Koru Flat is a newly constructed ground-level apartment set among towering native mamaku (giant tree ferns), which frame peek-a-boo views over of the city, harbour and peninsula. Upon arrival you'll be greeted by an inlaid spiral koru (the Maori symbol of new beginnings, inspired by the unfurling fronds of the tree fern) and the sparkle of native paua shell in the polished concrete floor. Designed by owner-architect Valeri, Koru Flat is a well-appointed modern apartment that retains hints of the tradition embodied in the century-old historic villa above. Conceived as an urban in-fill project while upgrading the foundation of the original house, the nature of the site (a steep hillside overlooking the city) is such that large windows bring in natural light and provide views over the city, harbour, and peninsula through the canopy of Dunedin's most outstanding grove of mamaku trees ("black fern," or giant tree fern). Just outside your front door you'll find a steel staircase (constructed as part of the renovation project) that climbs to the villa where owners Valeri and Trent live (see photos). Guests are welcome to make use of the stair platform to admire the view or sip a drink while enjoying the unique atmosphere of a mature mamaku forest canopy. The full modern kitchen features high end appliances (Miele dishwasher, Neff induction cooktop, Asko pyrolytic oven) for your culinary needs. The kitchen comes fully stocked with microwave, toaster, fridge/freezer, stainless steel cookware, electric jug/kettle, and an integrated digital meat thermometer. The separate bedroom features a queen-size bed, washer/dryer tucked away in a small closet, and a large walk-in closet. A full bathroom features a full-sized shower with high pressure hot water. There is no television in Koru Flat. High-speed wifi provided. PLEASE NOTE: On arrival, guests must climb 22 stair steps to reach the entrance to Koru Flat. Small landings are available every few steps if you need to rest.

We are American ex-pats who moved to Dunedin in 2011. We love outdoor adventures (we first met in a Seattle mountaineering course!), and even after years on the ground in NZ we remain in awe of the natural beauty of the South Island. We use Airbnb as both guests and hosts, and enjoy meeting fellow travelers and sharing local secrets. Professionally, Valeri is a self-employed architect and Trent is an economics lecturer at the university. Our daughter attended high school in Dunedin and is currently working as an environmental educator in the U.S.

Roslyn is a mostly residential neighbourhood just outside the city centre bisected by Highgate Road and Stuart Street. See our personal "guidebook" (provided in flat when you arrive) for descriptions of the cafes and other amenities available in Roslyn Village. Walking(driving) times to local destinations, in minutes: Roslyn Village 6(1); Moana Pool 8(1); Octagon 18(6); University of Otago 30(6); Forsyth Barr Stadium 45(10); Mercy Hospital 14(3); parking for Tunnel Beach (13); Mt. Cargill viewpoint (21); parking for glow worms at Nichols Creek (11); parking for Soldiers Memorial (15); bus stop 1. Note that we are near the top of the hill, so a walk downtown means a climb (or a short taxi ride) on the return! There is regular bus service on Stuart Street and Highgate Road; we don't use it ourselves (we prefer to walk!) but some of our neighbours do for their daily commute (especially for the climb up Stuart Street out of the city)...and the bus stops not far from our place. There is also reasonably-priced taxi service (call, or catch at the Octagon taxi stand), and Uber is usually an option.