Luxury hotels and fine dining restaurants in New Zealand

Holidays in New Zealand 

 Breathtaking panoramas, unspoiled wilderness and wild beaches; thriving ski resorts, world-renowned wine and unique flora and fauna; sophisticated cities, charming villages and serene country estates–New Zealand is all these things, along with a feeling of being hidden away at the end of the earth. Our luxury hotels in New Zealand’s North and South Islands allow you to explore every inch of this incredible destination. 

 New Zealand’s beautiful scenery lives up to its reputation, and the feeling that you’re alone in the world is never hard to find. The clean air of its mountain landscapes, rugged coastlines, glacier-hewn valleys and impossibly colored lakes make this one Instagram-ready country to explore. 

 Yet all that pristine naturalness is matched by cultural and culinary sophistication–delightful hotels and fine dining restaurants in New Zealand that celebrate modern Kiwi lifestyles, proudly combining western influences with indigenous Maori culture. You’ll see it in the décor, hear it in the language and feel it in the heart of a country that’s somehow both familiar, yet magical and mysterious. 

The natural settings of our luxury hotels in New Zealand 

 The backdrops of our best luxury hotels in New Zealand are almost impossibly beautiful–almost willing you to get out and discover all that wilderness. Imagine mountain backdrops and mirror lakes; serene lawn-covered Victorian manors with historic gardens and hidden glades; wine estates atop rugged cliffs; panoramic views over the Pacific Ocean; or remote-feeling lodges set amid rolling farmland. Many of our properties incorporate natural materials from the landscape in their construction and decor, adding to a sense of serenity and feeling ‘at one’ with nature. 

 Yet however far away from it all you feel, our luxury hotels in New Zealand all cultivate their own style of art de vivre, with home comforts and sophisticated service. And they’re often surprisingly close to the country’s people centers–the capital of Auckland, its charming cities of Christchurch and Wellington and the winter sports and adrenaline capital of the country in Queenstown. 

Fine dining restaurants in New Zealand characterize a uniquely Kiwi culinary style 

 This is a culinary culture of contrasts–of Europe and the New World and the southern ocean; of fresh produce, exotic flavors and punchy pairings; colorful, locavorian seasonality that reflects the landscape and seaside, fused with international influences.  

 Our gastronomic restaurants in New Zealand present all this in a range of delicious styles–hearty, people-pleasing dishes, creative cooking, culinary works of art, and everything in between. Cozy dining rooms with log fires, light-filled restaurants with epic views, elegant lounges, spaces that feel just like home and al fresco locations are where you’ll enjoy the talents of our chefs, who have often honed their talents around the world. 

 Dishes celebrate the abundance of New Zealand’s homegrown ingredients, with our fine dining restaurants often drawing on their own gardens for fruits, vegetables, mushrooms or foraged herbs that express the terroir, along with grass-reared meats (New Zealand is famous for its lamb), pork, venison, fresh-caught fish and seafood.  

 Alongside, our sommeliers proudly showcase the country’s respected wine from our property’s own regions–located in familiar names of Central Otago, Canterbury and the Waipara Valley and Marlborough on the South Island, and Hawke’s Bay and Northland on the North Island. 

Relais & Chateaux in New Zealand–your stepping stone to the Great Outdoors 

 The landscape makes New Zealand a mecca for lovers of the great outdoors–hiking and mountain climbing will take you closer to waterfalls and glaciers, while there are also active volcanos to visit. Hosted activities include horseback riding, fly fishing, whale-watching and tracking dolphins or seals. Get your adrenaline fix with jet boats over shallow waters, bungee jumps, golf on cliff-top links and winter sports.  

 If that’s not quite what you’re looking for, explore gardens and follow woodland trails, go bird-watching to spot native species, including the rare, endangered kiwi itself, or visit vineyards for tastings. Treat yourself by relaxing in our luxury spa hotels in New Zealand–recharge with a massage, body scrub or facial. 

Eco-Hotels in New Zealand that preserve and protect wildlife  

 You’ll know when you enter New Zealand how seriously the authorities take the sanctity of this unique ecosystem, and that extends to how much pride and care New Zealanders take in looking after their communities and surroundings. Our property owners too care for their own grounds and estates, in the name of responsible travel to New Zealand, and many are also involved in conservation projects, restoring flora and fauna and protecting rare animal species, from birds to reptile species, invertebrates and more. 

 As passionate as they are about sustainable tourism, our boutique hotels in New Zealand and are equally passionate about giving guests the warmest of New Zealand welcomes, the most memorable experiences and a genuine, personal touch. That’s the essence of Relais & Châteaux in New Zealand–and all around the world. That personal touch extends to the relationships they have within their local communities. Our hotels and gastronomic restaurants in New Zealand exemplify the idea of human-scale hospitality.