I’ll never forget the night I checked into what seemed like a charming hotel. The online photos promised cosy rooms, breathtaking views, and a welcoming atmosphere.

The reality? The room was a cramped, dimly lit disaster with a musty smell that hit me as soon as I opened the door. The bed creaked ominously with every movement, and the view was anything but breathtaking—unless you have a thing for parking lots.

Since that experience, I’ve learned the importance of thorough research and honest reviews when choosing a place to stay. 

To avoid such disappointments, the Top Reviews team and I checked out various hotels to find the ones that really live up to their promises. And now, we present you with a curated list of the best hotels in all of New Zealand!

How much does it cost to stay at a hotel in New Zealand?

A stay at a hotel in New Zealand costs at least 30 NZD per night for standard hotels and at least 240 NZD per night for luxury ones. The actual price will vary depending on the hotel you choose and how many nights you stay.

How We Chose

Comfortable Beds: Nothing beats sinking into a plush, comfortable bed after a long day. That’s why we checked the quality of the beds and picked those that have a cloud-like mattress.

Top-notch Service: Friendly, prompt, and helpful staff can make or break a stay. We looked for hotels where the staff goes above and beyond to make your stay as comfortable as possible.

Cleanliness: A clean room ensures a stress-free stay. We scouted for places where spotless bathrooms and well-maintained rooms are a given. 

Stunning Views: Waking up to a breathtaking view can elevate your entire experience. Whether it’s the shimmering bays, lush mountains, or sprawling cityscape, a room with a view offers a perfect snapshot of New Zealand’s beauty. 

1. Rosewood Kauri Cliffs

Rosewood Kauri Cliffs is the ultimate destination for golf enthusiasts. The par-72 championship golf course, set on dramatic cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, is a golfer’s dream.

Even if you’re not a golfer, there is plenty to do here. This hotel offers a range of activities, from horseback riding to spas and infinity pools.

Their three private beaches are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or simply taking in the stunning views. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even take a helicopter tour of the area or go fishing in the bay.

The suites are comfortable and clean, each with large balconies perfect for watching the stars at night. Their private villas add a touch of luxury, featuring fireplaces, private pools, and hot tubs.

One minor drawback is that the staff sometimes seemed impatient. For instance, during dinner service, the waiter appeared to be in a rush, barely giving us time to browse the menu. While these moments were rare, they were noticeable enough to mention.

Customer Reviews

What a beautiful stay, and many things to explore beyond Golf

“These pictures don’t do this property any justice.  What a beautiful stay, and many things to explore beyond Golf. Michael, our Māori guide, was so knowledgeable and such a vibrant soul.

Can AM tour is a must! Neil and Reimy with Cool Change BOI took us on a full-day sailing excursion to the stunning Bay of Islands. Fantastic hosts! I acquired an E-bike and ventured around the whole property. Note to self, make sure the E-bike is working properly.  😜 Lovely staff, who waited on us hand and foot, who care about our needs, and checked on us daily to make sure we had everything we needed.

Twenty years ago,  my dad stayed here when Julian was alive, of course,  and it has come a long way in exceeding expectations.  I would argue the lodge has reached a high level of customer service by providing a relaxing and adventurous stay.”

Sally Moon, Google Reviews

The whole ambience calms you down from the busy city life

“We had an absolutely fantastic stay at the Kauri Cliffs Lodge. The service was outstanding! The dining experience is a must do and the activities   the friendly team offers keep you busy for days. For the relaxation seekers don’t worry. The whole ambience calms you down from the busy city life the time you put your first step into the lodge. You also will find a wide variety of spa treatments infinity pool, Sauna and hot pool. Thank you Kauri Cliffs!”

Torsten Stolt, Google Reviews

2. Eichardt’s Private Hotel

Eichardt’s Private Hotel is best for travellers who want a luxurious and historical experience in the heart of Queenstown. You’ll be steps away from Lake Wakatipu, top shops, and some of the best restaurants in town.

From check-in to check-out, the staff does their best to ensure a relaxing stay. The concierge team is particularly attentive, and always ready to make restaurant reservations for us. They even arranged a helicopter tour over the Remarkables. 

Every little detail was meticulously looked after. Our room was stocked with complimentary snacks, a selection of fine teas, and luxurious bath products.

Speaking of rooms, they have spacious suites and apartments. They are beautifully decorated and have everything you need for a comfortable stay. Some rooms even have fireplaces.

But, with only a few suites and apartments, the hotel can feel a bit small and intimate. If you’re looking for a bustling resort atmosphere, this isn’t the place for you.

Customer Reviews

The staff go above and beyond for you

“The best hotel in queenstown by far!! The most luxury hotel, in the absolute best location, with premium furnishings. The staff go above and beyond for you, nothing is too much trouble. I couldn’t imagine staying anywhere else, this trip wouldn’t have been as amazing as it was if it wasn’t for Eichardt’s. Cant wait to come back”

Samantha Aimes-Costa Google Review  

We had a wonderful large bath and a gas fireplace in our room

“This hotel is beautiful, clean, looks right out on the lake. We had a wonderful large bath and a gas fireplace in our room. And the service here is just next level. Every staff member was friendly and kind. They were so accommodating to every inquiry or concern. Truly fantastic service and I cannot recommend them enough.”

Anya Venezia, Google Reviews

3. Huka Lodge

If you’re a traveller looking for a peaceful getaway, Huka Lodge might be just what you need.

The accommodations range from charming lodge suites to roomy stand-alone cottages. Each room has elegant fireplaces and private terraces with views of the river or gardens.

The staff takes care of everything in your room. There’s even a personalised butler service available to help you arrange tours and handle room service. 

If you want something more bougie, you can make use of their private chef and enjoy gourmet meals in your private cottage. There’s also an on-site restaurant that has amazing tasting menus and excellent wines if you want to socialise.

When you’re not relaxing in your room, the lodge’s spa offers a range of indulgent treatments that are worth checking out. 

However, while the peaceful atmosphere is a big selling point, some people might find the limited on-site activities a bit restrictive.

Customer Reviews

The room itself was super comfortable and fully equipped with everything you need

“A magical retreat! My husband and I spent a couple of nights at this luxurious property for our honeymoon. Our suite opened up to the calm waters of the river. Beautiful ducks and birds visited us each morning. The room itself was super comfortable and fully equipped with everything you need. The wines were delicious! The main foyer/dining lounge had a number of vintage fireplaces, it created a wonderful and romantic ambiance! The food served for dinner was just exquisite. Truly worth the experience! And of course not to forget the lovely staff members who make it all a dreamy experience. A special shoutout to Andrew who served us twice for dinner, what a gem of a person, so kind, funny and made our evening even more memorable.”

Kiran Dhaliwal  Google Review  

The views and staff make this a standout place to go for special occasions

“A great place to make lasting memories.  The views and staff make this a standout place to go for special occasions. Hopefully I’ll be back again one day!  Thank you to all of the staff, and the bartender for the best Cosmopolitan(s) I’ve had for a while!”

Angie Kay Google Review 

4. Matakauri Lodge

The moment you step into Matakauri Lodge, you’re immediately hit with the jaw-dropping beauty of Lake Wakatipu. The setting by the lake feels like a slice of paradise, perfect for those moments when you just want to unplug from the world.

The rooms? Spacious, modern, and packed with amenities. Each room has a private terrace to soak in those incredible views. The sleek and contemporary decor makes the whole place feel high-end yet cosy.

When it comes to food, the lodge’s restaurant, The Dining Room, is the real deal. They’ve got beef wagyu fillets, duck, and more. And don’t even get us started on their cheese plates – they’re simply to die for.

Don’t worry about getting bored here, either. They’ve got a luxurious spa, a fitness centre, and an outdoor infinity pool to keep you entertained. It’s a complete package of relaxation and fun.

However, the service can be a tad slow at times, so it’s something to keep in mind if you’re planning a stay here.

Customer Reviews

The views are stunningly beautiful and the food is great quality

“I had a great stay at the Matakauri Lodge, recently acquired by Rosewood. The location is perfect, just outside Queenstown but isolated enough to feel like you’re in your own world. The views are stunningly beautiful and the food is great quality. The best feature of the hotel, however, is the staff. They genuinely want to make you feel at home and go the extra mile to make everything perfect. The intimate nature of the hotel means that most of the staff not only know your name but remember your preferences and adjust their service accordingly. My only complaint is that I could not spend more time here.”

Omar Halabi Google Review  

Stunning location

“We treated ourselves with the late lunch at Matakauri today and it was absolutely superb. Worth every cent. Subtle attentive service. Stunning location. And a truly memorable three-course lunch.”

Tony Balfour Google Review 

5. Blanket Bay

A stay at Blanket Bay feels like living in an Instagram dream. Each room is a masterpiece, featuring fireplaces and private balconies with jaw-dropping lake and mountain views.

The staff are also incredibly attentive—they anticipate your needs before you even voice them. Everyone we dealt with showed warm hospitality and pampered us, from arranging activities to ensuring our room was just right.

The range of activities here is also impressive—guided hikes, fly fishing, and jet boating, to name a few. The front desk can even arrange private excursions just for you.

For those who would rather relax, Blanket Bay has you covered with a heated outdoor pool, a spa, and a hot tub.

Although they do have a limited number of rooms and suites, a stay here is all about privacy and tranquillity.

Customer Reviews

It is worth every penny and then some

“Perfect stay! The staff at Fiordland Lodge could learn so much from your staff. Just a fantastic stay. Thank you Lucy, Andrew, David, Nina and all the others. It is worth every penny and then some. Beautiful lodge, creative and delicious food (Cheers to the Chef), lovely wines, and so much to see and do around the lodge.”

Mrs Whitley (Lissa) Google Review 

Our room was so comfortable with a balcony that I enjoyed 

“Beautiful lodge and excellent customer service. The location is perfect with the most stunning views. The staff goes above and beyond to ensure you have a comfortable stay. The food was perfectly prepared with such attention to detail. Loved the hot tub with the doors that open outside to allow for beautiful views and a refreshing breeze. Our room was so comfortable with a balcony that I enjoyed sitting and enjoying the view of the lake and mountains. The gym was well equipped for our stay. One of my favorite things was the breakfast dining area which was beautifully decorated and the food was delicious. Highly recommend. “-

Daisy Young Google Review 

---