European summer travels may be filling your social feeds right now, as borders are open and jet engines are on. City-breaks in the European city’s of the moment allow international travellers to achieve a few casual days exploring what’s on offer, most often staying in boutique accommodation.
But don’t drop everything for that thousand mile journey just yet! Here in New Zealand, we are spoiled for choice with urban hotels, culinary delights and city buzz worth travelling around your home country for.
Whether your staycation interests lie in unique architecture, top-rated restaurants or daily yoga classes, start packing that suitcase and hit the road for one of these-noteworthy urban stays.
The Intrepid Hotel
60 Ghuznee Street, Te Aro, Wellington
The small details elevate this great stay to the next level. Wellington is not short of hustle and bustle and this place is a true oasis in and amongst the heart of the Cuba Street precinct. No two rooms are dressed the same, making every corner ‘gram-able!
The thoughtful touches of this stay embrace the building’s chocolatey past as Cadbury’s office and warehouse. A Pinky twist on the traditional hotel ‘chocolate on the pillow’ goes down nicely with complimentary tea or Supreme coffee, alongside snacks and a freshly baked morning treat.
Hotel Britomart
29 Galway Street, Auckland
If you love design, architecture and appreciate the finer tings in life, New Zealand's only 5 Green Star hotel, Hotel Britomart is the one for you!
The hotel epitomises luxury and escapism. Amongst Auckland’s best restaurants, shopping and waterfront views, peacefully retreat from the hustle and bustle into the truly unique space of Condé Nast Traveler’s 2021 Hot List winner.
Ebb Dunedin
82 Filleul Street, Central Dunedin
Paying homage to the past, this modern hotel respects the history of its city in a mesmerising way. The neighbourhood hotel takes inspiration for its name from the building’s historic location - on the edge of the now reclaimed Otago Harbour tidal flats. This location is also reflected in the three-storey façade artwork of Simon Kaan, depicting Polynesian settlers arriving in the harbour aboard their waka.
The namesake café on the ground floor is a must-visit for guests after a quick coffee, sweet treat, leisurely breakfast or long lunch.
The George
50 Park Terrace, Christchurch Central
Synonymous with five-star service and boutique accommodation, The George in Christchurch offers stunning views across Hagley Park. The hotel is within easy walking distance of everything the city centre has to offer making it the perfect spot for a weekend in the garden city.
Arrange a private tour of the hotel and see the country’s largest private collection of Ralph Hotere works, or enjoy a delectable high tea offering with a glass of bubbles.
The Convent Hotel
454 Great North Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland
In its city-fringe location, The Convent Hotel is situated in a Spanish mission-style building that was once home to a community of nuns. Now, given a new lease of life as a boutique hotel, its history is very much an honoured part of its present. Clever design moments enhance this space as the building's heritage is showcased in room names such as “The Sisters Quarters’ and ‘Mother Superior’. With a strong emphasis on luxurious hospitality, The Convent Hotel offers a free snack bar (!) and top-rated Italian restaurant on-site.
The Observatory Hotel
9 Hereford Street, Christchurch
A treasured historical landmark carefully restored since the earthquakes is now home to the Observatory Hotel. Occupying the tower, the hotel is home to 33 luxurious rooms redeveloped from their former use by the university departments of astronomy and physics.
Each room has a unique design, embracing local craftsmanship and artists. Thoughtfully designed meeting rooms make work and business trips a breeze and a stay is not complete without time spent in the elegant Library Bar.
Sherwood
554 Frankton Road, Queenstown
An experience for the soul - Sherwood has a focus on wellness, community and sustainability. Making guests feel at home is at the heart of what the Sherwood team do. The hotel incorporates as many sustainable elements as possible into your stay, from natural shampoo and body wash in the bathrooms, to a lovingly tended vegetable garden that supplies the on-site restaurant. During your stay, embrace the wellbeing emphasis and try out the sauna, massage therapy or yoga classes. No doubt you will leave relaxed...
