23 Best Hotels in East Coast and the Volcanic Zone, New Zealand

The renovation of an historic villa on the sea facing Marine Parade has created a luxurious yet low-key place to stay. You'll find the rooms meet any taste test with excellent furnishings that speak to comfort without being fussy. The hosts will make you a cooked or continental breakfast and can put you in touch with tours. It's proved to be very popular and it pays to book well in advance.

Set on 17 blissful acres, this riverfront lodge is one of the country's finest and has seen its fair share of prominent guests over the years, many are repeat customers. Large, lavish suites have a rustic-chic decor and open to a view across lawns to the river. Two separate, multisuite cottages are the height of luxury. Predinner drinks, a five-course dinner, and a hearty country breakfast are included in the rate. The lodge can arrange almost anything under the sun and, despite the level of sophistication, welcomes families traveling with children; the team will organize age-appropriate activities and even line up babysitters if parents want to spend some time alone. Although it is expensive, Huka Lodge offers a range of packages—so it's worth checking well ahead to see what's available. You might get four nights for the price of three.

The gardens at this historic mansion, high on Napier Hill, have panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the splendid Kaweka Ranges. Guest rooms have native timber floors, American king-size beds, and elaborate bathrooms. Large verandas open onto landscaped grounds, where you can relax by the heated swimming pool; there's also a lovely fireplace in the lounge. Dinners must be booked in advance.

Nestled in native bush on a private peninsula, the luxurious Solitaire Lodge commands extensive views over Lake Tarawera and the legendary mountain. Check out the volcanoes from the library-bar, or settle down in a shaded garden nook and sip a drink. If you're feeling active, the surroundings are perfect for hiking, boating, and fishing; use of lodge dinghies, kayaks, and fishing gear is included in the full-board rate. The rate also includes predinner drinks and canapés followed by a five-course evening meal, a full breakfast, a light lunch, and an extensive in-room minibar stocked with alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, snacks, and fruit.

This lodge offers the ultimate in a getaway with its location in a private forest of 2,500 acres with 35 miles of hiking trails a short drive from Rotorua. It was built using native timber from the property, which is also to home to deer, goats, turkeys, and water buffalo. There is also trout fishing and game hunting on the property but if you prefer less activity there is a spa and wild food on offer. The suites are beautifully appointed and all meals are included. If you want to wander farther helicopter transport or guides can be organized.

Each bright, well-maintained unit here has an individual whirlpool tub, which helps distinguish Ashleigh Court from the many motels on Fenton Street. It's near Whakarewarewa and the golf course, and not too far from city shops and restaurants.

This lakeside hotel with its immaculate gardens, tennis court, and beach offers luxury accommodation with convenience. You could spend the whole day here but it's also an excellent base for making the most of the geothermal region. The rooms and suites are beautifully appointed with either lake or garden views. The restaurant offers gourmet modern New Zealand cuisine and a picnic basket is available if you take a sightseeing drive.

This lakeside motel offers comfortable rooms with great views. Two-story units, which sleep up to six, have a lounge, bedroom, kitchen, and dining room on the ground floor and glass doors leading to a large patio, plus a second bedroom and bathroom on the upper floor; studios have one bedroom.

The only tourist lodging in the park to give a panoramic view of three active volcanoes is this friendly complex, close to the ski slopes. Most accommodations are in self-contained apartments and chalets. One-bedroom units sleep up to five people. There's also a pair of double rooms priced for backpackers, as well as powered campsites. The restaurant serves breakfast and dinner; packed lunches are available on request. On-site amenities include a fully licensed bar and a guest lounge with sundeck. The lodge also runs its own shuttle to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, arriving just before 6 am.

Close to the center of Havelock North, this Harvest Lodge has spacious units with original artwork and comfortable king-size beds. All are outfitted with whirlpool baths, kitchenettes, and windows that open wide onto the lovely courtyard.

This large comfortable hotel has everything you need for a base for exploring the region. The 19th-century building unites Victorian charm with modern amenities including swimming pools, fitness center, and tennis courts. It's a short hop from town.

The 1920s home of Karyn and Mark Watson is situated on a working farm that breeds sheep and cattle. There is a large stand of native bush. Guests have the run of the house with its enormous wood-paneled lounge, books aplenty, and large-screen television. You can dine with the family or in private if you wish. Meals and picnic hampers are available and local visits can be arranged.

The 1885 grand residence of one of New Zealand's earliest entrepreneurs has been converted into a charming boutique hotel. The dozen guest suites are luxuriously furnished, and the manicured grounds include a grass tennis court, a swimming pool, and a day spa. Local products, including lamb, beef, or duck, feature on the upscale farm-cuisine menu, and the wine list includes superb Hawke's Bay wines.

A surfer's paradise, this Mediterranean-looking motel complex is a five-minute drive north of Gisborne, close to Wainui Beach. The contemporary-style units are spacious, airy, and have a private courtyard. Perks like kitchen facilities and free Wi-Fi make them a practical choice, too.

This comfortable lodge is at the foot hills of the UNESCO World Heritage Tongariro National Park in the heart of the National Park Village. It offers a range of accommodation from two bedroom hotel-style apartments, cozy studio pods, en suite rooms, and private lodge rooms. There's a communal lounge and for those who like to cook, fully equipped kitchens. Alternatively there are breakfast and lunch options and if you are biking or skiing, storage for gear. There's also an area for entertaining children.

Conveniently located near the center of Hastings, this motel has 20 modern units surrounding a spacious courtyard; 10 have whirlpool baths, and all are comfortably equipped. The outdoor swimming pool and warm, welcoming hosts are added bonuses.

This ornate timber hotel was built in 1897 on the Coromandel Peninsula; its large, wonderfully appointed guest rooms were transported here in 1920. The bathrooms have both tubs and showers. The restaurant has live shows weekend evenings, and there's a deck where you can pull up a chair and gaze across the street at the Government Gardens.

The well-appointed studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom suites at this resort, located 2 km (1 mile) from downtown Rotorua sit amid spacious grounds. You can happily lounge on the patio, take a dip in the outdoor pool, hit a few tennis balls, purify in the sauna, or while away the evening in front of the fire in the lounge bar.

The rooms at this Marine Parade place are well-appointed and well-equipped; each comes with its own hot tub, a flat-screen TV, and free Wi-Fi. Rooms facing the beach offer superb views to distant Cape Kidnappers.

You'll wake to the sound of the ocean, which is steps away across a grassy verge. The view across Waikanae Beach to the sea and beyond is more than enough of a reason to make these apartments a base if you are exploring the region. The rooms are well equipped if you prefer to shop for local produce and cook it yourself. The staff will also point you in the right direction for tours and restaurants if you need a hand.