Nau mai, haere mai—welcome to my cosy house in central Dunedin! It’s a comfortable, convenient, affordable base for travellers coming to write, work, relax, or explore the many attractions of the city and the Otago region.
My 2 guest rooms are perfectly set up for writing, working and relaxing. They include: comfy bed • desk • office chair • heater • electric blanket • bookshelves • ample power sockets • USB-A & USB-C charger • cotton sheets • cosy duvet • extra blankets • full-length mirror • plenty of storage • wooden coathangers • hooks for clothes, bags or towels • privacy bolt (locks from the inside) • unlimited fibre internet.
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The main bathroom is conveniently located right next to the guest rooms. On the ground floor there’s a second toilet with a washbasin, along with a modern kitchen, friendly living and dining areas, a sunny courtyard and a laundry, all of which my guests are welcome to use.
Stay a night, a weekend, a week, or a month! It’s competitively priced with discounts for longer stays; there’s more info on the booking page.
Proudly LGBTQI+ friendly.
Location Location!
My home is a short walk from everything—University, cafes, restaurants, bars, shops, library, museums, galleries, supermarkets, hospital, bus—yet next to the green belt for walking and cycling in nature.
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The neighbourhood is full of trees and birds and quaint old mansions, including Olveston Historic Home just round the corner. It’s safe and usually very quiet, with friendly neighbours who say hello.
If you don’t feel like walking, the local bus stop is a few steps away, and electric scooters are available for hire nearby.
There’s plenty of free street parking, and it’s an easy drive to all the local attractions, including Larnach Castle, Orokonui Ecosanctuary and the must-see Royal Albatross Centre.
Single room with lovely view
Sunny room with a view over housetops to green hills and sunrises. Birds will visit you in the tree outside your window. Your single daybed is a couch by day and a comfy bed at night. This is my favourite room in the house! Great value for solo travellers.
Queen room with kitchenette & deck
Spacious room with a private deck and kitchenette, for couples or solo travellers. Includes a queen-sized bed, indoor and outdoor dining spaces for two, and your own fridge, microwave, kettle, utensils, crockery, wine glasses, tea & coffee supplies and breakfast cereal.
Your home away from home
My home is a spacious end townhouse built in the 70s, with just enough character to be fun. There are interesting lights, built-in pelmets, funky round windows and sleek timber balustrades.
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Downstairs there’s the laundry, which incorporates an extra toilet and hand basin; a gorgeous new kitchen with a dishwasher, tea & coffee, breakfast cereal, pantry staples, and heaps of bench space; and a large lounge and dining area with a heat pump (reverse cycle airconditioner), plenty of seating, lots of books, and a guitar. The TV has a Google TV Streamer for Netflix, Chromecast, etc.
Upstairs I have the two guest bedrooms, my personal room, and the bathroom, which has a bathtub as well as a shower.
Out the back there’s a private courtyard with a table and chairs and a washing line.
Fast wifi is available throughout the house.
Close to everything!
Easy walk to: University Book Shop • Tūhura Otago Museum • Toitū Settlers Museum • Olveston Historic Home • Dunedin Public Art Gallery • Dunedin Botanic Garden • Moana Pool (heated indoor pool and gym) • Meridian Mall (cosy indoor shopping) • University of Otago • Dunedin Hospital • 2 Western and 2 Asian supermarkets • The Octagon • Lan Yuan Chinese Garden • Dhargyey Buddhist Centre • Al Huda Mosque • Dunedin Jewish Congregation • Knox Church and other churches • Dunedin Bus Hub • shops, cafes, restaurants, bars, clubs, yoga studios, gyms.
Bus 50 leaves from the stop close by and will take you to the city centre, South Dunedin (antique shops, big box stores) and St Clair (the beach!). From Dunedin Bus Hub (2 bus stops away) there are buses to most city destinations.
You can also hire electric scooters in the immediate neighbourhood and e-bikes in the city centre.
If you’re driving, there’s free street parking nearby.
Your host
Kia ora! I’m known by my surname, Jackson. I was born in Cumbria, England, but I grew up in Australia and lived (mostly) there until 2021, when I moved to Aotearoa New Zealand. In January 2025, I found my lovely home in Ōtepoti Dunedin.
I’m a poet, writer, editor and writing teacher with 4 books and a PhD in Writing. My poems often appear in literary journals in Aotearoa and overseas. In 2026, I’m supervising a Master of Creative Writing student at the University of Otago.
I love helping people with their writing, especially poetry. If you’re a writer, I can provide coaching, feedback, editing or proofreading as part of your stay; see writerjackson.com for details and pricing (and lots of examples of my own writing).
I’m very active in the local literary scene. I serve on the committees of the Octagon Poetry Collective, which holds monthly readings in Dunedin, and the New Zealand Poetry Society, and I recently started Ōtepoti Dunedin Poetry Circle, a poetry sharing and discussion group running weekly at Dunedin City Library.
As well as writing, editing and teaching, I’ve worked as a computer programmer, an English language teacher, and a voluntary breastfeeding counsellor—but the most challenging job of my career was that of primary caregiver to my two children, now excellent adults I’m proud to call friends. My kids both live in Australia.
I enjoy meeting new people, exploring cities, walking, and, of course, reading good books. I also love cafes, yoga classes and poetry events. I speak a little Chinese and am learning te reo Māori. I’m 99% vegetarian and don’t smoke or vape.
My pronouns are they/them.
writerjackson.com (my writing, portfolio, CV, and literary services)
Reviews
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Jackson is an exceptional, thoughtful host. Their home was exactly what I needed after a very long flight from the US—a short walk to a vibrant downtown, grocery stores, the University of Otago … and a bus stop directly across the street. Also, an Uber from the grocery stores to Jackson’s home is very inexpensive. I felt right at home.
— Billy (USA), July 2026
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Jackson was an incredibly welcoming host and made me feel right at home. The room was cosy and warm, just what I needed. It is walkable from the city and easy to find parking nearby. I would absolutely stay here again! Thanks again Jackson.
— Andra (NZ), June 2026
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Jackson is an exceptional person and a great host. They always went out of their way to help and were very friendly … I felt safe and comfortable, like at home … [Jackson] helped me a lot and recommended some great places. Staying with them was a wonderful start to my Dunedin adventure.
— Jan (Czech Republic), July 2026
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Everything I needed to access was within walking distance … There were great restaurants and shops, as well as necessary services such as banks, phone stores, foodmarkets, and a library, close by. I appreciated having … a desk and chair, as well as the small fridge and coffee/tea making necessities. The bed was warm and comfortable. There is a good heater in the room … If I had questions about amenities or how to get around, Jackson was incredibly kind, readily providing super helpful information. I appreciated their hospitality and can honestly say, this is a great place to stay!
— Brenda (Canada), June 2026
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Staying here was the absolute highlight of our trip to Dunedin! The place is beautifully decorated, fully equipped with great amenities, and incredibly clean everywhere—from the bedroom to the bathroom and common areas. Most of all, Jackson was so kind and welcoming, which made us feel completely relaxed.
The location is perfect: about a 10–15 minute walk to the city center, and there are plenty of e-scooters around … I will definitely stay here again when I return to Dunedin.
— Seigi (Japan), July 2026
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We had a wonderful stay! The home was clean, comfortable, and had everything we needed. It felt warm and welcoming from the moment we arrived. Communication was easy, and all the information provided was clear and helpful. We would happily stay here again and highly recommend it to anyone visiting the area.
— Kael & Cheryl (Malaysia), July 2026
