Best Luxury Hotels in New Zealand
The land that brought us the All Blacks, Flight of the Conchords, manuka honey and the haka may be a long way away, but it’s a bucket list trip that’s sure to reawaken the imagination and nourish the soul. The scenery found on these two islands is so diverse and magical, that it’s been the backdrop for otherworldly movie sensations like Lord of the Rings. Follow the film set trail, or embark on a tour of vineyards across the 10 wine regions. You might like to delve further into the land’s culture at the capital Auckland’s visitor attractions, hike the incomparable countryside, or visit the glowworm caves in Te Anau and Waitomo
Auckland Region, Auckland
JW Marriott Auckland
(5 stars)The first JW Marriott to arrive in Auckland, this hotel occupies the site of the Stamford Plaza. The property is undergoing a phased NZ$20 million refurbishment, bringing a philosophy of mindfulness to the fore of the hotel’s new personality. It will comprise a total of 286 bedrooms, an executive lounge and lobby bar, a 100-cover buffet restaurant and a speciality dining venue — for which an onsite JW Garden will enable guests to grow herbs and ingredients as part of the culinary experience. Meanwhile a spa area, integral to the design, will include a heated swimming pool, a fitness centre, treatment rooms and a sauna.
Otago, Queenstown
Sofitel Queenstown – Hotel & Spa
(5 stars)At the centre of town, surrounded by amenities, the Sofitel offers a taste of European elegance. Step inside and you may think you’d arrived on a rue in France; there’s a public area including shops, a cafe, a grand piano and the velvet-curtained access to the in-house speakeasy. The Parisian-style Left Bank Cafe and Restaurant continues this French theme, as does its 1789 Wine & Jazz bar, with frequent live sets. The spa, with a hammam and unique Maori massage treatments, has won awards. The hotel’s six-storeys accommodate bedrooms, suites and penthouses; the latter providing lake views, patios and jacuzzis.