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

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.

Check into this Canopy Camping operator, and you'll have 14 acres of bush-covered land to yourself—there is one permanent canvas tent here, which sleeps two, with access to buildings containing a kitchenette and bathrooms. There is also an outdoor shower with views over Ohiwa Harbour. It's a great spot for bird-watching and stargazing. The rate includes the use of kayaks, and there are plenty of walking trails around the property. The popular Motu Bike Trail is easy to reach from here, but you need to bring cycles with you.

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.

Looking out over Whangamata and the islands in its harbor from your hillside suite, you'll feel rested and pampered, especially after being greeted with fresh flowers. The lodge suites are spacious, with an open plan lounge and bedroom, en suites, and great ocean views. The large gardens feature a refreshing pool for the warmer months.

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. Accommodations include Queen Deluxe, King Executive, and King Premiere rooms, the main differentiating feature being their size. 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.

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 can be delivered to your room.

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.

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. Facilities also include an infinity swimming pool. With great water views the hotel's restaurant and bar are frequented by locals and guests alike for meals or cocktails. This is also a popular conference hotel, so book well ahead.