Dunedin

A comfortable hostel with a few touches of Harry Potter (fans may want to look for Hedwig in Room 9 3/4) and plenty of nice spaces. — Fodor's

If you're expecting an imposing old bluestone building, think again: this four-storey block couldn't be more contemporary. — Lonely Planet

One street back from St Clair Beach, this venerable art-deco apartment block has been thoroughly renovated and restyled by its new owners, sprucing it up with feature wallpaper and smart furnishings. — Lonely Planet

This wonderfully homely two-storey house has a range of tidy centrally heated rooms, some with en suites, fridges and kettles. — Lonely Planet

Cleverly designed to blend harmoniously with the neighbourhood's two-storey Victorian houses, this top-quality motel complex has units ranging in size from studios to two bedrooms. — Lonely Planet

All have beautiful exposed red-brick walls, a modern kitchen, a laundry and everything else you need for a comfy stay. — Lonely Planet

Staying at this family-owned castle in New Zealand is like stepping back in time. — The Telegraph

It offers a very comfortable base in the city centre with especially soft beds, a choice of dining and easy-going staff. — The Telegraph

One block from Dunedin’s main shopping and dining area, these clean and spacious apartments come with full kitchens in one-bedroom units and refrigerators and microwaves in the studios. — Fodor's

This sleek complex is accessed by an unlikely looking alley off Dunedin's main retail strip. — Lonely Planet

Soak up St Clair's surfy vibe from the balcony of your chic room in this contemporary medium-rise hotel. — Lonely Planet

With crazy artworks, an organic garden, charming hosts and a lived-in feeling, this 1930s hill-top house makes a wonderfully eccentric base. — Lonely Planet

Located a mercifully short stroll up from the city centre, the Palms has smartly renovated studio, one- and two-bedroom units arrayed around a central car park. — Lonely Planet

This holiday park is surrounded by native bush studded with walks, glowworm caves and a creek. — Lonely Planet

Originally home to one of NZ’s wealthiest industrialists, this gorgeous redbrick mansion is just minutes from the city, but the secluded gardens feel wonderfully remote. — Lonely Planet

This Victorian-Gothic house is a romantic retreat set amid lovingly tended gardens and shows off such original details as decorative Irish brickwork. — Fodor's

The kitchen of this rambling old building is big, sunny and festooned with flowers, and there’s also a compact garden, pool table, piano and rumours of a ghost. — Lonely Planet

Continental-style breakfast and all-day tea and coffee are served in the Victorian drawing room and a casual, relaxed feel extends to a warm welcome to children. — Fodor's

— Lonely Planet

Roses and rhododendrons encircle this gracious two-storey wooden villa, built in the 1880s. — Lonely Planet