Shane Green's Top 10 New Zealand Hotels

Resort Rescue host and hospitality expert Shane Green shares his 10 favorite hotels in New Zealand. Here are the most amazing and romantic lodging experiences his home country has to offer.

Related To:

Shop This Look

Photo By: Matakauri Lodge

Photo By: Craggy Range Cottages

Photo By: Hapuku Lodge

Photo By: Dawson Falls Mountain Lodge

Photo By: Hilton

Photo By: Kauri Cliffs

Photo By: Crowne Plaza

Photo By: The Classic Villa

Photo By: Huka Lodge

Photo By: Mollies Hotel

Matakauri Lodge - Queenstown

Breathtaking water views greet you each morning as you savor the best food New Zealand has to offer. Matakauri gets it -- they outshine most others with their stellar wines, amenities and staff. Close to many golfing, hiking and scenic adventures, this lodge is a treat for adventurous people who want to soak in the landscapes. Designed for travelers who want to unplug and unwind, Matakauri is truly a world-class experience.

Craggy Range Cottages - Hawkes Bay

Craggy Range is one of my favorite wineries in the country. The vineyard is spectacular, and the moody, foggy setting is perfect for a glass of wine that encompasses rich undertones and subtle flavors. My wife and I have enjoyed their food on several occasions, and we keep going back because of the unpretentious warmth and modesty of the setting and the staff.

Hapuku Lodge - Kaikoura

Who doesn’t love an adult-sized tree house? Hapuku Lodge is a collection of tree houses located in picturesque Kaikoura, which is home to some of the best whale watching in New Zealand. The view from each tree house is spectacular, and the experience is one to write home about. For those who like to spread out their road trips, this is also a perfect stopping point on the drive from Christchurch to Picton.

Dawson Falls Mountain Lodge - Kaponga

Dawson Falls Mountain Lodge is 15 minutes from the town where I grew up. It is in a great setting, located under one of the most picturesque mountains in the world—Mount Egmont (Taranaki). The lodge is also next to some great hiking trails and scenic waterfalls, which are great for families and adventurous couples. I like Dawson because it’s a taste of home, but the low-key setting is not for everyone.

Hilton - Auckland

The Hilton on the Auckland waterfront is a showcase for New Zealand’s passion for sailing. Home of the America’s Cup for 8 years, the waterfront is within walking distance of downtown Auckland, which is chock-full of great bars and restaurants. People choose Hilton Auckland for its interesting exterior, but the interior is just as aesthetically pleasing.

Kauri Cliffs - Bay of Islands

Kauri Cliffs is one of New Zealand’s most exclusive retreats. It’s located at the top of North Island, which affords spectacular views for guests who are wined and dined with the best New Zealand has to offer. Golfers will love this quiet retreat. The Bay of Islands is one of the must-see locations on North Island, and it’s only 4 hours from the international Auckland Airport.

Crowne Plaza - Queenstown

With some of the greatest views in the city, Crowne Plaza is a superb hotel for those who plan to go out late at night to soak up Queenstown. It might not be the most luxurious place in the world, but the setting makes up for it. If you want to enjoy the downtown district and wake up to glittering water views in the morning, the Crowne Plaza is a great choice.

The Classic Villa - Christchurch

The Classic Villa fulfills its name as the classic villa experience in the heart of Christchurch. I went to college in Christchurch and started my career in hospitality in this neighborhood, so it holds a lot of fond memories for me. The Classic Villa affords great personal service. If you go there, make sure you ask for Peter, and buy him a beer for me! For those who want a luxurious homestay travel experience, this place offers true insight into New Zealand hospitality.

Huka Lodge - Lake Taupo

Huka Lodge is the benchmark for all other New Zealand lodges. Because of its rare charm and ambiance, this resort has been ranked as one of the best hotels in the world since the 1980s. They have one of the greatest riverside settings of all time, fantastic food and an exceptional staff. Visitors are carried away by the rich, saturated hues of the waters and nature, as well as the interior paint selections and décor.

Mollies Hotel - Auckland

Mollies is truly a hotel with a lot of personality! Mollies is a genuine luxury boutique hotel, which has a style and flair that simply can't be replicated elsewhere. Travelers get to experience a unique, intriguing insight into the local area through cuisine, smells, sights and sounds. They do a great job at Mollies of making each guest feel welcomed and appreciated.

Shows

Hosts

Trending

Top Videos

Digital Exclusives

From Our Shows

Trending

Top Domestic

Top International

Trending

Explore By Region

Trending

Top Interests

By Trip

By Traveler

Travel Tips

Trending

New Zealand

Shane Green's Top 10 New Zealand Hotels

Related To:

Shop This Look

Matakauri Lodge - Queenstown

Craggy Range Cottages - Hawkes Bay

Hapuku Lodge - Kaikoura

Dawson Falls Mountain Lodge - Kaponga

Hilton - Auckland

Kauri Cliffs - Bay of Islands

Crowne Plaza - Queenstown

The Classic Villa - Christchurch

Huka Lodge - Lake Taupo

Mollies Hotel - Auckland

We Recommend

Shane Green's Top 10 Resorts 10 Photos

10 Things to Do in Rotorua 10 Photos

How to Get Around New Zealand Without Driving 10 Photos

10 Bucket List Family Adventures in New Zealand 10 Photos

Shane Green's Top Hotels Worldwide 9 Photos

5 Warm-Weather Holiday Vacations

More From Travel