Eagles Nest general manager Adam Howard said being awarded a Michelin Key was an “incredibly proud moment” for the hotel and the team.
“Michelin is recognised around the world as a benchmark for exceptional hospitality, so to have Eagles Nest acknowledged in this way is a wonderful validation of the experience we work so hard to create for our guests.”
Howard said the values at Eagles Nest were driven by the philosophy of “luxury that treads lightly”.
“For us, that means creating a genuine and intuitive experience, offering privacy and a strong sense of place, while connecting our guests with the extraordinary natural environment of the Bay of Islands.
“To have that philosophy, and the experience our team delivers, recognised by Michelin is incredibly meaningful.”
Rosewood Kauri Cliffs is a five-star luxury lodge and championship golf resort set on a 6000-acre coastal estate.
Kauri Cliffs operations director Andre Miethig said the hotel was “incredibly proud” to be recognised with two Michelin Keys.
“This award is a testament to the passion and dedication of our entire team, who work every day to create exceptional experiences for our guests,” he said.
“We are honoured to receive this recognition for the second year, and to showcase the very best of New Zealand hospitality.”
It is the second year New Zealand hotels have been listed in the Michelin Keys Global Review, which is a new set of ratings from the Michelin team famous for its restaurants guide.
To be included on the list, hotels must have the highest standards of architecture, design, service, character, value and contribution to the local community, and are awarded based on post-stay ratings from verified Michelin Guide guests.
Rahimoana Villa at Eagles Nest in the Bay of Islands.
Other New Zealand Michelin Key hotels include Wallingford Homestead on the East Coast, Waiheke Island’s Delamore Lodge, Queenstown’s Rosewood Matakauri, Blanket Bay in Otago, and Huka Lodge in Taupō.
Globally, 470 hotels join the 2026 selection across 79 destinations, bringing the total to 2832 Michelin Key hotels worldwide.
Michelin Guide international director Gwendal Poullennec said this year’s selection celebrates the diversity, vitality and excellence of an ever-evolving sector.
“New Zealand has an extraordinary diversity of destinations, and travellers increasingly want to feel a strong sense of place and connection with the destinations they visit.
“The properties that embrace that individuality, while continuing to raise the bar on quality and service, have a real opportunity to shape the next chapter of New Zealand hospitality.”
Jenny Ling is a senior journalist at the Northern Advocate. She has a special interest in covering human interest stories, along with finance, roading, and social issues.