20 BEST Hotels & Places to Stay in Oamaru 🛎️ [2023]

Where to Find the Best Hotels and Alternative Accommodations in Oamaru

In the old-timey town of Oamaru, which boasts striking white limestone architecture from the Victorian era, grand hotels are a key part of the townscape. Regardless, you’ll find a surprisingly diverse selection of hotels in this Coastal Otago town, with a couple of contemporary and elegant hotels added to the eclectic mix. With rooms for couples, families and corporate travellers, there’s sure to be something to suit in Oamaru. However, hotels are not your only option in this diverse town that also boasts breathtaking lodges, B&Bs, motels, holiday homes and holiday parks that are too good not to mention. With that in mind, this accommodation guide not only covers the best motels but the best places to stay in Oamaru!

For more advice on planning your visit, check out The Complete Guide to Oamaru and the 10 Best Things to Do in Oamaru.

1. Poshtel – The Best Hotel in Oamaru

In the true creative spirit of Oamaru, Poshtel offers an aesthetically pleasing affair. The boutique hotel has just 15 rooms, ensuring the right tone is set for a relaxing retreat yet is conveniently located right in the heart of Oamaru. Each guest room is uniquely and tastefully themed with a popular New Zealand pastime, whether it’s fly fishing, mountain climbing or farming. There are room choices suitable for business travellers all the way to families. All rooms have an ensuite, Sky TV and WiFi, while guests can also relax in the funky lounge or check out the on-site art gallery.

Check Poshtel out:

2. Brydone Hotel Oamaru – Central Accommodation in Oamaru

On the other side of the spectrum, Brydone Hotel Oamaru aims to stay true to Oamaru’s more Victorian side with its sweeping staircase, grand chandeliers and ornate interiors. There are contemporary comforts, nonetheless, with guest rooms and suites boasting a spa bath or an oversized shower in the ensuite. There are rooms suitable for couples to families. Join the hotel’s restaurant for breakfast (not included in the rate), lunch or dinner with its diverse range of New Zealand and international cuisine.

Check Brydone Hotel Oamaru out:

3. The Old Confectionery – Apartments in Oamaru Town Centre

Don’t just visit the famous Victorian Precinct, be part of it by staying in the 1876 apartment of The Old Confectionery. There are two two-bedroom apartments here, both up for the taking and styled with elements worthy of the “steampunk capital” with its traditional furniture blended with industrial elements. The apartments have a full kitchen with a dishwasher, satellite TV, ensuite, free WiFi and underfloor heating. See more stays with your own kitchen in the 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in Oamaru.

Check The Old Confectionery out:

The Old Confectionery on Booking.com

20 BEST Hotels & Places to Stay in Oamaru 🛎️ [2023]

4. Oasis on Orwell Bed and Breakfast – Popular B&B in Oamaru

A glorious character home in Oamaru (of which there are many), Oasis on Orwell Bed and Breakfast offers its master bedroom to couples with a queen bed and modern ensuite fitted with brass fixtures and underfloor heating, as well as a family room for three/four guests. You’re welcomed into your room with a couple of chocolates and a plunger coffee/tea-making set, which will help you get the best start to the morning along with the substantial breakfast menu that’s included in your stay. See more couple-centric stays like this listed in the 10 Best Romantic Accommodations in Oamaru.

Check Oasis on Orwell Bed and Breakfast out:

5. Oamaru Backpackers – Cheap Accommodation in Oamaru

This boutique hostel in Oamaru is tastefully decorated, making guests feel more like flashpackers than backpackers. Each dorm bunk at the Oamaru Backpackers boasts that little bit of extra privacy with a pull-across curtain, like the pod hostel concept, while private single, double and family rooms are also available. There’s one ensuite, while the rest of the rooms have shared bathroom facilities. The cosy lounge areas have large windows overlooking the views of the Victorian Precinct and Friendly Bay, while in the garden, you can help yourself to some fresh herbs and veggies to spruce up something in the communal kitchen (with a dishwasher!) See how the hostel compares to the other 5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Oamaru.

Check Oamaru Backpackers out:

6. Old Bones Lodge – Accommodation in Oamaru with Spa Pools

Seeking affordable luxury? Book a room at the beachfront accommodation of Old Bones Lodge. Ideal for solo travellers, couples or a couple of friends, the lodge offers a selection of double and twin rooms surrounding a spacious communal lounge, kitchen and dining area. Aside from taking a quick stroll to the nearby beach, the lodge offers soothing hot tubs and a sauna as ways to relax here. Powered campervan sites are also available.

Check Old Bones Lodge out:

7. The Villa – Oamaru Holiday Home

This charming semi-detached home just a short walk from the town centre retains its old-timey charm in tune with Oamaru’s historical vibes. The Villa boasts a comfortable stay across its three bedrooms, open-plan dining and kitchen area, lounge and bathroom. The real gem, however, is the picturesque garden with a barbecue. Nearby is a children’s playground at the school, making it an ideal stay for families with young children. Check out the array of holiday homes across town in the 10 Best Holiday Homes in Oamaru.

Check The Villa out:

8. Pen-y-bryn Lodge – Luxury Accommodation in Oamaru

Oamaru’s only five-star luxury accommodation, Pen-y-bryn Lodge offers an indulgent stay ideal for a special occasion. Set in an 1889 manor, the lodge radiates historical charm throughout its decor and fixings. You have a choice of five well-appointed guest rooms, some encapsulating traditional features while others are more contemporary. Either way, you’ll be treated to fine dining and indulgent breakfasts at the time when it suits you throughout your stay. In between your adventures in Oamaru, soak up the sun on the expansive patio and gardens or work out in the on-site fitness room.

Check Pen-y-bryn Lodge out:

9. Teschemakers Resort – Group Accommodation in Oamaru

An out-of-town hotel set among 70 acres of rural grounds, lawns, flower gardens and English trees, Teschemakers Resort offers an alternative retreat. You’ll find a range of studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites with an ensuite and kitchenette for preparing your own stovetop or microwave meals. Rooms are well-appointed and reasonably priced, more reminiscent of a motel rather than a hotel. Teschemakers also makes a good option for group bookings.

Check Teschemakers Resort out:

10. Oamaru Motor Lodge – Pet-Friendly Accommodation in Oamaru

A modern motel on the main road, just a short walk from the town centre, Oamaru Motor Lodge provides a convenient location for your stay in Oamaru. You’ll find upmarket king studios, some with a spa bath, as well as one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites. Keep cosy and enjoy the peace with double-glazing (yes, a rarity in New Zealand) and a heat pump installed. There are options to stay on the ground or top floor. What’s more, pets can come along on arrangement. See how this motel compares to the rest in town in our 12 BEST Motels in Oamaru.

Check Oamaru Motor Lodge out:

11. Highfield Mews Motel – Oamaru Accommodation with Spa Baths

It’s the little things that matter; at least that’s the case with Highfield Mews Motel, which among all the usual facilities also includes free bike hire, a Tesla charging station, TVs with streaming services, options for a spa bath, late checkout and more. The village-like motel complex offers a range of studios and one-bedroom units which are well-appointed with homely decor. There are interconnecting units available for families.

Check Highfield Mews Motel out:

12. ASURE Ambassador Motor Lodge – Popular Motel in Oamaru

Homebaked muffins on arrival? Yes, please! The care provided by ASURE Ambassador Motor Lodge can also be seen throughout its simple yet well-kept motel rooms. The motel has something for everybody, from budget studios to spa bath units to two-bedroom family units. All have kitchenettes, some are basic with a microwave, while others have a stovetop, so be sure to check if your desired room has the facilities you need. All of the units are on the ground floor and have complimentary tea and coffee, free WiFi and more.

Check ASURE Ambassador Motor Lodge out:

13. Little Red School House – Quirky Accommodation in Oamaru

While advertised as a B&B, the Little Red School House is more like a holiday home as you get the whole of this historic school house yourself. Since its schooling days, it has been stylishly renovated as a self-contained sleepout for couples, boasting a kitchenette with a ceramic stovetop, vegetables from the garden and breakfast included. As it’s set on a 940-acre sheep farm, there’s the opportunity to get involved as much or as little as you like with horse riding, 4WD safaris, working dog demonstrations, hiking, sheep shearing and more on request.

Check Little Red School House out:

14. AAA Thames Court Motel – Family-Friendly Accommodation in Oamaru

A good one for families, the AAA Thames Court Motel offers studios and one-bedroom budget apartments are ideal, while the more attractive “Family Apartments” offer a real home-away-from-home experience. All units have full kitchen facilities for easy self-catering. Keep entertained with the free unlimited WiFi, Sky TV and DVD players with a free DVD library. There’s a children’s play area on the grounds too. See more like this in the 10 Best Family Accommodations in Oamaru.

Check AAA Thames Court Motel out:

15. Empire Hotel Backpackers – Hostel in Oamaru Town Centre

Another fantastic backpacker hostel in Oamaru, Empire Hotel Backpackers is a piece of history renovated for budget travellers. Play a game of pool in the cool and quirky basement or relax in the multiple lounge areas oozing in that Oamaru Victorian charm. Choose from private double and twin rooms, as well as dorm rooms – all with shared facilities. WiFi is available and the hostel is just a stone’s throw away from all your essential shops and services. See more stays with a reasonable price tag in the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Oamaru.

Check Empire Hotel Backpackers out:

16. Oamaru TOP 10 Holiday Park – Popular Holiday Park in Oamaru

Whether you’re camping or want your own indoor space for a fair price, Oamaru TOP 10 Holiday Park can provide! The holiday park is popular with families thanks to its on-site playground, while sitting around the barbecue and playing a round of mini golf are other fun ways to spend your time here. There are accommodation options to suit a range of needs and budgets, from homely self-contained motel units with separate bedrooms to basic cabins and camping sites. Those using the latter two will be able to use the park’s communal bathroom and kitchen facilities.

Check Oamaru TOP 10 Holiday Park out:

17. Accommodation at Lakeside – Lakeside Holiday Home Near Oamaru

A modern farmhouse on the outskirts of Oamaru, Accommodation at Lakeside offers a tranquil retreat for up to six guests. The two-bedroom holiday home has all the homely essentials in a contemporary package, including a fully-equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, a laundry machine and a bathroom. The most endearing quality, however, is its garden with footpaths leading to a picturesque lake.

Check Accommodation at Lakeside out:

18. Casa Nova House – Upscale Boutique Accommodation in Oamaru

For travellers looking to go all out, Casa Nova House is the place to do it. The luxury B&B is hosted from a historic stone mansion – the first stone dwelling to be built in the district in 1861. Of course, the charm of the era has been maintained tastefully throughout with each of its three guest rooms individually styled with vibrant designer wallpaper or stone walls lit up with LEDs to revel in the ambience. Meals are a pretty big deal here too, with the tapas bar, Restaurant 1861, located on the ground floor.

Check Casa Nova Houset out:

19. Northstar Motel – Self-Catering Accommodation in Oamaru

One of the most stylish and contemporary motels in Oamaru, Northstar Motel is a good choice for the discerning traveller. Every one of the standard, family and accessible units has a modern kitchen with an oven, a large bathroom, Sky TV and more. The extra facilities, however, are where Northstar Motel shines the most, boasting a bar and restaurant, games rooms with a pool table, and a children’s room with toys and TV.

Check Northstar Motel out:

20. Mariner Suites – Coastal Accommodation in Oamaru

On the hillside overlooking Friendly Bay and the Pacific Ocean, Mariner Suites enjoys gorgeous views which you can lap up from your private balcony or patio. The 22-suite hotel has a range of double and triple rooms ideal for solo travellers, couples and business travellers. Rooms are stylishly designed with industrial elements and feature a spacious ensuite, a small drinks-making kitchenette, lounge furniture and free WiFi.

Check Mariner Suites out:

More About Hotels and Places to Stay in Oamaru

That’s it for our list of the best hotels and places to stay in Oamaru, but it’s by no means the end of our expert travel advice! Check out these articles for more inspiration for your trip:

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Complete Guide to Oamaru.

Author

Laura S.

This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in New Zealand over 10 years ago and with a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to travel New Zealand. She knows Aotearoa inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience New Zealand’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides and is the co-host of NZ Pocket Guide’s live New Zealand travel Q&As on YouTube.

Contact Laura via our contact page