The Heritage Boutique Collection offer a selection of “by invitation only” posh properties that we’d all love to stay in, dotted around New Zealand.
Note: the competition to win a night’s stay has now closed.
North Island
Waterfront Suites, Bay of Islands
Set in the in the heart of Paihia, this gorgeous property opens up onto the ocean with a choice of one, two and three bedroom suites. They are apartment style with a full kitchen, laundry and a lounge and dining area. There’s also a heated lap pool and a shared barbecue area if you have your own freshly caught snapper to throw on the barbie!
Sea Spray Suites, Bay of Islands
Set facing Te Ti Beach, this property is perfect for the kids to have a swim or play in the playground in front. It is only a short walk to Waitangi from there (which every Kiwi should visit at least once in their life!) They have one and two bedroom suites with balconies and full kitchens if you fancy sitting on your patio with your own happy hour ensemble. There is also a nice spa pool to dip into at day’s end.
Waitakere Estate, Auckland
Hidden in the lush native rainforest of west Auckland’s Waitakere Ranges, this historic property has boutique hotel rooms, villa and apartment accommodation (prize is for hotel room). It has sweeping views of Auckland which are breath-taking at sunrise from the dining room whilst enjoying great cuisine prepared by award winning chefs. You can also book a high tea on Saturdays and Sundays.
Tuscany Villas, Rotorua
Located on Fenton Street right beside the racecourse. You’re only a few minutes from the action of Rotorua’s restaurants and shops too, and of course the Polynesian Spa with their private hot pools overlooking the lake. But the studio, one and two bedroom suites all come with a spa bath, so you can just add some bubbles and sink in with chocolates and wine (but you’ll need to bring those yourself!) Choose one of four breakfast options. Nom nom.
Beechtree Suites, Taupo
A short stroll to the lake and the heart of town, this stylish property is the winner of several traveller awards for its immaculate presentation. All the suites feature a kitchenette and many studios come with luxury spa baths. My pick is the lake view spa studio. Bliss! They offer a cafe style room service breakfast. The menu includes a mixed grill breakfast, Boysenberry Blast or a traditional continental breakfast. There’s also complimentary gym access at Body Worx Gym for those who want to work off their brekky. And make sure you get a selfie with Beechtree Bear!
Portside Hotel, Gisborne
On the edge of the Turanganui River and just a short walk to Waikanae Beach on the boardwalk out front or the town centre in the other direction, you’ll find this boutique hotel with its understated elegance and friendly staff overlooking the inner harbour. All suites have full kitchens and there’s a gym and lap pool for the energetic. If it’s surfing you like, then Waikanae Beach is perfect for beginners and just out of town Wainui offers bigger waves for the more experienced. Or there’s the best bookshop in NZ, a cute cinema and surrounding wineries.
Wellesley Boutique Hotel, Wellington
The decor in this 1920s heritage hotel is elegant and stylish, close to Aotea Quay, the train station and Westpac Stadium which is fab if you’re in town for an event. The lobby has a sweeping wooden staircase and black and white floor tiles to greet you. Each room has its own unique style with neo-Georgian decor from single to deluxe rooms, some with lovely claw foot baths. Check out 1815 cafe and bar with its roaring fire and live music Friday nights, all within a stroll of the shopping, food and nightlife of Wellington’s CBD.
South Island
Marlborough Vintners Hotel, Blenheim
In the heart of Marlborough wine region, you have breathtaking views over the vines and gardens from your spacious suite. They are self contained with kitchenettes and lounges. Vintners restaurant serves produce grown from the hotel’s kitchen garden as well as local ingredients for fine dining meals by German chef David Haase. Only minutes away are all those wineries and the Omaka Aviation Museum where Sir Peter Jackson has contributed WW1 planes and memorabilia and memorabilia (Will and Kate visited it recently)..
The White Morph, Kaikoura
Right on the Esplanade with commanding views of the ocean all the way to the mountains, you’re only a 10-minute walk to town. They have Premium Spa rooms, Deluxe studios and Garden rooms – all are self contained if you fancied buying a locally caught crayfish and a bottle of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc to eat at yours. Whale watching is one of the biggest attractions in Kaikoura, but the fishing and walking are good too!
Akaroa Cottages, Akaroa
About 85 km from Christchurch you’ll find these cottages on 12 acres of rolling land with spectacular sea and bush views. These character cottages range from studios to three bedrooms, all with kitchenettes and some have a cosy wood fire. Breakfast will be delivered to your room. It’s a 10 minute walk into historic French-influenced Akaroa, and hopefully you’ll see the rare Hector’s dolphins playing in the harbour.
Lake Resort, Cromwell
A stunning modern property on the shores of Central Otago’s Lake Dunstan. The luxury villas are designed with a boat shed theme. Each villa separates into separate rooms or the entire villa can sleep eight people. The Moorings Restaurant and Bar is on site for casual dining, or Cromwell is only seven minutes away. A great nearby attraction is the Highlands Motorsport Park with Porsche Taxis you can race around in and a go kart track for you to get behind the wheel yourself.
So which would you choose?!
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