10 Top-Rated Specialty lodgings in New Zealand

May 1, 2023 Alice Mieles

Forever remembered for its "The Lord of the Rings" legacy, New Zealand’s landscapes are deserving of their big screen fame—think lush rolling hills, volcano-sculpted moonscapes, UNESCO-listed glaciers, and white-sand beaches. Cities like Auckland, Wellington, and Queenstown follow suit, with photo-worthy scenery and a laid-back vibe.
Things to do in New Zealand

1. U Boutique Hotel Wellington

25 Frederick Street Te Aro, Wellington 6011 New Zealand
Excellent
63%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 771 reviews

U Boutique Hotel Wellington

U Boutique Hotel Wellington was especially designed to provide excellent accommodation for the discerning budget conscious traveller. With its modern design and soft tones, U Boutique Hotel Wellington is comfortable, personal and friendly. Formerly known as Gourmet Stay Wellington we are a cool little Boutique Hotel in the heart of Wellington’s entertainment and “Gourmet District” U Boutique Hotel Wellington offers European-styled boutique accommodation over 2 funky buildings on Frederick Street. It offers a variety of rooms in order to provide the guest an opportunity to choose the most appropriate room for their stay. U Boutique Hotel Wellington was inspired by the pensione style of accommodation in continental Europe and is modelled on the accommodation in European towns, with their communal courtyards, low-scale buildings and pleasant, relaxed feel. Enjoy our breakfast or relax with your favourite Espresso in our super cosy Ground Floor Café and breakfast room

Emergency stay

Reviewed By shetahall

After a missed flight (7pm and rescheduled for 6.30am) my son suggested I stay here. Hauling bags to the top floor wasn't easy! There was no-one at the reception, so I had to fumble my way with the outside lockbox for access. I had booked a room with a bathroom - however the bathroom was across the hall so this was disappointing ... especially with having to use the facility in the night and having to ensure I had the key to my room so I didn't lock myself out!! The room was cold, the heater made loud clunks so it was easier to leave this off and deal with the cold. Perhaps ideal for students or low cost/less fussy travellers. Not my cup of tea.

2. Barclay Suites Auckland

74 Albert Street, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010 New Zealand
Excellent
31%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
18%
Poor
8%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 868 reviews

Barclay Suites Auckland

The Qualmark 4.5 star rated Barlcay Suites Auckland is only 100 metres from Queen St, in the heart of the CBD - and look out for fresh new suite decor and new furniture in 2020! With an average of 50 sq metres per suite, there are 95 one or two bedroom configurations to choose from. Each suite is fitted with contemporary furnishings, fully equipped kitchen and washer-dryer combo. A special feature in all two bedroom suites is the inclusion of two bathrooms. We have thought of everything for your stay - flat screen TV, SKY TV, free wifi, stereo with iPod/MP3 playout to name just a few of our features. Enjoy the sparkle of the Waitemata Harbour from our Harbour View suites or enjoy the fast pace of the city in our CBD View suites.

Easter Getaway

Reviewed By ThereseSNZ

Whole fam enjoyed the stay, we chose Barclay Suites for its convinient location and reasonable price. Getting to your suite you're greeted by large sunny windows and the place was spotless. It was a great way to relax after our night out, very comfortable and warm the HVAC system definitely covers every corner of the suite. Everything we needed was there and made use of all the amenities. Special shout out to Manasa for the great housekeeping service ??

3. The Reef Beachfront Apartments

178 Marine Parade, Mount Maunganui, Tauranga 3149 New Zealand
Excellent
83%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 160 reviews

The Reef Beachfront Apartments

Beachfront apartments located on Marine Parade in Mt Maunganui. Plenty of space in fully self-contained 2 and 3 bedroom apartments with 2 bathrooms, full kitchens, and laundry. All linen supplied. Secure undercover parking for 2 cars, and lift access to all floors. Free wifi. Wonderful sea views from 3rd and 4th floors, with huge private balconies. Quiet location close to restaurants, shops, parks, airport, golf courses, and right across the road from the awesome surf beach.

Location, Location, Location

Reviewed By PhillipB294

Easy check in and great parking. What a joy with luggage trollies available to cart luggage up in the lift. We had a 3 bedroom top floor beach front apartment with fabulous views out over the beach and ocean. The apartment was a great size with cupboards stocked with all the plates and glasses etc. for a long term stay. We ate in every night and had a ball playing cards and watching the ships coming and going. The swimming pool was just warm enough for a good swim and my wife enjoyed relaxing in the hot pool on a couple of occasions. We are organizing to meet our friends here again early next year as we really enjoyed our time there. A special thanks to Toni for her effort in sending my phone charger back to me. It was greatly appreciated.

4. Boulcott Suites

5 O’Reily Ave, Wellington 6011 New Zealand
Excellent
46%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
4%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 534 reviews

Boulcott Suites

From studio apartments and spacious single-level suites to fully-equipped executive four-bedroom townhouses, Boulcott Suites is ideal for guests looking for quality and space. Boulcott Suites offers a range of options for groups, individuals or families. With secure undercover car parking available, large well-appointed living areas, complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi, chromecasting services and a 5-star Qualmark rating, Boulcott Suites is your premier accommodation option in Wellington. The North Tower building provides executive and premium studio and one bedroom apartments, some with balconies.

Fantastic Location but beware 5 Stars rating

Reviewed By 717eddiey

Booked 3 nights in 2 bedroom, 2 storey, Townhouse. Fantastic location with Cuba Mall just around the corner and in the heart of retail & hospitality offerings. Secure parking with EV charging however only really room for 1 car to charge as 2nd space was half taken up with plywood shed!! No restaurant but Townhouse has fully equipped kitchen although toaster was missing. Wifi is unsecure but management will provide secure password protected WIFI if asked. There's a small courtyard with no real outlook but typical of urban design. There is no heatpump/aircon system and instead 2 small oil radiators - wonder what it would be like in the dead of winter! No housekeeping until you leave so you need to ask for more shower gel each day. Definitely not 5 stars as everything felt tired with all appliances are old eg Dishwasher powder drawer was missing its door, Dryer kept blinking warning signals although it did dry, The upshot was the hot water cylinder developed a slow leak which eventually flooded the carpet. Window glass was single glazed so back to the gas radiators for minimal comfort. No facilities in bedroom except a tallboy in wardrobe so luggage had to be left on floor. Its an OK place for families but not 5 stars. We'll try the Suites next time.

5. The Chamberson

77 Stuart Street, Dunedin 9016 New Zealand
Excellent
70%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 109 reviews

The Chamberson

The Chamberson is a beautifully renovated, heritage-listed former warehouse, in the heart of Dunedin. The contemporary interior makes the most of the original features, with spacious, light-filled, apartment style rooms. The large windows offer a range of views across the city. We’re as central as can be, located between the railway station and the Octagon. A short stroll to the city’s cafes, restaurants and bars, and within easy walking distance of many of our most popular attractions. The main shopping street is also just a few minutes away, on foot. Rooms include: 4 x 2 Bedroom Apartments - with kitchen, dining/lounge room & 2 luxurious bathrooms 6 x 1 Bed Corner Room Apartments - with dual aspect views, kitchen, dining/lounge room & a luxurious bathroom 8 x 1 Bedroom Apartments - with kitchen, dining/lounge room & a luxurious bathroom 3 x 1 Bed Studio Rooms - ideal for overnight travelers, with a bed, small sitting space, tea/coffee making facilities & a luxurious bathroom

A Great Find in the CBD

Reviewed By julie m

This is a beautiful hotel right amongst the best cafes and restaurants in Dunedin. Our apartment was beautiful with huge windows overlooking the city, comfy bed and great kitchen/living room. Easy check in and good communication from management. We were given info on nearby attractions and cafes etc. The stay was just perfect thank you.

6. Brackenridge Country Retreat & Spa

62 White Rock Road RD2, Martinborough 5782 New Zealand
Excellent
58%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
5%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 157 reviews

Brackenridge Country Retreat & Spa

Brackenridge Country Retreat & Spa is the perfect place for a break in the picturesque countryside of Martinborough. As we are only a 90 minute drive from Wellington, why not pop on over and enjoy all we have to offer. With 8 Studio units, 8 Two Bedroom Cottages and 2 Four bedroom Cottages, we have all your accommodation requirements covered. The Cottages are fully self-contained and all rooms offer continental breakfast provisions for self-catering. Why not pamper yourself with our On-site Day Spa, Indoor Heated Saltwater pool, & fully equipped gym. Our property is perfect for Weddings and we have Conference and Venue hire available with full catering options. Our purpose built function centre with indoor outdoor flow, and simple contemporary country design reflect in beautiful events. Flexible spaces with open fires or outdoor verandah overlooking hills and farmland make this the perfect place any time of the year. We look forward to welcoming you to Brackenridge Country Retreat & Spa.

Subpar and worrying poor quality

Reviewed By 379clareh

We spent a long weekend here. The beds were nice but we were surprised at how subpar a lot of things were. The couches and chairs in the lounge were really dirty, the washing machine was really dirty and the dryer's timer didn't work, the baby cot they provided was definitely not safe for our six month old baby to sleep in (slightest movement would make it collapse), and there is a hole in the kitchen ceiling with a bucket under it (which was not a toddler friendly solution). We also found a lot of mouse droppings and other dirt under the cushions on the sofa bed. When we arrived there there were dirty dishes in the dishwasher and the lint filter on the dryer was dangerously full. We definitely wouldn't stay here again, especially for the amount of money that is charged.

7. Omaka Lodge

11 Omaka Road, Taumarunui 3991 New Zealand
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 49 reviews

Omaka Lodge

Situated only 7km from the friendly township of Taumarunui, down the incredible Forgotten World Highway, lies Omaka Lodge, a boutique bed & breakfast venue in the heart of New Zealand’s Forgotten World. The short drive out from town follows the Whanganui River and is a beautiful scenic tour at any time of the year. At the end of a tree lined sealed driveway, you’ll find Omaka Lodge and its beautiful mature gardens. Well positioned on the crest of a hill, with magnificent views of Herlihy’s Bluff and Mount Hikurangi, this wonderful venue offers total privacy and seclusion. Situated amidst working farmland, the Lodge and expansive gardens are surrounded by the sights and sounds of everyday country life, where sheep and cattle dot rolling green-pastured hills and valleys that echo to the sound of never-ending birdsong.

Great find!

Reviewed By The-Huttons

We were recommended to play golf at Taumaranui, and hit upon this accommodation which proved to be fabulous! After a warm welcome with a cup of tea and ginger shortbread, and a stroll around their stunning and well-mulched garden, we savoured a delicious candl=llit dinner, overlooking the garden as the sun set. Then a sleep in a very comfortable bed, and a yummy breakfast. Chris and Scott were wonderful hosts - and resulted in a memorable experience that couldn't be faulted! Hopefully, will get back soon. (The golf was good, but not as memorable as this!)

8. Queenstown Lakeview Holiday Park

4 Cemetery Road, Queenstown 9300 New Zealand
Excellent
27%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
21%
Poor
10%
Terrible
10%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 711 reviews

Queenstown Lakeview Holiday Park

The Queenstown Lakeview Holiday Park was founded in 1865, making it one of the first holiday parks in New Zealand. Conveniently located only a 500-metre walk from the shores of the Lake Wakatipu and only 100 metres from the town center. The Park offers accommodation suited to all budgets and includes spacious tourist flats, leisure lodges, en-suite studio units. The expansive camping areas offer both powered and unpowered camping sites that are serviced by modern amenities. Stay with us and you are only minutes away from various adventure activities and spectacular scenic spots that Queenstown is renowned for. Our efficient and well-informed Guest Services Team are looking forward to assist you plan and book the varied activities you can enjoy within Queenstown and the neighboring areas. Our team takes great pride in what we have to offer visitors to our exciting area of New Zealand, and will make every effort to ensure your stay in Queenstown is a comfortable, relaxing and a memorable experience. **Please note, the surrounding trees have grown since the park was first founded in 1865, and therefore a lakeview is not available from the campsites. A lakeview is possible from some of our upstairs units**

Lame Wi-Fi

Reviewed By ckindel

1gb of Wi-Fi a day is a joke in 2022. It lasted about 40 minutes and then I couldn’t do any more work. While it’s not the site’s fault it is surrounded by construction, the noise and reduced access definitely puts a damper on enjoyment. The staff was super friendly and the location is awesome. I’d camp here again once the construction is done and there’s good wifi so I can actually do more than 40 minutes work on my laptop.

9. Woodhouse Mountain Lodge

471 Wyllie Road Kourawhero, Warkworth, Auckland 0981 New Zealand
Excellent
55%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
23%
Poor
6%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 31 reviews

Woodhouse Mountain Lodge

Family-owned Woodhouse Mountain Lodge is located on 100 acres of private land known as Kourawhero Estate in the Matakana hinterland and is just an hour’s drive from Auckland. Contemporary secluded and luxurious villa accommodations in paradise-like grounds are set high above surrounding land, meaning privacy is guaranteed and views extend as far as the Hauraki Gulf. Our facilities include a restaurant, outdoor pool, sauna, day spa, cocktail bar and extensive grounds to explore. We invite you to escape to our lofty mountain top vista, offering space to breathe and unwind, whether it is for a break away, a private event, a wedding or a corporate retreat.

Utterly amazing

Reviewed By JenNejs

We absolutely loved our night at Woodhouse Mountain Lodge and keen to return! Both of us said how much we wished we had booked in for dinner, after checking in and enjoying the room, we really couldn’t be bothered driving back to Matakana for our dinner reservation and wished we were just coming down to the lovely restaurant. We slept so well; loved the peace & tranquillity of the property, and it was a great touch to finish our stay with a beautifully cooked breakfast in the morning. Next time will definitely be dinner on-site; and time spent enjoying the bar, library, and jacuzzi! I’ve already recommended it to a few friends, and will definitely keep it in mind for future small work events too.

10. Marina Park Apartments

84 Albert Street, Whitianga 3510 New Zealand
Excellent
46%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
3%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 197 reviews

Marina Park Apartments

Adjacent to the picturesque Whitianga Marina, and conveniently located just a two minute walk from the local shopping centre, our contemporary designed apartments are perfect for a luxury stay in the Coromandel region. In the town centre you will find an abundance of cafes, restaurants and bars, and boutique stores. It is only a short stroll to the ferry and the marina where you can choose from a number of boat tours. Other outdoor pursuits include tramping, kayaking, diving and sea fishing, or just relaxing on one of the many beautiful beaches nearby. Mercury Bay Golf Course also welcomes visitors.

Holiday with my friends

Reviewed By X9196DBjaneg

What a wonderful place to stay in it was spotlessly clean the managers were inviting and warm. They welcomed me into my apartment with ease and courtesy. The room was a double room which was tastefully decorated. I enjoyed the bathroom facilities and plenty of parking. The view was breathtaking looking at the marina with fish jumping out of the water I could sit there and watch that view all dlay.

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