No global accommodation website par excellence operates within a vacuum. Here at HotelClub, awareness of such drives us to keep close tabs on our precious hotel partners and, on occasion, dole out mad props when they excel.

In this spirit, we proudly announce the roll-out of the HotelClub Awards, Kiwi version. New Zealand is a spectacular country and has a ratio of compact urban cool to vast, jaw-on-the-floor scenery that is without peer on the planet. Just as the North and South islands teem with improbable cultural and natural diversity, so too do our New Zealand hotel honours.

Best Brekkie To Wake Up For

The most important meal of the day invites exceptional attention at hotels like the Chalet Chevron in Auckland. As guest Rebecca H. wrote, “An absolute charm to find so close to central Auckland, with friendly hosts and delicious breakfasts.”

Best Cellar Door

Surprise, surprise. Two Hawke’s Bay hotels figure prominently as finalists in the “Best Cellar Door” category, where winery cred lures finicky oenophiles and neophyte vineyard prowlers.

Best Places To Get Hitched

In order to qualify for the hitch-worthy award, it helps to elicit guest comments like this one, for the Punakaiki Resort: “Magnificent views of the Tasman Sea from room and restaurant. Certainly the best accommodation anywhere on the West Coast of New Zealand.”

Best To See All Blacks Win The World Cup

Photo credit

Rugby is a secular religion in New Zealand, so it seems sensible to laud hotels that help make the most of All Blacks fever. Finalists in this all-important category include a quintet of stellar hotels in Auckland and Wellington.

Closest To Middle Earth

Peter Jackson and Lord of the Rings cinematographer Andrew Lesnie deserve a percentage of every tourist dollar culled off the trilogy’s bonanza global success. Years after the release of The Return of the King, the ripple effect is still omnipresent in Kiwi country.

Fluffiest Pillows

Never underestimate the importance of comfy, doughy headrest support. The cornerstone of a good night’s sleep gets the deluxe treatment at hotels like the Central Ridge Boutique Hotel in Queenstown.

Kiwi Chic For Design & Furnishings

A cadre of world-class talent is indelibly morphing hotels across New Zealand with a particular homegrown design aesthetic. Get hip to the scene at hotels like The Quadrant and Mollies on Tweed in Auckland, both finalists in the category.

Most Devilish Degustation Menu

Prix fixe excellence seduces epicures at hotels like The Resurgence South Island in Nelson and Tangiaro Kiwi Retreat in the Coromandel Peninsula.

Best For Mud Bath

Notable accommodations in Rotorua dominate this oh so deliciously dirty category.

Top Spots To Take The Tiki Trail

Stalwart types rush to Taupo for a taste of outdoorsy fun, courtesy of the extraordinary Tiki Trail. Hotels like the Bayview Wairakei Resort help you make it to the summit in comfort and style.

Top Spots To Push You To The Edge

Queenstown, New Zealand – Photo credit

The resort town of Queenstown is a first-rate destination for those who want to commune with New Zealand’s most auspicious assets, from postcard mountain scenery to Central Otago wine bliss, water to adventure sports. In this major category, we honour five hotels that provide quality digs for adrenaline fiends.

For a complete run down of who made the list, head to the HotelClub Hotel Awards site.