The synthesis, photophysical properties, DNA binding, DNA cleavage and cellular imaging behaviour of a range of complexes of the type [Re(CO)3(dppz)(PyR)]+ are reported, where PyR represents a range of substituted pyridines which have previously been studied for cellular localisation of related complexes. Confocal imaging experiments confirm that the complexes retain the variety of cellular localisation behaviour associated with the PyR units in other complexes, and suggest applications as probes for oligonucleotides in specific cellular compartments (e.g. mitochondrial DNA). This study illustrates the importance of considering cellular localisation as a prime consideration in the design of probes for in vivo application.