13 Best Hotels in Coromandel and the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand

You can step out of this tiny, family-run property's garden onto a breathtaking beach. There's no road, just the pohutukawa trees come between your room and the sand. The downstairs rooms claim the best beach access, but great views and the most sun are upstairs. Either way, seven of the eight rooms have beach views. The rooms are simple but stylish. Outside there's a garden, self-catering barbecue, and a hot tub. Sports equipment, including kayaks and body boards, is available at no extra charge. These are the only accommodations in Whitianga that sit right on the beach. There is one wheelchair-accessible unit.

This private lodge perched on a busy hillside just out of Coromandel Town has great views across the Hauraki Gulf. Bedrooms and bathrooms are minimalist in design, with huge windows and balconies with spectacular views of the surrounding native trees and countryside. Breakfasts are a delight, prepared by your host Evelyn, who was once a chef in a Gault-Millau rated restaurant in Switzerland. Her international art collection is also a treat to peruse.  The deluxe double room is special. Its giant tub set beside an enormous window makes you feel as if you're bathing in the middle of the forest.

Dating from 1903, the Edwardian-style building that now houses this stylish, luxurious hotel was originally the local post office, behind whose grand facade (check out the French antique tiles that line the roof) lie some of the city's most luxurious lodgings as well as two excellent restaurants. Accommodations include Queen Executive, King Executive, and King Premier rooms, the main differentiating feature being their size. The restaurants are the Italian-style Bar Centrale and the Clarence Bistro, which has an ever-changing menu overseen by chef Perrin Yates. At Clarence Bistro, try the duck laced with fermented cherry, raspberry, celeriac, and bitter chocolate; or get even more adventurous with a five-course tasting menu known as the 'Kitchen Mutiny'. The hotel is just on the edge of town, about a five-minute walk to the shops and restaurants as well as being handy to the waterfront.

Whether you choose a luxury villa, cottage, self-catering motel room, cabin, or powered campervan site, you can enjoy the amazing facilities at this park, which include a large swimming pool, barbecues with indoor/outdoor dining, laundry, and fish- and boat-cleaning facilities for fishers. You can also rent mountain bikes. Holiday programs like peninsula bike tours and a summer kids' club are also offered by the friendly hosts. Camping rates begin at NZ$56 for basic tent sites without electricity.

This luxurious hotel in central Tauranga has earth-tone guest rooms that look out either over the city or the harbor. In terms of design and attitude, it’s a groovy little place with big-city character. In winter, you'll be greeted with a cozy fire in the foyer. Fresh continental or cooked breakfasts are delivered to your room, complimentary drinks served in the evenings, and guests are welcome to dine in the adjacent Tauranga Club, a private members' club where they can also use the gym facilities.

Stylish studio suites or one-bedroom units overlook the beach here. Each comes with floor-to-ceiling sliding-glass doors that showcase unobstructed views of Mercury Bay. The executive studio suites feature double whirlpools. All have kitchenettes—cooktops, microwave, and refrigerator. Most units have their own patios, and all are located just a stroll across the street from the beach. Guest barbecue, Wi-Fi, kayaks, laundry, and secure parking are added features.

With a grand Pacific-style portico, this resort property on the main street in Tairua looks like a tropical island getaway. It contains a cluster of island-style chalets connected by a white shell path, some of them overlooking the Tairua Inlet. The units are spacious and quiet, with fully equipped kitchens and the added bonus of parking outside your door. Furnishings are simple and comfortable, and all the touches expected in an upmarket hotel are present. One honeymoon suite has a king bed and private hot tub.

Tucked away down a quiet street, yet just a two-minute walk to Whangamata marina and a 10-minute walk to the beach, this motel has two studios and two one-bedroom units, all self-contained with modern kitchens, big bathrooms, peaceful pastel colors, and small private decks. The three-bedroom Pipinui Beach Road Apartment, which is just around the corner, is also available. Hosts Barry and Jenny will tell you all about the local walks, cycleways, and attractions.

It's quite a drive to get here, but there are not many places where you can stay in simple, understated luxury and hear kiwi calls at night. The lodge units are beautifully designed with recycled woods and insulated with recycled wool. All are fully self-contained, with floor-to-ceiling windows for the forest views. There's plenty to do here, including walking up the forest stream to a natural swimming hole, and watching the birdlife from your veranda. The café/restaurant serves wholesome local food and is open most days and summer evenings, but it's best to check ahead.

This lodge offers a range of accommodations (and prices) and is a four-minute walk from the beach. Each self-catering unit has its own BBQ. The purpose-built Backpacker Lodge (call it "flashpacker") has a large kitchen, two spacious lounges, landscaped BBQ area, and a choice of shared dorm or private room, ranging from studio style to two-bedroom apartments. The property is hidden away in park-like surroundings yet is close to the town center. It is a four-minute walk to Hahei Beach. Beach towels are complimentary.

Perched over the edge of Tauranga Harbour, this is one of the city’s higher-end hotels. There are several guest room categories (executive rooms to a three-bedroom penthouse), and the best have over water views. All of the bathrooms have bathtubs (unusual in this region) along with heated floors. With great water views the hotel's restaurant and bar, Halo, are frequented by locals and guests alike for meals or cocktails. High tea is offered every day from 2 pm to 5 pm; it's well patronized and reservations are essential. Facilities include an infinity swimming pool. This is also a popular conference hotel, so book well ahead.