Art and Culture in 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

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

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

The peaceful Breckenridge Lodge is the perfect place to experience superb Kiwi hospitality, gourmet food, local wine and beautiful scenery.

Nestled in the picturesque valley of Omarunui in Hawke’s Bay Wine Country, the lodge offers private, luxury accommodation and the freedom to explore the two acres of gardens and surrounding countryside.

Make yourself at home in one of five well-appointed guest rooms which overlook the vineyard and expansive rural landscape.  The guest dining room is the focal point of the house. With its inviting, relaxed atmosphere, it’s the ideal place to swap stories with other guests and share tales of your day’s adventures in Hawke’s Bay. Or simply immerse yourself in one of the books or albums available to enjoy.

Host and Chef Malcolm Redmond uses fresh seasonal produce from his own organic garden and orchard, as well as local markets. The dinner menu features five courses, each paired with wine, and changes according to what produce is available. For those inspired by the chef’s sumptuous feasts, there are also cooking classes in which he shares some of his tips.

The lodge is committed to continually working towards the best environmentally conscious business practices – finding the balance between luxury and responsibility.

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

Immerse yourself in a world of colour and texture at QT Wellington. This design-driven hotel boasts a fascinating collection of high and low-brow art.

The harbourside hotel offers guests 163 luxurious rooms and apartments to choose from. Sophisticated décor in muted tones offer a calming juxtaposition with the busy public spaces in the hotel.

A meal at French-inspired Hippopotamus Restaurant and Cocktail Bar is an experience not to be missed. The menu features a mix of comfort food and fine-dining. Or tuck into Asian-inspired dishes at Hot Sauce, where you’ll find traditional Vietnamese, Japanese, Korean and Thai flavours with a contemporary twist.

Overview

Lose yourself in a world of vintage bronze and golds and rich textures at Sofitel Wellington.

The 129 rooms and suites, some of which offer views out over the surrounding hillsides, are designed to be luxurious havens in which to unwind after busy days adventuring in the city and surrounds.

Go on a gastronomic journey at the sophisticated Jardin Grill, where the botanical theme of the décor combines perfectly with the gourmet menu. Dine inside, or stay warm beside the outdoor fire pit in the courtyard.

Apart from the comfortable rooms, the hotel has various other welcoming spaces for guests to enjoy. Curl up in front of a fire in the chic Lounge, or enjoy a light meal a chat with your fellow guests in The Green Room.

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

With beautiful lake and alpine views, this luxury hotel on the shores of Lake Wakatipu is just a short stroll from the town centre of Queenstown. It is named after the founder of Queenstown, William Gilbert Rees, who established the tradition of hospitality in the town almost 150 years ago.

The spacious and luxurious accommodation options include 60 rooms and 90 apartments. In each of them you can relax on a private balcony overlooking Lake Wakatipu and out towards the Remarkable Mountain range.

At True South Dining Room the seasonal menu is created using the freshest ingredients from suppliers in Central Otago and is tweaked according to what is available. The chef’s team puts together creative dishes with a focus on flavour. Enjoy fine wines from around the world in the Bordeau Lounge Bar as you catch up with your fellow guests in front of the fire.