10 Best Family Accommodations in Dunedin 👪 [2023]© The Terminus
10 Best Family Accommodations in Dunedin 👪 [2023]

15 Best Family Accommodations in Dunedin 👪 [2024]

© The Terminus

Family-Friendly Hotels, Apartments and Holiday Homes in Dunedin

Taking the kids to Dunedin? With the Taieri Railway, amazing wildlife experiences on the Otago Peninsula, and a wealth of fascinating museums, you and your loved ones are going to have a blast. But what family-friendly accommodations are available in the city? We go through some of our top picks in this list of family accommodations in Dunedin.

While you’re here, you might also like the 10 Things to Do in Dunedin with Kids and The Guide to Dunedin for Families.

1. Scenic Hotel Southern Cross

Dunedin’s largest hotel offers multiple rooms for families across their three different grades of room. Families share a twin queen set-up in the “Standard Rooms” and “Superior Rooms”, while you’ll get to enjoy the added lounge space that the “Suites” provide. All rooms have everything you would expect in a hotel, including free WiFi and Sky TV, while general hotel facilities include parking at a cost, Tesla charging stations, a fitness centre, a bar, a cafe, a restaurant and a casino. Each room has been stylishly refurbished in a charming building built in 1883. The hotel is classed as four stars and is located moments away from The Octagon.

Check the Scenic Hotel Southern Cross out:

10 Best Family Accommodation in Dunedin© Scenic Hotel Southern Cross

2. 755 Regal Court Motel

The conveniences of home can be helpful on a family holiday, so with that in mind, you might want to consider a motel in Dunedin such as 755 Regal Court Motel. Even their smallest units have kitchen facilities, as well as modern amenities like free WiFi and TVs with streaming services. The “Two-Bedroom Family Unit” is the best option for families, which sleeps up to five people across a king bed and three single beds. What’s more, it’s extremely affordable and a short walk from the Otago Museum – one of the 20 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Dunedin.

Check 755 Regal Court Motel out:

10 Best Family Accommodation in Dunedin© 755 Regal Court Motel

3. Leith Valley Holiday Park and Motels

When it comes to holiday parks in Dunedin, Leith Valley Holiday Park and Motels is consistently one of the best rated. Although only 1km (0.6 miles) from Dunedin’s main street, you feel a world away nestled in park-like grounds with access to bush walks (with glowworms!) All of the accommodation options are reasonably priced here, whether you seek a self-contained motel unit with all the essentials at your fingertips or a basic cabin with shared kitchen and bathroom facilities (note that you need to hire bedding for the latter – but this is cheap also).

Check Leith Valley Holiday Park and Motels out:

10 Best Family Accommodation in Dunedin© Leith Valley Holiday Park and Motels

4. Dunedin Holiday Park

Budget-friendly, child-friendly and adjacent to the beach, the Dunedin Holiday Park easily transitions families into holiday mode. Whether you’re travelling in an RV or looking for a self-contained cabin, you’ll find something to suit at the Dunedin Holiday Park. The two and three-bedroom units are your most premium option, sleeping up to six people, while the “TV Cabins” provide ultra-cheap family accommodation but you’ll need to have your own bedding/sleeping bag or hire some. There is a shared facilities block, as well as a children’s playground that the kids are bound to enjoy.

Check Dunedin Holiday Park out:

Dunedin Holiday Park© Dunedin Holiday Park

5. 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:

10 Best Family Accommodations in Dunedin 👪 [2023]© Larnach Lodge & Stable Stay

6. 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:

10 Best Family Accommodations in Dunedin 👪 [2023]© The Terminus

7. Hunters Moon

For something a little different in Dunedin, and that is sure to delight younger ones, choose the farmstay of Hunters Moon. Set in the countryside of Dunedin, near the farming community of Mosgiel, this boutique accommodation boasts a few different well-appointed rooms and suites for families; all with an ensuite and some with a private kitchen. The rooms aren’t the main reason to choose this accommodation experience, however, as highlights for families are more along the lines of collecting eggs from the chickens and hand-feeding the sheep and alpacas.

Check Hunters Moon out:

10 Best Family Accommodations in Dunedin 👪 [2023]© Hunters Moon

8. Beach Lodge Motels

For an alternative location in Dunedin, yet still a short drive from the city centre, choose Beach Lodge Motels by St Kilda Beach. The motel complex features 18 units with something to suit most family sizes. Each unit has the convenience of a full kitchen, ensuite bathroom, as well as free WiFi. Kids will love the basketball hoop and spring-free trampoline, as well as the proximity to the natural playground that is St Kilda Beach. What’s more, parents will love the price, which is why we also list this one in the 15 Best Budget Accommodations in Dunedin.

Check Beach Lodge Motels out:

10 Best Family Accommodation in Dunedin© Beach Lodge Motels

9. The Victoria Hotel Dunedin

Located moments away from Dunedin’s major city attractions, staying at The Victoria Hotel makes a family getaway in Dunedin simply too easy! There is a range of rooms to suit families with different budgets, with a double queen with or without one single step-up across the “Standard” and “Deluxe Rooms”. If you want something a bit more special, then opt for more space and class in the “Deluxe King Studio” or enjoy separate bedrooms in the “Deluxe Two-Bedroom Unit”, “Apartment” or “Suite”. Breakfast and dinner are served in the on-site restaurant, the Well Manor Restaurant, where room service is also available. Extra facilities include a gym, free Wifi, car parking at a cost and Tesla chargers.

Check The Victoria Hotel out:

The Victoria Hotel Dunedin© The Victoria Hotel Dunedin

10. Dunedin Motel and Villas

Dunedin Motel and Villas offers affordable accommodation without sacrificing style. Relax with plenty of space in the “Two-Bedroom Unit” sleeping up to four or one of the”Villas” with options to suit up to seven guests. Services at the motel include smart TVs with Sky Sports, free WiFi, newspaper delivery, kitchen facilities, free car parking, double-glazed windows (a rare find in New Zealand) and optional continental breakfast. The motel is located in the North Dunedin Heritage Precinct near the Otago University.

Check Dunedin Motel and Villas out:

Dunedin Motel and Villas© Dunedin Motel and Villas

11. Dunedin Leisure Lodge – Distinction

Set on park-like grounds spilling in from the Botanic Gardens, Dunedin Leisure Lodge – Distinction offers an idyllic setting for families. The garden hotel has standard twin and triple rooms that comfortably fit a family of three or four, complete with an ensuite bathroom, plenty of storage space, Sky TV and free WiFi. Dinnertime is made easy thanks to the on-site McGavins Restaurant & Bar – located on the former site of Dunedin’s original brewery.

Check Dunedin Leisure Lodge – Distinction out:

10 Best Family Accommodations in Dunedin 👪 [2023]© Dunedin Leisure Lodge - Distinction

12. Aria on Bank

With unique apartment layouts and a location right by the Dunedin Botanic Gardens where kids can roam, no wonder Aria on Bank is so popular with families. What’s more, the modern build with contemporary mezzanine rooms, multi-bedroom apartments and full kitchen facilities comes at an irresistibly affordable rate. With free on-site car parking, WiFi, high-pressure showers, TVs with Sky and more, everything is here for an effortless stay in Dunedin with the tribe.

Check Aria on Bank out:

10 Best Family Accommodations in Dunedin 👪 [2023]© Aria on Bank

13. 555 Motel Dunedin

Stay in a quieter suburb of Dunedin between the city centre and the Otago Peninsula at the 555 Motel Dunedin. The motel offers modern well-appointed one-bedroom apartments sleeping up to four people, which include in-room movies, an iPod docking station, free WiFi, basic kitchen facilities, free on-site parking and disability access rooms. 555 is a great option if you have your own transport.

Check 555 Motel Dunedin out:

10 Best Family Accommodation in Dunedin© 555 Motel Dunedin

14. 97 Motel Moray

The 97 Motel Moray might be a little old-school but you can hardly beat the super central location and price. Located on the edge of The Octagon, the motel features “One-Bedroom Units” sleeping either four or five people. Enjoy the convenience of your own kitchenette, a TV, free WiFi and free on-site parking. There’s even a small garden for the little ones to run around. See more motels to compare in the 20 Best Motels in Dunedin.

Check 97 Motel Moray out:

97 Motel Moray© 97 Motel Moray

15. Chapel Apartments

One of Dunedin’s more unique accommodation offerings, Chapel Apartments is set in Dunedin’s oldest church (1863) overlooking The Octagon. The church houses seven apartments with luxury furnishings and separate rooms so family members can enjoy their own space. Needless to say, the apartments radiate historical charm yet boast modern comforts like a contemporary kitchen with a dishwasher, bathrooms with underfloor heating and spacious lounges with a 50″ flat-screen TV. See more recommendations like this in the 10 Best Luxury Accommodations in Dunedin.

Check Chapel Apartments out:

Chapel Apartments© Chapel Apartments

More About Family Accommodations in Dunedin

That’s it for our list of the best family 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 Guide to Dunedin for Families.

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:

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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