New Zealand’s Finest: Our Michelin Key Stays

New Zealand’s Finest: Our Michelin Key Stays

Kicking off our three-part Michelin Key series across the South Pacific, the New Zealand edition celebrates our properties newly awarded this mark of distinction. We all know the Michelin Star is the ultimate nod for restaurants. Now, the Michelin Key does the same for hotels - design that inspires, service that anticipates, soul, value, and a true sense of place. One Key signals a special stay with personality, Two Keys elevate it to an exceptional experience, and Three Keys define a destination with something truly extraordinary. In New Zealand, where alpine ranges meet vineyards and glassy lakes give way to untamed coasts, our Michelin Key stays embody that spirit - architecture in sync with nature, service with intuition, and beauty that feels effortless.

We will explore Australia and Fiji next, but for now, consider this your first key to unlocking the South Pacific’s most exquisite escapes.

Bay of Many Coves, Marlborough – One Key

Accessible only by boat or helicopter, Bay of Many Coves is a true luxury Marlborough Sounds hideaway. Days are spent kayaking, hiking, and dining on fresh seafood between swims with dolphins or soaks in the cedar hot tub. When it’s time to unwind, spacious, light-filled suites open to private decks overlooking the bay’s endless coves. This is nature and luxury in perfect harmony, aptly described by Michelin as quite simply a “stunner”.

Otahuna Lodge, Christchurch – Two Keys

Christchurch’s premier boutique lodge, Otahuna Lodge is the perfect fusion of elevated Edwardian elegance and relaxed Kiwi charm. Each suite is meticulously designed with period features, modern touches, and gorgeous views of the perfectly manicured spectacular 130-year old grounds. Dining is an elaborate affair, set in the ornate dining room complete with original wallpaper and a roaring fireplace – or for a special meal, head to the sunken Wine Room, The Library, or the Drawing Room. The service is personal without ever being intrusive – classic, low-key Kiwi hospitality elevated to the Michelin Two Key standard.

Rosewood Cape Kidnappers, Hawke’s Bay – Two Keys

In a spectacular vantage point high above the Pacific on rolling green hills and dramatic cliffs, Rosewood Cape Kidnappers commands one of the most awe-inspiring outlooks in New Zealand. Set within an 800-acre working farm and home to one of the world’s top golf courses, it’s truly epic in scale. Inside, the Suites and Villas pair textural, refined interiors with panoramic ocean views, creating a deep sense of connection to the land. The kitchen garden supplies the freshest seasonal produce, while partnerships with local growers and winemakers bring the very best of Hawke’s Bay to the table with upscale dishes that celebrate the region’s lush vineyards, and vibrant coastal spirit – an easy pick for the honour of Two Keys.

Rosewood Matakauri, Queenstown – One Key

Set on the shores of shimmering Lake Wakatipu with the jagged peaks of the Remarkables as a dramatic backdrop, Rosewood Matakauri is the benchmark of alpine lakeside luxury. Immaculately appointed suites and villas offer residential-style comfort and panoramic mountain-and-lake views, while interiors by Virginia Fisher marry texture with calm. Dining is led by Head Chef Jonathan Rogers, who champions Central Otago produce alongside ingredients from the lodge’s kitchen garden and the property’s own beehives. Wellness is part of the experience here: a serene day spa, cedar-clad outdoor sauna, and an infinity pool that looks out over the lake. Recognised with One Key by the Michelin Guide in 2025, Matakauri is both a quiet oasis and a perfect launchpad to explore all that vibrant Queenstown has to offer.

Blanket Bay, Queenstown – Two Keys

Framed by the Humboldt Mountains and the shores of Lake Wakatipu, Blanket Bay boasts one of New Zealand’s most spectacular lodge locations – in a country not short on spectacular locations. This retreat of rugged alpine elegance offers the intimacy of only eight rooms with sweeping lake or mountain views, deep tubs, and private terraces. Seasonal cuisine celebrates Central Otago’s finest produce, paired with boutique wines in the grand dining room or the intimate wine cave, while outdoor adventures - from heli-skiing to fly-fishing - begin at your doorstep. Evenings by the fire bring it all into perfect, effortless balance.

Rosewood Kauri Cliffs, Matauri Bay – Two Keys

Rosewood Kauri Cliffs is one of Northland’s most luxurious offerings - set across acres of pristine coastal farmland, it’s a secluded sanctuary that combines a sense of true remoteness with grand scale. From its cliffside position overlooking Cape Brett and the Cavalli Islands, the property is home to one of the world’s most celebrated golf courses, designed by David Harman to harmonise with the region’s natural beauty. Beyond the manicured greens, elegant suites offer ocean views, gas fireplaces, and private verandas, while the Hamptons-style lodge blends classic refinement with an easy, relaxed warmth. Whether it’s a coastal walk, a picnic by the sea, or simply watching the light shift over the beautiful Bay of Islands, every experience here feels deeply tied to the land. For those eager to explore, Kerikeri, Paihia and historic Russell, are all within easy reach.

Huka Lodge, Taupo – Two Keys

Huka Lodge is a timeless beauty and a true New Zealand icon of luxury accommodation, offering unmatched refinement in every detail – hard to believe it began as a humble fly-fishing lodge! Suites are intimate and elegant, many with serene views of the Waikato River. Guests can enjoy guided fishing, jet boating, and scenic hikes, while dining menus highlight hyper-local ingredients at their best. From grand, elegant interiors and bespoke breakfasts to curated wine pairings and the soothing babble of the river, this is a stay to remember. With past guests including rock stars and royalty, this was an obvious choice for the Two Key honour.

Eichardts Hotel, Queenstown – One Key

Set along Queenstown’s waterfront, Eichardt’s balances modern sophistication with historic charm. The rooftop penthouse, designed by Nina Bell, is a true standout, featuring heritage timber, vaulted ceilings, metallic accents, and monogrammed details that pay homage to the building’s legacy. Contemporary comfort is found in the rich leather finishes, designer furnishings, floor-to-ceiling glass, and a chef’s kitchen. The expansive living area links two spacious bedrooms with indoor and outdoor kitchens, a sauna, cedar spa, and Queenstown’s largest private waterfront terrace. Service is discreet and intuitive, while the hotel’s bars and dining spaces pulse with local energy - offering a stylish and seamless base from which to explore the region.

The Lindis, Omarama – Two Keys

Remote, minimal, and utterly striking, The Lindis sits in the heart of Central Otago. The sweeping roofline mirrors the valley’s gentle contours, creating a structure both sculptural and unobtrusive. Inside, the five suites and three glass-walled pods feature natural stone, native timber, and floor-to-ceiling windows that open onto vast alpine vistas. Dining at The Lindis is a seasonal showcase of locally sourced ingredients from Otago and beyond, paired with exceptional New Zealand wines. Days here unfold at a slower pace - fly-fishing in crystal-clear rivers, horse riding across high-country terrain, stargazing under impossibly clear night skies, or simply soaking in the stillness. The Lindis offers an extraordinary immersion in nature - refined design and raw landscape married in perfect harmony.

Eagles Nest, Russell – One Key

Sitting high above the Bay of Islands, Eagles Nest is an exclusive collection of five ultra-luxury villas overlooking endless Pacific Ocean views. Each villa - ranging from the romantic First Light to the ultra-sleek and sprawling four-bedroom Rahimoana - offers absolute privacy, infinity-edge pools, and the services of a personal chef and sommelier. Interiors feature sleek modern design, expansive decks, and floor-to-ceiling glass that frames the coastline. With personalised service, private spa treatments, and helicopter transfers at the doorstep, Eagles Nest is New Zealand’s ultimate sanctuary for seclusion and indulgence.

The Hotel Britomart, Auckland – One Key

Nestled in the bustling heart of Auckland’s waterfront, The Hotel Britomart is New Zealand’s first 5 Green Star certified hotel, combining sustainable luxury with contemporary design. Set within a beautifully restored heritage precinct, its 99 rooms and five exclusive Landing Suites balance tactile natural materials - brick, stone, and timber - with urban elegance. Artisanal touches, curated local art, and a focus on craftsmanship define the interiors. Guests enjoy access to nearby dining destinations and to Britomart’s boutique shopping and vibrant nightlife just outside the door.

Wharekauhau Country Estate, Wairarapa – Two Keys

Spanning 1,200 acres of working sheep and cattle farmland overlooking Palliser Bay, Wharekauhau Country Estate captures the essence of refined rural New Zealand. Fifteen cottage suites and a grand manor house blend classic Edwardian style with contemporary comfort - crackling fireplaces, deep leather chairs, and sweeping ocean and pastoral views. The restaurant celebrates Wairarapa’s exceptional produce with fine dining complemented by the estate’s cellar of local wines. Guests can explore the surrounding wilderness on horseback, ATV, or guided farm tours, or unwind with a treatment at the indulgent spa.

Stoneridge Estate, Queenstown – Two Keys

Set amid vineyards overlooking Lake Hayes, Stoneridge Estate offers a fusion of traditional alpine craftsmanship and striking contemporary design. Its luxury Retreat and Villa Suites provide panoramic views of the Remarkables, with private terraces, fireplaces, freestanding tubs, and handcrafted detailing from local artisans. The onsite restaurant delivers refined seasonal dining paired with Central Otago wines – the Trust the Chef menu is a must. Guests can wander the estate vineyards, enjoy a tasting at the cellar door, or take a short drive to the buzz of Queenstown. With attentive, down-to-earth service and a serene lakeside setting, Stoneridge captures the art of sophisticated escapism.