Discover the natural beauty of North Otago in New Zealand’s South Island with a stay at Pen-y-bryn Lodge, ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor. Immerse yourself in the region’s fascinating history at this former Victorian mansion, which dates back to 1889. Poised on Oamaru’s South Hill, overlooking the Pacific on one side and jaw-droppingly beautiful mountains on the other, the house has been awarded historic status.
In keeping with the lodge’s past, each of the five guest rooms is individually decorated with striking antiques and charming furnishings to ensure an enchanting stay. During the day, visit the endangered, yellow-eyed penguin colony at Bushy Beach, just a five-minute drive away. Don’t miss a visit to Steampunk HQ, a quirky gallery filled with sci-fi and steam-powered technology-inspired pieces and visit Oamaru Public Gardens – among the country’s oldest gardens. The Forrester Gallery and Waitaki Museum are also worth a visit, showcasing artefacts dating to the earliest days of Māori settlement. At the end of each day, head to the hotel’s dining room for a taste of the Waitaki region’s amazing and abundant produce.