Aurora on George - the phoenix that rose from the ashes that was the former Cargills Hotel in 2016 (and before that Cherry Court). This major refurbishment project was the brain child and the vision of Carl Angus and what a vision indeed. The property has been reshaped in its entirety - not a single part of the old Cargill's building was left untouched.  It has been gutted, and lovingly rebuilt. A shiny gem with the beautiful garden as its colourful centre piece.

 

What Aurora on George has now is simply the best of the best - 4 Star Plus facilities, contemporary chic that fuses seamlessly with the tranquility of nature. Affordable luxury. Facilities designed for the ultimate guest accommodation experience; we want you to feel well looked after and cared for while you are here.

 

Your Hosts - Chris and Adrienne

We, Chris and Adrienne Roy, are the owners of Aurora on George.  We have been in the motel industry in Dunedin since 2007, Aurora on George being our 4^th motel venture. Prior to motels, both of us came from education backgrounds. Chris, previously a lawyer and then a secondary school history teacher, is a Dunedin boy and has recently ventured into the real estate industry part-time. He thoroughly enjoys the challenge of people-oriented industries and being his own boss (except during the thick of Covid though). As a sneaky aside, he is sport-mad and loves a good game of poker.

Adrienne (nee Rangi) came to Dunedin initially from Hawera, Taranaki, to attend Otago University’s School of Physical Education in the early 1980s. She has been a primary school teacher, a secondary school Health and Physical Education teacher as well as a  teacher education lecturer at Otago University before heading in the accommodation industry. She now teaches Original Hot and Yin Yoga, plus Mat Pilates and Inferno Hot Pilates, at Hot Yoga Dunedin on St Andrew Street. She also offers in-house private sessions for motel guests. And if you want to see her slightly crazy side - pop into Hot Yoga Dunedin for an Inferno class.

In the last year or so, Chris and Adrienne made the decision to invest in their health and lifestyle, so work less in front of house. This means time to rejuvenate after a tough few years and spend time with family and the mokopuna. Our fur baby, cavoodle Tax Theodore Roy, is absolutely loving his walks along the beach in Brighton  - as the photo on the reception wall clearly shows! 

Our more relaxed lifestyle has only been made possible by having the absolute best manager to help us out. 

Manager - Kent

We welcomed Kent to the management team in July 2023. Kent has an extensive background in the hospitality sector as well as business management, and really enjoys looking after our guests.