Petrina Darrah is a widely respected travel writer and explorer whose journeys often focus on authentic, immersive, and sustainable experiences. Her blog is a go-to source for travelers seeking meaningful places to stay around the world. Recently, her journey took her across the diverse landscapes of New Zealand, where she visited several hotels and resorts. Among them, one stood out so powerfully that she labeled it as the best hotel in New Zealand in her latest travel feature. What makes this hotel truly unique isn’t just its setting or luxury offerings, but the way it combines comfort, culture, and conscious hospitality, all while letting nature speak for itself.
A Dreamlike Location That Defines New Zealand’s Spirit
Located between rugged mountain ranges and the tranquil shores of a pristine lake, the hotel sits in a region that feels almost cinematic. For Petrina, the location alone would earn it five stars. What makes the place special is how it allows guests to enjoy the raw, untouched beauty of New Zealand, while still offering quick access to nearby towns, vineyards, and cultural hubs. According to her blog, the setting offered “the perfect balance between serenity and connection”—a place where one could unwind in silence, yet explore vibrant local life within minutes.
Every room in the hotel seems to be designed to frame the scenery like a painting. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows bring the outdoors in, while soft wooden interiors reflect the surrounding forests and mountains. Petrina described the morning views from her room as “jaw-dropping,” with sunlight streaming over snowcapped peaks and glimmering waters, creating a moment of peace that she says is hard to forget.
Style and Design: Minimalism With a Local Touch
What impressed Petrina most was the effortless combination of comfort and style in every space. The hotel rooms are not just luxurious—they are thoughtfully designed to represent the essence of New Zealand. Each room features natural materials like native timber, handcrafted art pieces from local Māori artisans, and plush textiles made by regional weavers. The result is a cozy yet elegant atmosphere that feels both grounded and luxurious.
She particularly enjoyed the private terraces, available in all suites, which offer uninterrupted views of the lake or mountains. She called these balconies “outdoor sanctuaries,” where one could sip a morning coffee, enjoy yoga at sunrise, or simply watch the stars come alive at night. It’s this deep connection to nature that elevates the hotel beyond typical five-star properties.
World-Class Amenities That Elevate Every Stay
Petrina’s stay wasn’t just about the views. She explored every corner of the hotel, from the spa and wellness center to the eco-conscious garden, and found that every service was delivered with precision and heart. The spa became her favorite hideaway. She described it as “a retreat within a retreat,” where treatments use natural and native ingredients like kawakawa oil, manuka honey, and Rotorua mud. Her deep tissue massage, followed by a eucalyptus steam and hot plunge pool session, left her “completely recharged, body and soul.”
Fitness lovers will appreciate the hotel’s modern gym and scenic yoga studio, where guests can take classes while gazing at the stunning landscape. Petrina joined a morning yoga class and recalled how the instructor adapted the flow to include Māori breathwork and grounding exercises, adding an enriching cultural layer to the practice. She also took advantage of the library lounge, where travelers can relax by the fireplace with books, local wines, and artisan teas.
Culinary Excellence: A Journey Through New Zealand’s Flavors
Dining at the hotel was one of Petrina’s favorite parts of the stay. The hotel restaurant focuses on seasonal, farm-to-table dining, with ingredients sourced directly from surrounding farms and rivers. Each meal is a celebration of New Zealand’s biodiversity, with a rotating menu that reflects the best of each region and season. She raved about the wild venison with blackberry jus, the smoked salmon tartare, and the fresh sourdough made with heritage grains.
In her blog post, Petrina recalled her most memorable dining experience—a chef’s table evening where the head chef explained every dish in detail, often sharing the backstory behind ingredients and local farms. According to her, this level of transparency made her feel more connected to the food, and the flavors stayed with her long after the trip ended. For breakfast, the organic produce, free-range eggs, and locally roasted coffee made for the perfect start to the day.
Unparalleled Hospitality That Feels Personal
Petrina was quick to highlight the outstanding service at the hotel. From the moment she arrived, the staff made her feel more like a friend than a guest. The welcome included a handwritten note, a traditional Māori greeting, and a lavender-scented towel after a long journey. It’s the small gestures, she says, that made a big difference. After returning late from a long hike, she found a warm herbal tea waiting in her room—something she hadn’t requested, but which showed the staff’s attentiveness.
What stood out most was how the team remembered her preferences, provided insightful local recommendations, and even arranged custom experiences, like a solo photography tour at dawn. Petrina described the hospitality as “genuine, intuitive, and deeply respectful,” making it clear why she holds this hotel in such high regard.
Cultural and Outdoor Experiences That Go Beyond Luxury
Beyond luxury, what truly set the hotel apart for Petrina were its immersive experiences. Each activity, whether indoor or outdoor, was crafted to reflect the spirit of New Zealand. One morning, she joined a guided forest walk led by a Māori naturalist who explained the spiritual connection between native plants and healing. Later, she participated in a traditional hangi dinner, where food was slow-cooked underground in a pit—a cultural experience she called “both delicious and enlightening.”
She also enjoyed more adventurous offerings, like a helicopter ride over glaciers, an evening stargazing session guided by an astronomer, and a picnic lunch by a secret waterfall, all arranged by the hotel. For her, these moments stitched together an emotional and cultural tapestry that no five-star suite could offer alone.
A Deep Commitment to Sustainability
Sustainability is a major factor in Petrina’s travel choices, and she was thrilled to see this hotel’s genuine commitment to green practices. From solar panels to water conservation, the hotel is designed to minimize environmental impact without sacrificing comfort. The property maintains an organic garden, where they grow herbs, vegetables, and edible flowers used in the restaurant. Waste is composted or recycled, and all toiletries are refillable and biodegradable.
Petrina mentioned how the hotel’s eco-ethos is visible in action, not just in brochures. Staff lead sustainability workshops, and guests are encouraged to engage with local conservation projects. This hands-on approach creates a stay that is not just indulgent but also purpose-driven, aligning with the values of conscious travelers.
Why It’s More Than Just a Hotel
By the end of her stay, Petrina concluded that the hotel didn’t feel like a place to sleep—it felt like a place to reconnect. Reconnect with nature, with cultural heritage, with wellness, and even with oneself. Every part of her experience—from the views to the service, the food to the philosophy—contributed to this sense of grounded luxury. According to her, it was the perfect example of what modern travel should look like: immersive, sustainable, and inspiring.
Final Thoughts: A Destination in Itself
In her final blog reflection, Petrina called this hotel a destination in itself. It’s not just where you stay during a trip—it becomes the trip. For those planning a journey to New Zealand, she strongly recommends making this hotel a core part of the itinerary. Whether you’re seeking peace, adventure, romance, or cultural discovery, you’ll find it all here.For Petrina Darrah, this is without a doubt the best hotel in New Zealand, not just because of what it offers but because of how it makes you feel: seen, valued, and connected
