Our very own backyard is chock-full of stunning scenery, culinary delights, and fabulous hotels, and there’s never been a better time to get amongst it.
In need of a staycation? We’ve got the buzz on the best luxury hotels in New Zealand—so you can be drinking champagne in a spa pool as soon as physically possible. Start packing those bags.
- The Best Luxury Hotels In Marlborough
- The Best Luxury Hotel In The Bay Of Plenty
- The Best Luxury Hotels In Auckland
- The Best Luxury Hotel In Wellington
- The Best Luxury Hotel In Hawke's Bay
- The Best Luxury Hotels In Canterbury
- The Best Luxury Hotels In Otago
The Best Luxury Hotels In Marlborough
Bay of Many Coves
Marlborough
So secluded you need a boat or plane to reach it, the idyllic Bay of Many Coves is your ultimate Marlborough Sounds escape. Backed by gorgeous native bush and looking out over the azure, peaceful bay, you’ll be immersed in some serious natural beauty as you unwind for the weekend.
With the Queen Charlotte Track practically on your doorstep, the location couldn’t be more perfect for getting your walk on and exploring the stunning natural landscape that surrounds the resort. To indulge in some pampering, try the range of holistic treatments with NZ botanicals at the Miritu Day Spa—it’ll have you feeling like a whole new person.
If you thought it couldn’t get better, you’ll wake up in the morning to the sound of native birds and sunrise over the sounds. Hello, paradise!
The Marlborough
Blenheim
Right beside a working vineyard in the heart of New Zealand’s most famous wine region, The Marlborough is a vino lover’s dream.
The characterful boutique hotel is made to get you relaxing, featuring a spa where stained glass windows cast a colourful glow over the treatment room—an historic feature of the chapel it used to be.
Guests can enjoy dips in the pool, sets of tennis, and private wine tastings within the grounds, so it’s ideal for wine connoisseurs and outdoorsy types alike. If you want to venture a little further afield, you’re in the perfect spot for hiking through the region’s dramatic landscape or sea kayaking through the Marlborough Sounds.
The Best Luxury Hotel In The Bay Of Plenty
Treetops Lodge & Estate
Rotorua
The luxurious meets the rustic at the Treetops Lodge and Estate, an embodiment of natural elegance found in Rotorua’s native bush.
The romantic villas, lodge apartments, and cottages on offer have the cosy home away from home vibe—just add some of the most beautiful scenery and amenities you’ll find in the country. Find yourself immersed in the natural environment; there’s a steamy outdoor spa nestled in the forest, perfect for kicking back in after a rejuvenating walk, bike, or horseback ride through the stunning surrounding wilderness.
When sitting down to eat, you’ll explore the Estate To Plate philosophy, helmed by the talented wild food chefs who prepare dishes with fresh ingredients and game sourced right from the grounds—and it’s nothing short of magical.
The Best Luxury Hotels In Auckland
Delamore Lodge
Waiheke Island
Boasting sublime panoramic views of the Hauraki Gulf is the elegant Delamore Lodge on Auckland's Waiheke Island. Mediterranean-inspired with unique New Zealand flair, this luxury lodge melts into the hillside, with innovative design emulating the shape of a matau, the traditional Māori fish hook.
The gorgeous rooms are filled with local artwork, framed by floor-to-ceiling windows and a private patio to enjoy the sunshine. There’s even a glorious infinity pool with—wait for it—a waterfall.
Follow it all up with an exclusive, individually tailored five-course dinner accompanied by a range of local, award-winning wines. Yes, please!
Park Hyatt Auckland
Auckland
Relax in the heart of the city at Park Hyatt Auckland, a taste of luxury perfectly positioned on Auckland's waterfront.
It’s a feast for the senses from the moment you walk into the impressively designed lobby. With a sumptuous spa, hydrotherapy, and a detoxifying Himalayan salt sauna on-site, you’ll walk out feeling like a new person.
Plus, the spacious marble bathrooms feature rain showers and separate tubs, with floor-to-ceiling windows for a stunning view out across the Waitmematā.
The flagship eatery Onemata offers beautiful local cuisine, and the Captain’s Bar, with its extensive menu of fortified spirits including over 60 varieties of rum, is the perfect place for a nightcap.
Cordis, Auckland By Langham Hospitality Group
Auckland
Taking the crown for New Zealand’s largest luxury hotel, Auckland’s Cordis Hotel with its newly opened Pinnacle Tower proves that bigger really is better. The Pinnacle Tower takes your luxury staycation to new heights (quite literally—it’s seventeen stories!).
The spacious rooms are designed with natural light and contemporary elegance in mind, providing comfort so exceptional you’ll forget how close to home you are. For dinner, Eight Restaurant is made up of eight different international kitchens manned by expert chefs, giving your palate a delicious tour around the world.
End the day by kicking back with cocktails and canapés at Our Land Is Alive or at the Club Lounge bar where you'll gaze upon the most breathtaking views, you’ll find in the city. No wonder this makes our list of one of the best luxury hotels in New Zealand.
Woodhouse Mountain Lodge
Warkworth
Described by guests as a 'little bubble of serenity', the Woodhouse Mountain Lodge on the Kourawhero Estate offers a slice of paradise in Warkworth.
Just an hour’s drive from Auckland, the lodge’s private villas are nestled amidst the luscious gardens with stunning views from the mountaintop vista extending as far as the Hauraki Gulf.
With not one, but three sophisticated dining areas, a lounge bar, and a cosy library, you’ll be set for a weekend of relaxation.
There are large open fires and wide verandas which offer the perfect place to bliss out after a pampering spa treatment. Watching the sunset from the spa bath in your room is highly recommended!
The Best Luxury Hotel In Wellington
The InterContinental
Wellington
If you’re looking for the height of luxury in our capital city, the five-star InterContinental is definitely one of Wellington’s finest luxury hotels.
The rooms are elegantly styled and spacious, featuring large bathrooms with only the finest modern amenities. Guests have access to the fitness centre with an indoor heated pool, spa, sauna and massage treatments.
With three delicious eateries on-site, you’re spoiled with a range of delights, from high tea in the Lobby Lounge to a classy brunch at Two Grey. Or, enjoy the fine cuisine from the comfort of your bed if room service is what you’re craving.
The Best Luxury Hotel In Hawke's Bay
Mangapapa Hotel
Hawke's Bay
Set amongst acres of beautiful orchards and gardens, the Mangapapa Hotel in Hawke’s Bay is the idyllic escape you’ve been looking for.
The twelve guest rooms are all individually styled, providing a cosy, homestyle approach to a luxury stay. The gorgeous property is split between the lovely historic homestead, dating back to 1885, and two adorable cottage suites with private balconies.
Better yet, it’s a prime location for visiting a number of the region's popular wineries such as Craggy Range and Elephant Hill. And don’t forget to dine at the hotel’s restaurant, which offers a five-course menu featuring the beautiful produce grown on-site.
The Best Luxury Hotels In Canterbury
The George
Christchurch
Taking centre stage in the garden city of Christchurch, you’ll find everything you want in a boutique hotel stay at The George.
The award winner boasts elegant and comfy guest rooms, each with contemporary furnishings and modern conveniences, offering the ultimate quaint-yet-luxurious stay. Enjoy impeccable service and a beautiful setting as you dine at its restaurant 50 Bistro, which serves contemporary cuisine and al fresco dining on the terrace.
Overlooking Hagley Park and the Avon River, The George is just a few steps away from a morning stroll along the river or a wander through the artsy delights of Christchurch’s CBD.
The Lindis
Ahuriri Valley
Tucked into the rugged mountain ranges near Omarama, in the heart of the South Island, is the perfectly secluded boutique hotel The Lindis.
Take your pick from the plentiful walking trails that crisscross the surrounding Ben Avon station, or borrow one of the horses stabled on-site for an easy ride to the lagoon or a trek through the beech forest. Spend your evenings star-gazing and your days doing everything from target shooting and fly-fishing to indulging in stress-melting spa treatments and private cookery lessons.
Decadent breakfasts and multi-course dinners are included with each stay, so you’ll be deliciously fueled for experiencing the sights.
The Best Luxury Hotels In Otago
Fable
Dunedin
Nothing short of absolutely gorgeous, Fable is located in the very heart of Dunedin. Housed in an elegantly renovated Victorian-era building, the five-star boutique hotel has everything you could possibly need for a dreamy night’s sleep and in-room relaxation.
The rooms are beautifully styled, modern and minimalistic with hints of tartan in an ode to the Scottish settlers.
Head to dinner in the hotel’s café-style restaurant, The Press Club, which pays homage to Dunedin’s original haunt for editors and publishers in the 1870s. Sharing plates using locally sourced, organic produce is created by the hotel’s award-winning chef. Plus, there’s an extensive whisky menu, perfect for a pre-dinner cocktail or to finish off the evening in style.
QT Hotel
Queenstown
If a day on the slopes is your jam but you don’t want to compromise on extravagance, you’ll find the peak of alpine luxury in Queenstown at the fabulous QT Hotel.
Wake up to majestic mountain views from this impeccably styled lakeside haven, best enjoyed from your Juliet balcony. Rooms are designer sleek with cosy touches and the signature quirk the boutique hotel chain is known for and includes a package of free entertainment.
After an action-packed day on the snow, head to Reds Bar, where locals and guests alike order up a cocktail or a boutique brew. Foodies with adventurous tastes will be enticed by the bustle and aromas of the interactive Bazaar Marketplace, where chefs create dishes before your eyes.
Blanket Bay
Glenorchy
Surrounded by breathtaking mountains, Blanket Bay’s lovely lakeside location in Glenorchy is perfect for a romantic getaway without straying too far from home.
The luxury lodge’s rooms are the epitome of cosy charm, with warm wooden furnishings, private balconies, and welcoming fireplaces to keep you nice and toasty.
With all the finest spa facilities, you can indulge in some pampering before heading to your very own table in the gorgeous, high-ceilinged dining room, an intimate evening of seasonal cocktails and a degustation menu ahead of you.
Feeling blown away by the beauty of our home? Check out these stunning places you had no idea were in NZ.
Image credit: Main and top image - Bay Of Many Coves, The Marlborough Lodge, Treetops, Delamore, Park Hyatt Auckland, Cordis Auckland, Woodhouse Mountain Lodge, The InterContinental, Mangapapa Hotel, The George, The Lindis, Fable Dunedin, QT Queenstown, Blanket Bay.
Urban List editors independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. Urban List has affiliate partnerships, and if you purchase something through the links in this article, we will earn a commission from those partners. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.