Hotel DeBrett
Set in the heart of the fashionable district of downtown Auckland, the contemporary and stylish Hotel DeBrett is the perfect base from which to explore the city's elegant shops and numerous art galleries.
25 individually decorated Art Deco style rooms range from classic en suites, boutique suites with separate living spaces and loft suites, which set on two levels are ideal for families. New Zealand art and photography pieces grace the walls, while handprinted bedthrows, Lucy Vincent Marr toiletries and deep bathtubs highlight the luxury feel of the hotel.
Contemporary New Zealand cuisine is served in the glass-roofed atrium of the DeBrett's restaurant, while less formal dining (alongside a good selection of craft beers) is offered at the modern cornerbar. The drawing room is reserved for guests and provides a sociable and calm retreat from the busy city outside; complimentary drinks with the owners are hosted here each evening.
In room health and beauty treatments can be arranged for guests, and the hotel benefits from special rates at a local swimming pool. Babysitting services, a DVD and book library, and honesty bar are also provided for guests. The sights and attractions of Auckland are on DeBrett's doorstep, including Viaduct Harbour, the Sky Tower and the Auckland Museum.
Why We Love It
The original 1920s copper bathroom pipes were reclaimed when the hotel was refurbished, and now stand as a sculpture in the sunny courtyard.
Cape Kidnappers
Set high above Hawke's Bay, Cape Kidnappers Lodge is surrounded by 6000 acres of lush green farmland and rolling hills. The Lodge has panoramic vistas of the Pacific Ocean and a subtropical maritime climate.
There is a range of suites inside the main lodge and set on the hill above it, and all have en suite bathrooms, balconies, and internet access. The Owner's Cottage is away from the main lodge and is perfect for small groups or families, with four en suite bedrooms, a large open-plan living, dining and kitchen area and two smaller sitting rooms.
Facilities at the main lodge include a Jacuzzi (which is perfect for stargazing), a spa, infinity pool, gym, and a wine cellar with tasting room. A 71-par golf course sits atop of the cliffs overlooking Hawke's Bay, and guests can participate in various activities both on and off site, from quad and mountain biking to trout fishing, farm tours, hot air ballooning and white water rafting.
The dining experience at Cape Kidnappers can be just as personalised as your activities; there is an extensive list of dining locations, from the cosy Snug to the wine cellar. Homegrown vegetables are used daily and everything possible is made from scratch. Packed lunches range from gourmet picnics to activity packs and local wines are matched perfectly to local produce.
Why We Love It
The Cape Kidnappers golf course is up there with some of the best in the world. We say it's definitely worth a putt.
Wharekauhau Lodge
Set in secluded beauty on the south east coast of New Zealand's North Island (90 minutes by road from Wellington) Wharekauhau is a luxurious country retreat based on a 5,000 acre working sheep station overlooking the spectacular Palliser Bay.
Accommodation at Wharekauhau is in self-contained cottages dotted around the estate, each with superb ocean views and totalling twelve rooms.
Enjoy a 4x4 tour of the estate, which comprises native forest, spectacular beaches, rivers, lakes and wetlands, and take a private guided tour of the renowned Martinborough wine growing region. In a country with way more sheeps than peeps it's only right to see sheep-shearing and skilful sheep dogs in action, both of which are on view at Wharekauhau.
Other activities available include hiking, horse riding and clay shooting on the estate, and the lodge also has a fully equipped gymnasium, a heated indoor pool and a tennis court. Food and wines of the very highest quality are also part of the Wharekauhau experience.
Why We Love It
As if spelling Wharekauhau wasn't difficult enough, pronouncing it is an art as well - say 'forry-ko-ho' and you'll sound like a local.
Greenhill Lodge
Greenhill offers luxurious accommodation in a tranquil location at the heart of the Hawke's Bay wine country, on the east coast of New Zealand's North Island.
The region has an excellent climate, with some of the highest sunshine hours in New Zealand. Set amidst 30 acres of parkland, with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, the hotel's facilities include a swimming pool, spa room, gym and billiard room. There are two king suites with open fires, private sitting room and twin bathrooms and three king rooms each with en-suite bathrooms. The chef uses the freshest local produce to create excellent dishes that compliment the outstanding local wines.
Why We Love It
The late Queen Mother stayed here in 1958.
