Beds, beds, and more beds ... new hotels, luxury, and small boutique accommodations. Aotearoa New Zealand has seen significant growth in its accommodation offering over recent times with many new openings, so we have created this handy A to Z guide to what’s new.  
  
As these are new openings, some of the star ratings are self-awarded, and some have none or are yet to be confirmed (TBC) by verification from Qualmark, New Zealand’s official quality assurance organisation.   
  
Qualmark(opens in new window)  provides a trusted guide to quality travel experiences in Aotearoa and works to help tourism businesses become more sustainable from a people, planet and profit perspective. Note: Qualmark star ratings are awarded according to accommodation category.  

To date there are 56 hotel accommodations included in this list.  

A is for … 

Airedale Boutique Suites, Auckland(opens in new window)  – 4+ star, Qualmark Silver   

Airedale Boutique Suites, occupying an art deco heritage building on Queen Street in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s theatre district, has 100 stylish rooms, Trocadero restaurant and bar.   

Atura Wellington(opens in new window)  – 3+ star, Qualmark Silver 

For a smart city break, ‘digitally-convenient’ Atura Wellington in the historic Thorndon Parliamentary precinct is a bright new kid on the block with 108 rooms, an e-bike fleet and community art gallery.  

B is for …  

Bell Hill Apartments, Dunedin (opens in new window) – TBC
Calm, unruffled central Ōtepoti Dunedin experience in a stately redeveloped heritage building. Three self-contained apartments, great architecture, superbly decorated.  

The Hotel Britomart Auckland (opens in new window) – 5-star, Qualmark Gold  

New Zealand’s first 5-Green Star Hotel, Hotel Britomart (99 rooms) is a classy addition to the urban lane ways, boutiques and hospo icons of the Britomart heritage precinct.

C is for …  

The Carlin, Queenstown (opens in new window) – 5-star, Qualmark Silver 

A distinctive, one-of-a-kind, boutique hotel experience for discerning guests. 50 spacious 1- to 4-bedroom suites, luxuriously appointed with fabulous views. 

The Central Private Hotel by Naumi, Queenstown(opens in new window)  – 5-star   

The Central Private Hotel is a cool, art-filled sanctuary in Tāhuna Queenstown’s city centre with spacious rooms, welcoming touches and a decor that feels Alice In Wonderland-esque with whimsical furniture and an electric colour palette. 

Carnmore Hotel Christchurch(opens in new window)  – 4-star   

Carnmore Hotel is a modern family-owned, comfortable Ōtautahi Christchurch city hotel, with 88 rooms and a café, all within easy walking distance of the new city centre, laneways and gardens.   

D is for …  

The Dairy Private Hotel by Naumi, Queenstown(opens in new window)  – 5-star 

Once a corner store, The Dairy Private Hotel (curated by boutique hotel specialists Naumi) has been transformed with an exquisite 15-room refurbishment in a cosy alpine chic style.  

E is for … 

Ebb Dunedin(opens in new window) – boutique hotel

Ebb Dunedin’s austere Modernist architecture wraps thoughtful luxury and contemporary Aotearoa New Zealand artworks with relaxed hospitality. 27 rooms open into an atrium overlooking covered internal gardens, and downstairs Ebb Café serves seasonal, local food.

F is for …   

Fable Dunedin(opens in new window)  – 5-star, Qualmark Silver 

Built in 1862, formerly Wains Hotel of Dunedin, Fable Dunedin is a glorious heritage renovation offering a high-tech guest experience with 50 guest rooms and suites, The Press Club restaurant and an extensive whiskey menu.  

Falcon Brae @ Stonefly Lodge, Nelson(opens in new window)  – 5-star, Private villa 

On a private estate set between three national parks and with spectacular 360° views of mountains, rivers and the night sky, Falcon Brae is a contemporary architectural masterpiece, an exclusive-use villa accommodating up to six adults and four children in absolute luxury.      

Hotel Fitzroy curated by Fable, Auckland(opens in new window)  – 5-star, Qualmark Gold  

Hotel Fitzroy curated by Fable is a boutique luxury stay in Ponsonby (Auckland’s hip hospo and retail neighbourhood) – a landmark Victorian villa reborn with contemporary star quality and 10 gorgeous guest rooms.

G is for …  

Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa, Queenstown (opens in new window) – 5-star, Qualmark Gold 

Nestled amongst the vines of Central Otago’s oldest winery, Gibbston Valley’s 24 private villas are an exclusive accommodation experience offering relaxed luxury, a world-class wine cellar and fine dining, dedicated wellness spa and direct access to some of the region’s most beautiful landscapes.   

The Grosvenor, Timaru(opens in new window)  – full renovation 

An historic hotel (established: 1875) that once hosted Queen Elizabeth II (in 1954), newly stripped back to its Art Deco style. Original home of the Canterbury Rugby Football Union.  

H is for …  

Hidden Lake Hotel & Apartments, Cambridge(opens in new window)  – 4+-star, Qualmark Silver   

Cambridge’s Hidden Lake is a contemporary hotel (33 rooms and apartments) with a gourmet restaurant and bar, day spa and a ‘keep-it-local’ eco-conscious focus. Close to Hamilton, Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves.  

Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Queenstown (opens in new window) – 4-star, Qualmark Silver 

First of the brand in Aotearoa, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Queenstown offers a cool alpine chalet style with easy access to ski fields, 227 rooms and savvy sustainable features throughout.  

Holiday Inn Queenstown Remarkables Park(opens in new window)  – 4+-star, Qualmark Silver 

Close to the Queenstown Airport with views of The Remarkables Range (close to ski areas), full service rooms and suites with modern facilities.

I is for …  

Mt. Isthmus, Lake Hawea(opens in new window)  – Luxury villa   

Luxe private villa Mt. Isthmus – an alpine hideaway between lakes Wānaka and Hawea – is New Zealand's latest secret gem. With spectacular 360° views, the villa comprises of four suites, central kitchen (optional chef service), spacious entertaining areas, movie theatre, and spa pool.  

The Intrepid Hotel, Wellington(opens in new window)  – 4-star, Qualmark Bronze 

The Intrepid Hotel in Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington's Te Aro neighbourhood is a small luxury hotel in a restored heritage building once the home of Cadbury Bros. chocolates. The three-storey hotel offers 18 individually designed rooms.

K is for … 

Kamana Lakehouse Queenstown (opens in new window) – 4+-star, Qualmark Silver

High on a hill above Tāhuna Queenstown, Kamana Lakehouse (73 rooms) has stunning lake and mountain views, including a series of rooms with steaming hot tubs on a private deck to soak in the views from.  

L is for …  

The Landing Suites, Auckland(opens in new window)  – 5-star  

New Zealand's newest luxury lodge, The Landing Suites is a series of five sophisticated rooftop retreats, urban outposts of the spectacular Landing Residences in the Bay of Islands. Atop the smart new green Hotel Britomart, the suites bring a new level of discreet luxury and style to Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s hip waterside Britomart precinct.  

14th Lane Urban Hotel, Blenheim(opens in new window)  – 5-star, Qualmark Silver 

Marlborough’s newest urban retreat occupies a refurbished heritage building, combining elegant simplicity with luxurious contemporary furnishings. Eight rooms, some with kitchens, stylish lobby and lounge.  

The Langlands, Invercargill(opens in new window)  – 4.5-star, TBC 

A new city landmark in central Waihopai Invercargill with 78 thoughtfully appointed suites, five eateries and drinks venues with menus showcasing the region's best produce. 

The Longhouse Tirimoana Whare Roa, Dunedin(opens in new window)  – 5-star, Qualmark Silver 

Beautifully-appointed private-hire retreat with panoramic sea views in picturesque Karitane. Six-bedrooms with a bright, relaxed luxe vibe. Once a retreat for WW1 soldiers, now a serene private getaway with optional bespoke wellness experiences. 

M is for … 

Maruia River Retreat (opens in new window) – 4-star, Qualmark Silver

On an alpine wilderness estate, Maruia River Retreat is a boutique lodge, nature and wellbeing destination, with seven private self-contained villas, spa, sauna and outdoor tubs.  A beautiful two hour scenic drive from Whakatū Nelson (three hours' drive from Ōtautahi Christchurch), luxury transfers and guided tours are available.  

The Mayfair, Christchurch(opens in new window) – TBC 

Elegance, luxury and some of the most spacious guest rooms in the city. A premier boutique hotel experience blending thoughtful design and attentive service to create a relaxed, modern environment that taps into the regenerative spirit of the central city. Café and cocktail bar and kitchen.

Mövenpick Hotel Auckland(opens in new window) – 5-star 

In the heart of Tāmaki Makaurau’s central business district (CBD) the Mövenpick Hotel Auckland offers premium accommodation, BODA restaurant and bar and panoramic harbour views. Sweet indulgences include a daily chocolate hour for all guests and on-request ice cream for kids. 

Mövenpick Hotel Wellington(opens in new window) – 5-star, Qualmark Silver 

Centrally located on The Terrace, Mövenpick Hotel Wellington is close to many Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington attractions. It boasts a stellar Kitchen + Bar Restaurant, 12-metre-long indoor heated lap pool, sauna and gym, and special amenities for families including daily chocolate hour and a 24-hour sundae service! 

The Muse Christchurch Art Hotel (opens in new window) – TBC  

Culture, art and designer chic dazzle at The Muse Christchurch Art Hotel – a stylish stay with premium amenities, conveniences and hi-tech facilities. The 40-room hotel occupies a restored five-storey mid-century heritage building. 

N is for …  

Naumi Studio Hotel Wellington (opens in new window) – 4-star, Qualmark Gold 

Naumi Studio Hotel Wellington has transformed a heritage landmark in the colourful Cuba St quarter with an outrageous boho makeover of 116 rooms, a grand bar, sumptuous parlour lounge and Lola Rouge restaurant.  

O is for …  

Oaks Wellington Hotel(opens in new window) – 4.5-star, Qualmark Bronze 

In the heart of the city's entertainment precinct, Oaks Wellington Hotel offers contemporary accommodation with 226 rooms over nine floors, spectacular views from the top floor, restaurant and bar, car parking and gym.  

Old Post Office Lodge Owhango, Ruapehu(opens in new window)  – 4-star, Qualmark Bronze 

A 100-year-old local landmark is now a self-contained lodge (six double rooms plus a family room) with opulent Art Deco style. Facilities include a Finnish sauna cabin, hot tub spa and fire-pit, and it’s also conveniently close to the 42 Traverse mountain bike track. 

P is for …  

Park Hyatt Auckland(opens in new window)  – 5-star, Qualmark Gold 

Park Hyatt Auckland is an outstanding addition to the Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland waterfront and front seat on the Waitemata Harbour with its lavish Māori artworks and style inspiration, and waterside hospitality zones. Seven storeys with 195 generous guest rooms, 23 suites and the rooftop Presidential Suite.   

Pipinui Point, Wellington(opens in new window)  – 5-star, Qualmark Silver 

Wellington’s new secret hideaway Pipinui Point is a romantic clifftop cottage with dramatic ocean views on a sprawling hill country farm. Soak in the heated outdoor bath or snuggle up beside the fire in this private two-bedroom retreat.

Pihopa Retreat, Nelson(opens in new window)  – 5-star, Qualmark Gold 

Six spacious private villas set in 5.5 acres of beautiful gardens and a heritage woodland, once the home of the Bishop of Nelson, transformed into a series of elegant and graceful luxury suites. Only five minutes’ drive from central Whakatū Nelson. 

Studio Pods at Plateau Lodge, Tongariro National Park Village(opens in new window)  – 3.5-star, QM Bronze 

Long established Plateau Lodge has opened nine new self-contained king studio pods with all the essentials (including optional breakfast delivered, use of lodge facilities) for the ultimate tiny house experience in the heart of Tongariro National Park Village. 

Pullman Rotorua(opens in new window)  – 5-star, Qualmark Silver 

Near the downtown lakefront, Pullman Rotorua is the perfect base to explore this active geothermal paradise. The hotel offers 130 luxurious rooms and suites, a gym, vibrant dining and a chic bar.   

Q is for …  

QT Auckland (opens in new window) – 5-star, Qualmark Silver  

Defined by signature QT quirkiness, the QT Auckland – in the Viaduct Marina – is a delicious Auckland waterfront destination with 150 guest rooms, Esther restaurant and the Rooftop at QT bar with stylish tipples and the best view in town.  

Quest Hastings(opens in new window) – TBC (opens April 2023) 

Quest Hastings, in central Heretaunga Hastings (scheduled to open April 2023), will offer 35 serviced apartments (a mix of studios, 1- and 2-bedrooms) with self-contained kitchen and laundry facilities.   

Quest on Lambton, Wellington(opens in new window) – TBC

Quest on Lambton in downtown Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington offers 54 serviced rooms (studios with kitchenettes, 1- and 2-bedroom self-contained apartments). Handy to major attractions and eateries. 

Quest Queenstown (opens in new window) – TBC 

Close to Queenstown International Airport, 41 rooms (self-contained serviced studios, 1- and 2-bedroom apartments). Easy access to ski area, Arrowtown, Wānaka and Queenstown adventure and hospitality hotspots. 

R is for … 

Ramada by Wyndham Wellington(opens in new window)  – 4-star 

Central Wellington within easy walking distance to many city attractions, 72 studios and rooms with kitchenette and in-room laundry facilities.   

The Royal Hotel Featherston(opens in new window) – TBC 

At the gateway to the Wairarapa region, this historic and beautifully renovated hotel (established: 1868) brims with architectural details from early colonial and Victorian eras, and nods to local industrial and military history. Only one other New Zealand hotel holds the right to display the Royal Coat of Arms. 

Rydges Formosa Golf Resort Auckland(opens in new window)  – 4.5-star, Qualmark Silver  

Rebranded then extensively refurbished, Rydges Formosa Golf Resort offers 50 one-bedroom villas (convertible into 2-bedroom units) with expansive coastal views, a world-class championship golf course, restaurant and bar. 

S is for …  

Sojourn Apartment Hotel, Wellington (opens in new window) – 4.5-star, Qualmark Silver 

Sojourn boutique apartments, in Wellington’s historic Newtown quarter, offer relaxed urban accommodation in 43 stylish apartments sized ranging from studios for singles to 2-bedroom family units.  

Sudima Auckland City(opens in new window)  – 4.5-star, Qualmark Silver  

An oasis in the city, an easy walk to Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s urban delights, Sudima Auckland City boasts 194 rooms with a floorplan centred on guest wellbeing. Expect natural materials, muted colours, healthy snacks, a yoga kit and little pampering luxuries. The 100% plant-focused East restaurant is a first for Aotearoa. 

Sudima Kaikōura(opens in new window)  – 4.5-star, TBC 

Art, culture and nature feature strongly at Sudima Kaikōura. The town’s first 4.5-star hotel has 120 rooms, stunning alpine and coastal views, an expansive atrium displaying local Māori artworks, restaurant Hiku, a gym and pool.  

Sudima Queenstown 5 Mile(opens in new window)  – 4.5-star, TBC

Close to Queenstown International Airport, Sudima Queenstown 5 Mile offers 120 rooms (studios, 1 and 2-bedroom suites), lovely alpine views, restaurant, bar, bike and ski storage, along with easy access to ski fields, Tāhuna Queenstown adventures and hospitality hotspots. 

T is for …  

The Convent, Auckland (opens in new window) – boutique hotel, TBC 

A one-off ‘live-like-a-local' urban stay in Auckland’s upmarket Grey Lynn/Ponsonby neighbourhood, The Convent is a sympathetic restoration of a Spanish mission era, former nunnery. The 22 rustic rooms offer deliberately shabby chic accommodation – a stylish experience without the price tag. Eat in or enjoy the bar in the lovely Ada restaurant.  

Thomas Gregg Apartments, Dunedin(opens in new window)  – boutique apartments, TBC 

Four 2-bedroom apartments in a beautifully restored former warehouse (1878) on Ōtepoti Dunedin’s waterfront. First built for coffee merchant Thomas Gregg, the lobby features an antique coffee roaster, and each self-contained apartment offers a bespoke kitchen, spacious living areas, luxurious beds and bathrooms.  

Tides Hotel, Nelson(opens in new window)  – 4.5-star, Qualmark Gold 

Tides Hotel is a stylish, contemporary 'local' hotel with 47 rooms, conference centre, bar and eatery, on the Maitai River and only a few minutes’ walk from Nelson's main shopping precinct. 

Travelodge Hotel Wynyard Quarter, Auckland(opens in new window) – TBC

Conveniently located near the water in the Wynyard hospitality precinct, Travelodge Hotel Wynyard Quarter has 154 rooms, a metro supermarket right on the doorstep and multiple-choice waterside dining venues.  

Tryp Wellington(opens in new window)  – TBC 

Art Deco style and contemporary comforts in the heart of Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington’s CBD. Tryp by Wyndham is surrounded by diverse restaurants, close to the Wellington waterfront, shops, and attractions including Te Papa Tongarewa Museum of New Zealand and Tākina Wellington Convention Centre. 

W is for ...  

Rydges Wellington Airport(opens in new window)  – 4.5-star, Qualmark Silver  

With 134 rooms, a bar and restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, the Rydges Wellington Airport is the first hotel in Aotearoa fully connected and integrated within an airport terminal.   

Whitimanuka Retreat, Martinborough(opens in new window)  – private villa, 4.5-star, Qualmark Silver 

Private and off-the-grid, tucked against native bush with panoramic views and a star-studded night sky, Whitimanuka Retreat has been designed as the ultimate, self-contained get-away-from-the-world experience – for couples, friends or a private escape.  

Y is for …  

YHA Lake Tekapo (opens in new window) – TBC  

Setting a gold standard in budget accommodation, the YHA Lake Tekapo has unobstructed views across the turquoise blue lake and the dark sky sanctuary. There are 128-beds – ranging from private rooms with ensuite to small comfortable dorms with shared bathrooms – along with an on-site gourmet burger bar, TV lounge, kitchen and laundry, and award-winning sustainability features.   

Zzzzzz … that makes so many places to sleep!