Best new hotels in New Zealand
New Zealand is open for business, and there’s a host of fresh offerings on the accommodation front.
After being locked out of Aotearoa for two years, Australians – along with vaccinated travellers from about 60 other countries – were welcomed back into the country on May 2.
During the travel hiatus, the Kiwis have been busily putting the finishing touches on a host of new hotels and lodges.
On display are architectural wonders, chic interiors and, of course, New Zealand’s spectacular landscape viewed through picture windows and from groovy rooftop bars.
Here’s a rundown of the fresh accommodation offerings available across the ditch.
Fallow Ridge Retreat, Dunedin
This unique two-person dwelling combines all the luxuries of a five-star hotel with the benefits of a hidden nature retreat. Just a 40-minute drive from Dunedin in New Zealand’s South Island, this eco-friendly accommodation sits on a vast farmland jutting out from the rocky hillside, making it the perfect off-grid escape. With a natural roof made of grass and tussock, the building melds into the surrounding countryside, immersing guests into nature while enjoying undisturbed views of the vast valley beneath. Owners David and Sarah Smith have been farming sheep and beef on the property since 2006, but only opened Fallow Ridge Retreat late last year. The compact building, handcrafted by David’s brother, features a statement hanging fireplace, full-sized kitchen with open plan living and bedroom areas. Double glazed floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding doors lead onto an enormous deck with a free-standing cedar outdoor tub and barbecue. Guests can enjoy a continental breakfast made from local produce, including freshly baked bread and pastries from nearby Beanos Bakery and delicious jams from Inch Valley Preserves. Trout fishing at Waikouaiti River, bird watching in the Mt Watkin Wetland and strolls to the peak are just some of the many activities to do during the stay.
Kaimata Retreat, Dunedin
Overlooking the Papanui Inlet on the Otago Peninsula, an exclusive boutique lodge awaits. Set on five acres of coastal hillside, Kaimata Retreat is perfect for those looking for a secluded getaway. The recently renovated stay now has both lodge accommodation for up to eight guests and rustic cabins that sleep five, making it the ideal destination for families or group gatherings. Constructed using timber harvested from the property, the buildings were designed to blend in with their surroundings. Interiors feature exposed beams and spectacular stone fireplaces, open living spaces and beautiful, airy rooms, resulting in a country-chic feel. The eco-friendly retreat strives to minimise its impact on the surrounding environment, helping to protect the wildlife on the peninsula. Guests will experience rare encounters with Yellow-eyed penguins and Huka sea lions and have the chance to visit the only mainland Royal Albatross colony in the world, located just 20 minutes from the property.
Two Trees Ngā Rākau e Rua, Lake Taupo
Opening in March, this much-anticipated luxury accommodation overlooks splendid Lake Taupō in the North Island. Featuring four private pavilions, each includes a deluxe bedroom and bathroom with a free-standing tub and two vanities on opposite walls, open living and dining areas and private kitchens. The modern interiors include a mix of natural and dark timber, contrasting with soft touches from throws, light fabric couches and plush carpets. The result is a homey and inviting space ideal for couples and families looking for a relaxing, quiet holiday. Built where the river and lake meet, the retreat is within proximity to a number of outdoor adventures for guests to choose from. From winery and vineyard visits to floatplane tours in the volcanic landscape at the world heritage Tongariro National Park, skydiving, mountain biking, bungee jumping and fly fishing, guests will have the chance to experience New Zealand’s greatest outdoor activities. Those looking to immerse themselves into the country’s rich cultural heritage can enjoy a day sightseeing some of the fascinating Maori rock carvings by sail boat.
The Hotel Britomart, Auckland
Named one of the world’s “hottest” hotel openings during lockdown, New Zealand’s first Five Green Star-accredited hotel makes a striking addition to Auckland’s Britomart, a vibrant waterfront precinct populated with cool restaurants and boutiques stocking the country’s best designers. Clad in handmade bricks, The Hotel Britomart houses 99 snug timber-lined guestrooms that have the feel of an upscale, urban cabin. Think built-in sofas, handcrafted ceramics and sparkling harbour views from many guestrooms. The hotel’s eco credentials are evident in every detail from compostable slippers to organic bed linen. Accommodation inventory includes five knockout suites, three on the hotel’s top floor and two housed in a contemporary pavilion on the roof of the next-door heritage Buckland Building.
QT Auckland
Located near Viaduct Harbour and featuring QT’s trademark quirky style and moody luxe, QT Auckland has 150 guestrooms over five floors and a rooftop bar offering great harbour views. From glass sculptures by the group’s go-to designer Nic Graham and digital art in the lobby to a smart Mediterranean restaurant strung with fishing net style light installations, the hotel puts decor and details front and centre. Staff are dressed and coiffured by local designers and stylists with the group’s version of a concierge, the theatrical Director of Chaos, sorting comings and goings in the lobby.
Pipinui Point, Wellington
Perched 250m above pounding seas and surrounded by rugged coastal farmland, this stylish villa feels like a million miles from anywhere. Yet Pipinui Point is just 30 minutes from downtown Wellington, a far more convenient proposition. The cosy timber-lined lodge with wood burner is the perfect romantic bolthole, snug from those famous Wellington winds, although there’s a second bedroom if you want to bring friends. The building is wrapped about by a spacious deck, perfect for cocktails while enjoying spectacular sea views; an outdoor bathtub is tucked into bush on the cliff’s edge (rather cleverly, this bath can be filled from the lodge). Self-catering is the norm, but chef-prepared meals are available on request.
14th Lane Urban Hotel, Blenheim
The perfect base for exploring the Marlborough Region, this downtown Blenheim bolthole offers just eight stylish suites in a quaint heritage building. Operating along the lines of a private club with daily housekeeping, 14th Lane Urban Hotel provides guests with access to a smart lounge in which to relax, meet friends or enjoy a leisurely breakfast. Several guestrooms have kitchenettes and all have plenty of welcome touches, including bathrobes, coffee pod machines and faux-fur throws. The property is within strolling distance of the town’s many cafes, bars and restaurants.
The Muse Art Hotel, Christchurch
A former seven-storey office building designed by acclaimed New Zealand architect Peter Beaven has been painstakingly restored since the earthquakes of 2010/11 and now houses a 40-room hotel filled with the work of local creatives. Each floor highlights a different artist, and the stylish guestrooms are kitted out with mid-century style furniture, marble-topped desks, large flat screen TVs and espresso machines. The top floor houses a very smart restaurant and the city’s first rooftop bar, which is small but perfectly formed, with 360-degree city views.
Mt Isthmus Lodge, Wanaka
This contemporary retreat could easily be a geographical feature rising near the narrow isthmus that separates Lakes Wanaka and Hawea. A jagged roof line mimicking the enveloping mountains, and sinuous footprint reflecting the region’s dramatic topography, define this sole-use luxury villa, slotted seamlessly into the stunning landscape. Set on a private, 2800ha station, Mt Isthmus Lodge overlooks Lake Hawea, and interiors embrace that view through panoramic windows and walls of glass. Warm timber ceilings are reflected in polished concrete floors. Four ensuite bedrooms are complemented by a swanky kitchen (and chefs on call), media room and spa pool. It’s the perfect haven after a spot of jet boating, kayaking or skiing.
Nest Tree Houses, North Otago
Overlooking the South Island’s beautiful Hakataramea Valley, 40 minutes from Oamaru, and opened less than 12 months ago, Nest is a treehouse for grown-ups that taps into everyone’s inner child. Perched on stilts high in the trees and accessed by a swing bridge, the cosy retreat comes complete with a cedar hot tub on the deck (and sauna nearby). Floor to ceiling windows make for comfy viewing of the amazing night skies and interiors are chic in that on-trend homespun style, featuring natural linens and alpaca blankets. And expect plenty of old-fashioned hospitality, including home-baked goodies left in a basket at the bottom of the swing bridge by the owners of this sixth-generation farm.
The Carlin Boutique Hotel, Queenstown
Opened in March, overlooking Lake Wakatipu with eight enormous suites (the smallest at 98sq m) over seven floors stepping down Queenstown Hill, The Carlin promises new levels of luxury for high-flying visitors to this beautiful city. A trio of suites occupying the top three floors can be combined via a private lift to form the biggest penthouse in Australasia. If you have an extra-large entourage, the entire hotel (maximum 50 guests) can be booked in a single block. It’s been a passion project for property developer Kevin Carlin, who’s been inspired by the super luxurious, rather James Bond, suites found in Europe, so expect in-room spa treatments, butler service, on-call chefs and access to private jets and luxury cars.
Ebb Dunedin
One of the more striking buildings on the South Island, this small hotel, opened a year ago, sits like a crystalline glass box on an otherwise ordinary street. Wrapped in a giant artwork by Simon Kaan depicting Polynesian waka (canoes) and named for its situation on what were reclaimed tidal flats on the cusp of Otago Harbour, Ebb Dunedin has 27 guestrooms (and a two-bedroom townhouse) across four floors. Guestrooms wrap around a central atrium (with a guest lounge on each floor) and are flooded with light, kitted out with hi-spec designer furniture, bespoke cabinetry and marble bathrooms. The mood is Scandi-chic and the in-house cafe has proved very popular with locals.
Fable Dunedin
From glass box to high Victoriana in Dunedin, the elaborate Italianate facade of the city’s original 1862 hotel is a well-known landmark. Inside the Fable Dunedin, however, things have been seriously reimagined following a multimillion-dollar refurbishment, with all 50 guestrooms and suites given a chic update. Expect traditional panelling painted in grey or smoky blue and glamorous black marble bathrooms juxtaposed against contemporary artwork and lighting. Splashes of tartan reference the city’s Scottish heritage and The Press Club restaurant remains as popular as it did in the late 19th century.
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