The Best Luxury Hotels in Hastings, New Zealand

With just 12 elegant rooms, a sauna, spa and outdoor swimming pool, this boutique hotel on the eastern edge of Hastings is made for indulgence. Naturally, the food is classy too – think high tea and five-course fine dining – but make sure you save time (and room) for a meal at one of the nearby vineyards; Elephant Hill is a 10-minute drive away and does a mean seasonal tasting menu, enhanced by sea views and, of course, exquisite wine.

This central hotel is one of the most stylish stays in Havelock North; and the in-house restaurant, Malo, is on par with any of the renowned bars and eateries in town. Rooms come with views of the Ruahine Ranges – but it’s worth venturing out into the wild, with a hike up nearby Te Mata Peak. Your reward? 360-degree views of Hawke’s Bay, and perhaps a glass of wine or two at the local vineyards.

As well as the art deco architecture it’s known for, Napier is home to outstanding museums, galleries and street art – many of which are just moments from the Dome, a collection of flashy self-catered apartments overlooking Marine Parade. Browse the exhibitions on display at MTG Hawke’s Bay or SPA_CE Napier, scour the streets for Instagrammable murals, or simply admire the views from your roof terrace before taking a dip in the outdoor pool.

There’s plenty to keep you busy at this chic modern farmhouse set high in the Cape Kidnappers hills – from shearing sheep and hiking the craggy cliffs to playing golf backdropped by glorious Pacific Ocean views. If that all sounds like too much hard work, you could simply splash in the infinity pool, or take a post-massage snooze in your plush sea-facing suite.

This 1890s home with six lavish rooms features modern luxuries – including a heated outdoor pool – but stays true to the Victorian era with a grand stained-glass entry, sash windows and clawfoot baths. The art deco architecture and cool cafes of Central Napier are a five-minute drive away – but save time for the neighbouring botanic gardens and a bird-spotting walk around the Ahuriri Estuary.

One of just two key buildings to survive the devastating 1930s Napier earthquake, the County Hotel dates back to 1909 and was originally the town council headquarters. Rooms are packed with old-fashioned charm – think wood-panelling, chintzy bedspreads and leather Chesterfield armchairs – and the library and champagne bar downstairs are a fine spot for a nightcap. Here for the art deco architecture? Swing by the Daily Telegraph and National Tobacco Company buildings to see the best examples in town.

Standing in the foothills of Te Mata Peak, the Craggy Range Luxury Vineyard Retreat, near Havelock North, is a gourmet’s dream getaway. The sumptuous one- and two-bedroom garden cottages feature freestanding wood burners, ensuite bathrooms and broad patios overlooking the vines, while the four-bedroom cottage has a private pool and river views. Here for the food? Forget calories – the restaurant menu includes the distance each fig and fillet of wild venison has travelled, with plenty of ingredients coming direct from the garden.

If art and design is your bag, book a stay at Millar Road – and bring your friends. The fabulous three-bedroom house (sleeping eight) and dual two-bedroom villas were designed by the renowned Slessor Architects, and the walls are full of striking local art. Take a dip in the outdoor pool, try a selection of skin-fermented “orange wines” from the Millar Road Estate, or drive south to Ocean Beach for a surf, swim or snooze on the sand.