Where to Stay in New Zealand: Our Favourite Upscale Hotels in NZ

If you’re wondering where to stay in New Zealand and seeking a bit of affordable luxury that’s unique, fun, funky, or just indulgent, you’ve come to the right place. Jeff and I, like many travellers, look for that sweet spot of comfort and style without breaking the bank.

Over the years, we’ve travelled extensively throughout the country, opting to stay at 4 or 5-star accommodations when not renting a vacation house. From bustling cities to serene landscapes, we’ve experienced a wide range hotels in New Zealand.

Our adventures have taken us from the northern tip of the North Island to the southern reaches of the South Island, staying in various upscale hotels that promise more than just a place to sleep.

Below, we share our personal experiences. Whether you’re looking for hotels in NZ offering that intimate boutique feel or the best hotels in New Zealand that combine luxury with opulence, our recommendations are tried and tested.

Where are our favourite upscale hotels in NZ?

Jump to your next North Island city

• Auckland
• Hamilton
• Rotorua
• Taupo
• Taranaki
• Whanganui
• Napier
• Wairarapa
• Kapiti Coast
• Wellington
• Bay of Plenty (Tauranga and Mount Maunganui)
• Mangawhai Heads

Jump to your next South Island city

• Christchurch
• Hokitika
• Tekapo
• Dunedin
• Wanaka
• Queenstown

What we look for when deciding where to stay in New Zealand

We have two lists when choosing accommodation for our travels. They are personal to us and may or may not be the same for you. At the time we stayed at them, all hotels on this page meet our first list, the must-haves. While most also qualify on the second list – it would be nice, but I can live without it.

To get on our best hotels in New Zealand list, the accommodation must-have:

• At least 4-stars, ideally 5-stars
• High user ratings, personal recommendations, or be on articles like this one from bloggers we trust (hopefully that includes us for you)
• An appropriate location – centrally located in a city, or if seeking relaxation, something more secluded
• Free cancellation
• Car parking (if we will have a car) – we often pay extra for this
• Free WiFi
• Private bathroom
• Refrigerator in our room

It would be nice if the upscale hotels had:

• Ocean or mountain views
• Breakfast included (for us, it also needs gluten-free options)
• 24-hour front desk
• Kitchenette

Where to stay in New Zealand: Auckland

Jeff and I love the romance of staycations, and for us, that is staying in town as we live in the Auckland region. New Zealand’s largest city has many great options, but we have three favourite centrally-located upscale hotels.

Cordis Auckland by Langham

Modern luxury without being pretentious, Cordis doesn’t miss a beat. We stay in their Pinnacle Tower to enjoy impressive city views. The fabulously plush bed makes for a better night’s sleep than I get at home, and the bathroom is spectacular.

Impeccable service, an internationally recognized spa, a rooftop pool, and a few food or drink options make it ideal for recharging after a long flight or relaxing on a staycation.

Valet parking is available. Book your room at Cordis here.

Hilton Auckland 

For luxury with Waitematā Harbour views, Hilton Auckland is our go-to. Situated on Princes Wharf, it’s ideal for exploring the city on foot.

On our last stay in the Relaxation Suite, we enjoyed sweeping harbour views from both the living room and bedroom, a spacious balcony overlooking the ferries, and all the modern amenities one would expect from 5-star luxury.

Note that harbour view rooms are affected by cruise ships docked at Princes Wharf (cruise schedule here). For unobstructed views, book a bow suite.

Even if you’re not staying, stop in for a drink at Bellini or a delicious meal at FISH restaurant. Valet parking is available. Book your stay at Hilton Auckland here. 

Hotel DeBrett

Hotel De Brett is a fun and funky boutique hotel offering affordable luxury wrapped in art deco decor. We stayed in an amazing loft suite with a lounge area featuring a spiral staircase that leads to a surprisingly large bedroom with an incredibly comfortable bed.

With a toilet on each level, our loft is liveable. Note: the car park must be reserved and is a couple of blocks away. Book your stay at Hotel DeBrett here.

For our more detailed review, additional photos, and video from these Auckland hotels, check out Luxury and Boutique Hotels in Auckland: Relax and Be Pampered.

Where to stay in New Zealand: the rest of the North Island

Our love for upscale hotels in New Zealand doesn’t stop at our doorstep. We love to road trip slowly across the North Island, and this results in plenty of hotel stays. Here are our top picks from the rest of the Island.

Hamilton – Rua Resort

This impressive estate is a refreshing blend of tasteful elegant decor and the relaxed comfort of home. That is, if your home has incredibly comfortable beds and a breakfast chef. The friendly hosts let us feed some of their rescue animals in their paddocks which range from friendly sheep to charming alpacas.

Each room has its own unique charm. Read the room descriptions as some of the rooms have a shared bathroom. We chose the Harmony suite—a luxurious retreat complete with two balconies, a super king bed, a spacious bathroom, and a hidden Harry Potter-themed room. Reserve your stay at Rua Resort here.

Rotorua – Pullman or Novotel

Two amazing centrally located options:

Pullman Rotorua

Our spacious superior king room featured a huge, comfortable bed, a Chromecast-enabled flat-screen TV, and a refreshing rain shower. There was even a settee in front of the window.

As expected at a 5-star accommodation, the service was prompt, friendly, and attentive, even the valet car service. Reserve your stay at the Pullman Rotorua here.

Novotel Rotorua Lakeside

When our goal is a good night’s sleep in a clean, uncluttered room with friendly staff while still keeping an eye on the budget, then we will choose the Novotel in Rotorua.

The unpretentious rooms hold surprises like a feather-top mattress, huge plush bath towels, fair trade amenities, and USB wall outlets. Reserve your stay at Novotel Rotorua Lakeside here.

Taupō – Baycrest Thermal Lodge

Baycrest Thermal Lodge

Baycrest Thermal Lodge earned its 4.5-star rating. Our self-contained unit was a treat in size, comfort, and attention to detail. It featured a kitchenette, a large shower with excellent water pressure, a comfortable bed, and sitting areas both inside and out.

Our second-floor room (room 12) boasted impressive lake views, ideal for sunset watching. Though lower-level units sacrifice the view, they compensate with a private outdoor spa bath.

The standout feature for me was the huge thermal pool, heated to a constant 40ºC (104ºF), providing a brief but deeply relaxing dip. Reserve your stay at Baycrest Thermal Lodge.

Taranaki – Novotel New Plymouth Taranaki and Barberry Hill Stratford

Novotel New Plymouth

Our spacious executive room offered us a comfortable sleep, a rain shower, and sustainable options.

The real stand out for me was the exceptional service and the staff’s willingness to go the extra mile, like offering to drive us to dinner after I mentioned we had a long tiring day. Reserve your stay at Novotel New Plymouth Taranaki here.

Barberry Hill, Stratford

We tried something new (for us) in Stratford, a converted unit above a barn on a working dairy farm. Our huge unit featured a full kitchen, a comfortable bed, plenty of living space, a living room and a wood-burning stove.

We overlooked lush rolling pastures. Farm-fresh eggs rested among the treats in our breakfast basket, and the wood burner was pre-loaded for the first night. Reserve your stay at Barberry Hill here.

Whanganui – Rutland Arms Inn

In the heart of town, Rutland Arms Inn combines the charm of classic hotels in New Zealand with the lively atmosphere of the town’s most popular pub—a place so busy we couldn’t dine there without a prior booking, a lesson for next time.

Our room radiated charm with its high ceilings, vintage furniture, and tall windows, while modern amenities like a TV and refrigerator were discreetly placed yet accessible. Reserve your stay at Rutland Arms Inn here. 

Napier – Scenic Hotel Te Pania

We booked this city too late both times we visited. So this recommendation isn’t from personal experience, but rather from our wish list.

For our next visit, we hope to stay at the Scenic Hotel Te Pania. The sweeping ocean views are what pulls me to this 4-star option on Marine Parade. It offers a one-minute walk to the beach and both indoor and outdoor dining options. Reserve your stay at Scenic Hotel Te Pania here

Wairarapa – Kaituna Riverside Cottages

Surrounded by forest, river, and even a small waterfall, this off-the-beaten-path cottage is a perfect glamping escape. It’s much more than just a place to sleep; it’s an experience.

The cabin itself is a small hideaway, and the surrounding nature makes it special. Off the grid, yet solar-powered, this was quite unique and very different from a luxury hotel, yet we had everything we needed for a romantic weekend.

Our thoughtful hosts provided a brazier for a nighttime bonfire and even left a bag of marshmallows. Reserve your cottage stay here.

Kapiti Coast – Raumati Sands Resort

Another beach and nature escape, the Kapiti Coast offers a treasure trove of activities on our way to Wellington. We recommend the impressive Raumati Sands Resort. Nestled close to the beach, it features spacious, self-contained units with beautiful views. Our two-story unit had two bedrooms, a kitchen, and the lovely living room pictured above. Reserve your stay at Raumati Sands Resort here.

Wellington – Sofitel

We stayed at the stunning 5-star Sofitel in Wellington. It is my current favourite hotel in our capital. Stunning rooms, impeccable service, and a great location just off The Terrace.

It was within walking distance of just about everywhere we wanted to go: Parliament, the Botanic Gardens, tons of restaurants and cafes, and museums. But mostly, it was pure luxury inside, never missing a beat, with everything from plush bathrobes to turn-down service at night.

We stayed on the top floor and had one of the only two rooms with a balcony, but I am sure the same fantastic views can be seen from any of the upper floors. Reserve your stay at the Wellington Sofitel here.

Why do we have a few holiday parks on our list of the best hotels in New Zealand?

I know what you’re thinking, a holiday park, really? Isn’t that for tent camping or campervans? While the answer is yes, in New Zealand, they often are located on the best beaches and have a variety of options, including self-contained villas.

Unlike our typical travel that keeps us in 4-5 star accommodations, there is something about staying right on the beach at a self-contained cabin at a holiday park that really appeals to us. Otherwise, in these towns, we typically rent a vacation beach house.

Bay of Plenty – Papamoa Beach

We stayed in a one-bedroom beachfront villa at Tasman Holiday Park (formerly Papamoa Beach Resort – see our full review). While I could watch the sunrise over the ocean from either our bed or kitchen, I chose to sit on our deck every morning.

It was only the lack of pizzazz in the perfectly adequate bathroom that reminded me I was at a holiday park. Papamoa is only a short drive to either Mount Maunganui or Tauranga city, but more importantly, it’s a beach destination on its own. Reserve your stay at Tasman Holiday Parks – Papamoa Beach here.

Mangawhai Heads

We chose to stay in a family cabin, as they are closer to the water’s edge. When we were there, other people had the same idea, and all three of the family cabins were rented by a couple not travelling with kids. Small and compact, the cabins had everything we needed, including bunk beds with portholes for kids (had we brought any). Reserve your stay at Mangawhai Heads Holiday Park here.

Where to stay in New Zealand: South Island

When our girls were competing in snow sports, we used to live for 5-6 months of the year in Wanaka, driving back and forth between our Auckland home twice each year. This gave us plenty of time to explore the South Island. Below are our favourite places to stay.

Christchurch – Crowne Plaza or Heritage

Crowne Plaza

Centrally located, we had a great night’s sleep on a comfortable bed in a modern, spacious room that lives up to the quality we expect from Crowne Plaza. One fun feature: there is an electronic curtain to lower from the bathroom when you want privacy. Reserve your stay at the Crowne Plaza here.

Heritage Hotel

Situated in a historic building in Cathedral Square, the Heritage Hotel offers huge suites with a washing machine and a kitchen. We stayed here on our first visit to Christchurch before the earthquake.

Cathedral Square is different now, but the Heritage Hotel still remains highly rated with excellent reviews and seems to always be fully booked when we find ourselves in Christchurch. Reserve your stay at the Heritage Hotel here.

Hokitika – Shining Star Beachfront Accommodation

We stayed in one of the rustic chalets at the Shining Star Beachfront Accommodation and loved the easy access to Hokitika beach, as well as the nearby path to see the Hokitika glow worms. But what I will never forget was the vivid sunsets over the ocean every night. Reserve your stay at Shining Star Beachfront Accommodation here.

Tekapo

To be honest, despite driving though Tekapo many times, it is one town we never stayed in. Yet I do have a wish list for Tekapo accommodations:

The Mackenzie Suites
Quite close to Lake Tekapo village, this picturesque location features fantastic views and luxury apartment accommodations. With a kitchenette, laundry facilities, and a gas fireplace, it sounds spacious and comfortable. Reserve your stay at The Mackenzie Suites here.

Peppers Bluewater Resort
Another spot with beautiful lake views, this 4.5-star hotel is in Lake Tekapo village. While most of the rooms don’t have cooking facilities, there is a restaurant on-site. Reserve your stay at Peppers Bluewater Resort here.

Dunedin – Distinction Dunedin

As we love exploring cities on foot, the central location of Distinction Dunedin is what first attracted us. But once inside, this beautifully refurbished hotel met all our needs with 4.5-star luxury. Thrilled with our choice, we had one of the best nights’ sleep we have had in hotels. Don’t miss my review of the Distinction or simply reserve your stay in Dunedin at the Distinction here.

Alternative: Larnach Lodge and Stable

We have never done it, but people seem to really like to stay on the grounds and enjoy dinner at Larnach Castle surrounded by the regal gardens. Reserve your stay at Larnach Lodge and Stable here.

Wanaka – Edgewater Resort

For five years we lived in Wanaka for the winter season plus a bit longer on either end. The last time we stayed in one of the upscale hotels was quite a while ago, and it was always Edgewater, in one of the lake-view suites. Reserve your stay at Edgewater Resort here.

Built since we last booked accommodations in Wanaka, we will be checking out the 5-star Lakeside Apartments.

Queenstown – QT or Rees

Similarly, we rarely stayed in Queenstown, as we lived only an hour away in Wanaka. However, when we did, it was always the familiar comfort of the 5-star QT-Queenstown. We like to get a lake view room. Reserve your stay at QT-Queenstown.

One day when we are feeling extravagant, we will stay at the stunning 5-star Rees.

Sometimes we just want to rent a vacation house

There are plenty of vacation houses in New Zealand, the best of which we have always found the best prices at BookABach. Reserve your vacation rental at BookABach here.

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What are your favourite hotels in NZ?

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