In our latest three-part series on Hawke’s Bay, we delve into everything this beautiful destination has to offer, from world-class wine to delicious food, exciting happenings, and all of the most special places to stay. Offering a truly multi-faceted experience to anyone who visits, Hawke’s Bay will quickly feel like a home away from home — provided you know all the best places to go. That’s where we come in.
Given the beauty of Hawke’s Bay, it makes sense that there are so many exceptional, boutique accommodation offerings, each designed to deliver a unique slice of the region to their guests via personalised hospitality, bespoke experiences and escapes into nature.
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From luxurious lodges to standalone guesthouses and glamping, the accommodation in Hawke’s Bay is vast and varied, with experiences to suit any kind of getaway (whether that’s an off-the-grid escape or a weekend of pampering). Here, we outline some of the best places to stay that will take your Hawke’s Bay experience to another level. And, given the region was recently awarded one of the world’s most immense accolades for wine tourism destinations — becoming the newest Great Wine Capital of the world, make sure to explore a few of the exceptional wineries while you’re visiting. Enjoy.
Black Barn Retreats
The extensive accommodation portfolio that falls under the Black Barn banner includes a number of exceptional properties around Hawke’s Bay, each offering its own, cosy and beautifully appointed interior. From the cosy Black Barn Retreat and Rush Cottage, set on the sprawling grounds of Black Barn’s Havelock North vineyard to The Beach House, overlooking the iconic Waimarama Beach, Black Barn offers a number of options to suit any need. The group also added a new accommodation to its stable in recent years — Euchre Lodge, a luxury, modern-country house overlooking the spectacular Tuki Tuki River and set against the backdrop of Mt. Erin Kohinerākau.
Rosewood Cape Kidnappers
Offering a variety of generous suites that provide every guest with their own, unique experience, any stay at Rosewood Cape Kidnappers is uber luxurious and utterly unforgettable. Boasting large bedrooms, and balconies with sweeping views, each of Cape Kidnappers’ suites is connected to the lodge’s facilities (which include a gym, a pool, a spa and a library) and are designed to offer guests a real sense of comfort and ease — thanks to Linda Beddell’s impeccable design. While you’re there, enjoy elevated dining experiences at Cape Kidnappers’ restaurant, or take to the links for a round or two of golf on the property’s world-renowned course.
Wallingford
At this historic homestead in Central Hawke’s Bay, guests will be treated to a warm, hospitable, luxurious experience with a distinctly personal touch. From the generous bedroom suites that open out to expansive, private gardens, to the exquisite restaurant, serving simple but elevated fare with a focus on hyper-seasonal ingredients (including herbs and vegetables from the garden and meat from the on-site farm), Wallingford truly is the ultimate boutique escape — a place where classic luxury meets friendly hospitality to make anyone feel immediately at home.
Te Mata House — The Cottage
Another exceptional boutique accommodation option is The Cottage. Purpose-built by Te Mata House, this architecturally-designed guesthouse offers a laid-back, luxurious place to stay in the heart of Hawke’s Bay. From its soaring ceilings to its sleek, contemporary fit-out, The Cottage marries the best of old-world cosiness with all the modern amenities you might need, from its fully-equipped kitchen to its pool and tennis court, to its bikes, on which guests can explore the beauty of the surrounding area.
The Dome
Immerse yourself in Napier’s iconic Art Deco architecture at The Dome — offering a series of luxurious, boutique apartments set in the heart of Napier. From sprawling waterfront studios (with spectacular views) to large, self-contained apartments (able to accommodate up to six people), The Dome is the perfect base from which to explore Napier’s burgeoning food and cultural scene.
Millar Road
There are a range of accommodation options on the beautiful Millar Road Estate, including the three-bedroom Haumoana House (entirely self-contained with a full-size swimming pool) and two, two-bedroom villas, which can be booked out separately or (if you have a larger party in tow) can be booked all together with the main house, The Estate, allowing exclusive use of the 20-hectare property.
Lawn Road Retreat
The ultimate luxury accommodation for large groups, Lawn Road Retreat is a sprawling property with a beautifully-designed house that offers eight-to-nine bedrooms (each with their own ensuite), a large dining area, two kitchens, multiple living areas, private gardens, an outdoor area perfect for al fresco entertaining and amenities like a pool, a tennis court, a volleyball court and a spa.
Kiwiesque
Nestled amid vineyards and farmland, Kiwiesque offers luxurious, versatile accommodation ideal for special events, retreats, or extended stays. The property features two exceptional dwellings — the Luxury Lodge and Vineyard Villa — available individually or booked together. Each boasts spacious double bedrooms, fully-equipped kitchens, and seamless indoor-outdoor living areas, complemented by beautiful swimming facilities and expansive views. With its open grassy spaces and stylish décor, Kiwiesque is an enchanting choice for memorable weekend escapes, family gatherings, or a romantic vineyard getaway.
Cape South
At this globally-lauded property, guests stay in a sprawling French-colonial-style villa set on 16 acres of spectacular grounds that offer views out to the ocean. Comprising the main Homestead and an adjoining Cottage, Cape South often plays host to a range of Luxury Wellness Retreats or can be booked exclusively, with similar wellness-focused treatments including therapeutic massage, holistic facials, yoga, sound healing, reflexology, reiki and more available for guests to book.
Glamping
For anyone seeking something a little different, Hawke’s Bay boasts a number of elevated, glamping experiences that will see you sleeping under the stars — sort of. From Clifton Glamping’s luxurious (and very popular) huts, nestled in the luscious rolling hills of Clifton Station, to Tuki Glamping, where you will wake up in nature, overlooking the striking vista of the Tuki Tuki River and the sounds of tui, to Villas & Vines Glamping‘s luxury safari-style tent nestled amongst the vines of a sweeping vineyard with cosy campfires, to Te Aratipi Cabins‘s off-grid cabins and farm cottage tucked away alongside native remnant bush atop a century-old farm, there really is a plethora of elevated, modern-camping options for those who would prefer to make the most of Hawke’s Bay’s natural beauty.
Heading to Hawke’s Bay? Consult Denizen’s Insider Guide on all the best wineries in the region here.
