The Chamberson

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.

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.

Located just a few minutes from the centre of Dunedin, Fletcher Lodge was built in 1924 by Sir James Fletcher while he was overseeing the construction of the New Zealand and South Seas International Exhibition.

There is an oak-panelled lounge where guests can relax and a garden which is the perfect place to enjoy the sunshine and a glass of New Zealand wine.