Pen-y-bryn Lodge 2018
Discover the natural beauty of Oamaru and New Zealand’s Waitaki District with a stay at Pen-y-bryn Lodge, located just a five-minute drive from Bushy Beach Scenic Reserve. This historic hotel’s excellent location makes it easy to view the endangered yellow-eyed penguin colony at Bushy Beach and places other major attractions such as Oamaru Public Gardens, Forrester Gallery and Waitaki Museum at your fingertips.
Your stay includes daily breakfast, complimentary beer, wine and house drinks served by your hosts in the heritage drawing room every night and late 1pm checkout.
The lodge is located around a two-hour drive from Dunedin Airport.
Transfers are not included. We recommend hiring a car, as free parking is available at the hotel.
Need Flights? We have a dedicated team who are able to assist with all your flight requirements. If you need a stopover or are looking at travelling to more destinations, our team can help. Contact our flights concierge team using the phone number on our website.
Immerse yourself in the nature, art, history and culture of Oamaru, the largest town in the Waitaki District. Among other delights, this beautiful spot boasts the country’s oldest public gardens, renowned Victorian architecture and two penguin colonies.
What You’ll Love…
The Location – History, beauty and nature on the South Island’s east coast
Discover the rich history, cute penguin colonies, stunning scenery and wonderful architecture of Oamaru.
Visit the Victorian Precinct, where you’ll find shops, galleries and some of the best-preserved examples of 19th-century architecture in the Southern Hemisphere. Watch history come to life with an interactive heritage experience at Whitestone City.
From the hotel, it’s just a five-minute drive to Bushy Beach Scenic Reserve, home to the rare yellow-eyed penguin colony. Visit in the late afternoon to observe them return from a day out fishing to feed their young. A tip: bring binoculars (or the lodge has some to borrow, subject to availability). The beach is closed off from 3pm every day to protect the penguins, meaning all viewing hides are located at a distance on the cliffs. It’s also just a five-minute drive to the Oamaru blue penguin colony viewing spot, with informative tours available.
If you’re into art and culture, don’t miss a visit to Steampunk HQ, a quirky gallery filled with sci-fi and steam-powered technology-inspired pieces. Also worth a visit are Oamaru Public Gardens – the country’s oldest gardens – the Forrester Gallery and Waitaki Museum, showcasing an interesting collection of Victorian artefacts.
The Hotel – Stay in a former Victorian mansion, awarded TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence
Immerse yourself in the region’s fascinating history with a stay at the historic Pen-y-bryn Lodge, a former Victorian mansion dating back to 1889.
‘Pen-y-bryn’ is Welsh for ‘top of the hill’ and is a suitable name for the lodge, as it is located at the summit of South Hill, on the southern fringe of town.
Built by the firm of Forrester and Lemon, the house was awarded Category One historic status by Heritage NZ in recognition of its ‘special or outstanding historical or cultural heritage significance or value’. The fact that the house is built of wood makes it almost unique in Oamaru, where the absence of trees when the British settlers arrived caused most buildings to be constructed of the local limestone.
The lodge is filled with antiques and furnishings that date back to the original owners, who used a four-year trip to Europe during the construction of the house to source fittings and artwork to display in their new home. These have been supplemented by pieces left by the second family to own the house, the McDiarmids, including a competition-size billiards table, purchased from the New Zealand government.
The current owners have turned the lodge into a warm, welcoming place for guests, offering highly personalised service, delicious food and modern amenities. Make use of complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi and free soft drinks, tea and coffee throughout your stay.
The Room – Antique furnishings meet modern luxury
Couples will love The Elizabeth Room and The Victoria Room, intimate rooms for two with antique furnishings and plush king bedding. Old-world grandeur meets modern luxuries, such as period-style tiles with underfloor heating, high-speed Wi-Fi and brand-new bathrooms with custom-made vanities. Luxuriate for longer with a late 1pm checkout included in all packages.
VIP Upgrade: Enjoy more space when you upgrade. VIP rooms (The Garden Room, The Nest Room and The Park Room) feature 45sqm of space, a living area with TV, Nespresso coffee machine and large bathrooms with a tub and walk-in glass shower. Stretch out in super-king or twin king bedding, with the option of adding an extra guest at a surcharge (see ‘Fine Print’).
Bonus Inclusion: All upgraded rooms will receive a complimentary bottle of wine on arrival.
The Food – Daily breakfast and nightly drinks in the drawing room
Wake up each morning to a delicious breakfast, offering a sumptuous spread of homemade and local products including muesli, granola, fresh fruit, baked treats, homemade jams and marmalades, local cheeses, cured meats, bread, free-range eggs with bacon and much more, setting you up for a day of exploring Oamaru.
Every evening (5pm-7pm) join your fellow guests and friendly hosts in the drawing room for complimentary drinks. Sip house drinks, beer and wine as you chat to ‘the Jameses’, who have owned the lodge since 2010.
- High-speed Wi-Fi
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Billiards/snooker table
- Onsite fitness room & access to local 24-hour fitness centre
- Parking
Surcharges may apply to select facilities and services
Valid for travel from 1 August 2020 until 31 October 2021 (bookings must be made before 1 September 2021).
Age Restriction: Please note, this property only allows guests aged nine years and over.
Blackout Dates Apply. Dates are identified in the Booking Calendar.
Check Availability: To confirm your dates of stay at purchase, click on ‘Check Availability’ and select your preferred package. Use the calendar to browse and select available dates. Dates with a surcharge are identified.
Buy Now, Choose Dates Later: If you want to secure this offer and don’t know when you want to travel please select ‘Buy Now, Choose Dates Later’. This will secure your package and give you the flexibility to choose your travel dates — within the book by and validity period and subject to availability. To select dates post purchase, simply select ‘My Escapes’ under the ‘My Account’ tab and follow the prompts.
7-Day Change of Mind ‘No Questions Asked’ Refund Guarantee: Things don’t always work out. Our 7-day Change of Mind Guarantee is there to help. Bookings (except for tour bookings and flights) may be cancelled with a full refund provided that cancellation occurs strictly within 7 days from the date of purchase and provided that the cancellation is made no less than 21 days prior to the check-in date.
Feel Like Changing Your Dates? No Worries… You can make unlimited changes to the date of your booking provided the change is made no less than 21 days before your original check-in date for bookings in Australia and New Zealand, and 1 day before check-in for bookings in all other countries. This is provided you choose dates that are of an equal value and are available. Any change to booking dates is subject to and must be made online in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.
The Elizabeth Room and The Victoria Room – Packages are valid for two adults.
Maximum Room Capacity: The maximum room capacity is two adults. Additional guests cannot be accommodated.
The Nest Room, The Garden Room and The Park Room – Packages are valid for two adults.
Maximum Room Capacity: The maximum room capacity is three people.
Extra Guest Policy: One additional guest (aged nine years and over) may stay for a surcharge of NZ$125 per night, sleeping on a sofa bed with accommodation and breakfast only. Payable directly to the hotel.
The property, facilities and dining are subject to government regulations and restrictions. Please check the property website for the most up-to-date information as some of the services may be impacted.
Please note that full terms and conditions apply. Refer to website’s terms and conditions.
