The hotel version of restaurant Michelin stars, the Michelin keys list now includes hotels and lodges from New Zealand, Australia, Fiji and French Polynesia. What makes the 19 NZ properties so special?<\/p>\n
\n The Michelin Guide for restaurants has become synonymous with quality dining, and while New Zealand is yet to
\n be included in its star system, this week, some of our best hotels and luxury lodges were bestowed with a new honour.\n <\/p>\n
The Michelin keys were first launched in 2024, honouring hotels in North America, Europe and Asia. This year, nearly 100 additional countries were added, including 19 from NZ, spanning Northland to Queenstown.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
As part of the Herald\u2019s Travel team since 2016, I\u2019ve managed to spend at least one night in 10 of the hotels and lodges now boasting a Michelin key (and am open to invites to the remaining nine). Here\u2019s my verdict on what makes each so special.<\/p>\n
Rosewood Cape Kidnappers brings you the best of Hawke\u2019s Bay\u2019s countryside charm. Photo \/ Rosewood Hotels & Resorts<\/p>\n
Rosewood Cape Kidnappers, Hawke\u2019s Bay<\/p>\n
I visited: March 2013 (while working for another news organisation).<\/p>\n
I wrote: “Revisiting my trip for the Herald as part of our Dream Destinations series during Covid lockdowns, I shared how Cape Kidnappers (not yet part of the Rosewood group when I visited) helped heal my devastatingly broken heart.<\/p>\n
\u201cEverything was comfortable, everyone was friendly, nobody asked why I was there or why I looked so sad. Perhaps I didn\u2019t look so sad any more? It\u2019s easier to forget the weight on your shoulders when you have the most beautiful surroundings and a team of staff dedicated to making your every wish come true.\u201d<\/p>\n
The best bit: The view from the bathtub, looking out to sheep grazing on the vivid green fields, melding into a perfectly manicured golf course perched on a cliff top that drops away to the Pacific Ocean beyond.<\/p>\n
Read the full story here<\/a><\/p>\n Rosewood Matakauri, Queenstown<\/p>\n I visited: July 2021<\/p>\n I wrote: \u201cThe lodge\u2019s interior design concept is from Virginia Fisher. It\u2019s effortlessly stylish and cosy throughout the property, with interesting artworks (including a wall-hanging Picasso-design rug), squishy sofas, oversized armchairs, open fires (some gas, some log), and lots of cushions and blankets so you can snuggle in and get comfy.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd honestly, if you kicked off your ski boots at the end of a day on the slopes, curled up on the main guest lounge sofa with a Central Otago pinot noir and a pile of books, none of the staff would bat an eyelid.\u201d<\/p>\n The best bit: Again, the deep, inviting bathtub, this time with a view of Lake Wakatipu and its surrounding mountains. I even went so far as to proclaim it \u201cNew Zealand\u2019s best bathtub view\u201d.<\/p>\n Read the full story here<\/a><\/p>\n Rosewood Kauri Cliffs, Northland<\/p>\n I visited: March 2018<\/p>\n I wrote: \u201cI feel like I\u2019ve hit the weekend jackpot when Dayna, my spa therapist, says gently, \u2018Can I invite you to relax by the pool with some champagne and a fruit plate?\u2019 Never mind a cup of herbal tea next to a water feature in a darkened room; luxury really is taken to another level here.\u201d<\/p>\n The best bit: The guided heritage tour, exploring the lodge\u2019s 2428ha property on the Matauri Bay peninsula and learning about its storied history, from the resting place of Mataatua, one of the first voyaging waka to reach NZ from Hawaiki, to the remains of the area\u2019s first European homesteads.<\/p>\n Read the full story here<\/a><\/p>\n Huka Lodge, Taup\u014d<\/p>\n I visited: August 2021<\/p>\n I wrote: \u201cAfter extensive personal research, I believe the calibre of a top hotel can be measured by the amount of time it takes for a glass of champagne to be placed in your hands on arrival.<\/p>\n \u201cAt Huka Lodge, the front door to bubbles delivery ratio is about 60 seconds \u2014 possibly the fastest I\u2019ve ever experienced in New Zealand.\u201d<\/p>\n The best bit: The lodge\u2019s location, on the banks of the Waikato River. just around the bend from Huka Falls. There, you\u2019ll jostle for a spot to take your photo of the falls; at the lodge, you\u2019ll find a private, secluded paradise.<\/p>\n Read the full story here<\/a> <\/p>\n (Note: The lodge has been fully refurbished since my visit. Read about its new look here<\/a>)<\/p>\n Eichardt\u2019s Private Hotel, Queenstown<\/p>\n I visited: May 2022<\/p>\n I wrote: \u201cThe hotel is so close to Lake Wakatipu that, even with my sumptuous suite\u2019s double-glazed windows closed, I can hear the waves breaking on the pebble beach. It\u2019s a perfect spot for people-watching and keeping an eye on the comings and goings of the busy wharf \u2013 jet boat and Earnslaw departures, buskers\u2019 sets, people gathering on the lake wall to eat their takeaway Fergburgers and watch the sunset.”<\/p>\n The best bit: The fireplace in my suite\u2019s living room, the centrepiece between two picture windows looking out to the lake and Cecil and Walter Peaks, accompanied by the comfiest sofa draped with fine-knit blankets.<\/p>\n Read the full story here<\/a> <\/p>\n The Lindis, Ahuriri Valley<\/p>\n I visited: January 2022 and May 2024<\/p>\n I wrote: \u201cThere\u2019s no such thing as a bad view at The Lindis, with every suite, communal area \u2013 even the gym \u2013 boasting expansive, panoramic views of the valley and its majestic peaks. The Black Diamond, the new private dining cabin, is no exception. Sitting on a hill above the valley floor, which is already 740m above sea level, the subalpine landscape is overwhelmingly beautiful.”<\/p>\n The best bit: The beauty of the night sky, undisturbed by any nearby light pollution, is perfect for stargazing in your outdoor bathtub. And, if you\u2019re lucky like I was, Aurora Australis might put on a show.<\/p>\n Read the full story here<\/a><\/p>\n The Hotel Britomart, Auckland<\/p>\n I visited: January 2021<\/p>\n I wrote: \u201cAlthough the hotel is brand new, it feels like it could have been here forever, blending seamlessly into its surroundings. The stylish entrance is calm and filled with light, and is part of a bustling Melbourne-style laneway.<\/p>\n \u201cReclaimed brick, timber, and driftwood detailing showcase the hotel\u2019s aim to retain a sense of heritage in this historic precinct. There\u2019s also a focus on the property\u2019s New Zealand-ness: a living t\u014dtara tree grows out of the reception desk, Muriwai sand has been solidified into a stunning feature wall, and guests are offered fresh kawakawa iced tea on arrival.\u201d<\/p>\n The best bit: The Rangihoua Suite, one of five ultra-luxurious rooftop suites, which has its own outdoor terrace complete with a large gas fireplace. It feels like you\u2019ve been transported to New York.<\/p>\n Read the full review here<\/a><\/p>\n Wharekauhau Country Estate, Wairarapa<\/p>\n I visited: June 2023<\/p>\n I wrote: \u201cThe lodge is in Wairarapa, about two hours\u2019 drive from Wellington, over the Remutaka Hill, past Featherston, and tucked above Ocean Beach at Palliser Bay. It sits in the midst of moody mountain peaks, verdant pasturelands and thriving wetlands, gently rolling to cliffs that drop dramatically to black sand beaches and tumbling seas \u2013 nothing to the south of you until Antarctica. This landscape has it all, and you\u2019ll get uninterrupted views of it, whether you\u2019re in the main lodge building, your cottage (one of 16), or roaming the property.\u201d<\/p>\n The best bit: Pre-dinner cocktails and canapes at 6.30pm each evening, where you can mix and mingle with your fellow guests and share stories about the adventures you\u2019ve enjoyed during the day, from claybird shooting to horse riding to quad bikes.<\/p>\n Read the full story here<\/a><\/p>\n Park Hyatt Auckland<\/p>\n I visited: October 2020<\/p>\n I wrote: \u201cOn the way into this big-name international hotel, you\u2019ll notice some unique touches that ground it in its location and respect the land it sits on \u2013 the hotel worked with iwi to bring in elements of local culture and values. Original works by Peata Larkin were commissioned, as well as woven tukutuku panels created by artist Beronia Scott and her wh\u0101nau from Ng\u0101ti Wh\u0101tua \u014cr\u0101kei.”<\/p>\n The best bit: The hotel\u2019s outdoor 25m heated infinity pool, and its waterfront restaurant, Onemata.<\/p>\n Read the full review here<\/a><\/p>\n Hotel Fitzroy by Luminous, Auckland<\/p>\n I visited: October 2020<\/p>\n I wrote: \u201cI stayed in the Richmond Suite, named for Richmond Rd. This Luxury Room was beautifully styled, with polished concrete walls, wooden floors, huge bay windows and gorgeous drapes. The chaise lounge was exceptionally comfortable and a lovely spot to lie back with a book. There was an abundance of pillows on the bed, and built-in wardrobes to maximise space.\u201d<\/p>\n The best bit: The hotel\u2019s boutique size (just 10 suites), and excellent location, situated on Richmond Rd close to Ponsonby Rd\u2019s hustle and bustle.<\/p>\nQueenstown’s lakeside views are the star at Rosewood Matakauri Lodge (also a strong contender for New Zealand’s best bathtub).<\/p>\n
Rosewood Kauri Cliffs offers an extraordinary luxury experience in the Bay of Islands.<\/p>\n
Huka Lodge in Taup\u014d.<\/p>\n
A lakefront suite at Queenstown’s Eichardt’s Private Hotel.<\/p>\n
One of the Pods, standalone cabin accommodation with outdoor baths and expansive valley views, at The Lindis.<\/p>\n
The Rangihoua Suite at The Hotel Britomart offers a luxurious perspective on an Auckland city break.<\/p>\n
Wharekauhau Country Estate in Wairarapa.<\/p>\n
The $200m Park Hyatt, rising in Auckland, one of the biggest projects by Chinese working in Auckland. <\/p>\n
Hotel Fitzroy, Ponsonby. <\/p>\n