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Distinction Hotels

NZ Wide Hotels & Conference Centres

Distinction Christchurch Hotel

Distinction Christchurch Hotel

★★★★★ ★★★★★
GOLD COLLECTION The Distinction Christchurch Hotel is centrally located in the revitalised Cathedral Square and offers 179 elegant, air-conditioned hotel rooms including 3 floors of new Superior Rooms and Suites. Complementing this popular 4.5-star Christchurch accommodation is conference facilities catering up to 200 delegates, the stylish Gumption Restaurant and Bar, undercover valet carparking and FREE unlimited WiFi.
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Distinction Dunedin Hotel

Distinction Dunedin Hotel

★★★★★ ★★★★★
GOLD COLLECTION The Distinction Hotels Group has transformed the 1937 former Chief Post Office in Dunedin into an elegant 4 1/2 star hotel, located in the rejuvenated and vibrant Warehouse Precinct in the heart of the city. The modern Distinction Dunedin Hotel consists of 127 elegant suites and studio rooms, FREE unlimited WiFi, Parcels Restaurant, Post Bar, unique private dining Vaults and on-site gym.
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Distinction Coachman Hotel Palmerston North

Distinction Coachman Hotel Palmerston North

★★★★★ ★★★★★
SILVER COLLECTION Nestled in the heart of Palmerston North, just 800 metres from the CBD and 10 mins drive from the airport. The Palmerston North hotel offers 73 contemporary rooms & suites that all feature FREE unlimited WiFi, TV's with SKY channels, tea & coffee-making facilities. Some studios offer cooking facilities. Enjoy complimentary car parking, restaurant & bar and outdoor swimming pool (summer only).
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Distinction Hamilton Hotel & Conference Centre

Distinction Hamilton Hotel & Conference Centre

★★★★★ ★★★★★
SILVER COLLECTION Distinction Hamilton Hotel offers 147 refurbished, air-conditioned rooms and suites and guest services including FREE unlimited WiFi and complimentary, off-street parking. It also boasts a restaurant, bar and some of the largest conference facilities in Waikato. Located only minutes from the Hamilton city centre this Hamilton hotel is a favourite with business travellers and holiday makers alike.
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Distinction Heritage Gateway Hotel Omarama

Distinction Heritage Gateway Hotel Omarama

★★★★★ ★★★★★
SILVER COLLECTION Omarama's leading hotel, located in the heart of the town centre offers 98 modern and comfortable rooms, including family suites with cooking facilities. Many have a balcony with mountain vistas and all have tea and coffee making facilities, ensuite bathrooms, FREE unlimited WiFi and complimentary on-site parking. Set amongst landscaped gardens, dine in the al fresco restaurant or relax at the cosy bar whilst enjoying panoramic views.
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Distinction Luxmore Hotel Lake Te Anau

Distinction Luxmore Hotel Lake Te Anau

★★★★★ ★★★★★
SILVER COLLECTION Perfect holiday base for your Fiordland travel, Distinction Luxmore provides comfortable hotel accommodation in one of NZ's most popular scenic areas - Te Anau, gateway to the stunning Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound. Offering 2 restaurants, FREE unlimited WiFi, complimentary guest car parking and an excellent standard of service, the friendly team at Distinction Luxmore will help make your stay in Te Anau comfortable and enjoyable.
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Distinction Mackenzie Country Hotel Twizel

Distinction Mackenzie Country Hotel Twizel

★★★★★ ★★★★★
SILVER COLLECTION Recognisable by its classic stonework exterior, Twizel’s only 4-star hotel reflects the distinctive mountain & river landscapes of the region. The spacious gardens and mountain silhouette are a key feature of this idyllic setting, located a short walk from the town centre. Featuring 108 hotel rooms with private balconies or patios. Guests can enjoy dining in the restaurant with open fireplace. FREE unlimited WiFi & complimentary parking.
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Distinction New Plymouth Hotel

Distinction New Plymouth Hotel

★★★★★ ★★★★★
SILVER COLLECTION Distinction New Plymouth Hotel (formerly Grand Central Hotel) is the ideal New Plymouth accommodation choice for both business and leisure travellers. Located in the heart of the CBD, just 15 mins drive from the airport, the hotel is on the doorstep of key New Plymouth attractions and offers a range of spacious rooms, suites and apartments. Guests can also enjoy complimentary car parking, FREE unlimited WiFi and access to the hotel gym.
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Distinction Palmerston North Hotel & Conference Centre

Distinction Palmerston North Hotel & Conference Centre

★★★★★ ★★★★★
SILVER COLLECTION Ideal Palmerston North accommodation choice for travellers, the 4-star hotel boasts 85 well appointed guest rooms & FREE unlimited WiFi. Situated in the hub of Palmerston North’s buoyant CBD, a few minutes’ walk from shops, the museum, art galleries & theatres. Offering one of the largest conference venues in the lower North Island with four function rooms, an on-site cosmopolitan restaurant and stylish bar.
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Distinction Rotorua Hotel & Conference Centre

Distinction Rotorua Hotel & Conference Centre

★★★★★ ★★★★★
SILVER COLLECTION Superior Rotorua accommodation at affordable rates, located in a central location make Distinction Rotorua Hotel your choice of stay. Offering 4 in-house restaurants and bars, outdoor heated swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, complimentary & secure mountain bike storage and FREE unlimited WiFi. Also offering the largest hotel-based conference venue in Rotorua.
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Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas

Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas

★★★★★ ★★★★★
SILVER COLLECTION Distinction Te Anau Hotel and Villas, offers chic, elegant hotel and suite accommodation, FREE unlimited WiFi, complimentary off-street car parking as well as delicious on-site dining in the MacKinnon Restaurant. Our lakefront location is part of New Zealand's largest world heritage area; Fiordland, gateway to Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound.
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Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre

Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre

★★★★★ ★★★★★
SILVER COLLECTION Conveniently located opposite the stunning Whangarei Town Basin and new Hundertwasser Art Centre. Just a few minutes walk from the city centre, this Whangarei accommodation is perfectly suited to both business and leisure travellers. All comfortable guest rooms and suites are air-conditioned and offer free unlimited WiFi. Restaurant, bar, indoor swimming pool, spa, gym, conference facilities & complimentary off-street car parking.
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Dunedin Leisure Lodge - A Distinction Hotel

Dunedin Leisure Lodge - A Distinction Hotel

★★★★★ ★★★★★
SILVER COLLECTION A warm welcome awaits at Dunedin’s only garden hotel, the Dunedin Leisure Lodge – a part of the Distinction Hotels Group. Nestled within 2 acres of beautifully kept gardens and neighbouring the stunning Dunedin Botanic Garden, this tranquil oasis is just 6 minutes’ drive from the city centre. 76 hotel rooms and suites to suit couples wanting a relaxing getaway, business travellers and families. FREE unlimited WiFi & complimentary car parking.
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Discovery Settlers Hotel Whangarei

Discovery Settlers Hotel Whangarei

★★★★★ ★★★★★
DISCOVERY HOTELS COLLECTION From local hot spots to popular attractions, there’s always something to do when staying at Discovery Settlers Hotel Whangarei. Only 30 minutes from some of the country’s most spectacular beaches, and a mere 5 minutes from lush native bush walkways, we are perfectly placed for sightseeing around Northland and offer a range of refurbished Whangarei accommodation and FREE unlimited WiFi.
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Discovery Countrytime Hotel Omarama

Discovery Countrytime Hotel Omarama

★★★★★ ★★★★★
DISCOVERY HOTELS COLLECTION Enjoy affordable, country-style accommodation, located 5 mins’ drive from Omarama village. 47 basic rooms with FREE unlimited WiFi. Perfect base for family excursions into this extraordinary region of natural beauty. Get ready for a day of adventure and enjoy a sumptuous breakfast in the restaurant with stunning mountain views. Enjoy beverages in the iconic bar decorated to resemble a traditional sheep shearing shed. Complimentary off-street parking.
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Distinction Invercargill Hotel - Coming Soon

Distinction Invercargill Hotel - Coming Soon

★★★★★ ★★★★★
GOLD COLLECTION The Distinction Hotels Group is transforming the former government Menzies building in Invercargill into an elegant 4.5 star hotel, conveniently located in the heart of the city. The modern, air-conditioned Distinction Invercargill Hotel consists of 150 elegant suites and guestrooms, FREE unlimited WiFi, restaurant & bar, private dining rooms, on-site gym and paid valet and self car parking.
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Te Weheka Hotel Fox Glacier - Managed by THC Hotels & Resorts

Te Weheka Hotel Fox Glacier - Managed by THC Hotels & Resorts

★★★★★ ★★★★★
Superb Fox Glacier boutique hotel accommodation, Te Weheka Hotel - Managed by THC Hotels & Resorts offers a modern, purpose-built hotel, surrounded by stunning mountains. Sumptuous breakfasts are served in the hotel's restaurant. Guests can enjoy FREE unlimited WiFi, complimentary undercover car parking and access to the cosy lounge area with fireplace and library, a great place to relax with a glass of wine and enjoy views of the township and river valley.
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Dunedin Leisure Lodge - A Distinction Hotel ★★★★★ ★★★★★
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Dunedin Leisure Lodge's Storied History

Dunedin Leisure Lodge was built in 1978 on the site of one of Dunedin's original and at one time, New Zealand's largest breweries - the McGavin Union Brewery. The brewery which brewed its last beer in 1958 was relocated to the Speights Brewery in 1971, however to honour the rich history, some of the early site has been preserved and the hotel showcases nods to the brewery's past.

The stone Oast House (a former malt house) was redeveloped as a conference venue suitable for up to 50 people. With its magnificent locally quarried bluestone walls as a backdrop, this former brewery site is a novel & popular place to gather for smaller meetings, private dinners and special ceremonies such as weddings. In addition, the larger function room which hosts up to 100 people and the on-site restaurant took on the name of the old brewery, the McGavin Room and McGavin's Restaurant and Bar.

The History of McGavin Union Brewery & its Founder
George Lindsay McGavin was born and raised in Kirriemuir, Scotland in 1831, before coming to Dunedin in 1861, after a period of  working in the Victorian Goldfields, where he apparently had considerable success. After the gold rush, McGavin undertook various jobs in Dunedin, before buying an existing brewery (McNichol’s Duke St Brewery) which he mostly rebuilt.

McGavin Union Brewery was established in 1882 and operated by McGavin and Co, which originally consisted of Mr George McGavin, Mr Alexander McGregor, and Mr William Smith. After the death of Smith and the retirement of McGregor, Mr William Smith Junior joined the company. McGavin passed away in 1896 and Mr George Wright, McGavin's nephew, teamed with William Smith Junior to run the very successful brewing business.

In 1890 McGavin & Co acquired the adjacent Water of Leith brewery site, including the 1871 stone malt house, with18 inch thick walls built of bluestone from the nearby Leith quarries, known as Oast House. 

Thirty people were employed at the extensive property, encompassing an acre and a half of land which held the two breweries and malthouses. This included three permanent travellers who visited customers throughout the country.

McGavin Union Brewery was successful from the start and became particularly well known for their stout. The brewery earned over thirty awards in its time, both nationally and internationally. It was described as resembling English Ale in taste and impossible to distinguish the difference.

New Zealand Breweries was formed in 1923 which was made up of ten breweries throughout the country, including McGavin's, Speight's & Strachan's. A change in brewing meant that the small McGavin brewery did not survive the merger for long, as it could not keep up with the new method of brewing. It was sold to R Powley & Co in 1949 and brewing ended in 1958. It was sold back to New Zealand Breweries to be used just for bottling. The brewery was eventually re-located to the Speight's Brewery in 1971 and most of the buildings, apart from the historic Oast House malt house were demolished in 1974 to allow for alterations to the one-way system on State Highway 1.

In 1978 Dunedin Leisure Lodge was built on the site and the remaining historic malt house was transformed into a conference venue, where people still gather for small meetings, private dinners and weddings to this day.
 
Credits...
Otago University Hocken Collection
The Cyclopedia of New Zealand - Otago & Southland Provincial Districts
Geni – My Heritage Company
Brett McDowell Gallery
Otago Daily Times Issue 6430 21 Sep 1882
 



 
Dunedin Leisure Lodge's Storied History Dunedin Leisure Lodge - A Distinction HotelDunedin Leisure Lodge's Storied History Dunedin Leisure Lodge - A Distinction HotelDunedin Leisure Lodge's Storied History Dunedin Leisure Lodge - A Distinction Hotel
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