The MICHELIN Guide has officially expanded into Aotearoa New Zealand, marking a significant moment for the country’s luxury accommodation landscape. In its inaugural selection, the Guide awarded 19 of New Zealand’s most exceptional lodges and hotels with MICHELIN Keys—an honour reserved for properties that stand among the world’s most extraordinary places to stay.
Earning a MICHELIN Key is no small feat. Each recognised property must demonstrate excellence across a broad spectrum of criteria, from architectural vision and interior design to service, character, value, and meaningful engagement with the local community. This year, seven standout destinations across the country achieved the coveted Two MICHELIN Keys distinction, including Taupō’s legendary Huka Lodge, Rosewood Estate’s Cape Kidnappers overlooking Hawke’s Bay, the alpine sanctuary of Blanket Bay on Lake Wakatipu, the sculptural, remote beauty of The Lindis in Ōmārama, and the storied Wharekauhau Country Estate in the Wairarapa.
The introduction of MICHELIN Keys to New Zealand not only places these iconic lodges firmly on the global stage but also offers travellers a new, curated lens through which to explore the country. For visitors seeking experiences defined by authenticity, craftsmanship, and a deep sense of place, the MICHELIN Guide’s arrival signals a new era—one where New Zealand’s most remarkable escapes are celebrated with the international recognition they’ve long deserved.
Huka Lodge, Taupō
Set across 17 acres of manicured gardens along the emerald waters of the Waikato River, just upstream from the thundering Huka Falls, Huka Lodge is widely regarded as New Zealand’s most iconic luxury retreat. With a legacy spanning nearly a century, the lodge seamlessly blends old-world elegance with an immersive connection to nature. Its riverside suites and private residences are designed to frame the landscape, offering tranquil terraces, crackling fireplaces, and interiors that reflect understated refinement rather than excess.
Experiences at Huka Lodge are deeply rooted in the outdoors, from fly-fishing on the lodge’s doorstep and private picnics in secluded river clearings to helicopter excursions over volcanic peaks and thermal valleys. Dining is equally memorable, often unfolding in unexpected settings—beneath ancient trees, beside the river, or in intimate candlelit rooms—cementing Huka Lodge’s reputation as both a culinary and experiential benchmark in New Zealand luxury travel.
Rosewood Cape Kidnappers, Hawke’s Bay
Dramatically perched atop rolling cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Rosewood Cape Kidnappers offers a rare blend of polished luxury and rugged pastoral charm. Set on a working sheep station in Hawke’s Bay, the resort’s expansive suites and villas are designed to maximize sweeping coastal and farmland views, with floor-to-ceiling windows, refined furnishings, and a sense of calm that mirrors the surrounding landscape.
The lodge is home to one of the world’s most celebrated golf courses, its fairways tracing the cliff edges above the sea, while off-course experiences range from guided farm tours and coastal walks to wine tastings in nearby vineyards. Elegant yet unpretentious, Rosewood Cape Kidnappers delivers a distinctly New Zealand expression of luxury—one rooted in land, craftsmanship, and quiet grandeur.
Blanket Bay Lodge, Lake Wakatipu
Tucked into a remote corner of Lake Wakatipu, where glacier-fed waters meet the dramatic Humboldt Mountains, Blanket Bay Lodge is a sanctuary of alpine romance and seclusion. Inspired by the grandeur of America’s great wilderness lodges, the property features just eight lavish rooms and suites, each offering private terraces and uninterrupted views across the lake and peaks.
The sense of exclusivity is palpable, enhanced by crackling fireplaces, richly textured interiors, and attentive yet discreet service. Days unfold at an unhurried pace—exploring nearby hiking trails, venturing onto the lake by boat, or simply soaking in the stillness. With its cinematic setting and intimate scale, Blanket Bay is one of the South Island’s most evocative retreats, ideal for travelers seeking privacy and dramatic natural beauty.
The Lindis, Ōmārama
Hidden deep within the vast Ahuriri Valley, The Lindis is a striking example of contemporary architecture meeting raw, untamed landscape. Designed to blend seamlessly into its surroundings, the lodge’s low-profile form mirrors the valley’s natural contours, creating a powerful sense of harmony between structure and environment.
Inside, the suites are expansive and minimalist, offering floor-to-ceiling views of rolling tussock hills and open skies. For a more immersive experience, the freestanding Pods provide secluded, stand-alone accommodation, placing guests directly within the landscape. Whether exploring the valley on foot, horseback, or simply absorbing the silence, The Lindis delivers a deeply cinematic and elemental stay—one that feels both remote and thoughtfully refined.
Wharekauhau Country Estate, Wairarapa
Overlooking the rugged coastline of Palliser Bay, Wharekauhau Country Estate offers timeless country-house luxury set amid a vast sheep and cattle station. The estate’s cottage-style suites are scattered across rolling farmland and perched along dramatic clifftops, each featuring cozy fireplaces, elegant furnishings, and sweeping ocean or countryside views.
Life at Wharekauhau unfolds at a gentle rhythm, shaped by seasonal cuisine, open landscapes, and classic rural pursuits such as walking trails, farm tours, and coastal exploration. With its blend of refined comfort, natural beauty, and unhurried pace, the estate captures the essence of New Zealand’s pastoral elegance—inviting guests to slow down and savour a more grounded, indulgent style of escape.
