5 Best Hotels in New Zealand

These rustic yet chic studio and one-bedroom villas sit on a clifftop with stunning views of world-famous surf beach Oakura. The villas are built of recycled 100-year-old French clay tiles and hardwood wharf piles. For bigger groups the "underground" villa, built against a bank and capped with a grass roof, offers two queen bedrooms, two bathrooms, and space to host a party. All units have cooking facilities, the owners provide breakfast on request, or you can drive five minutes to Oakura Village and its many cafés.

This unusual accommodation started life on the South Island in 1924—as a boat—which the current owner found, moved to Whanganui, turned it on its side, and embedded it into a hill as an exclusive accommodation overlooking the river and city. It's self-contained with a bathroom, hot tub, pool, and kitchenette, and it's less than a mile across a bridge to the city's restaurants and cafés. The tiny house is also right on the edge of the Mountain to Sea cycling trail and Whanganui's Round the Bridges walk.

Halfway up the Tākaka Hill from Motueka, these homey cottages with timber interiors and verandas have all you need for a comfortable stay in the country. The decor has a rustic appeal while the modern kitchens with dishwashers take the hard work out of your day. Your stay can be fully self-catered, or with breakfast or dinner provided. It's within easy reach of Golden Bay, Motueka, and the Abel Tasman area, and the owner might take you out on the 4,000 acre historic farm, depending on what's happening—ask when you arrive. One of their farm-sights is  Parliamentary Pond, once a quarry where all the marble rock for New Zealand's parliament was sourced from. 

Hosts Miria and Taroi Black provide true Māori manaakitanga (hospitality) and a cultural homestay experience. The doorway of the fully self-contained guest whare (house, in this case a cottage) is framed with traditional carvings while the interior is decorated with contemporary Māori art. Garden murals, sculpture, and carvings depict local history. Guests have the use of a hot tub and a barbeque and can rent kayaks. Those staying longer could well be invited to share a hāngi (a traditional method of cooking food).

Located on top of a hill, this four bedroom retreat has panoramic views of the ocean and countryside. Mount Maunganui can be seen down the coast and White Island directly offshore. Guests have exclusive use of the retreat, no matter whether you book one or all four of the rooms. A spacious open-plan living, dining, and kitchen area opens up through bi-fold doors to a patio area with superb views from the comfortable outdoor furniture. There's a hot tub, positioned to take advantage of sea views, and local artwork is showcased throughout. Hosts Mike and Sheryl live offsite, but personally welcome guests and are happy to arrange massages, beauty treatments, or personal chefs.