The featured hotels were chosen for their design, service, and atmosphere. We prioritized accommodations that elevate the travel experience, emphasizing places where food, wine, and ambiance are as memorable as the views. Each hotel also boasts high guest satisfaction, access to local experiences, and consistent attention to quality and comfort.
Perched above the Pacific Ocean, this luxury lodge provides sweeping views of the rugged coastline, golf course, and farmland. The Farm combines rustic architecture with modern elegance, featuring stone fireplaces, exposed timber beams, and curated artworks. Each suite includes a private balcony and oversized bath, and the on-site restaurant sources most ingredients locally. Guests enjoy access to a world-class golf course, spa treatments, and guided tours of the working sheep and cattle station. Nature walks to the on-site gannet colony are also available.
Mangapapa offers a boutique countryside retreat focused on heritage charm and spa-like relaxation. The individually styled suites retain the original character of the 1885 homestead while providing luxury linens, freestanding tubs, and modern furnishings. Guests can enjoy a full spa, sauna, seasonal outdoor pool, and an orchard-framed restaurant showcasing Hawke’s Bay produce. Mangapapa also offers a high tea service and a shuttle to local vineyards, making it a popular choice for honeymooners and those seeking a peaceful, classic retreat.
Located in the heart of Havelock North village, this stylish hotel combines contemporary design with upscale comfort. The spacious rooms and suites feature plush beds, walk-in showers, and quality local touches like fine New Zealand wool throws. The on-site Malo Restaurant serves modern bistro fare with an emphasis on regional ingredients and wine pairing. Porters is ideal for travelers seeking urban convenience with vineyard luxury nearby.
This modern accommodation option occupies a century-old art deco building overlooking Marine Parade. The Dome offers one-to-three-bedroom apartments, many with ocean views, gourmet kitchens, and spa-style bathrooms. The design is bold and artistic, with sculptural lighting, polished concrete, and splashes of color. Guests can enjoy the rooftop spa and direct access to Napier’s galleries, shops, and bars. The Dome suits travelers who appreciate bold style and urban energy.
Millar Road provides a design-focused escape on a working vineyard with panoramic views of the Tuki Tuki Valley and Hawke Bay. The accommodation includes two contemporary villas and a larger three-bedroom house, all featuring floor-to-ceiling glass, curated New Zealand art, and modern kitchens. Each comes stocked with local wine and breakfast supplies, and there's a shared infinity pool overlooking the vines. Millar Road offers peace, privacy, and architectural detail.
Located beneath the cliffs of Te Mata Peak, these vineyard lodges are part of a prestigious New Zealand winery. The accommodation includes private riverside cottages and vineyard lodges with views of vines, mountains, and gardens. Interiors are clean, warm, and contemporary, with full kitchens and designer furniture. Guests can access the estate’s acclaimed restaurant and cellar door and immerse themselves in wine, food, and natural beauty
This colorful, heritage-rich hotel on Napier’s waterfront combines 1930s elegance with a modern boutique feel. Rooms feature bold patterns, art deco-inspired furniture, and retro glamour. The shared lounge spaces, including the Emporium Eatery & Bar, are full of energy and detail. The hotel’s location is ideal for walking tours, shops, galleries, and marine activities. It’s especially popular during the annual Art Deco Festival and suits those drawn to character, design, and local history.
Black Barn offers a collection of luxury retreats throughout the region—in the hills, by the river, within the vineyards, or overlooking the sea. Each property is architecturally unique, fully self-contained, and designed for privacy. Guests can cook in or pre-order local produce baskets, and several retreats are within walking distance of Black Barn Bistro, Cellar Door, or the seasonal Growers’ Market. This is a perfect option for extended stays, groups, or families seeking exclusivity and flexibility.
Hawke’s Bay offers a mix of food, culture, and adventure—here are five standout experiences: