Essential New Zealand

Overview

Stepping inside The Hotel Britomart is a breath of fresh air. While on the doorstep you’ve got the dynamic and thrilling thrum of Auckland, inside here you’ll find calming spaces filled with serene, neutral colours and natural linens, and little details that will delight. It’s all clean lines and natural light by design, with wood-panelled ceilings and timber-clad walls in the 99 bedrooms, and the mini bars in each of its rooms are stocked with local treats. 

Choose a Waitematā View room and you’ll get the added bonus of waterfront vistas right from your bedroom, where you can watch the ferries come and go from the docks down below. For an elevated experience, though, the five Landing Suites are superb: expect curated artworks by top photographers, a library of books to encourage more exploration of New Zealand and its history, and ample space for relaxing with your own lounge area and kitchenette.

Industrial infrastructure meets fine seafood at the property’s Kingi restaurant, where chef Tom Hishon prioritises locally-caught fish and seasonal produce on his tasting menus, and breakfast here is a feast of nourishing, fresh fruits, vegetables, fish and home-baked breads and pastries. 

Overview

Located in the heart of the city’s vibrant restaurant and entertainment precinct, Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour, blends French ‘art de vivre’ with the natural beauty of New Zealand’s largest city. The elegance of old-world values meets new-world energy at this luxury hotel, where service and style are always in sync.

Guests are surrounded by water and light and treated to panoramic views of Waitemata Harbour. The 172 bedrooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows, oversized bath tubs and Juliet balconies that open into the fresh air. Natural tones in the décor are reminiscent of the sea and sky.

One of the most striking features of the hotel is the water wall in the lobby. It descends into a pool where a Maori water god sculpture watches over guests. You’ll also find Maori and Pacific art exhibited on the walls, paying homage to New Zealand’s rich culture.

Expect flavour and flair at Lava Dining, where the menu blends the best local produce with a refined French touch. The amber glow of its back-lit marble wall is inspired by Auckland’s volcanic origins. For something lighter, pop into 21 Viaduct Café, the silvery water reflecting city buildings, as you sip on an espresso. Or celebrate life like an emperor at the Sabrage champagne bar.

Guests can restore some balance at So Spa and then take advantage of the gym, sauna, steam room and lap pool.

Overview

Nestled in Viaduct Harbour, QT Auckland promises a luxuriously quirky escape. Bursting with design-led details inspired by the dazzling harbour views, the guest rooms and public spaces all tell a story of inner beauty and self-discovery, celebrating individuality. With nine room types across 150 rooms, each is a bit different than the next while still maintaining common design elements. Interesting shapes, clean textures, modern furniture and accent colours lend the spaces an elegantly contemporary air.

Discover signature restaurant Esther in collaboration with Chef Sean Connolly and sixth-floor bar Rooftop at QT which offers sweeping views. Esther brings the authentic tastes of the Mediterranean’s sun-soaked shores to Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour. Inspired by travels chasing the food of the sun, renowned head chef Connolly uses home-grown ingredients to share traditional techniques and flavours. Your meals are theatrically prepared in an open country-style kitchen, and the sustainable menu focuses on local fresh seafood. At the end of a day of exploring heat up to Rooftop at QT for Mediterranean snacks, classic and contemporary cocktails and a wine list to suit elevated tastes.

Overview

Solitaire Lodge is located in a lush environment upon the fringes of Lake Tarawera, with a spectacular backdrop of volcanoes and forest, a vista which each of the 10 stylish suites makes the most of through vast glass walls.

Fine dining at the restaurant is a particular highlight here, with Solitaire’s talented chefs creating daily changing contemporary New Zealand fare prepared with fresh local ingredients, complemented by a variety of superb wines from selected regional vineyards, enjoyed in the communal dining room or somewhere more private.

Head down to the lake to explore its waters aboard the lodge’s motorised dinghies and kayaks, fish from the jetty or simply swim from the private beach. There’s a spa menu to indulge in, self-guided hikes to nearby Tarawera Falls and cycle trails past some stunning geothermal sites. Scenic helicopter flights, Maori guided tours of Rotorua and more challenging hikes can also be arranged, along with a full roster of adventure sports nearby or perhaps a visit to the Hobbiton village movie set from The Lord of the Rings.

Overview

A charming mansion built in the 1930s, Peppers on the Point retains its old-world elegance and unique luxury in this, the heartland of Maori culture. With brilliant views over Lake Rotorua and Makoioa Island, your stay is one of tranquility and uninterrupted serenity.

The 11 rooms have the warm comforts and necessities of home, built originally as a large family house. Décor has about it a sense of relaxation and countryside simplicity, with various options such as villas, apartments and suites to suit all discerning tastes.

Dine in absolute contentment when seated amongst guests in the rustic hall or order food to be delivered straight to your suite. Indeed, if you wish for a more intimate setting, you can always request the private dining chamber.

Allow the stress and tension of travelling to wash away under the soothing hands of professional masseuses. Gym facilities mean you can keep yourself fit and slim while you can meet some friendly donkeys, alpaca, sheep and miniature ponies who wonder the grounds. Of course, one cannot forget to visit the geothermal pools and geysers, a highlight of a trip to Rotorua.

Overview

Set atop 6,000 rolling acres of pasture-land in Hawke’s Bay, Rosewood Cape Kidnappers is the perfect place for a getaway. With spectacular views of the ocean, the luxury lodge combines the rustic and textured aesthetic of a working farm with chic modern and genuinely luxurious touches.

Each of the 22 spacious suites has a private balcony with views over the farmlands, golf course and the Pacific. Ideal for a family, or group, The Owner’s Cottage offers boutique hotel facilities for up to eight people. Relax in front of the stone fireplace, or soak in the outdoor jacuzzi.

The culinary team aims to source produce as locally as possible, and with the Cape Kidnappers’ vegetable garden now fully established, the chefs can create daily menus based on the freshest ingredients. The kitchen partners with handpicked Hawke’s Bay suppliers, building local connections to create a menu that’s uniquely reflective of the region’s finest produce.

There are a broad mix of activities on offer here, seasonal and changing daily, including farm tours, guided walks, star gazing, wine tasting, clay pigeon shooting, bird watching, horse treks, mountain biking and more. Meanwhile, the masterfully designed golf course presents a challenging game atop dramatic cliffs with arresting sea views.

Overview

A family-owned winery situated in the shadow of the stunning Te Mata Peak in Hawke’s Bay, Craggy Range offers you boutique accommodation among the vines. There are three luxurious two-bedroom lodges overlooking the Tukituki River, which are perfect for smaller groups of couples. A selection of spacious Garden Cottages boast private terraces, well-appointed kitchens and cosy living areas with sweeping views of Te Mata Peak. If you prefer a spot among the wines, the the Vineyard Cottages are the perfect option.

When it comes to dining, take a table at Craggy Range Restaurant, recipient of several prestigious awards and accolades. It’s a comfortable and intimate space where you can indulge in Head Chef Casey McDonald’s signature dishes created using seasonal Hawke’s Bay produce. And don’t forget to select something delicious from the list of Craggy Range wines to accompany your meal.

Overview

High above Tasman Bay, Split Apple Retreat offers both every indulgence as well as the promise of a focus on good health.

This quiet Abel Tasman National Park luxury retreat and wellness hideaway is the ideal place to relax and pamper yourself in pristine surrounds.

Two of the ocean-facing rooms, Fuji and Lotus, boast the best in Japanese-style luxury with private decks and gardens and Japanese granite baths. The third, Rainbow, a two-level room with a separate lounge, features colour-changing LED lights in the bath and shower.

Split Apple retreat specialises in serving gourmet food with a focus on good health and mouth-watering presentation. The result of a collaboration between a doctor specialising in nutrition and a culinary artist, the retreat has become known for its dedication to fine food that promotes longevity. To ensure guests can continue eating mindfully at home, the chef guides budding culinary artists through a number of her popular dishes.

Continuing the focus on wellness, there are a wide range of services to help guests unwind, relax and rejuvenate. Choose from a selection of massage treatments, learn how to meditate, or sign up for a private yoga session. The gym, infrared sauna, steam room and infinity pool leave guests feeling thoroughly refreshed. For adventuring beyond the lodge, private boats and water taxis land at Split Apple Beach to collect guests keen on visiting the Abel Tasman National Park.

Overview

Stroll along garden pathways towards the shoreline where your stylish suite awaits. Each of the apartment-style villas at Te Koi – The Lodge at Bronte is nestled among mature native trees, allowing for the ultimate in privacy.

The spacious rooms are beautifully appointed with fresh flowers and locally commissioned art adding splashes of freshness and detail. Large windows and patio doors allow fresh country air and sunshine to flood the rooms, and luxurious linens, home baking, and complimentary drinks and chocolates make the welcome a little warmer.

After a day of sight-seeing, relax on a wide veranda and enjoy the panoramic Waimea estuary and mountain views. The estuary is a dream for bird watchers, and the villas designed specifically to fit unobtrusively into the natural setting.

Overview

To imagine New Zealand is to conjure images of snow-capped peaks, jewel-toned fjords and lush expanses of greenery stretching into the horizon. Perched at the north of the mountain-studded South Island, on the outskirts of Nelson, Pihopa Retreat puts you at the heart of these epic landscapes. Flanked by three of the country’s most impressive national parks – Abel Tasman National Park, Kahurangi National Park and Nelson Lakes National Park – this is the perfect spot for those who seek spectacular scenery and activities in nature.

There are walks and mountain bike trails aplenty, while the turquoise waters and golden beaches of Tonga Island Marine Reserve are ideal for swimming, snorkelling and kayaking. The local art galleries, vineyards and restaurants that Nelson is known for present moments of laidback leisure along the way.

The retreat itself is tucked away among five and a half acres of landscaped gardens that ensconce a former bishop’s residence. Its well-preserved heritage leaves its mark on the property through the historic chapel and protected trees of over 100 years old. Each of the six comfortable suites takes the form of a spacious villa, designed to make you feel at peace and at home. A luxurious pillow menu and soothing rain shower or bubble bath ensure you’ll drift off into a revitalising sleep to the gentle chorus of nature.

Overview

The work of a family of architects and builders, Hapuku Lodge is an extraordinary ecolodge perfectly placed between the white peaks of the Kaikoura Mountain Range and waves of Mangamaunu Bay. With an environmentally-friendly focus, this lodge was carefully constructed from salvaged timber and seeks to be sustainable in every area.

There are four ultra-spacious rooms in the main lodge with wonderful mountain views, Japanese soaking tubs with room for two and immense custom beds – said to be the best on the island. The two suites also have their own fireplaces and a living area.

However, the real stars of the show are the luxurious treehouses, standing 10m (30 feet) above the ground in the canopy of a native Manuka grove, each with a wood-burning fireplace, spa bath, open rain showers and large glass windows with a birds-eye view to the coast. There are two storey options for families, and the standalone Olive House Suite has room for two adults and up to three children.

Dining at Hapuku means an organic and locally-sourced menu, with produce collected from the hotel’s own herb and vegetable gardens, free-range chicken populations and meat from nearby hunters and fishermen. Constantly changing and evolving offerings may include venison, wild blackberries, a variety of cheese, crayfish and even homemade plum ice cream. A comprehensive wine list makes sure to incorporate vintages from all over New Zealand, the ideal accompaniment to a wonderful meal.

There are adventures to be had in every corner of Kaikoura’s coast, dubbed the ‘Maritime Serengeti’ by the local National Geographic. Head out on the waves in a sea kayak, swim with dolphins and seals or go whale watching to spot the gentle grey giants in the ocean blue. Mountain bikes can be borrowed from the lodge to traverse the surrounding trails while there are also Maori cultural tours, horse riding and the acclaimed surfing of Mangamaunu Bay a short walk away.

Overview

Situated in beautiful mountain surroundings amongst groves of manuka trees, with panoramic views towards the South Pacific, Manakau Lodge is a luxury rural retreat.

This peaceful haven is ideal for relaxation, but is just a ten-minute drive from the shops and restaurants of Kaikoura, and many leisure activities. The lodge is also just a stone’s throw away from some great wilderness walks, and just minutes from beaches and coastal scenic reserves. It is the perfect base from which to explore Kaikoura and the magnificent surrounding areas.

Comfort is the main priority, and all four rooms are spacious and elegantly appointed, featuring New Zeland timber and locally furnishings. Breakfasts are a leisurely affair, and cheese and supper platters can be specially arranged in advance for those not wanting to dine in Kaikoura.

Overview

Otahuna is a Maori word that translates as little hill among the hills. This beautifully restored Victorian house enjoys an idyllic location between the rocky outcrops of the Banks Peninsular, looking out towards the Southern Alps.

The house was built in 1895 for Sir Henry Rhodes, a long-term parliamentarian and military officer and served as his private home for many years. The lodge is influenced by English country estates, the dark wood, large fireplaces and antique furniture giving it a classical elegance.

There are seven suites, all with ornate fireplaces, and carved inglenooks and deep, oversized bath tubs. There are two master suites, one featuring  four bedrooms and the other a 14m verandah with sweeping views across the Canterbury Plains.

Dinner at Otahuna is a four-course tasting menu served in the dining room. The menu celebrates the best of seasonal New Zealand produce, some of which is grown on the estate. Dinner is a sociable affair enjoyed with other guests, but if you’re after something a little more private then there is the option to dine in the library or the drawing room. You can be sure of the perfect accompaniment to your food with fine wines from the lodge’s own cellar.

The grounds surrounding Otahuna are as beautiful as the lodge itself. Guests can wander through the daffodil field, through the woods and the Dutch garden and down to the lake, stopping off for a game of petanque or a dip in the outdoor pool.

Overview

The George is renowned for offering guests personalised stays and supreme comfort. Located in the heart of Christchurch close to the cultural precinct and key attractions, the hotel overlooks the picturesque Hagley Park and Avon River.

The 53 rooms are designed with a stylish eye for detail, complete with luxury amenities and captivating views through picture windows. Impeccable service and an intimate ambience are assured, thanks to the hotel’s one-to-one staff-to-guest ratio, the George is all about opulence and elegance.

Enjoy bistro food with modern flavours in the relaxed 50 Bistro. A stylish interior flows out to a generous outdoor area, complete with fire tables that reflect the warm hues of the onyx wall inside. The menu offers classics updated with 50 Bistro’s particular flair. Pescatore is seafood-focused restaurant offers an exciting conceptual dining experience, designed to engage the senses. The space is luxurious and modern, offering a minimalist and uncluttered approach to formal dining.

Guests have complimentary access to mountain bikes, a gym, private garden and a library.

Overview

Sat on the shores of the deep Lake Wakatipu, Matakauri Lodge is a tranquil haven of serene blue waters and sweeping mountain landscapes. Snow-capped peaks reach towards the sky, providing a backdrop like no other to this incredible luxury establishment.

Modern, bright and with plenty of room, the 16 suites have been styled by the highly celebrated designer Virginia Fisher. Four suites are found in the main lodge section while others have been built in a native forest with alpine panoramas. All have their own private balcony, lounge area and decadent bathroom, not to mention the cosy fireplace. The sizeable Owner’s Cottage is an idyllic getaway for larger groups or families.

Boasting a menu that changes constantly with the availability of seasonal produce, the kitchen at Matakauri Lodge focuses on a clean and fresh experience for the palate. There are a number of settings in which to savour this modern New Zealand cuisine, from the privacy of your own patio to the property’s spacious courtyards.

Located near great pine thickets, the spa provides an exclusive space where you can rejuvenate and reinvigorate your body with completely personalised treatments. Fall in love with the heated pool, let off some steam in the sauna or enjoy a leisurely time in the hot tub.

Whether you arrive to the long, warm days of summer or to a winter wonderland of snow, there is always so much to do during your stay at Matakauri. Walks and hikes dominate the area, as do scenic horse riding trails and wine tours. Avid golfers will rejoice to know a PGA-rated course is nearby; The Hills is surely one of the most stunning and gorgeously isolated round of 18 you can play anywhere in the world.

Overview

A relic of stately Victorian elegance, Hulbert House is a luxury villa that operates as one of Queenstown’s oldest residences. Built in 1888, this boutique hotel offers historic charm with contemporary comforts and modern amenities.

Transformed by an award-winning designer, the interiors are vibrant while paying tribute to the antiquity of the property. The six luxury suites are all individually designed, carrying through a feeling of old-world opulence with extravagant, bold and fresh furnishing. Each has views over either Lake Wakatipu, Skyline Hill or the well-kept gardens.

A scrumptious breakfast of fresh and delicious ingredients waits those early morning risers, while the kitchen can provide tasty snacks throughout the day. Ideally placed, Hulbert House is found in close proximity to many of the attractions of Queenstown, with popular cafes, restaurants and shops all within walking distance. It is also only 450m from the banks of the large Lake Wakatipu and just a little further from the Skyline Gondola and Luge.

Overview

Often adorned with flowers beneath a clear blue New Zealand sky, the rustic yet elegant stone lodge of Blanket Bay sits perched upon the shores of Lake Wakatipu. The establishment inhabits a typical South Island alpine setting of vast valleys and great mountains.

Luxury is woven throughout all 12 residences, from the separate chalet cottages to the spacious lodge rooms and suites, with all enjoying incredible views and plenty of natural light. There is a charming antiquity to the spaces, with beautiful timber beams reaching up along the ceiling and refined wooden furnishing adding to the already classic atmosphere.

When it comes to wining and dining, the service is world-class. The menu is forever changing, making the utmost of the kitchen’s access to locally-sourced ingredients and produce. Expect modern, innovative takes on classical dishes incorporating fresh fish, lamb and venison and an array of fruits and vegetables grown in the region.

There are few other places on earth with so many activities and adventures at their fingertips, including numerous hiking trails meandering up mountain ranges, fly fishing hotspots in the pools, rivers and smaller mountain lakes, heli-skiing in winter, jet boating and kayaking. Tackle 4WD tours and vineyard and art trails. Horse riding enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice by the treks on offer, while golfers of any calibre will revel in the splendour and beauty of championship-standard Jack’s Point Golf Course.

Overview

With a history intertwined with the region’s gold rush, the building of Eichardt’s Private Hotel carries with it the understated and classic elegance of a bygone era. With sweeping views of Lake Wakatipu’s emerald blue waters and eminent mountain peaks, it is a gateway to Queenstown and the untouched wilderness beyond.

Choose from Eichardt’s lake view or mountain view suites, or the one- or two-bedroom apartments. For more privacy, or for those looking for a group getaway or family foray, there is the stand-alone three-bed Eichardt’s Residence which has a spacious kitchen, private dining area and sweeping balconies.

The hotel bar has been considered a town favourite since 1867, providing the perfect environment in which friends and colleagues can sit down for a refreshing cocktail or a refined vintage from the famed Otago wine region. For those feeling peckish, there are comprehensive tapas menus to suit every palate, with locally sourced seasonal ingredients. The bar also serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in a cosy dining area with a fireplace.

From the hotel you can treat yourself to an extensive range of in-room spa treatments provided by a local spa, wander down to the lake edge or head into the heart of the action in bustling Queenstown.

Overview

Nestled in the heart of Queenstown, The Spire Hotel offers award-winning luxury combining genuine hospitality, serenity and style.

Ten spacious suites boast fine contemporary furnishings and design elements, large balconies and roomy bathrooms.

Enjoy outstanding local produce prepared with a Mediterranean twist at the in-house bar and restaurant No5 Church Lane. Choose from a variety of Otago and international wines, and signature cocktails. Featuring work by local artists and contemporary furnishings, the restaurant offers a chic yet casual place to relax.

The five-star hotel is located within walking distance of the city’s vibrant cultural scene. There are plenty of shops and cafes to explore, as well as an active nightlife and a variety of lake and mountain activities to make your stay a memorable one.

Overview

Azur Lodge consists of nine private villas set on a hilltop overlooking the surrounding mountain ranges and Lake Wakatipu.

The open-plan villas feature a lounge, dining room and a bath tub which has been set into a bay window so you can enjoy the scenic views as you soak. There is also a private sun deck from which to gaze out across the wilderness.

Breakfast, afternoon tea and evening canapes are included, and there is the option to dine in the main lodge or in the privacy of your villa.

You are conveniently located just 20 minutes from the airport and five minutes from downtown Queenstown, so exploring this wonderful part of New Zealand couldn’t be easier.