonnes each, are scattered across Koekohe Beach and it is believed they formed in the sea floor sediment around 60 million years ago. Maori legend has it that the boulders are remains of gourds and eel baskets that were washed ashore when the legendarry canoe, the Araiteruru was wrecked at Shag Point.

These are some of my favourite places in New Zealand for spotting wild animals among breathtaking coastal scenery. You might see rare penguins, enormous rookeries of New Zealand fur seals and colonies of sea birds like royal albatrosses.

Charlie Morris

Travel Designer

Luxury accommodation in Dunedin and Coastal Otago

There are many incredible places to stay in Dunedin and Coastal Otago. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:

Dunedin and Coastal Otago

Pen-y-Bryn Lodge

This Victorian mansion at the top of South Hill in Oamaru was built in 1889, and is believed to be the largest single-storey wooden dwelling in Australasia. The current owners bought the lodge in 2010 and have focussed on ensuring the historic homestead continues to be a welcoming and luxurious retreat for visitors to the coastal town. The lodge and its five individually decorated guest rooms are filled with antiques and furnishings that date right back to the original owners. The story goes that while the house was being built, they spent four years travelling Europe collecting all the fitting and artworks they wanted to feature in their home. That original collection now also includes pieces left to the new owners by the families that owned the house over the years. Some of the rooms offer views out over the stone terrace and gardens or the Pacific Ocean and the Kakanui Ranges. Dining is a highlight and exquisite meals are created using seasonal and locally-sourced produce, some of it from the hotel’s own gardens. Meals are served table d’hôte style and guests often sit together at the large tables in the dining room, although private dining can be arranged for those keen on a more secluded dining experience. All dietary needs can be catered for. Guests can either make use of the hotel’s small fitness room or a nearby fitness centre. Massages and treatments can also be arranged.

Dunedin and Coastal Otago

Larnach Castle Camp Estate

Head out into the countryside of Dunedin for a luxurious rural getaway. On the grounds of Larnach Castle, just a short distance from the castle gate, you’ll find the glamorous Camp Estate country house with five spacious bedrooms. The spacious rooms are decorated in the Neoclassical style and have cosy fireplaces and pastoral views out over the countryside. Guests are invited to dinner in one of the Castle’s historic dining rooms, where a three-course table d’hôte menu is served house party style. The menu boasts traditional New Zealand flavours and features locally-sourced meat and vegetables, as well as a large selection of Otago and New Zealand wines. Continental and cooked breakfasts are prepared by the host at Camp Estate. Spend time exploring Larnach Castle, which dates back to 1871, and its seven acres of carefully tended award-winning gardens, and some of the Otago Peninsula’s most popular attractions are close by.

Dunedin and Coastal Otago

The Chamberson

This beautifully renovated, heritage-listed former warehouse is located in the heart of Dunedin. The contemporary interior makes the most of the original features, with spacious, light-filled, apartment-style rooms. The large windows offer a range of views across the city. Just a short stroll to the city’s cafés, restaurants and bars, and within easy walking distance of many of the most popular attractions, it’s the ideal place to call home if you’re wanting to make the most of your stay in Dunedin. From the outside, it may seem to be a bold heritage industrial building, but step inside and you’re greeted by warm, tactile, welcoming interiors. The contemporary design perfectly complements the remaining beams, plaster and brickwork that hint at the building’s past. The unique rooms are spacious with high ceilings and tall windows, but they are still warm and comfortable. Each boasts great views of the city.

Why book with Jacada?

Personalised design

We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.

Authentic experiences

Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.

Responsible travel

Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.