The Best Luxury Hotels in Hastings, New Zealand

Hastings is known for having a diverse collection of public artworks
Hastings is known for having a diverse collection of public artworks | © Greg Balfour Evans / Alamy Stock Photo
Emma Sparks

With a bounty of restaurants serving locally sourced seasonal cuisine and acres of sun-soaked vineyards criss-crossed with cycling trails, a trip to Hastings, New Zealand, is a lesson in pure indulgence. So why not extend the extravagance to your accommodation? Take your pick of these luxury Hastings hotels – all bookable with Culture Trip – designed with hungry hedonists in mind.

Mangapapa Hotel

Hotel, Boutique Hotel, Luxury

A wide patch of green grass in front of Mangapapa Hotel, with large trees on either side and a small fountain in the centre
Courtesy of Mangapapa Hotel / Expedia

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.

Porters Boutique Hotel

Hotel, Boutique Hotel, Luxury

A stylish seating area at Porters Boutique Hotel, with grey sofas and yellow cushions, rustic brown lights and a TV
Courtesy of Porters Boutique Hotel / Expedia

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.

The Dome

Hotel

A light bedroom at The Dome, with a bed facing large windows with sea views, and a bedside table with a black lamp
Courtesy of The Dome / Expedia

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.

The Manse

Hotel, Boutique Hotel, Luxury

A light bedroom at The Manse with bookshelves on either side of a white bed with a green headboard and two tall bedside lamps
Courtesy of The Manse / Expedia

Looking for seclusion? This exclusive boutique hotel near Hastings is surrounded by vast swathes of farmland and has just two charming suites, meaning you’ll have a cosy lounge, outdoor pool and personal chef pretty much to yourselves. Amp up the indulgence with a helicopter tour of Hawke’s Bay, or play a round of golf with your host (and PGA pro) Gary at Cape Kidnappers, one of the most beautiful courses in the world.

The Farm at Cape Kidnappers

Hotel, Boutique Hotel, Luxury

A curved pool of water outside The Farm At Cape Kidnappers, with sun loungers, white parasols, plants and trees
Courtesy of The Farm At Cape Kidnappers / Booking.com

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.

McHardy Lodge

Boutique Hotel, Hotel, Luxury

A stylish bedroom at McHardy Lodge with a tall plant facing an armchair, two chairs and a table by large windows and a bed
Courtesy of McHardy Lodge / Booking.com

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.

The County Hotel

Hotel

An outside view of The County Hotel with plants on either side of the buildings entrances and two seating areas
Courtesy of The County Hotel / Expedia

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.

Craggy Range Vineyards Ltd

Hotel

An outdoor swimming pool at Craggy Range Vineyards Ltd, with a sheltered seating area, grass and a mountain backdrop
Courtesy of Craggy Range Vineyards Ltd / Expedia

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.

Millar Road

Hotel

An outdoor pool at Millar Road with white sun loungers and parasols, plants surrounding the pool and rural views
Courtesy of Millar Road / Expedia

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.

Fancy discovering more plush hotels in Hastings? Check out our pick of the best boutique hotels in Hastings, New Zealand, bookable with Culture Trip

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