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POSHTEL


Every now and then an opportunity comes along to discover a place that is truly unique, to open a doorway into the unexpected and find yourself in the satisfying space of exploration and discovery. Boutique hotel ‘Poshtel’ located at 126 Thames St Oamaru is this sort of place.

Poshtel opened in January 2019 following a comprehensive heritage restoration with seismic upgrade and retrofit meeting new building standards in the former Stringer & Co building. With 15 luxury ensuite rooms, an expansive shared guest lounge, dining space and even an art gallery on site, Auckland based owner Phillip McNicholl has created a unique and appealing hotel for visitors to the region.

Take a tour in photographs and see how some creative vision has blended old with new, the design decisions delivering contemporary comfort in a way that is fresh, focused and sure to inspire meaningful moments for guests over the duration of their stay.

Within these walls resides a business creating a specific and authentic vernacular of hospitality, integrating the accommodation experience back to locally grown culture in a meaningful way.


M a k i n g C o n n e c t i o n s


Furnishings throughout the upscale hotel are complemented with owner Philip McNicholl’s extensive and eclectic collection of memorabilia, much of which carries a historical backstory that is pure ‘kiwi’. Art, sport, music, industry, steampunk among the themes imbuing each space with a sense of identity just waiting to be uncovered by the guest.

From the Antarctic explorer suite to the farming suite, each of the 15 uniquely themed rooms strike the balance between form and function with quality furnishing and linens providing for guests comfort. While luxurious Poshtel is also comfortable, with an assortment of leather couches that lend themselves to curling up with a glass of wine and a book and communal spaces which are warm and inviting.

M e a n i n g f u l M o m e n t s


There is change afoot in the travel industry as people are increasingly seeking accommodation options that are more personalised, bespoke and memorable than what has traditionally been on offer from generic corporate hotels. The chance to discover something new, to connect with local culture and community, to stay in a space where the decor and ambience reflect the identity and eccentricities of the area adding layers of meaning and authenticity to the travel experience.

“We could have built more rooms. Instead we added extra stories.” (Poshtel website)


Find it in the old immaculate 1957 company Land Rover,

lining the passageways,

and behind every door.

A narrative that is real, just waiting to be explored,

in a place where you can engage with the stories of others,

while creating your own.


A w a r m w e l c o m e


Oamaru locals Lindsay and Delaine Walker are the managers at Poshtel, offering authentic and genuine hospitality that really personalises the experience for each guest.

With 45 years working within the tourism sector and a resume that includes former CEO of Tourism Waitaki, (Lindsay) the couple have travelled extensively worldwide and are united in their love of Oamaru which is very much ‘home’. A love for the local area and for hospitality make Lindsay and Delaine the perfect hosts who do their upmost to facilitate a special stay for all guests to the hotel.

F i r s t t h i n g s f i r s t . . . . . . b r e a k f a s t


Enjoy the complimentary continental breakfast while planning your days excursions, Poshtel is within easy walking distance of the Victorian Precinct, Steampunk HQ, cafes, restaurants, galleries, shops, museums and the picturesque harbour area.

Whether on foot or travelling via vehicle there’s plenty to discover nearby with Delaine and Lindsay happy to assist in helping guests make the most of their time in Oamaru.


H e r i t a g e C o n s e r v a t i o n


Historically a commercial building like this one which operated as stock and station agency ‘Stringer & Co’ played an important role in local industry as an interface between town and country. It remains identified by many locals as ‘The Stringer Building’ from those days when it was owned by influential Oamaru businessman George Stringer.

Today as ‘Poshtel’ the property serves a new yet equally important industry in Oamaru, the rapidly evolving tourism sector which is a huge growth area for the region.

Phillip McNicholl bought 126 Thames St in 2017 and the building has undergone substantial redevelopment . Designed by Carter Smith Architecture + Interiors this is a story of successful adaptive re-use. The preservation of heritage elements of the building have been integrated with contemporary features allowing for the documentation of many more days and years within it’s walls.


“We shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us” (Winston Churchill, 1943)



For more information or to make a booking for your next stay in Oamaru - visit the Poshtel website here.

If you are interested in some behind the scenes footage of our work on the Poshtel Project we’ll be sharing a video clip on our next post.


See this gallery in the original post