With a stay at Criterion Boutique Hotel in Oamaru (South Hill), you'll be steps from Auto Museum and Steam Train. .This hotel is 0.1 mi (0.1 km) from Grainstore Gallery and 0.1 mi (0.1 km) from Steampunk HQ.
What's nearby
Steampunk HQ - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
Oamaru Victorian Heritage Precinct - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
St Lukes Anglican Church - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
Oamaru Harbour - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
Grainstore Gallery - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
Restaurants
Coast - 13 min drive
Indian Kitchen Restaurant - 4 min drive
Harbour St Bakery - 1 min walk
Whitestone Cheese Diner & Deli - 5 min drive
Scotts Brewing - 3 min walk
About this property
Criterion Boutique Hotel
Criterion Boutique Hotel offers 7 accommodations. Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access (speed: 25+ Mbps). Housekeeping is provided daily.
Make yourself at home in one of the 7 guestrooms. Complimentary wireless internet access is available to keep you connected.
The front desk is staffed during limited hours.
Property amenities
Internet
Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
In-room WiFi speed: 25+ Mbps
Parking and transportation
No onsite parking available
Conveniences
Limited-hour front desk
Guest services
Housekeeping (daily)
Accessibility
No elevator
Room amenities
Bedroom
Bedsheets provided
Policies
Check-in
Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: midnight
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out
Check-out before 10:00 AM
Special check-in instructions
The front desk is open daily from noon - 8:30 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Access methods
Front desk (limited hours)
Pets
Pets not allowed
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available
Property payment types
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards and debit cards; cash is not accepted
We should mention
This property does not have elevators
National rating
Property class, provided by our rating system, is based on property type, amenities, and services.
Criterion Boutique Hotel Reviews
Reviews
7.0
Good
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
We had a fantastic stay at this hotel, with extra service from the host/owner. The hotel gave us a feeling of going back to historical times. And we slept very well !
Marit Karlsen
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified
6/10 Okay
robert Murray
Mar 13, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Room was clean and met staff on check in. Was an overnight stop so can’t really give an accurate assessment. Old building with high ceilings and cozy enough
The facilities were very clean, the staff very friendly. However, when I made the reservation it said it was a room with a private bathroom, which isn't true; the bathroom is shared but very clean, and the other guests also kept the bathroom and kitchen clean. My stay there was very satisfactory since the location is perfect for getting around on foot and the hotel has parking.
For a budget hotel, I found myself having the most comfortable sleep in any of the hotels I stayed at in New Zealand! The rooms were super small without TV and en-suite bathroom, but I didn't expect it given this is 1 of only 2 remaining original continuosly ran hotels in the town.
sammy
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified
6/10 Okay
Gwynell
Feb 14, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Yes and yes, very courtious
Gwynell
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Helen
Feb 13, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Quite a quirky place in the Victorian area of Omaru. The room was compact and probably the same layout as it was in Victorian time. The room and bathrooms were clean. The kitchen was a bit disorganised. The staff were lovely and very keen to help in any way they could.
Helen
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified
8/10 Good
tony
Dec 30, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Very small room for two people. Shared bathrooms ok. Very quirky and historical. A nice adventure
3.5 Stars...
The room was clean and tidy. We were in the "Suite" which included a bathroom with very good shower, however despite being a jug and a jar of coffee, and some cups, there was no milk, sugar or tea in the room or the nearby communal kitchen.
The bed was comfortable, but could of done with more than just one pillow each.
Boutique ? Shabby room. Clean bed. Shared bathrooms. Bar closed by 9. Fridge noise, train noise and locals driving around until 3 in the morning. It was an experience !
Linens are exceptional quality and very clean. Cannot praise this place highly enough. Exellent value for money. In the heart of the Heritage area.
Jenny and Maryanne
Although very well situated to access the wharf’, blue penguin colony (which never seemed to have arrived during our stay) the building is in need of considerable upgrading. Comes across as more of a rooming house vibe. Rate reflects what you get. Sadly I would not return. It has tremendous potential