Are you planning a trip to one of the most amazing places to travel to and looking for the best places to stay in New Zealand? If you’re like me and a loyal customer to the Hilton brand and wanting to either continue collecting Hilton Honors points or spend those hard-earned points, you’re going to want to know the portfolio of properties that are scattered across the North Island and South Island.
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Hilton Hotels – Best Places to Stay in New Zealand
Currently there are 6 (soon to be 7 in November 2019) Hilton branded hotels in the country of New Zealand. If familiarity, a guaranteed level of service and quality, and loyalty perks are important to you, these are what make them best places to stay in New Zealand. Let’s go through each one!
North Island
Auckland – Hilton Auckland
The Hilton Auckland is a gorgeous nautical-style property that sits right on the iconic Princes Wharf and is 300 meters from Waitemata Harbour. This means you are right in the heart of the action and walking distance to pretty much everything you will want to see, do, and eat in downtown Auckland. Being by the water also means that you’ll have pretty epic views.
Location
Since you’ll be right on the Waitemata Harbour, you’ll be situated right by the Auckland Ferry Terminal for convenient access to Rangitoto Island and Waiheke Island. Being on the harbour also means that you’re minutes away from the New Zealand Maritime Museum, Auckland Art Gallery, Albert Park, SkyTower, Viaduct Harbour, and really the rest of the CBD (Central Business District).
Rooms
This property has recently gone through an extensive redesign which means that you’ll be treated to modern rooms and suites and spectacular harbour views.
Each room has floor-to-ceiling windows and balcony.
Tech includes 32″ LCD TV, DVD Player, and free wifi
Extra large bathrooms with full sized bath and separate shower.
Gorgeous heated outdoor lap pool on the 4th floor that also has an underwater viewing window of the harbour
Sundeck is available on the pool level
Fitness center overlooks the city
Notable reviews
We loved the staff. They were welcoming but not over the top. The balcony was perfect & I received complementary chocolates & wishes due to it being my birthday. We loved how the hotel was so close to town & plenty of eating places. Cleaning staff friendly & did an excellent job refreshing our room. As we drove away from your hotel we both agreed that that was a faultless stay. Thank you. – Booking.com
I travel a bit and don’t feel so at home in a hotel as when I was at Hilton Auckland. Great service, genuine service, breakfast with a great view of the harbour where I watch the sunrise from. Bathroom is big with room to move. A variety of tv channels. I loved the ability to select my room a day in advance online or message the hotel from the app. The walk to work in the Cbd is relaxing where I enjoy watching the ferries. No other hotel is in such a fantastic location. Good gym as well. I came back again for work the following week and the hotel put me in the same room. – Hilton.com
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Address: 3 Arthurs Point Rd, Arthurs Point 9371, New Zealand
Check in and check out: Check in at 3PM | Check out at 12PM
Getting here: The Britomart Transport Center is 6 minutes for the train and there are LINK bus routes that take you right to the harbour.
Parking: Self parking: Not Available | Valet: NZ$45.00 (per day)
Pets: Not allowed unless service animal
Price: The average price hovers between $400-600 NZD ($267 – $401 USD)
Amenities:
Business Centre (printer, fax, photo copying, phone)
Family (high chairs, cribs, children’s menu, children’s video rental)
Nestled by the beauty of the town of Taupo in the North Island, not only does this property have historical significance as The Terraces Hotel from 1889 onwards but it is also currently the only 5 star international hotel in the region. With commanding views of the lake, distinguished rooms, a plethora of amenities, and flagship restaurant, this is contemporary luxury at its best.
Location
Perched on a hill and minutes from the town centre, it’s got panoramic views of Lake Taupo and Tongariro National Park on top of being positioned right adjacent to the Taupo DeBretts Hot Springs which is convenient. The property is also only 15 minutes drive from the Taupo Airport.
Very nice location with fantastic view of Lake Taupo, near the beach though you need to drive. Spacious, comfortable and clean 3-room apartment for my family of five, everyone likes it very much and wished could stay longer….. An awarding winning and decent restaurant on ground floor where we have dinner and breakfast, wonderful food with high quality of service. Recommend for everyone! – Booking.com
We regularly stay at The Hilton Lake Taupo. The staff are extremely welcoming, helpful and friendly and we know that the room is going to be ready on time, clean and warm. The location is handy, no matter what your plans are, has great views and is quiet. – Hilton.com
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Address:100/80 Napier-Taupo Rd, Hilltop, Taupo 3330, New Zealand
Check in and check out: Check in at 3PM | Check out at 12PM
Getting here: You will either need to take a cab or drive here. Turn right on State Highway 1. After 3 kilometers turn right on Napier-Taupo Highway. Proceed for 1 kilometer and the hotel is on the left.
This hotel is slated to open in November 2019 so there really isn’t too much information out there yet. Located in Napier, right by Hawkes Bay which is a renowned wine area of New Zealand and situated near the water, this is a unique Doubletree in that it has more a boutique art deco feel than what you’re used to because they’re taken from the neighborhood’s own landmarks. What isn’t different is that each guests receive their famous warm chocolate chip cookies.
Location
This property is minutes from the coast and right in the Napier city center which gives you access to shopping and the beach. Most likely you’ll want to stay here to take advantage of the coast or spend time in the Hawkes Bay wineries. This is 20 minutes from the Napier/Hastings airport.
Check in and check out: Check in at 3PM | Check out at 12PM
Getting here: You will either need to take a cab or drive here. Take Watchman Rd to SH 2 for 1.5km and then follow SH 2 until you reach Thackeray street. Continue on Thackeray street until you reach Munroe street. You will have arrived at the DoubleTree by Hilton Napier.
Parking: Self parking: Complimentary | Valet: Not available
Pets: Not allowed unless service animal
Price: The average price hovers between $300-400 NZD ($200 – $267 USD)
Amenities:
Fax
Photo copying machine
Family (cribs, high chairs children’s menu, babysitting service)
As one of the top ranking hotels in Wellington (currently #4), this Doubletree is located in the heart of Wellington’s central business district (CBD) and in prime position to access key attractions like the Te Papa Museum, Wellington Waterfront, New Zealand’s Parliament House, and the Wellington cable car. As a historical building built in 1928, there’s a lot of heritage and charm while at the same time boasting modern upgrade to make sure your stay is as comfortable as possible. Chocolate chip cookies are standard of course!
Location
It’s right in the middle of the CBD so that makes it really convenient to get around the entire downtown core. The property is also only 20 minutes drive from the Wellington International Airport.
Rooms
Spacious guest rooms with high ceilings and boasts elegant 20’s charm.
Tech includes 49″ LCD TV and free wifi
Luxurious rain shower
USB charging point
Mini bar
Smart lighting
Bathrobe and bath slippers included
Hotel highlights
Excellent central location in CBD, and close to shopping and attractions
Stylish guest rooms and suites with wifi access
Onsite restaurant with international cuisine
Modern fitness room
Notable reviews
Lovely warm friendly reception staff – enjoyed the warm cookie on arrival! Decor of the building was timeless and charming – A beautifully restored building which has been kept in character of its former time. Loved the restaurant and bar, perfect size, welcoming ambience. Location is primo! And will be even more inviting when the area in front of the hotel is finished. A gracious hotel in a premium location. – Booking.com
Exquisite decor and styling with this art deco hotel. Lovely service (the warm cookie on arrival is a nice touch); beautifully appointed rooms that are cosy, warm and quiet. Great dine-in experience in a central spot in the city (mini-mart right across road & cable car opposite). What’s not to love? – Hilton.com
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Address: 28 Grey Street Cnr. Lambton Quay,Wellington CBD,6011,New Zealand
Check in and check out: Check in at 3PM | Check out at 12PM
Getting here: You will either need to take a cab or drive here.
Parking: Self parking: Not Available | Valet: NZ$45.00 (per Car/ Per Night)
Pets: Not allowed unless service animal
Price: The average price hovers between $230-340 NZD ($152 – $225 USD)
Locals know this as Chateau on the Park and in that, it gives you an idea about how unique this Doubletree is. Located on 5-acres of garden which consists of a moat, vineyard, and beautiful rose garden, this hotel will feel more like a resort than a standard business hotel. It’s a charming escape from the city while still being close enough to take advantage of their complimentary shuttle.
Located 2.9KM from the city, this is a property that will feel exclusive, secluded, and peaceful which is unique for a Doubletree property. You’re walking distance to Christchurch Botanic Gardens, Hagley Golf Club and the western business district which is convenient and it’s only 20 minutes drive from the Christchurch International Airport.
Rooms
Comfortable, and modernly furnished and renovated rooms that have excellent garden views.
Wifi
Refrigerator
Balcony
In-room safe
40-inch LCD TV
Hotel highlights
A unique and upscale Christchurch hotel on 5 acres of tranquil gardens
Complimentary shuttle to select locations including the CBD
Near Riccarton Mall, Horncastle Arena, Addington Business District
Dining at Garden Court Brasserie and drinks at the Den Bar
Heated outdoor pool and modern fitness room
Notable reviews
Bed was amazing as were the cookies…just like I remember from London, follow up phone call was a nice gesture to ensue I caught my bus to Queenstown ( the company was meant to pick my up but didn’t, they did arrange a cab after reception called them for me) – Booking.com
Awesome food and service at the restaurant, Sook was friendly and attentive. Also had a last minute request for packing of breakfast and it was nicely done. Really appreciate this a lot with such high service standards. – Hilton.com
Check in and check out: Check in at 3PM | Check out at 12PM
Getting here: You will either need to take a cab or drive here. Take Durey Road onto SH1, follow Memorial Road for 5.7km, turn right onto Straven road, take the forth road on the left into Kilmarnock Street, follow to the end, hotel is on your left.
Parking: Self parking: Complimentary | Valet: Not available
Pets: Not allowed unless service animal
Price: The average price hovers between $180-420 NZD ($119 – $277 USD)
Gorgeous scenic views of Lake Wakatipu and Doubletree chocolate chip cookies are a pretty sweet combination. What makes this a great choice is for those that don’t necessarily want to be in central Queenstown and want a hotel that has a full kitchenette for a relaxing stay. On top of that, this Doubletree is unique in that it has a 10-seat executive cinema and a number of eatires including Me&Mee Chinese Restaurant, Wakatipu Grill, Stacks Pub, and The Lake Counter Café.
Location
This isn’t located in the downtown core of Queenstown so keep that in mind. It is instead in Kawarau Village along the shores of Lake Wakatipu surrounded by mountain scenery and the water. It is the closest hotel to The Remarkables Ski Field if you go in the winter and is only minutes away from Central Queenstown via Queenstown Ferries. It’s also only 5 minutes drive from the Queenstown International Airport.
Contemporary rooms that feature a full kitchenette with oven, microwave, and fridge/freezer which means most rooms are more suites than the standard Doubletree.
Wifi
Full kitchenette
26-inch LCD TV
Hotel highlights
Located in the heart of the Kawarau Village and on the beautiful shores of Lake Wakatipu
All rooms boast lake or mountain views
10-seated executive cinema, showcasing two screenings per day
Three inviting onsite restaurants, one bar, and one cafe
Access to Queenstown Ferries to get to Central Queenstown
Notable reviews
Breakfast is fantastic, we both enjoyed it and the staff were helpful, friendly and very efficient. Rooms are comfortable and the bed warm and cosy. The Frankton location is great as it is nice and quiet and the shuttle and water taxi option to go to Queenstown is great. – Booking.com
This is our second stay at the Doubletree Queenstown, after an annual seminar we hold at the Mercure, for a little “R & R”. because you have access to all the Hilton complex overlooking the upper Wakatipu Lake it is a serene spot. While the rooms are small they are very well appointed and nicely designed with a ‘local’ flavor. Extremely comfortable bed and luxury toiletries make up the experence. The rooms are very quiet and have cooking facilities as well although we used room service which was excellent. While we had a rental next time we won’t bother and take the water taxi to town which only costs $5 pp one way for one of the most spectacular rides ever (and we’ve stayed on Lake Como). Possibly the only negative I could find was the general maintenance of the corridors. the carpets need restretching and walls touched up from luggage scrapes etc.Overall it was good value even without the “Guest of the Day” extras such as free parking, wifi and a bottle of wine and chocolates. – Hilton.com
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Address: 79 Peninsula Rd, Kawarau Village, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
Check in and check out: Check in at 3PM | Check out at 12PM
Getting here: You will either need to take a cab or drive here. Follow signs to Queenstown and at the second roundabout turn left onto Highway 6 towards Invercargill. Follow road & cross single lane bridge. After approx. 1km turn right onto Peninsula Rd. Approx. 1km turn right into Kawarau Village.
Parking: Self parking: NZ$16 (spaces limited) | Valet: Not available
Pets: Not allowed unless service animal
Price: The average price hovers between $170-320 NZD ($113 – $212 USD)
The Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa is a 5-star property that is adjacent to the Doubletree Queenstown. This is a luxurious new property that features elegant rooms, indoor heated pool, fitness centre and Eforea day spa. The landscaped outdoor terrace also offers stunning lakeside views of Lake Wakatipu.
Location
The location can only be described as serene being located in Kawarau Village and the shores of Lake Wakatipu. It’s only 5 minutes from the airport, and 15 minutes drive or 10 minutes ferry ride to Central Queenstown.
Rooms
There are a total of 178 alpine-style rooms and all feature a balcony, lounge area and fireplace. For those looking for more space, there’s the Residence apartment which has a full living room and kitchen.
Wifi
Lake views
Balcony
Lounging area
Gas Fireplace
32″ LCD TV
Bathroom with separate shower and bathtub
Hotel highlights
Large rooms with balcony, living room, and fireplace
Fitness centre with indoor heated lap pool
Spa on-site
Signature Wakatipu Grill
Notable reviews
The hotel is the most beautiful alpine resort and I especially loved the fire places throughout the hotel areas as well as in the rooms which really gave the hotel such a cosy but classy atmosphere! I thought the room was absolutely spectacular with a very aesthetic theme throughout, incredibly comfortable beds and stunning bathroom. Everything was clean. The staff were so helpful with everything. The location is great also with easy access up to both the remarkables and coronet peak ski resorts. There is also a water taxi that comes every hour to the Hilton wharf that takes you to Queenstown town which is incredibly easy to use and only $9 NZD round trip. I will be booking here again no questions asked. – Booking.com
The Hilton spa and resort is a great place to stay when escaping for a break away from the fast paced life. It was amazing with view of the lake and away from Queenstown made it very quite and comfortable. – Hilton.com
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Address: 79 Peninsula Rd, Kawarau Village, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
Check in and check out: Check in at 3PM | Check out at 12PM
Getting here: You will either need to take a cab or drive here. Take Durey Road onto SH1, follow Memorial Road for 5.7km, turn right onto Straven road, take the forth road on the left into Kilmarnock Street, follow to the end, hotel is on your left.
We’re normally not fans of tour busses. I’m Chinese born Canadian and growing up, all I did was travel around North America in those Chinese bus tours. Gross! Then I found out about Flying Kiwi as I planned our trip to New Zealand and what I read really intrigued me.
It got to the point that we actually ended up booking with them for a big part of our New Zealand trip and they’re a company that I’d totally recommend. Not only is it about the convenience factor of not having to do the driving or planning but it was so much more about the people that we got to get to know and being able to do everything as a family. On top of that, it’s the first bus tour where it’s 80% camping which I thought was so perfect for New Zealand.
Anyways, I worked out a deal with them to offer you guys a special discount and I hope you’ll be able to enjoy!
Book with Flying Kiwi
If you’re looking for an incredible experience around New Zealand without the stress of planning it all out yourself, the chance to travel with amazing people, and explore New Zealand the way it was meant to be seen – the outdoors with a ton of adventure, check them out!
Use the Flying Kiwi promo code “GOINGAWESOMEPLACES” to get a free sleeping bag rental (valued at NZ$60) for your entire trip!
If you’re in the process of planning your trip and putting together your itinerary, these are genuinely the best resources that the Going Awesome Places team stands by 100%.
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Wifi Hotspot: We’ve been a huge fan of wifi hotspot devices such as PokeFi (use code GAP24300) because their rates are are hard to beat and it works globally. Solis is another that we recommend. Pros are that you can share the wifi with your whole group but cons are that you have to invest in a device and you have to charge it every night.
Hotels: Our go-to is Booking.com because they have the best inventory of properties including hotels and B&Bs plus they have their Genius tier discounts. Expedia is also worth using especially with their One Key rewards program which is basically like cash. The exception is Asia where Agoda always has the best prices. Always do a quick check on TripAdvisor as well.
Vacation Rentals: Your first instinct will be to check Airbnb but we always recommend checking VRBO as well if you’re looking for a vacation rental (now eligible for One Key).
Tours and Activities: When planning our trips, we always check both Viator and GetYourGuide to at least see what’s out there in the destination that we’re going to. They often have different offerings and prices so check both.
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If you need more help planning your trip, make sure to check out our Travel Toolbox where we highlight all of the gear, resources, and tools we use when traveling.
About The Author
Will Tang
Will Tang, founder of Going Awesome Places, has traveled to 51 countries. He shares his insanely detailed itineraries, travel guides, and packing lists. Will’s travels have been featured on Huffington Post, Men’s Journal, and Entrepreneur.
