I spent about 6 weeks in New Zealand a few years ago working on a research project (about 4 weeks being well cared-for on the Executive Floor of the Wellington InterContinental and 2 weeks of post-project travel). In Dunedin, I took a daytrip involving a visit to the penguin sanctuary with a cruise to see the birdlife. (This involved being trapped in a mini-bus with some double-knit polyester tourists for the day, but I really wanted to see the penguins, so the experience was worth it - plus the scenery was gorgeous). The mini-bus driver dropped me off at the end of the day at Larnach Castle, where I'd booked a room for the night. It is strange, but a worthwhile experience. You don't actually stay on the Castle (which is an ersatz castle built by one of those 19th century industrialists) but in converted stables - converted to a high standard. Modern it is not, but very comfortable, yes. I ended up staying in the Goldrush Room and my bed was in a wagon. Lovely bathroom with a nice tub. Having spent too much time collapsed in a heap in my shower-only facilities at the Lobster Motor Inn in Kaikoura (I'll bet you didn't know that lobsters stay in motels) trying to get the post-diving muscle aches out of my system, I appreciated the bathtub at Larnach Castle. The room was such a hoot, it was the only place I really wished I'd been accompanied by not-quite-yet Mr. Canuck. Dinner and breakfast were good, the grounds were stunning and the views were spectacular. If you really want modern, this is not your kind of experience, but if you can appreciate kitsch and a great view, then consider it. Go to www.larnachcastle.co.nz

PS - New Zealanders are some of the nicest people I've ever met. I think I met only two people who were less than incredibly nice.
PPS - Just because the food has a similar name to something you've had elsewhere doesn't mean you'll get what you expect. For example, hamburgers with "the works" come with a fried egg, beetroot and pineapple, among other things. Avoid hotdogs (the only food I could find at the Toot N' Whistle Cafe near a train station) unless you really want to eat a corn-battered deep-fried sausage affectionately known as dick-on-a-stick. (But it did make a good photo op.) And if you can't figure out how to open your blister pack of tartar sauce for your fish and chips, do not, under any circumstances, crack it at the sides in the hope that the seam in the middle will split open. It will, resulting in a projectile of tartar sauce flying out the pack and landing who knows where.