5 Best Hotels in Otago, Invercargill, and Stewart Island, New Zealand

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.

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.

At this beautiful B&B a short walk from town, you can have private views over Paterson Inlet from two double rooms and a cozy wee single. Kakas (parrots) are frequent visitors to the deck, and the gorgeous garden is nice for strolling. Continental or cooked breakfasts are available.

It's hard to beat panoramic sea views, 35 acres of world-class gardens, having Larnach Castle as a neighbor, and the choice of a luxury room or a more modest yet still character-filled accommodation. The Scottish Room has classic tartan bed covers and curtains, heavy brass bedsteads, and a Robbie Burns rug; the Enchanted Forest Room has 19th-century William Morris wallpaper. Rooms with shared bathrooms in a converted 1870 Stables building are about half the regular rate of the lodge accommodations. Entry to the castle and breakfast are included in the room rates. 

If you're traveling to Invercargill via the Southern Scenic Route, these four lovely, modern self-catering cottages keep both coziness and conservation in mind, making a perfect rest stop before you get to the city. Guests concerned about sustainability will appreciate the various initiatives in place on the property, from heat pumps to the use of environmentally friendly cleaning products and toiletries. Mohua Park is located between Papatowai and Owaka.